Chapter 347

A constable expelled from the government office? Wang Xiujin raised an eyebrow. No wonder that young shopkeeper Chen didn’t dare to keep him and instead came to him for help. It seemed he regarded Wang as a stronger supporter, unafraid of the petty local authorities. People driven out by the government office were either completely useless or too capable, having offended some villain. After being expelled, someone would surely have issued a secret order forbidding their employment, warning of dire consequences if they were hired.

Wang Xiujin held his cup without moving, pondering whether to meet the expelled constable. Honestly, he wasn’t eager to get involved in muddy waters. Though unafraid of the government's meddling, he was weary of petty villains running amok before him, especially those of the lowest rank—acting disgracefully if confronted, but annoying if left unchecked.

His steward Wang dared not interrupt his master's thoughts, feeling somewhat uneasy. Given shopkeeper Chen’s temperament, if the man were truly incompetent, he wouldn’t have dared mention him. Yet, since it involved the government, Wang still felt a hint of resentment toward Chen—was it because Chen’s master had too few enemies that he piled trouble onto his own lord? Despite their good relations, seeing his master deep in thought, Wang regretted his earlier brash suggestion; he shouldn’t have brought it up and caused his master such a dilemma.

“Find another place. See the man first. If he’s competent, send him to the Fourth Prince’s security detail. If he’s useless, I think you and Chen should cut ties,” Wang Xiujin decided, setting down his teacup.

Although his master said nothing more, Wang sensed the underlying meaning in his words. He quickly agreed, thinking that even if the man was capable, he wouldn’t maintain close contact with Chen afterward. This wasn’t friendship but a trap. If his master weren’t so easy-going, he might well be cast aside, losing his position. Wang was certain that if dismissed, no one in the capital—or anywhere in Daliang—would hire him as steward.

A day later, Wang Xiujin met the expelled constable at a teahouse. From afar, he noticed a string of labels attached to the man; the only somewhat negative one was that he was “too straightforward.” Before the man approached, Wang instructed his steward to take him directly to the Fourth Prince’s security team. People who were too blunt could be both good and bad; until he understood what the man’s honesty was rooted in, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble and prevent goodwill from turning sour.

Wang’s steward understood his master’s meaning immediately—he thought the man must be decent, but how did his master know just from a glance? Still, trusting his master’s judgment, he didn’t question further and hurried to find shopkeeper Chen and his distant relative. After a brief exchange, the steward led the constable away. The constable was reluctant but, knowing his relative had begged for this opportunity, he swallowed his resentment and followed.

Outside a particularly exquisite courtyard, the steward warned him to be cautious and not speak frivolously once inside. The constable’s negative feelings flared again, but thinking of his family—his relative, parents, wife, and children—he gritted his teeth and endured. He never imagined he would one day meet a prince, much less the Fourth Prince, rumored to be a likely heir to the throne.

Though the Fourth Prince barely glanced at him before sending him to another room, the constable’s emotions swelled. For a moment, he wanted to kneel and expose the petty villains, but before he could, he was summoned away. Missed this chance, and who knew if another would come.

A close attendant led him to a room with several tables. The attendant only stated his name, making no introductions to the men bent over their documents. The constable felt awkward; the men were clearly older, and one seemed familiar though he couldn’t recall where he had seen him.

“Constable Chen? The constable from the suburban government office?” the familiar man spoke first. Chen responded swiftly; faced with elders, defiance was not an option. The man stroked his beard and smiled. “Can you read? The Fourth Prince had you brought here to serve as a teacher. If you can’t read, you won’t be able to instruct anyone.”

“A teacher?” the constable asked, baffled.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiujin felt pleased, considering himself an unsung benefactor, his spirits high. Returning home, he saw Li Linshan home early and tossed him a flirtatious glance. Unfortunately, Li Linshan was oblivious to such charms. “What’s with your eyes? Are they bothering you? Should I call a doctor?”

Wang Xiujin rolled his eyes decisively. “Nothing’s wrong. Just did a good deed today, feeling good.”

