Chapter 110: Arrange a Few Lines

Regret was far from sufficient to describe Wang Xiuxiang’s current mood.

She had originally thought that once the authorities heard about a murder, they would immediately go and arrest the culprit. Yet she never expected that a small inconsistency in her words would be seized upon, leaving her unable to extricate herself.

This second hall, used for initial trials, was laid out longitudinally, its interior deeply secluded, where sunlight could barely penetrate.

And when such an environment was associated with prisons and interrogations, it became naturally sinister.

Under Xie Yu’s relentless questioning, Wang Xiuxiang didn’t last even one round of interrogation. Frightened, she blurted out the truth.

In short, Liu Chunlan’s confession to the murder was indeed true, and the innkeeper’s attempt to blackmail them was also true. However, the specific details of how Liu Chunlan accidentally killed the man had been deliberately distorted by Wang Xiuxiang.

Initially, Wang Xiuxiang had indeed kept her friend’s secret.

During that period, Liu Chunlan treated her especially well, with a kindness that even carried a hint of caution.

Gradually, a strange and unfamiliar feeling began to arise in Wang Xiuxiang’s heart.

At first, it was very faint, but as time passed, she increasingly realized that the relationship between them had quietly changed.

What first forced Wang Xiuxiang to confront this change was a trivial, insignificant incident.

It was an unremarkable day in March, with a light snowfall outside, making it very cold.

The snow wasn’t heavy, but compared to the thick snowfall of the bitter winter months, it was more slippery. Thus, all the housewives had to go out to clear the snow.

Wang Xiuxiang had quarreled with her mother-in-law the previous day. She had dragged Liu Chunlan out for a walk and only remembered about the snow when she was nearly home, making her reluctant to clear it.

“Hmph, that old hag! She always takes every opportunity to humiliate me, yet pretends to the outside world that she treats her daughter-in-law like her own daughter. When did you ever see her eldest daughter doing any work when she visits her parents’ home?”

At that time, Wang Xiuxiang had only been joking when she said to Liu Chunlan, “I really don’t feel like moving. Why don’t you clear it for me?”

In the past, they had often made such jokes with each other, like saying, “Taking care of the mother-in-law is so tiring, why don’t we just switch lives?”

And usually, Liu Chunlan would just laugh and pat her on the back, never taking it seriously.

But this time, things were different.

Liu Chunlan hesitated for a moment, looked at her face, and surprisingly agreed.

At the time, Wang Xiuxiang was also somewhat surprised, thinking it was just a joke. But about half an hour later, she heard a noise at the door. When she opened it, Liu Chunlan had actually come with a broom to clear the snow.

“I don’t know exactly what I felt at that moment,” Wang Xiuxiang murmured, kneeling in the courtroom, her expression somewhat dazed. “It was like… some guilt, yet also some satisfaction.”

From that moment on, she finally realized that the previous balance between herself and Liu Chunlan had been broken, and her will had begun to dominate the other.

It was also this incident that made Wang Xiuxiang think again of that secret known only to the few of them.

Didn’t this mean that whatever she said, Liu Chunlan would have to obey?

This must be what it feels like to be an emperor!

Wang Xiuxiang felt excited.

Her life up to this point had been a perfect embodiment of the saying, “At home, obey the father; after marriage, obey the husband.” She had only ever been the one to listen to others, never had anyone listen to her.

This was a completely new experience, as if a strange yet irresistibly fresh temptation had suddenly entered her dull and monotonous family life.

Ma Bing slightly furrowed her brows, “So from that point on, did you often order Liu Chunlan to do things for you?”

Wang Xiuxiang instinctively shook her head, but after finishing, she seemed to doubt herself. After a hesitation, she answered somewhat nervously, “Not… not that much.”

Ma Bing looked at Xie Yu, and both saw disbelief reflected in each other’s eyes.

Wang Xiuxiang had never received an education nor seen much of the world, which directly led to her impoverished vocabulary, extremely stiff and dry expression, often making her words incoherent and disconnected.

