Chapter 554: Chapter 556: To Go or to Stay
In the Rong Dynasty, mistresses had no right to own private property.
If discovered, not only would she have to sign an indenture, but everything she owned would also be forfeited to the legal wife.
Chen shi realized this as well, and her face instantly drained of color.
She had only just won her freedom; she didnât want her fate to be in someone elseâs hands again.
If she confessed, her life would become even more difficult than when she had been a servant girl.
But if she denied it, she would have to explain the origin of the courtyard and the estate.
As she weighed her options, before she could make a choice, the sharp crack of the Gavel made her jump, and she blurted out in fright.
"Old Master Gu didnât buy any of this! They were all rewards I received for my diligent service to my master at the Duan Mansion."
It was an explanation riddled with holes, something she had concocted in a panic. The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
âFreedom and money were important, of course, but offending Landlord Duan could lead to an even more miserable end.â
"You mean the same Landlord Duan whoâs been getting so chummy with my father lately?" Gu Yuanshui asked, his face a mask of surprise. "Donât tell me youâre Landlord Duanâs mistress, the one he keeps on the side? It would make sense, I suppose. My father certainly canât compare to Landlord Duan."
"Elder Brother, it looks like weâve misunderstood. Perhaps Father was just covering for Landlord Duan out of loyalty to his friend."
The crowd outside heard this and thought it made perfect sense. They all knew of Landlord Duan and Gu Dashishi.
Although Gu Dashishi had a promising son, he himself was old and stooped, a decrepit figure who couldnât hold a candle to Landlord Duan.
And in terms of wealth, the two werenât even in the same league. One lived off his son, while the other held a vast fortune. Any woman who wasnât a complete fool would know who to choose.
Chen shiâs face was ashen, and her body trembled. "I was just spouting nonsense earlier! The Silver was from Grandpa Gu..."
But now, her rambling words only made everyone think she was trying to cover her tracks, which only made her look guiltier.
A wave of murmurs and jeers erupted from the crowd. "Now it all makes sense! Everyone knows Landlord Duan is terrified of his wife. I heard his missus has some powerful connections, so itâs no wonder he had to hide his mistress."
"And to think Grandpa Gu was foolish enough to take the fall for something like this."
"Heh, now that you mention it, I do seem to recall seeing Landlord Duan at that little courtyard a few times. He wasnât as conspicuous as Old Master Gu, though; in fact, he seemed rather furtive."
Seeing this, County Magistrate Xia knew the matter had strayed into domestic affairs. As long as it wasnât a case of theft or fraud, there was no need to continue the public hearing. He announced the courtâs adjournment and sent someone to summon Landlord Duan.
If the Gu family hadnât been involved, he would have thrown them all out of his court right then and there.
When Landlord Duan arrived, he flatly denied everything. Even Chen shi, now in the rear chambers of the county government office, changed her story and insisted she was with Gu Dashishi.
Gu Yuanshui sneered and produced an indenture. "Perfect. Sign this, and Iâll take you back to serve our father."
Landlord Duan interjected, "Surely thatâs not necessary? I gave this girl to your father simply so he could live a little more comfortably."
"Taking her back would only upset Madam Gu. Itâs better to leave her here in Fu County. That way, your father has a place to stay when he visits."
Gu Yuanjin said, "We truly appreciate Landlord Duanâs consideration for our father. I suppose thereâs some news you havenât heard yet. Our father took a bad fall yesterday and is now bedridden."
"My brothers and I came here today not only to get to the bottom of this, but also to buy a capable servant to go back and care for him."
"We didnât expect Landlord Duan to have already provided such a gift. Now my brothers and I donât need to waste any Silver. Itâs perfectâChen shi can go back and provide him with personal care."
He then turned to the bewildered Chen shi. "And since weâre already at the county government office, your indenture can be filed immediately. As for the estate and courtyard in your name, we can also transfer them to my mother while weâre at it."
Chen shi shot a nervous glance at Landlord Duan. âIf she had to be a servant, sheâd much rather be at the Duan Mansion. Gu Dashishi certainly couldnât protect her. Going with them... what hope for survival would she have?â
Landlord Duanâs mind was also racing. âIf Gu Dashishi was truly paralyzed, he was now a useless pawn. Damn it all! All his scheming and planning, all this time, and for what? It had all come to nothing.â
âAll those thousands of Silver Taels heâd spent, all that time currying favor, and for what? Not a single thing to show for it. It was a complete joke.â
"In that case..."
"Mr. Duan..."
Chen shi and Landlord Duan spoke at the same time. Their eyes met, a silent exchange passing between them. Finally, Landlord Duan said, "Chen shi, you go first."
Chen shi dropped to her knees before him. "Mr. Duan, this servant wishes to return to the Duan Mansion to serve the Old Madam."
Landlord Duan understood her meaning and narrowed his eyes. âIt hadnât been long, and already this girl was getting ideas.â
"Your parents may be in the mansion, but you have been freed from your service. It would be inappropriate for you to return."
Chen shi insisted, "This servant is willing to serve the Old Madam for the rest of my life."
Her words left no room for argument.
Gu Yuanshui chuckled. "It seems old loyalties die hard. With such a devoted servant, I wonder how Landlord Duan could have ever parted with her."
"The Gu family is a benevolent one. Perhaps Landlord Duan should take her back. It would save her the trouble of showing up at your door later, which would be awkward for both our families."
Landlord Duan replied, "Mr. Gu Si, you worry too much. One does not simply take back a gift once it has been given."
Then, he fixed his gaze on Chen shi. "You just focus on serving Grandmaster Gu. And donât you worry about your family. The Old Madam will take good care of them."
Chen shi knew then that she had no choice.
Gritting her teeth, she signed the indenture. Just as the steward was preparing to transfer the deeds for the courtyard and the estate, Gu Yuanjin spoke up.
"Mr. Xia, before I came here, my mother gave me specific instructions. The Gu family household never allocated any funds to purchase this estate and courtyard. As these are assets of unknown origin, we ask that you confiscate them for the state."
County Magistrate Xia had intended to be a mere observer, but he hadnât expected such a windfall.
âConfiscated for the state, of course, meant it would go to the county government.â
A single courtyard and estate might not seem like much, but together, they were worth several hundred taels of Silver.
"I couldnât possibly do that. Now that Chen shi is a servant of your esteemed household, her private property should rightfully be transferred to Madam Gu." Unsure if the offer was sincere or just for show, County Magistrate Xia had to probe a little.
Gu Yuanjin replied, "It is my motherâs command. I dare not disobey. I must ask Mr. Xia to grant our request."
Landlord Duan felt his head begin to throb. âHe hadnât expected the Gu Family to have such clever members. They were tying up every loose end.â
âIt made all his previous scheming look like a complete joke.â
âNow that things had come to this, he had no idea how he was going to explain himself when he got back.â
County Magistrate Xia glanced at Landlord Duan and smiled. "In that case, please convey my thanks to Madam Gu. I will arrange for the estate and courtyard to be auctioned off. The Silver Taels raised will be used to build bridges and repair roads, and I will ensure Madam Guâs name is inscribed on the contribution monument."