Going to court
"You despicable jinx! You dare to slack off while keeping vigil for your own man! I'll beat you to a pulp today!"
Pei Qingwu woke up groggily, not yet realizing what had happened, when she was slapped twice on the head. Her cheeks immediately burned and swelled up, instantly waking her up completely.
What came into view seemed to be an ancient mourning hall. White funeral banners fluttered in the wind, long elegiac couplets fell to the ground, and a thin wooden coffin sat in the center. The rich scent of sandalwood kept wafting into Pei Qingwu's nose.
"You little jinx, are you mute?"
The speaker was a middle-aged woman dressed plainly, with a face full of fat and a fierce look. Seeing that Pei Qingwu was still in a daze, she raised her hand to hit him again.
This time, although Pei Qingwu didn't understand what had happened, she didn't just stand there taking the beating. She turned her head to dodge, and the woman's slap missed. Her eyes widened, and she said angrily, "Well, well, you're getting more and more unruly. If I don't beat you to death today, I'll be unworthy of being your aunt."
"Wait a minute!"
Seeing that she was about to get serious, Pei Qingwu quickly shouted, "Where is this?! What right do you have to hit someone? Do you believe I'll call the police?"
As he spoke, he reached for his phone in his pocket.
But she couldn't touch anything. The clothes had no pockets at all, and were made of rough, scratchy linen. Pei Qingwu looked down stiffly and saw that the white dress was covered with a layer of yellow linen, clearly indicating that it was a mourning garment.
Huh? Where did this come from?
She was indeed struck and thrown from the road by a driver who was looking into a camera while crossing the street, but shouldn't she be receiving emergency treatment at the hospital? Why was she being beaten in such an antique-style funeral hall? Her phone is missing.
Upon hearing this, the woman sneered, "You little hussy, you dare to pretend to be crazy? Perfect, I'm the best at curing madness. Give me a beating and throw me into the lake outside, and everything will be fine."
As she spoke, she reached out to pull Pei Qingwu.
Perhaps because she was used to farm work, the woman had a very strong grip, and Pei Qingwu couldn't break free for a moment. Just as the beating was about to fall on him, a voice called out from outside: "Mother."
"Oh, what brings you here, Mother?" The woman's expression immediately changed, and she answered the person outside with a smile.
"Mother, please come out. Your son has something to say."
"Alright, alright, Mother's coming right away." The woman straightened her clothes, turned to leave, then turned back and glared at Pei Qingwu: "You little hussy, kneel down obediently, I'll deal with you later."
After saying that, he left, leaving Pei Qingwu standing there dumbfounded.
Unfamiliar memories surged through her mind like a tide, and even though they caused a dull ache, she still tried her best to sort out all her thoughts.
In modern times, she was a master's student at a political and legal university. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and her mother struggled to raise her alone, supporting her studies with a small pastry shop. The accident happened because she was in a hurry to go home to help her mother and didn't notice the "ghost peeking out" on the road.
This body also bears the surname Pei, and the given name is San Niang. She is from Qinzhou and lost both her parents at a young age. She was raised by her uncle until she was sixteen years old. Her uncle arranged for her to marry Sun Jian, the eldest son of the Sun family, who was from the same village.
The Sun family owned some land and lived a relatively comfortable life compared to ordinary families. At first glance, it seemed like a very good place to marry. However, Sun Jian had been frail and sickly since childhood, and his marriage was for the purpose of bringing good luck. Naturally, people who loved their daughter were unwilling to marry her off. Only Uncle Pei accepted two bags of flour and married his niece off to the family.
Who would have thought that on their wedding night, when Sun Jian saw a beautiful bride under the fan, he was both surprised and delighted. Overwhelmed with emotion, he fainted and died, turning a joyous occasion into a tragedy.
Sun Jianniang Liu fainted from crying, and vented all her anger on her new bride. During the days of mourning, she beat and scolded her, only giving her thin porridge that was so runny you could see your reflection in it, and only one meal a day.
It seems that the original owner of this body perished because of these hardships, which is why Pei Qingwu was able to transmigrate into this body.
Having figured out the whole story, Pei Qingwu sighed heavily, "What kind of day is this..."
In modern times, if a husband dies, he's gone; he can just leave and at most face some criticism or a few words of reproach, but it won't hurt him much. But in ancient times, the situation was more complicated. In an era deeply influenced by Neo-Confucianism, one had to guard the dead man in that thin coffin for a lifetime.
A mean-spirited mother-in-law, a malicious uncle, and a helpless person like myself... I might as well just kill myself right here and now, and maybe I'll even return to the modern world.
