Chapter 21 - What Is Justice? (1/2)

Chapter 21: What Is Justice?

Translator: Wu Meixin

Proofread by Fu Tianying

After Yamen runners left, Tian Ronghua ordered the servants not to talk of this thing before the final notice of the government. Then he stayed in his study and didn’t come out even during the lunchtime. When Yamen runners came again, he was taken to see Officer Liu and came back at night.

The death of the housekeeper was a big shock to Tian Fugui. All day, he was in a daze and couldn’t figure out what happened to the housekeeper. When his big brother was back home, he hurriedly walked towards him: “Brother, what’s the news from the government? Is there any finding?”

Tian Ronghua nodded and said “The housekeeper….” Tian Ronghua paused for a while, then continued: “He committed suicide for fear of punishment.”

“For fear of punishment? What’s the crime?” Tian Fugui thought he could be smarter to understand what crime could cause the housekeeper to commit suicide.

“Before long, the warehouse of Ma Family was haunted by the ghost. It was the housekeeper who bribed a charger of the wharf to do it. Now the man who disguised the ghost was caught and the charger confessed everything about the housekeeper. After hearing the news, he committed suicide for fear of punishment.”

“How come? Why did he ask the disguised ghost to haunt Ma Family? There must be some misunderstanding. Even though he did it, he shouldn’t be sentenced to death. Since Tian’en and I have a good relationship, Tian’en would definitely forgive him if I beg for his pardon. Why did he commit suicide?”

“Because Ma Tian’en caught the disguised man, the housekeeper had to die. All he did was for us Tian Family. But he used the wrong way. Anyway, Ma Family should be blamed for his death. From now on, you are not allowed to play with Ma Tian’en.” After saying this, Tian Ronghua returned to his study, leaving Tian Fugui confused, and thinking about what he said.

“Brother, I don’t yet understand…” Tian Fugui ran after him but was shut outside the door.

Next day, Ma Chaosheng was also taken to the government. He talked with Officer Liu for a long time and then he was allowed to go home.

Ma Tian’en stayed at home and anxiously waited for her father’s coming back. When Ma Chaosheng returned to home, Ma Tian’en ran towards him excitedly. But she noticed Ma Chaosheng wore a serious expression, as if he were thinking about something. How strange! The whole things came to be obvious, why did dad look unhappy?

When he came to the hall, Ma Chaosheng sat down and a servant girl served him tea. Ma Chaosheng only took a sip and put it aside. Neither he drank the tea nor spoke.

MaTian’en sat aside, waiting for a while. Finally she couldn’t help but ask: “Dad, now the culprits were caught, what did the the government do to these men? As for Hu Chunqiu, was he punished? And Tian Family, they colluded with Hu Chunqiu, so they also need to be punished. In addition, as for the illegal salt, it is necessary to check out whether there is more illegal salt or not.”

“Tian’en, you did well this time. I feel gratified. You can take some taels in the treasurer and buy something you like. This thing should be ended today.” Looking at Ma Tian’en’s excitement, Ma Chaosheng was too awkward to say those words.