Chapter 9: A Settlement Before the Magistrate

Old Madam Lin was half-dead with rage at Lin Qinghuan’s sudden madness.

She planned to deal with her when she returned, but instead she heard the frantic shouts of a villager.

Someone had spotted them and rushed back to spread the news. Otherwise, they would have caught Old Madam Lin off guard.

Old Madam Lin’s legs went weak with fear. She could barely breathe.

Big Aunt and Second Aunt were frantic too. With a government official about to show up, the mother had to make a decision immediately.

“That damned girl, a jinx, an absolute jinx. I should have strangled her at birth, spared myself all this trouble.”

But now it was too late to regret. The crowd had already reached the Lin home. Old Madam Lin was helped out to greet them.

“Alright, no need for formalities. I am here today at the request of this young lady to settle the matter. The imperial law states that marriage cannot be bought or sold by force. Doing so is considered human trafficking and punishable by imprisonment.”

Old Madam Lin fell to her knees in terror. “Your Honor, may heaven be my witness! I only thought that since this girl had lost her parents and would only suffer with us, I wanted to marry her to Master Liu for a better life. I meant well.”

With so many onlookers gathered, Old Madam Lin had to insist she meant well. If she were taken to jail, she would lose all face.

“You know in your heart whether you meant well or forced me. Why is my brother at Master Liu’s estate? That’s solid evidence!”

With every word Lin Qinghuan spoke, Old Madam Lin’s face paled.

Just then, Lin Daguo and the village chief returned. Seeing the scene, they went dizzy and wished they could faint on the spot.

“Your Honor, gracing Peach Blossom Village with your presence, please forgive us for not welcoming you properly. This is all just a misunderstanding. There was absolutely no forced buying or selling.” The village chief laughed nervously.

“Fine, since Grandmother says you didn’t force me to marry Master Liu, I’ll make my decision here in front of the official. I want to marry the village scholar, Xiao Hanting. Do you have any objections?”

Lin Qinghuan seized the chance to make her demand. Having her locked up would be too easy. The real solution was to get away from them.

“Don’t you dare! Do you know what Xiao Hanting’s family is like…” Old Madam Lin started to retort instinctively, then quickly shut her mouth, afraid that another word would be a mistake.

“Your Honor, this is my request. I don’t want to marry Master Liu. Scholar Xiao may be poor, but his character is noble. I am willing to marry him.”

Ma Weiping made the decision on the spot. “Alright, it’s settled then!”

Old Madam Lin wanted to say more, but Big Aunt held her down firmly. With so many watching, she couldn’t say another word.

“By the way, Your Honor, the compensation for my parents was thirty silver taels. It was agreed that I would receive ten taels for my marriage and my younger brother would receive ten for his. Until now, it has been kept by the family elders.”

“Then give her ten taels now, and another ten when her brother gets married.” Ma Weiping’s words were impartial, simply stating the facts.

But Old Madam Lin was unwilling. Money was her lifeblood. Handing over a single tael hurt like cutting out her flesh. Losing twenty taels in one go would take half her life.

“No! Since ancient times, marriage has been decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers. If you don’t obey me, you won’t get the money. Besides, I lost your father as a son. I have one less person to support me in my old age. Isn’t it right for the money to stay with me?”

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