But from her eyes, the two still saw an emotion called “meanness.”

Compared to the vicious criminals Xie Yu had seen before, you couldn’t exactly call Wang Xiuxiang a thoroughly bad person, nor could she be overly condemned.

But there was one thing for sure—she was a petty person.

The kind of petty person that most ordinary people might become, given the opportunity.

Because most people find it hard to resist the pleasure of manipulating others.

But Wang Xiuxiang still had a little conscience. Usually, she only made Liu Chunlan do small chores like washing clothes or sewing, occasionally fetching some snacks.

Of course, for an ordinary woman, her stagnant life rarely offered anything earth-shattering.

Until about three months ago, Wang Xiuxiang’s husband was dismissed by the shopkeeper due to a mistake, leaving the family without income and suddenly in dire straits.

A gloomy atmosphere hung over the entire Wang household, and they didn’t know what to do.

Wang’s husband tried to plead with the shopkeeper to be rehired, but returned dejectedly.

His job wasn’t irreplaceable. The moment he left, the shopkeeper immediately hired a new, younger, and more clever worker.

After much deliberation, the family decided that since he was already of advanced age, rather than groveling for a job again, they might as well scrape together some money to start a small business.

But where would the capital come from?

Kaifeng was such a prosperous city that everything was expensive. If they did scrape together the money, the family would have to tighten their belts.

Just as everyone was at their wits’ end, Wang Xiuxiang suddenly thought of Liu Chunlan.

Originally, the men the two women married were quite similar. But Liu’s husband was meticulous and hardworking. Over the years, unlike Wang’s husband who had been dismissed, he had even received a raise, and now managed three or four people—a small supervisor.

Hearing from neighbors, it was said that Liu’s husband could save at least seven or eight taels of silver a year!

When Liu Chunlan understood Wang Xiuxiang’s intentions, she was very reluctant.

The previous fifteen taels of hush money had nearly drained her family’s savings, and she also needed to prepare for the children’s education. Where would she find extra money to lend to others for starting a business?

In the past, Liu would have definitely refused.

But now, she dared not.

Although Wang didn’t explicitly say anything during their meeting, her words constantly implied that if Liu didn’t help her through this crisis, both families would suffer.

Why would they suffer?

The answer was obvious.

If Liu had still had the courage to turn herself in when the incident first occurred, that courage had long since vanished after months of peaceful living.

People rarely appreciate the value of a peaceful life until they are about to lose it.

Liu Chunlan was no exception.

After the incident with the peddler, she suddenly realized how beautiful the morning glow was, how kind her in-laws were, how reliable her husband was, and how adorable the children.

Even a small wildflower blooming on the wall or the dewdrops falling from the leaves in the morning carried an unprecedented charm.

She couldn’t bear to lose this current life, couldn’t bear to leave her children.

She didn’t want to go to prison, let alone die.

Even if the authorities showed leniency and spared her life, what would happen to her natal family, her in-laws, and her two children if the family had a wife and mother who had committed murder?

Liu Chunlan didn’t want to trouble her husband with this matter again. She secretly took two old silver ornaments and pawned them, getting six taels of silver, which barely got Wang Xiuxiang off her back.

But Liu Chunlan never expected that greed knows no bounds.

Once the floodgates opened, it was impossible to close them.

After Wang Xiuxiang took the silver home, her in-laws, who had previously been stingy and harsh, suddenly praised her lavishly, calling her virtuous, and even specially cooked her sesame oil eggs for dinner.

You see, although the family raised a few hens and wasn’t short of eggs, they were usually sold at the market for money.

Even when used at home, they were only boiled for the men. Unless it was a festival, Wang Xiuxiang rarely got any.

Even at night, her husband was unusually gentle and considerate, promising to earn a fortune in the future so she could enjoy a comfortable life.

Wang Xiuxiang couldn’t help but feel elated.

However, running a business wasn’t something just anyone could succeed at. Otherwise, the world would be full of wealthy merchants.

