The Wu brothers exchanged a glance. Though they both wore smiles, there was a visible sense of helplessness mixed in.
These days, they had recounted their story countless times, not only to their adoptive parents but also to the Wu family matriarch, and to Zhang Wan, who had been waiting for Wu Zhiyuan.
Now, as they sensed Xu Qing's curiosity, they had no choice but to invite him into the shop and start from the beginning again.
When they mentioned being betrayed aboard the ship by some fellow officials and the scheming helmsman and Yuan Hu, Xu Qing wasn't surprised.
He had already learned about these matters when he was praying for the helmsman, and what he knew was even more detailed than the Wu brothers' understanding.
"We don't know much about that official, but I have already identified the identities of the two other accomplices we encountered on board."
"Thanks to the county's government office; without their posted Sea Arrest Warrant and criminal portraits, Wencai and I wouldn't have known who tried to harm us."
Xu Qing raised an eyebrow.
Incidentally, it was he who had informed Wang Lingyuan about Yuan Hu and the helmsman Zhang Da, urging the government office to capture them. However, at that time, Xu Qing's intention wasn't for the Wu brothers but because these water bandits frequently attacked others on the river. He also wanted to help Senior Brother Wang gain some achievements, so he reported their activities to the government.
The Wu brothers clearly were unaware of this inside story; even now, they hadn't found direct evidence pointing to the mastermind.
Nevertheless, at this stage, it was only a matter of time before they found the evidence.
Despite not being as clear-sighted as Xu Qing, the Wu brothers did not neglect any crucial steps that needed to be taken.
"The helmsman Zhang Da is dead, but Yuan Hu and that official are still alive. A few days ago, I had an artist draw a portrait of the official and offered a bounty for someone in the martial world to trace their whereabouts. Just the other day, someone reported having found traces of Yuan Hu, but he managed to escape due to his good skills."
Wu Wencai pondered, "Yuan Hu is injured and escaping, he won't get far. Besides him, there are key witnesses we must find, such as the official who colluded with Yuan Hu, and the rest..."
"Those who falsely accused my uncle of colluding with the Celestial Heart Sect include three individuals who were executed and two accomplices sent to penal servitude. My father and I have already informed the local authorities in Qianzhou, and within a few days, they should be able to bring them here for trial."
Xu Qing listened with great interest, and the black cat beside him was equally engrossed.
The drama unfolding before him was like a poor young man passing the official examination, returning home in glory, and confronting local tyrants, fully satisfying Xu Qing's peanut gallery mentality.
To make the drama even more amusing, Xu Qing suggested, "I heard from Wencai that you two were thrown into the river within Jinmen Prefecture's jurisdiction. It's possible that the so-called official was actually one of Jinmen Prefecture Government Office's officials."
Hearing these words, Wu Wencai narrowed his eyes and said, "My uncle was falsely accused initially because of the Jinmen Prefect's muddled judgment. If this really involves the Government Office..."
Beside him, Yin Shan spoke up, "Though my official position is not high, I have many close colleagues. If my son's grievances are genuine, not only the Prefect but even if the Imperial Censor were present, I would surely gather my colleagues and present an impeachment together."
Wu Wencai was silent for a moment before solemnly saying, "When the Imperial Censor visited Jinmen, acting on behalf of the emperor, I held the hope that during his investigation, he would notice my uncle's wrongful conviction..."
"But later, I found out that the Imperial Censor merely claimed to be inspecting local governance, but actually spent days playing with the Prefect, perhaps not even reviewing a single case."
Yin Shan cleared his throat, interrupting, "Though the Imperial Censor represents the emperor, there may still be oversights. You need not take it to heart; let's focus on the issues concerning the Jinmen Prefect."
Xu Qing looked at the father and son pair, finding it amusing.
This Wu Wencai was so skilled at deceiving his father that he didn't even blink.
The Imperial Censor, a figure who even top officials have to respect, was treated the same as a local tyrant or a bully. Even if Yin Shan had several times the courage, he wouldn't dare provoke such a person.
"From your demeanor, Zhiyuan and Wencai, could it be that you've secured official titles?"
"We can't be said to have official titles. After passing the second class in the Capital City exam, my brother and I worked for a while as junior officials at the Hanlin Academy. Currently, I am still a junior official, while my brother has been valued and assigned to serve as the magistrate of Pingqiu County."