Amidst a multitude of thoughts, just as Pei Qingwu was about to give it a try, Liu returned, followed by a man in his early twenties, as thin as a monkey. He should be Sun Cheng, the second son of the Sun family and Sun Jian's younger brother.
The moment he entered, his gaze lingered on Pei Qingwu, sending a chill down her spine and nearly making her vomit on the spot.
"Didn't I tell you to kneel properly? What are you doing standing here? You really have no parents to teach you, you don't know any manners." Liu frowned and scolded her when she saw her standing next to the coffin.
"Mother, you should talk to your sister-in-law about the important matter first," Sun Cheng hurriedly stopped her.
Upon hearing Liu's words, Pei Qingwu became furious, and upon hearing Sun Cheng's response, he knew that nothing good was coming.
Liu cleared her throat: "Eldest daughter-in-law, you were born into my family as a bride. Now that the eldest son is gone, we still have the second son. Although you have bad luck, the second son likes you. He will eventually pass the imperial examinations. It wouldn't be a disgrace for you to become his concubine."
“Yes, sister-in-law, you can come with me, and I will treat you well,” Sun Cheng said immediately, his eyes lewdly sweeping over Pei Qingwu.
Pei Qingwu felt humiliated, and her anger rose even higher. She clenched her fists and shouted, "I refuse!"
"Unwilling? Do you think these things are up to you? Since you've been sold to the Sun family, you're a member of the Sun family in life and in death. Making you a concubine is already an honor for you. If you still don't know what's good for you, then I'll make you a maidservant for my second son." Liu's triangular eyes glared as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world.
Sun Cheng rubbed his hands together and chimed in smugly, "Yes, sister-in-law, don't be ungrateful. If you come with me, I guarantee you'll have no worries about food and clothing, which is better than being a widow."
Pei Qingwu was angry, but her mind was working very quickly.
Judging from the names these people use, the round-necked robe Sun Cheng is wearing, and the remaining memories of the original owner, this dynasty is very similar to the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, things will be easier to handle.
She took a deep breath, her clear gaze sweeping over the mother and son: "Auntie, you are mistaken! Today I will debate with you and Uncle about the laws of this dynasty!"
"Firstly, the Household and Marriage Law states, 'If a woman wishes to remain faithful after her husband has finished mourning, and is forced to marry someone who is not her grandparent or parent, she shall be sentenced to one year of penal servitude. If she marries someone she is close to, the sentence shall be reduced by two degrees and she shall be punished with ninety strokes of the cane.' Now, my husband's mourning period has not ended and my period of mourning has not been completed, yet my mother-in-law is forcing me to remarry Erlang. This is an act that violates the law."
"Secondly, 'After a woman has finished mourning her husband, she must vow to remain faithful to him. Only her grandparents or parents may take her away and marry her.' My parents died early, and my uncle has no right to interfere with my future. Therefore, after I finish my mourning period, whether I remain faithful or marry is entirely up to my own will."
"Thirdly, 'If a maid has a son or has been released to a free life, she may be taken as a concubine.' I am from a respectable family, and I was formally married to a woman of noble birth. How can I forcibly take the wife of the eldest son as a concubine or even a maid? This is contrary to human ethics and contemptuous of etiquette! If this gets out, will my uncle still be able to pass the imperial examinations? He probably won't even be able to get past the threshold of the preliminary examination! The government will be the first to disqualify him from taking the exams!"
These words, full of quotations and clearly presented, left the shrewish and domineering Liu speechless for a moment, and Sun Cheng's smugness froze, his eyes revealing panic.
Liu was stunned for a long time, then suddenly came to her senses, became furious and started throwing a tantrum: "Bullshit! What law? Who are you trying to scare! Even an upright official can't settle family disputes! It's none of the Heavenly King's business if I discipline my own daughter-in-law! Are the government officials just bored and meddling in my family affairs?"
As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeves, ready to pounce on him again: "I'll tear that nasty mouth of yours apart today!"
Pei Qingwu kept a close eye on Liu's movements, and when he saw that she was indeed enraged and about to make a move, he knew that his chance had come.
Just as Liu's plump body lunged forward, Pei Qingwu, like a nimble cat, suddenly dodged to the side. Liu, unable to stop in time, stumbled and almost fell. Taking advantage of the opportunity, she turned and ran, rushing towards the open door of the mourning hall.
"Help! The Sun family drove a newly widow to her death! They forcibly took a woman from the clan as a concubine! They have violated the law! They are utterly disregarding human life!"
