Transmigrated Leftover Woman in Rural Style

Now that they had agreed on a plan, everyone could go their separate ways after dinner. Since most of the Li family members were injured or ill, Su called over Aunt Zhou and Aunt Huang to discuss the matter together.

Before setting off, Li Xiaonuan declared, "Third Uncle, Aunts, thank you in advance. Please tell everyone what you are going to do in a grand and public manner. Don't be afraid of people finding out. We want people to know that even if we want to win people's hearts, we will do so openly and honestly."

Aunt Zhou was quick-witted and understood almost immediately: "Oh my, our Xiao Nuan is so farsighted. We should make this matter of winning people's hearts public, so that others won't make a fuss about it. Even if some people keep bringing it up, we can argue back without losing our temper."

Seeing that everyone finally understood what she meant, Li Xiaonuan smiled knowingly: "Aunties and Uncle, don't expect this to work out. After all, most people are greedy. Our family isn't exactly wealthy. If we can't manage it within fifty taels, then let's just come back."

Xiao Yang laughed from the side, "There are always more kind-hearted people than honest ones. Even if they can't agree on the spot, they'll stand up for you later. As for those who did bad things, they'll lose all face and reputation in this matter, and their end will definitely not be good."

With a solution found, everyone felt relieved and smiled after hearing Xiao Yang's words. Knowing that officials would definitely come to summon them today, Xiao Yang, the only one who could hold his own, did not participate in the plan.

Third Uncle, along with Aunt Huang and Uncle Huang, went to find the families of the two wives who had been tortured to death. Aunt Zhou and her eldest son went to the matchmaker's house first.

After this incident, Li Xiaonuan felt even more strongly that she needed to repay the Zhou and Huang families. Of course, she already treated Grandma Yu as her own grandmother. Thinking about it, their family was quite tragic. They clearly had their own elders, yet they could only find affection from non-blood relatives.

It was a drowsy summer afternoon. The incessant chirping of cicadas made one feel sleepy. Just then, two constables arrived at Li Xiaonuan's house. One of them was a villager, and upon entering, he immediately addressed her as "Auntie" and "Uncle Li." After being invited inside and served tea, the constable from the village began to speak of his business.

"Here's the thing, there's a family surnamed Li in Niushan County who took your marriage certificate to the yamen and filed a lawsuit against your family. This is the summons. Uncle Li, please read it carefully and keep it safe. Remember to be on time for the trial tomorrow."

With trembling hands, Father Li took the summons and read it carefully, suppressing his anger. Fortunately, during his recovery, Father Li had been studying the Tao Te Ching with Li Xiaonuan, so he was able to recognize all the characters on the document.

In the official document, the Li family's account was as dramatic as a play, turning the fabricated story of Li Xiaonuan's family's fraudulent marriage into an undeniable fact. They even clearly explained how much dowry Su Shi had taken from their family during the engagement and who the witnesses were.

After receiving the official document, Xiao Yang couldn't help but sneer: "Oh ho, they really are lying with their eyes closed, aren't they afraid of being punished by the officials? This witness probably has never even seen my mother in his life. Look, just the day before yesterday, my mother and I were still fertilizing the fields. Everyone in the village can testify to that."

Upon hearing Xiao Yang's words, Madam Su asked, "Why are you bringing this up with me? What's written on it?"

Xiao Yang replied casually, "Mother, this official document says that you arranged my sister's marriage with the Li family in Laren Village the day before yesterday, and you also accepted twenty taels of silver as a betrothal gift, as well as a white jade bracelet that has been passed down for ten generations. It also says that the bracelet is worth ten thousand taels of silver."

Upon hearing this, Su was furious: "The day before yesterday, you and I were fertilizing the bean plants in the field, and many villagers who were clearing land there can testify to that. How could I possibly have gone to Laren Village to arrange a marriage for your sister? Liangzi, your parents were clearing land there that day too, and they can all testify to me."

Seeing that Su was somewhat agitated, Liangzi, a village yamen runner, quickly reassured her, "Auntie, don't worry. Our officials don't just believe what that family says. That's why they sent us to tell you that you can just go to court tomorrow and give your answers. Don't worry, Auntie, our officials are discerning and will definitely not wrong you."

That's true. Because Prince Jing had previously instructed the officials of the prefecture to keep an eye on the Li family, everyone from the prefect to the county magistrate was trying to cultivate a good relationship with them. After all, someone who could gain the favor of a prince must have something special about them.

"Liangzi, don't tease your aunt. This is serious business," said Father Li, still doubtful.

Liangzi laughed heartily, waved his hand cheerfully, and said, "Look at what Uncle Li is saying, do you think we're the kind of people who can't tell what's important? The magistrate really entrusted us with this, telling you all to rest assured. I think the magistrate wants to use this matter to clear your family's name."

The other officer, who had been silent until now, nodded in agreement and said, "Because of the previous case involving Miss Li's rumors, many people are dissatisfied with your judgment, sir. You want to take this opportunity to quell their resentment."

Since both officials have said so, this matter shouldn't be too troublesome. The only concern is that something might go wrong with the old lady. Even if Li Xiaonuan's family is in the right, they will be bound by filial piety.

"Now that the message has been delivered, let's go back and get on with our business. Aunt, Uncle Li, remember to be at the yamen tomorrow at 9:00 AM for your trial." Seeing that Father Li and the others had read the official documents, the two officers got up to take their leave.

Xiao Yang escorted the two men to the door and slipped each of them a tael of silver. The two initially declined, but Xiao Yang's persuasive words won them off. In the end, they reluctantly accepted Xiao Yang's reward and happily returned to the yamen.

That evening, only Aunt Zhou and her son returned. Unsurprisingly, the matchmaker refused to come forward and testify that Li had deliberately arranged for her to marry into the Li family. However, some nosy neighbors, having received money, claimed to know the person who had come to the matchmaker and were willing to testify in court.

As for Uncle San and the others, they probably won't be back until tomorrow. Niushan County is quite far, and they also need to meet with people to discuss matters, so it will take longer. But after reviewing the official documents, Li Xiaonuan and the others felt much more at ease.

The next morning, Xiao Yang drove the carriage he had borrowed from Uncle Liang's house, carrying his family into the city. At 1:15 AM, the county magistrate held court. Madam Su, supporting Li Xiaonuan, knelt in the main hall behind Li's father and two sons.

The Li family also arrived, including the mother and son who had come to propose marriage the other day, along with two men and a bride. The two families knelt on either side, waiting for the magistrate to speak.

The disciplinary rod slammed against the floor, followed by a long shout of "Majesty!" from the bailiffs on either side, and then the gavel struck. The magistrate spoke with an air of absolute authority.

"Who are you here today, and what brings you here?"

The plaintiff spoke first: "The Li family of Niushan County General Store is suing the Li family of Xinzhou Village, Fucheng, for concealing a fraudulent marriage. The complaint is hereby submitted." This was the eldest son of the Li family.

The complaint was presented, and the clerk gestured for Li Xiaonuan and the others to respond.

Father Li led the Li family in kowtowing again, loudly proclaiming, "Li Dacai, the patriarch of the Li family in Xinzhou Village, and his entire family are here awaiting trial."

The gavel struck again, and the court hearing officially began.