Wang’s husband took the five taels his wife borrowed, added three taels from the family savings, totaling eight taels, and went to buy cosmetics, hairpins, and other trinkets to sell.

The original idea was that women would always need these things and would replenish them regularly, so they wouldn’t be hard to sell.

But he had no eye for quality or salesmanship and was treated like a fool by the sellers, who sold him outdated goods with poor colors and dull smells.

Those goods sat on the stall for over a month, selling only a dozen or so coins’ worth, and eventually had to be sold at a loss, resulting in a total financial disaster.

If he had had any self-awareness, after this failure, he might have reflected on his experience or simply found a steady job.

But unfortunately, Wang’s husband always thought he had great abilities that were just not being utilized.

Moreover, he had other thoughts:

How convenient it was to sell on his own? Since the capital was provided by his parents and wife, he could go to the market whenever he wanted and return whenever he pleased, without having to endure others’ scrutiny—it was simply too comfortable.

Thus, Wang Xiuxiang went to Liu Chunlan again to borrow money.

This time, Liu Chunlan really couldn’t come up with any, and had to tell her husband.

The couple, fearing that she might expose Liu’s murder, reluctantly gave her another five taels, saying they absolutely couldn’t do it again—they were barely scraping by themselves.

Wang Xiuxiang only cared about pleasing her in-laws and husband, and didn’t take it seriously.

After all, it was just a short trip and a few words—she didn’t have to do any hard work.

Moreover, she clearly saw the fear in the couple’s eyes, which made her even more arrogant.

Look at them! They couldn’t dare to go east if I told them to go west!

How majestic!

Once money comes too easily, it is no longer cherished.

Unsurprisingly, within a month, Wang’s husband failed again in his business.

This time, even her in-laws directly told her to go borrow money again.

“Aren’t you capable? Go again!”

When Wang Xiuxiang visited again, Liu Chunlan really couldn’t afford to give any more money.

Wang immediately showed her displeasure, “Your husband earns so well, how come you have no silver?”

Liu pleaded desperately, “There are several elderly people at home and two children. We have to pay for medicine and food, not to mention school…”

Wang narrowed her eyes, raised her eyebrows, and sarcastically said, “School? What a luxury! In families like ours, what school are we talking about? Do you really think you can produce a top scholar? I say, don’t bother wasting money!”

Seeing the conversation turn to her children, Liu Chunlan, who had been enduring silently, finally exploded.

“Xiuxiang, leave a little room for others. I won’t even mention the years of friendship we’ve had before. These past few months, washing clothes, fetching water, mending clothes—have you lifted a finger? Haven’t I done everything! I’ve worked like a servant, yet you’re still not satisfied?

In the past few times, you borrowed over ten taels from my family, and we didn’t even ask for a promissory note, not expecting it to be repaid. What more do you want?”

Oh, so she dares to rebel!

Wang Xiuxiang stood there like she was watching a strange spectacle, legs apart, hands on her hips, sneering at her sideways, “What do I want? What can I do? Just hiding for a murderer…”

Liu Chunlan’s face turned pale.

Her lips trembled, “Xiuxiang, you, you…”

She had always feared this day would come, and now it had finally arrived.

Wang Xiuxiang was smug, arms crossed, watching her, “What’s wrong? Scared? Then bring me the silver!”

Silver, silver, always silver!

Liu Chunlan was both anxious and furious—where was she supposed to get the silver?

Was it supposed to fall from the sky?

The promise to keep the secret, the sisterly bond—was that all just a lie?

And now that they had broken ties, she finally saw clearly—Wang Xiuxiang’s family were ungrateful and insatiable, and if she gave in this time, there would surely be a fourth, fifth, sixth time… they would never have peace again.

So…

Cornered and desperate, Liu Chunlan made a firm decision, “Then you might as well report it to the authorities! Let me die and take the blame!”

With that, she slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

Wang Xiuxiang was stunned.

She was so angry she was trembling.

How dare you! How dare you!

Don’t you fear me exposing you!?