The piercing cries instantly shattered the afternoon tranquility of Qinzhou City.
Pei Qingwu rushed out of the Sun family's gate, tears streaming down her face. Her hair was disheveled, and the red, swollen handprints on her face were clearly visible. Dressed in mourning clothes, she looked even more pitiful. She collapsed onto the bustling street, facing the astonished neighbors, merchants, and passersby, beating her chest and stamping her feet, sobbing uncontrollably: "Dear neighbors! Dear fellow villagers! Where is justice? I, Pei San Niang, am a newly widowed woman, my husband's body is not yet cold! My mother-in-law, Liu, forced me to marry my brother-in-law as a concubine! When I refused, I was beaten and insulted, and starved for days! Today, she even tried to forcibly take me as a maid! I am willing to die to prove my innocence, rather than suffer this humiliation and violate the law!"
After saying this, she covered her face and wept.
Immediately, the streets were abuzz with discussion and gossip.
The neighbors had long heard rumors about the Sun family's situation, and now, seeing the bride in such a miserable state, and her repeated accusations of violating the law, sympathy and indignation quickly spread among them.
"Outrageous! How could such a thing happen!"
"Forcing a newly widowed sister-in-law to marry her brother-in-law? How shameless!"
"Go report to the authorities immediately! Find the village head!"
When Liu and Sun Cheng chased after them, panting, they were even more furious upon seeing this scene. The old woman immediately stepped forward, pointed at Pei Qingwu, and cursed, "You little slut! Stop spouting nonsense here and tarnishing the reputation of my Sun family! Come back with me right now!"
He was about to step forward and pull her away.
Pei Qingwu naturally refused, struggling and crying, "I don't want to! There's no reason for a new bride to marry her brother-in-law while her husband is still in mourning! Although I didn't have parents to teach me, I would never do such a shameful thing!"
Hearing that the orphaned girl was being bullied, the gossip among the neighbors grew louder, and Liu felt ashamed, so she pulled even harder.
In the midst of the chaos, a commanding shout rang out from the crowd: "Stop!"
The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw an old man with white hair and beard, dressed in a neat linen robe, leaning on a cane and supported by his servants as he walked out of the crowd. He had a thin face and bright eyes, and exuded an air of authority without anger.
"In broad daylight, under the clear sky! How dare you bully the weak and violate the law!" The old man's voice was loud and clear as he stared directly at Liu and her son: "I am a former clerk in the prefectural government, now retired to my hometown. Every word this young lady spoke of regarding the law is true! This matter concerns the law of the country; how can it be dismissed as a mere family matter?"
Having said that, he turned to Pei Qingwu, whose eyes were brimming with tears, his gaze filled with approval and pity: "Young lady, don't be afraid. Since you are well-versed in the laws and know how to protect yourself through the law, that's very good. I will vouch for you and you will go to the state government office to appeal your case immediately! The government will make a fair judgment!"
The old man's words were like a stabilizing force, and the onlookers responded enthusiastically, clamoring to take the matter to the authorities.
Pei Qingwu felt reassured and bowed deeply to the old man: "Thank you for speaking up for justice, Your Excellency! I am willing to accompany Your Excellency to the prefectural government to plead my case, to uphold the law, and to clear my name of this injustice!"
In front of the Qin Prefecture government office, the sound of the drum for hearing the accusation was deafening. The gatekeeper, seeing that Lord Zhang had an extraordinary demeanor and was surrounded by many indignant neighbors, dared not neglect him and immediately reported the incident.
A short while later, the main hall of the prefectural government opened wide, and Prefect Zhao of Qin Prefecture sat high in the hall, his face ashen. The yamen runners lined up on both sides, pounding water and fire sticks on the ground, creating an atmosphere of grimness.
When Liu and her son Sun Cheng were brought to the court by the bailiffs, they were initially still arrogant, but upon seeing the solemn courtroom, their arrogance immediately diminished.
"Who are you below? What are you accusing? If you strike the drum to appeal for justice and are found to be lying, you will be punished!" Magistrate Zhao's voice was authoritative, and his piercing gaze swept across the court.
Zhang Gong bowed deeply and said, "Your Excellency, please forgive me! I am Zhang Jian. This is the aggrieved woman, Pei San Niang, a newly widowed woman. She is accusing her husband's family members, Sun Liu and her son Sun Cheng, of two crimes. All the neighbors are witnesses. I implore Your Excellency to investigate this matter thoroughly, uphold justice for the aggrieved woman, and uphold the law and family rules!"
