Chapter 55: The Duke Finds His Sister
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Duke Courage had followed Yu Zhi Yi’s guidance and successfully located his long-lost sister.
As she had foreseen, his sister’s family was indeed in dire straits. The local magistrate’s son had set his sights on the wife of his sister’s grandson. After failing to entice her with riches, the magistrate’s son plotted to destroy the Tian Family, intending to force the young woman to beg for mercy and compliance to protect her family.
When the Duke arrived, the scheme was reaching its climax. The magistrate’s son had framed the Duke’s sister’s son and daughter-in-law for murder, throwing them into jail. The magistrate, using his position, planned to execute the two in three days.
The Duke’s timing was impeccable. He arrived on the morning of the third day, just before the scheduled execution. After confirming the Old Madam Tian was indeed his sister, he swiftly uncovered the truth behind the conspiracy. Learning that his nephew and his nephew’s wife were about to be executed, he stormed into the county office, bound the corrupt magistrate and his son, and threw them into the jail for their crimes.
Within half an hour, the Duke extracted confessions from the magistrate’s son and his associates, laying bare their full plan. The Old Madam Tian had two sons and two daughters, and the framed pair was the eldest son and his wife. Once they were executed, the plan was to frame the second son and his wife for another crime, systematically dismantling the family. The aim was to crush the will of the grandson’s wife until she capitulated.
The conspirators intended to spare only the Old Madam Tian, as her frailty rendered her powerless to retaliate. However, they underestimated human resilience and emotional capacity. If the Tian Family were annihilated, leaving only the Old Madam and the young woman, the latter might indeed comply out of desperation. Yet, the old lady, overwhelmed by grief and self-awareness of her role as leverage, would likely lose the will to live altogether.
Though these horrors had not yet unfolded, the Duke felt a chill reading the detailed plan. He had no doubt that, had he not intervened, the tragedy would have played out as Yu Zhi Yi had warned.
Fury at the corruption that had threatened his family mingled with immense relief that he had heeded Yu Zhi Yi’s advice and ridden swiftly to intervene. He shuddered to think of what might have transpired had he delayed.
After resolving the matter, the Duke returned to Sheng Capital, bringing his sister with him to personally thank Yu Zhi Yi. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he offered lavish gifts in return for her guidance.
Feeling the merit of her actions bolster her spiritually, Yu Zhi Yi accepted his gifts without hesitation. The Duke, reassured, declared, “From now on, the Young Madam Du is an honored guest of the Duke Courage Mansion.”
This level of recognition was one even Chancellor Du had not received.
Meanwhile, Madam Yao chuckled warmly, holding Yu Zhi Yi’s hand. “The Duke is far too kind. Our Zhi Yi may appear reserved, but her heart is warm. She’s quietly accomplished a great deed.”
Unmoved by the praise, Yu Zhi Yi calmly corrected her mother. “Mother, I did not offer my services freely. However, these gifts are excessive. I’ll only take ten thousand taels in silver; the rest can be returned.”
Had it not been to counterbalance the Carefree Prince, she wouldn’t have involved the Duke at all. She had, however, altered the Old Madam Tian’s fate, so payment was warranted, though she refused to accept more than her due.
Respecting her decision, the Duke set aside the specified amount and sent the remaining gifts to Chancellor Du and his wife, expressing his gratitude for raising such a capable and kind daughter-in-law.
Yu Zhi Yi: “…”
Before leaving, the Duke turned back. “Oh, one more thing. The women rescued from Ma Family Village asked me to convey their thanks to you.”
Startled, Yu Zhi Yi responded, “You were the one who rescued them. What does it have to do with me?”
“Are you sure?” The Duke’s knowing smile pierced through her pretense.
Clearing her throat, she averted her gaze. “I merely pointed you in the wrong direction. The credit for saving them is yours.”
The Duke’s eyes gleamed with admiration. Turning to Chancellor Du, he remarked, “Brother Mingda, your fortune still lies ahead!”
Addressing Yu Zhi Yi, he added, “I’ve reported this matter to His Majesty, and the Ministry of Justice has been tasked with investigating. I’m confident more abducted women will soon be freed.”
This, he implied, was his true repayment.
Moments later, Du Zi Heng entered, having overheard part of their conversation. His expression betrayed a mix of emotions.
Turning to him, Yu Zhi Yi asked dryly, “You’re wondering why I mentioned Ma Family Village instead of Taoyuan Town, aren’t you?”
He nodded, though what he truly wondered was why both she and You Bing Yue mentioned the same village. The coincidence gnawed at him.
Yu Zhi Yi’s answer was as composed as ever. “I deduced Ma Family Village from the Duke’s face and the Old Madam Tian’s birth chart, foreseeing that he would later find a false lead there.”
“As for why You Bing Yue mentioned it…” She paused, her curiosity evident. “That’s a question only she can answer.”
If You Bing Yue was merely a woman from another world, how could she possess knowledge of this world’s unfolding events? Could she too master the Esoteric Arts?