Li Linshan didn’t understand how a good mood related to a twitching eye but wisely kept quiet. “Father-in-law invited us over tonight for a family feast to celebrate your eldest sister having another son.”

“Already born? That was quick,” Wang Xiujin sat beside Li Linshan, surprised. He thought he had only recently learned she was pregnant. “Is it a boy?” Hearing it was a boy, Wang felt a slight disappointment. He preferred girls—dressing them up beautifully and showing them off. But considering the times, he admitted boys were better off. Girls held a low status; even in wealthy families, girls might get proper names, but in poorer ones, they might be called something like ‘little sister’ at best, or worse, have no proper name at all.

“Yes,” Li Linshan nodded.

“Shouldn’t the Song family host the feast for the birth? Why is Father hosting?” After the initial joy, Wang noticed something odd. “Did something strange happen in the Song household?”

“No, probably Father has something to say and used this as an excuse.” Li Linshan closed his book. “Your eldest sister’s husband sent many red eggs, and the steward had the kitchen boil some. Want one?”

Wang didn’t refuse. While waiting for the red eggs, he wondered if Yachang, their only child, felt lonely without siblings. Other children had brothers and sisters to play with, but Yachang was alone. Would he envy other kids? Wang shared this thought with Li Linshan. Since the repeated failed attempts to adopt in Wang Village, Wang had abandoned the idea—yet with his eldest sister’s child born, he was considering adopting another child again.

Li Linshan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Wang had once longed for a daughter but had since given up the idea. Now bringing it up again, Li was unsure if it was a passing fancy or a genuine plan.

“Still from your family’s side. Boy or girl, either is fine,” Wang said. Though grateful to some in Wang Village, Wang wasn’t about to let that gratitude become a lever to pressure him.

Li Linshan wanted to mention Wang Village but, seeing Wang’s reluctance, kept silent. After years together, he understood him well.

That evening, the two took Yachang to the Wang family. Lord Wang, celebrating his new grandson, wore a genuine smile, causing Wang Xiujin to wonder if there was more to the occasion than just celebration.

After dinner, Lord Wang summoned his son and son-in-law to the study, allowing young Yachang to listen in. Wang Xiujin immediately tensed, sensing serious matters ahead.

Once seated, Lord Wang spoke slowly about the public trials of the accused rebels. The court lacked complete evidence against them; the public trials were a test to see if more conspirators might be uncovered, and to watch if anyone would attempt to rescue the condemned.

Wang Xiujin thought it a risky gamble. What if those who had confessed suddenly recanted? And rescue attempts? In the capital’s secure heart, anyone trying to storm the execution site must be either mad or foolish.

“There will be heavy guards during both the trials and executions. No one should be able to break through,” Lord Wang said.

“But who can guarantee desperate people won’t act rashly? I believe Lord Liu is not the mastermind. If anyone fears exposure, they might take reckless risks,” Lord Wang continued. From the beginning, he suspected Lord Liu wasn’t the leader, and after troubles in their household, he was certain Lord Liu was a scapegoat meant to distract the masses.

Wang Xiujin found arguing pointless—whether anyone would act rashly would be revealed in time.

“Be vigilant in the coming days. Those men can’t harm your eldest brother from afar, but you are different. Too outstanding. You may attract envy and be targeted to frame others. It’s not impossible,” Lord Wang warned, deeply concerned for his youngest son’s safety. The eldest was in Fengcheng, not far from the capital but still distant, and kept a low profile, causing no trouble. The daughter, recently confined to the Song family’s courtyard for postpartum care, should be safe. Still, accidents happen. He informed his son-in-law, who promised strict scrutiny of everyone in the Song household to prevent any loopholes. Between the guards and the steward’s repeated inspections, infiltration would be difficult.

Among his three children, only Wang Xiujin regularly left home and risked offending others. Lord Wang sighed; it was because of his youngest son that this conspiracy had come to light, so he could not help but worry about his safety.

Author’s note: I feel like I see the dawn of the ending approaching! 166 Reading Network.