Pei Qingwu also bowed gracefully, tearfully pleading, "Your Excellency, the Imperial Envoy! I, Pei San Niang, accuse my mother-in-law, Liu, and my uncle, Sun Chengling, of abusing my widowhood and violating the law. My husband has been dead for seven days, his body is not yet cold, and I am still in mourning. Yet, my aunt Liu has already forced me to marry my uncle as a concubine! I argued with them, but they not only refused to listen, but also falsely accused me of feigning madness, and beat and humiliated me. For several days, I have been surviving on thin porridge, and today they even tried to rob me! If I hadn't fought my way out and cried for help in the street, and received the righteous assistance of Lord Zhang and my neighbors, I would probably be in grave danger by now! I beg Your Excellency to do me justice!"
After speaking, she raised her head. The swollen and red handprints on her face had not yet faded. Her mourning clothes were thin, and her body swayed precariously. Her pitiful appearance was heartbreaking.
"Nonsense! You shrewish woman, spouting nonsense!" Liu couldn't contain herself any longer. She knelt down with a thud, pointing at Pei Qingwu, spitting as she spoke: "My lord! Don't listen to this little wretch's slander! She's cursed my son to death. I only allowed her to stay at the Sun family to keep vigil because she's a new bride—that's already a great favor! She's ungrateful and neglects her duties. As her mother-in-law, it's only right that I discipline my daughter-in-law! How could I have beaten or abused her? As for forcing Erlang to marry..."
Her eyes darted around: "That's because Erlang saw that she was young and widowed and pitiful, so he was willing to take her in as a wife. It's her own fault for not knowing what's good for her and for falsely accusing us of forcing her to marry him! Clearly, she couldn't stay faithful and had an affair, so she's turning black into white!"
Sun Cheng hurriedly kowtowed, "Your Majesty, please understand! I, Sun Cheng, truly meant well. Seeing my sister-in-law's plight, I couldn't bear to see her suffer, so I suggested taking her as a concubine. I did not force her! She has misunderstood my good intentions..."
His words were hesitant and his eyes darted around, clearly indicating a lack of confidence.
Magistrate Zhao frowned and looked at Zhang Gong: "Old Assistant Zhang, what is your opinion?"
Zhang Gong cupped his hands and said loudly, "The actions of the Liu family and Sun Cheng show that they disregard the laws of the country and treat etiquette as worthless! If they are not severely punished, how can we uphold moral order and serve as a warning to others!"
As they spoke, several neighbors who were prepared were brought into the hall. They all spoke at once, recounting in detail Liu's usual behavior and today's events, as well as how Madam Pei resisted and cried.
"With witnesses and physical evidence presented, what else do you have to say?" Magistrate Zhao slammed his gavel, the sound echoing through the roof.
The mother and son were ashen-faced and trembling, but Liu still stubbornly insisted, "It's just gossip from the neighbors...this...this is all family business..."
"Shut up!" Magistrate Zhao interrupted sharply. "Ignorant and foolish woman! The laws of the land are clear; how can they be evaded with the excuse of 'family matters'? Your actions have already violated the criminal law! You bully the weak and oppress the vulnerable, trample on moral principles, and despise the law. You are extremely stubborn and unruly!"
After a moment of contemplation, he made his decision and ordered that Liu and her son be severely flogged twenty times in court as a warning to others.
Upon hearing this, the bailiffs stepped forward and restrained Liu and her son. The water and fire sticks fell, and their pig-like screams immediately echoed throughout the courtroom.
After the execution, the two men collapsed to the ground, their faces ashen.
Magistrate Zhao continued his pronouncement: "Pei Sanniang, this prefecture pities your orphaned and weak state, and further commends your knowledge of the law and your ability to protect yourself through legal means. Your integrity is admirable! Therefore, I grant you special permission to take your dowry, leave the Sun clan, and establish your own household!"
Pei Qingwu was overjoyed, but she forced herself to remain calm and kowtowed deeply: "This humble woman, Pei San Niang, kowtows to thank Your Excellency for your grace! Your Excellency is a paragon of justice!"
Zhao Shijun then looked at the Liu mother and son, whose faces were ashen, and ordered them to return all of Pei Qingwu's dowry. He also ordered the two of them not to disturb Pei Qingwu.
Immediately at the Qinzhou government office, Pei Qingwu registered her household as a woman, using her modern name, to show that she had no further connection with the bullied Pei San Niang.
Her dowry was also returned in full, though it was meager, it was still better than being penniless.
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