Chapter 114: Wu Liang Falls
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Wu Liang’s expression finally changed.
Though he masked it well, many still caught the flicker of unease.
Yu Zhi Yi wasted no time with superfluous words. “The first piece of evidence is a witness. Did you truly believe that by changing your name and identity, you could erase all connections? The flood victims who perished were only those unable to escape in time. However, many who knew you had already left their hometowns before the disaster.”
She turned to Wu Shan. “Take my official token and visit the Hanlin Academy. Summon Compiler Wu Ju Xian and inform him that the Ministry of Justice requires him as a witness.”
After a brief pause, she leaned closer to add instructions in a hushed tone.
Wu Shan, known for his efficiency, returned in less than two quarters of an hour, despite the distance between Northern Suburb Street and the Hanlin Academy. Following him was a middle-aged man riding a tall horse.
At the sight of this man, Wu Liang was visibly shaken, though he quickly concealed his shock with an air of confused innocence.
The newcomer was Wu Ju Xian, one of the compilers of the Hanlin Academy. Having met Yu Zhi Yi at a palace banquet, he greeted her with a respectful bow. “This humble servant, Wu Ju Xian, pays respects to Official Yu. May I inquire as to the purpose of this summons?”
Yu Zhi Yi gestured toward Wu Liang. “Is this Wu Liang a fellow townsman of yours? Do you recognize him?”
Wu Ju Xian scrutinized Wu Liang for a moment, his initial gaze blank. However, upon noticing Wu Liang’s distinctive three-white eyes, realization dawned. “Respected Official, it has been over a decade since I last saw Wu Liang, so my memory of him is faint. That said, Wu Liang has always been notorious in our village due to his peculiar three-white eyes. Elders often warned us to steer clear of him, claiming those eyes foretold future misdeeds. Seeing those eyes again confirms it—this man is indeed Wu Liang.”
Wu Liang panicked, desperately clinging to denial. “I have no idea who you are! Three-white eyes are not unique. You can’t condemn someone based on that alone!”
Before his words settled, an enraged voice rang out. “Ma Bo Cai, you scoundrel! How dare you dodge your debts? May you have children born without…”
A shadowy figure lunged toward Wu Liang, fists swinging wildly.
You Bing Yue instinctively moved to intercept, but to her astonishment, her feet felt rooted to the ground, immobilized by an unseen force. As she struggled against it, the attacker closed in on Wu Liang, delivering slap after slap. “You good-for-nothing! Years ago, you borrowed a hundred taels from me, promising to repay it with interest once you passed the exams. Yet, after all these years, you haven’t even qualified as a scholar!”
The assailant’s voice grew more indignant. “I can’t believe I fell for your silver-tongued lies, thinking you’d succeed just because you said so. Pay me back, or I’ll beat you to death!”
The sudden chaos left the crowd dumbfounded. Wu Liang endured dozens of blows before anyone intervened.
Pointing a trembling finger, Wu Liang gasped, “Who is this lunatic? I’ve never met him in my life!”
The man sneered, producing a loan agreement. “Look closely! This is the promissory note you signed, with the village chief as a witness. The chief may be gone, but this document is proof. Deny it, and I’ll take this straight to the authorities!”
Wu Liang paled.
Finally, the pieces clicked in his mind—this was Ma Bo Cai’s acquaintance, someone from the distant Ma Family Village. Back then, when he met Ma Bo Cai, news had circulated of a calamity wiping out most of the villagers. To him, it seemed plausible that only a strong survivor could make the journey to the Sheng Capital.
Adjusting his tone, Wu Liang forced a strained smile. “Brother, I remember now. Yes, I owe you a hundred taels. Don’t worry; once I clear my legal troubles, I’ll repay you with interest.”
The man’s demeanor shifted instantly as he addressed Wu Shan. “Sir, I’ve done as instructed. This impostor admitted he’s not Ma Bo Cai.”
Sneering at Wu Liang, he added, “What gall, pretending to be someone of Ma Bo Cai’s caliber. That man was renowned for his talents, charming even the county magistrate’s daughter. And you, with your ghastly face, dared to sully his name?”
Wu Shan turned to Yu Zhi Yi, bowing deeply. “The task is complete, Great Proprietress.”
Yu Zhi Yi smiled faintly at Wu Liang. “A debt of one hundred taels is not easily forgotten. If you truly were Ma Bo Cai, you’d know he was generous to a fault, often lending rather than borrowing money.”
She gestured toward the man. “Take, for instance, Ma Er Gou, who borrowed two taels from Ma Bo Cai at fifteen to pay for his bride price.”
Wu Liang was aghast. “Ma… Er Gou?”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded. “Indeed, this gentleman isn’t named Ma Bo Cai, but Ma Er Gou.”
With this revelation, Wu Liang was utterly defeated. His cunning had finally met its match.
Seeing his reaction, the crowd’s doubts dissolved. There was no denying it now—Wu Liang had assumed another’s identity.
Yu Zhi Yi delivered her verdict. “You may have concealed your crimes well, murdering Ma Bo Cai and Old Zhang’s parents and wife, but your inexperience at the time left ample evidence. For the massacre of eight people alone, the laws of the Great Sheng Empire decree death by a thousand cuts.”
Her gaze, clear and resolute, pierced through Wu Liang’s soul, leaving him trembling.
Turning to address the crowd, Yu Zhi Yi spoke with calm authority. “Though I am newly appointed, I will not tarnish my position with false judgments. This role demands integrity, lest I fail the Emperor’s trust and the will of the heavens.”
Her words, though not loud, stirred the crowd’s hearts. Someone shouted, “Official Yu is wise!” Soon, the chant of “Wise!” echoed through the street.
Standing nearby, Du Zi Heng’s heart swelled with unnameable emotions, while You Bing Yue, seething with frustration, vaulted out the window to escape the scene. Watching her retreat, Du Zi Heng furrowed his brow and gave chase.
Yu Zhi Yi remained unfazed. Though the murderer was apprehended and Old Zhang’s life saved, one unresolved matter lingered.