Proofread by Peter Gong
Looking at their expression, Madam Ma knew what they were thinking about and said that: “I, Li Yunyao, swore I did not kill Concubine Zhao’s child, or I would like to be struck by lightning and split into halves.”
“Mom, don’t say that.”
“Yes, we are sure to believe you. You are the hostess of the family. How did you kill a concubine’s son. We didn’t want this thing to disturb you so we didn’t tell you. Concubine Zhao will receive punishment later.” Ma Chaosheng explained immediately.
“You don’t need to explain. I know I am not good in temper and I treat Concubine Zhao badly. Now you didn’t believe that I was willing to let her free. But I was sincere. Recently, I have been afflicted by the illness and thought the past thing over and over again. At that time, Concubine Zhao was pregnant. The old master was joyful and the mother-in-law took precautions against potential dangers fabricated by me. So, I just let it go to avoid possible troubles. On the day of her delivery, the old master was not at home. The midwife was found by me and the people on the spot were out of my arrangement. But I didn’t expect that the child was dead when he was born. Concubine Zhao suspected that I killed her child. I refused to clarify the matters. Such a concubine was not worthy of my explanation. I am surprised that she has been holding grudge against me for these years. Now, when I reflect that if I explained to her then, maybe there wouldn’t be such a thing.”
“Recently, the Ma Family has experienced a lot of troubles. I don’t want to provoke any disturbance. So, let’s end this thing. Keep an eye on her and prevent her from harming others. That’s enough.” Apparently, the tired expression of Madam Ma couldn’t conceal her sadness.
“Fine, at your disposal.” Ma Chaosheng was afraid she would become emotional and said soothingly.
“Mom, please have a good rest. As for Concubine Zhao, I will ask someone to watch her, requiring her to burn the incense and atone for her sin.”
“I couldn’t bear it. It’s kind enough if she doesn’t curse me.” Madam Ma gave a long sigh.
Actually, Ma Tian’en was confused about her mother’s attitude. Because she knew her. It was understandable if she killed concubine Zhao. Now it did not suit her character not to pursue the matter no further. Although people would change if they experienced something, but she changed so quickly. But she didn’t act out but sent someone to search for the midwife secretly and the servant girl of Concubine Zhao at that time.
Time flew. May came and the weather became warmer and warmer. Birds were flying freely and grass and flowers flourished, and river ice melted. The boats of the Ma Family carried grain and goods from Nan Jing. The wharf became bustling with noise and excitement.
These days, Wu Zhong was extraordinarily occupied with lessons. It was much oftener for him not to return to the Ma Family. Because Ma Tian’en spent most of her time on the Ma Family’s business, Wu Zhong didn’t force her to read and learn but to tell her some interesting and selected stories when they were free, wishing she could learn some knowledge from these stories and apply them to business.
This day, when Ma Tian’en was talking to the charger of silk shop, a worker from wharf ran in hastily.
“Master, terrible news!”
“Relax, sit down please. What happened?” Looking at his anxiety, Ma Tian’en knew there must be a great thing. But she had learned how to stay calm after so many difficulties.
That worker didn’t sit down but he snorted out, “someone accused us of trafficking illegal slat, then officials came to check. Our boats were detained on arrival. Originally, we transport rice, but under the rice is salt. Now the boats are detained. Uncle Five sent me to tell you to make preparations early. The officials will come to the Ma Family soon.”
“What?” Ma Tian’en was greatly surprised. Trafficking illegal salt was a grave crime. Moreover, it was checked by officials in public. They had no opportunity to solve it in private. Ma Tian’en cooled off and asked, “on which boat did they check it out?”
“It’s Ma Liande’s boat.” Ma Tiande, the clansman of the Ma Family, was the captain of the boaters for many years. Relying on the identity of Ma’s clansman and the close relation with Ma Chaosheng, he was particularly bossy. He was dissatisfied with the fact that Ma Tian’en designated Ma Dacheng and other men as the new captains. He also turned to Ma Chaosheng, but was stalled. It was surprising that his boat was in trouble.
“Where is Ma liande?”
“He has been taken away by officials.”