Without getting the silver, Wang Xiuxiang naturally didn’t receive any smiles from her in-laws and husband that night. Everyone else ate hearty meals, while she was given only a bowl of thin porridge so clear it could reflect her face.

Life suddenly seemed to return to that suffocating time she had before.

She was furious but dared not argue with her in-laws. After thinking it over, she poured all her resentment onto Liu Chunlan.

If it weren’t for you, if it weren’t for you, how could I have fallen into this situation!

Wang Xiuxiang wanted to expose Liu Chunlan for the murder.

If I can’t live well, you won’t either.

Besides, you’re a murderer—you should pay with your life. I’ve helped cover it up for so long, you’ve already gotten your due.

But then she thought again—Liu’s husband didn’t do anything. Even if he helped cover it up, he would probably be released from prison after a few days.

If they found out it was me who ruined their family, wouldn’t they come after me for revenge?

No, Wang Xiuxiang thought to herself. She had to find a way to distance herself from it all.

Wang Xiuxiang used her limited brainpower for several days. Coincidentally, she heard about a free medical clinic organized by the authorities and suddenly had an idea.

She thought, the authorities valued murder cases the most. If she just said she overheard someone committing a murder, gave the name of the killer and the location where the body was dumped, wouldn’t the officers rush to investigate?

Then, without her saying anything, Liu Chunlan would be implicated, and she could finally vent her anger.

She estimated that Liu’s husband wouldn’t even suspect her…

The more Wang Xiuxiang thought, the smarter she felt. She immediately made up her mind and went to line up.

But the first time, seeing Xie Yu sitting there with a cold expression and an imposing manner, she felt intimidated. She only managed to say a few words before backing out and running away…

After listening to Wang Xiuxiang’s stumbling account, Ma Bing and Xie Yu exchanged glances, both unsure of what to say.

Could you say what she did was wrong? Reporting a crime was a citizen’s duty.

But if you said she was right, she still seemed too petty, too despicable.

Ma Bing felt that if Liu Chunlan had indeed committed murder, she should be punished.

But Wang Xiuxiang’s behavior was truly despicable.

“What about the claim that Liu Chunlan had an affair with the deceased peddler?” Xie Yu pressed.

Wang Xiuxiang was both embarrassed and afraid, mumbling like a mosquito, “Actually, actually, I don’t really know if it’s true… I, no, I just couldn’t stand it, I wanted to say something to vent…”

It was so easy to ruin a woman—just a few rumors would do.

After all, Liu had already committed murder. What harm was there in saying a few more things?

Besides, who knows if she and the peddler didn’t have some kind of relationship? Otherwise, why would he have specifically entered her house and not someone else’s?

Xie Yu frowned, “Bring someone! Have Wang sign the statement.”

Without needing the bailiffs, Ma Bing brought over the clerk’s written testimony and had Wang Xiuxiang press her fingerprint.

After she pressed her fingerprint, Xie Yu checked it again, confirming the key details with Wang Xiuxiang before filing it away.

“Officers, temporarily detain Wang in prison and await further instructions. Yuanpei!”

Wang Xiuxiang was stunned. Seeing the fierce-looking bailiffs coming in from outside, she trembled like a sieve, “Your Honor, Your Honor, have mercy! I haven’t lied even once!”

Wait, hadn’t she confessed everything? Hadn’t she admitted her guilt? Wasn’t she supposed to be sent home?

Why was she still being imprisoned?

Yuanpei, who had come upon hearing the call, raised his hand and signaled the bailiffs to take her away, “You say it’s true, so it’s true? We naturally have to verify it. If she indeed committed murder, she will be punished accordingly. But if you’re making false accusations, you’ll be charged with spreading rumors and defamation!”

In this era, how many people had been ruined by mere rumors?

Xie Yu walked out from behind the desk. Yuanpei asked, “Your Honor, should I go fetch Liu Chunlan for questioning?”

Xie Yu thought for a moment and shook his head, “We still don’t know how much of Wang’s story is true and how much is false. I think I and Ma girl should go there ourselves.”