Wu Zhiyuan interrupted, "Don't listen to Wencai's nonsense. It is the scholars retained at the Hanlin Academy for intensive studies who have the brightest prospects. I was not shrewd enough and upset my superior, which led to me being prematurely dispatched to serve as an official in a small county."
Wu Wencai laughed heartily, "Is it not your own fault? The lecturer was impressed with your talent and wanted to form an in-law relationship with you, but what did you do? You refused his offer on the grounds that you already have a wife and didn't want to be a heartless man. Otherwise, by now, you might have become a regular editor at the Hanlin Academy!"
Beside them, upon hearing this, Zhang Wan looked at Wu Zhiyuan with a gaze as sweet as fresh honey, as though it could almost spin into threads.
Wu Zhiyuan blushed and was rendered speechless.
Xu Qing didn't expect that while eating peanuts, he'd also be witnessing such affection!
"Alright then, as long as you two are doing well, the elders can be at ease." Xu Qing glanced at the Wu family matron, who couldn't stop smiling, and said, "I'll head back to the shop first. If Old Wu's retrial occurs, don't forget to let me know when the court opens, so I can go watch outside the Government Office."
Embodying the attitude of wanting the whole story, Xu Qing specifically instructed them once. He had already planned that when the court reopened the case for a new trial, he would bring Xuan Yu to the scene to watch the entire drama unfold!
As Xu Qing walked out of the Paper Mache Shop, the young girl from the Wang family, who was always with Zhang Wan, also ran out.
"Sir!"
Seeing the little girl, Xu Qing suddenly realized.
Now that Wu Zhiyuan has returned, naturally, the couple would want to be together. Perhaps, once these matters are settled, Zhang Wan would follow Wu Zhiyuan to live in the Capital City.
This young girl, who had been waiting for her brother's return with all her heart, probably wouldn't want to leave Jinmen and go to the Capital.
"How about this, Yu'e, you go back to the Coffin Shop first, don't overthink. If you lack food, clothes, or other necessities, just withdraw silver coins from the shop's finances to cover your needs. Don't let yourself suffer."
Wang Yue'e rubbed the hem of her garment, taking three steps then looking back each time, afraid that the only person she trusted, Mr. Xu, would vanish like her brother in the next instant!
Xu Qing waved his hand, watching the young girl enter the Coffin Shop before he started pondering about finding a caretaker for her.
"Spending silver to hire a caretaker isn't an issue; the key is finding the right person..."
As Xu Qing was contemplating this, he noticed Boss Cheng, who had been watching the commotion at the Paper Mache Shop while cracking melon seeds, waving at him from the Incense and Candle Shop.
Seeing this, Xu Qing was amused. What does it mean when someone gives you a pillow when you're truly longing for sleep?
Right before him, wasn't Boss Cheng just like that big pillow!
Judging by this physique alone, quite well-nourished, she seemed perfect for raising children!
As he approached the Incense and Candle Shop, Cheng Caiyun didn't even have a chance to inquire about the Wu family's matters before Xu Qing cut to the chase:
"Boss Cheng, I'm giving you a child. Do you want it?"
"???
These words left Cheng Caiyun feeling totally off balance.
"Scholar Xu, don't be rash! I'm nearly thirty; if you think you can bully me just because I'm alone and come to tease me, believe me or not, I'll hang myself at your doorstep tomorrow..."
Xu Qing watched Cheng Caiyun, both ashamed and angry, and said sharply, "What fancy notions are you having? When you asked me if I wanted a wife in the past, did you see me hanging myself at your door? Now I ask if you want a child, and you're turning it into hanging at my door..."
Boss Cheng aggressively tugged Xu Qing into her shop and almost gritting her teeth, said, "What are you yelling about? You're just a scholar, I'm a widow. If you say one thing against me, it could ruin me!"
"Boss Cheng, you're accusing me wrongly. I see you living alone, and I genuinely want to give you a child."
Seeing Cheng Caiyun's face turn the color of pig liver as she searched for a broom, Xu Qing chuckled, "What do you think of the girl at the Coffin Shop? If you're willing to be her foster mother, you'll never have to worry about anyone not taking care of you in your old age."
"Eh?" Cheng Caiyun was momentarily bewildered. Once she grasped the implications, she frowned and said, "The girl will eventually get married. How can I rely on her? Won't it turn out that I'll have raised her just to send her off to another family?"
Xu Qing laughed, "Don't worry about that, Boss Cheng. That girl has a brother who earns a living elsewhere."