This problem became tough. Suddenly, a man’s name popped into her mind, Guo Qi. Only he could frame Ma Family up at all costs.
At this time, she heard a noisy sound outside. A flock of officials broke in before Ma Tian’en went outside to have a look.
Ma Tian’en told Ashun: “to tell the teacher.” Then she came to them. The officials stopped when they saw her.
The official in front was polite. He greeted Ma Tian’en with two fists folded and said, “Master Ma. Someone accused you of trafficking illegal salt and we have found it out on the boat. Please come with us and explain it at the county Yamun.”As a decent family, the officials should treat them politely before the conviction, after all, they usually gained lots of benefits from the Ma Family.
“Fine, I will come with you.” Then she enjoined the housekeeper to tell her father that nothing was a big deal and asked him to be assured.
When coming to the door, they heard someone called “wait!” Turning back, they saw Ma Tian’en’s father running after them hastily.
“Look, I am the owner of Ma Family. The son who indulges in playing is not familiar with the business and can’t explain it clearly. I will go with you.” Ma’s father looked terrible because of his hurry and his poor health.
“Dad, you should have a good rest. I’d like to go. The Ma Family is not afraid of being researched as we didn’t do any illegal thing. Now I am in charge of Ma Family’s business, not my father. So, I will go with you.” It was unbearable for Ma Tian’en to let her father go to the county Yamen. He hadn’t recovered well and couldn’t stand if put into jail.
But Ma’s father couldn’t let Ma Tian’en go. He could accept it if Ma Tian’en was a man. If Ma was in prison, he would find the truth and save him out. However, she was a girl. If she couldn’t explain it clearly and stay in prison with a group of men, the consequences would be too ghastly to contemplate. Thinking of this, Ma’s father was more determined.
“I didn’t die. It’s not your turn to be the owner of the family. Come on, take him away.” Then, he commanded the servant to hold Ma Tian’en.
How could Ma Tian’en be caught tamely? He fought with the servants. Moreover, he knew some martial arts and the servants didn’t dare to harm him, so they failed to catch him easily. The officials had no idea to cope with. Ma’s father got the point. He was the owner of the Ma Family. Of course, he should be responsible for the affairs. However, Ma Tian’en said he was in charge of the business of the Ma Family. They competed for going into prison. How profound the paternal affection was!
Suddenly, the Ma Family was in a mess. Ma’s father told the officials decisively, “ignore that black sheep, I will go with you.” After this, he walked out of the door with the officials. Ma Tian’en chased after but was stopped by the servants. Although they didn’t dare to fight with Ma Tian’en, it was easy to stop her. Ma Tian’en saw her father being taken by the officials.
Wu Zhong got the news that the Ma Family was in trouble. He hurriedly returned from the Imperial College. Recently, he had been closed with Qian Daru. Qian Daru often discussed imperial affairs with him. Qian Daru was unsatisfied with Liu Jin, Guo Xun and others. Especially the clique of Liu Jin, not only the straight men, but also Zhang Yong, the ferocious men were hostile to them. They wished the emperor could wake up and kill the traitors. Wu Zhong also held grudge at Liu Jin. But he knew it needed time. Moreover, he didn’t have any official position, so he didn’t have any power. The only thing he could do was to comfort his teacher, hoping he would wait for right time.
Wu Zhong knew the Ma Family was framed up without any further study. It was too obvious that the officials came to check the moment the boat arrived. Either Hu Chunqiu or Guo Qi did this. Tian Ronghua didn’t have that kind of power. Besides, illegal salt was hard to get. Last time, Hu Chunqiu used this trick when the warehouse was harassed by ghosts. But it didn’t work. Last time, it happened at night, few people saw it, so officials could solve it secretly. This time was different. Illegal salt was found at Ma Family’s boat in public and Ma Tian’en should be taken into the county Yamen. It was a big issue.
Ma Tian’en was a girl! If she was taken into the county Yamen and her girl identity was disclosed, her reputation would be ruined even though she was proven to be innocent finally, because a woman went to the county Yamen and was put into prison. What was worse, Ma Tian’en might be locked with male prisoners. In light of this, Wu Zhong felt chill with fear. He would rather be taken away by the officials, instead of Ma Tian’en.