Chapter Fifty-Three: The So-Called Lawsuit

At this moment, the main hall of Kaifeng Prefecture presented a truly bizarre scene. Magistrate Liu Xiantang sat beneath a grand painting of the rising sun, his stern expression framed by a plaque inscribed “The Bright Mirror Hangs High.” The setting was imposing and solemn, yet no one could fathom the depth of frustration raging in Liu’s heart. Gazing at the plaintiff and defendant before him, he nearly wished he could smash his head against the floor in despair.

What kind of nightmare was this? One was a notorious villain of the court; the other, a royal prince. Who was he supposed to judge? Which wretch had sent the case to Kaifeng Prefecture? Why not to the Ministry of Justice or the Grand Court?

Zhao Yu, however, wore the air of a man unconcerned by impending disaster—after all, he was about to leave, and who could touch him now?

Originally, Zhao Yu’s route home didn’t pass by Wang Fu’s residence, but after his public performance outside Zhao Kai’s mansion, his itinerary changed, setting the stage for what followed. Though Zhao Yu was determined to leave the capital, slipping away without a ripple was not in his character. The circumstances of his departure differed from what he’d once imagined, so he couldn’t help but harbor some emotions about it.

Wang Fu’s misfortune was well-deserved; he happened upon Zhao Yu, whose pent-up anger was searching for an outlet. Faced with such injustice, how could Zhao Yu not intervene? Moreover, Wang Fu had long been on Zhao Yu’s list of targets. After summoning Wang Fu, Zhao Yu strode forward before all present and personally pinned him to the ground, beating him soundly.

Naturally, Wang Fu’s household refused to stand by as their master was assaulted. But with Lin Chong and Yan Qing by Zhao Yu’s side, no one could hope to harm him.

The result was a spectacle: delighted crowds watched Zhao Yu thrash Wang Fu, while his two companions chased and beat dozens of Wang Fu’s servants, cheers and applause ringing out continuously.

Those family members not beaten could only seek help from Kaifeng Prefecture officers, who happened by to maintain order after hearing of the brawl.

It was a classic case of immortals battling while mortals suffered; the officers wished to wash their hands of it, but the crowd would not allow it. Furthermore, with a deputy minister present—a high-ranking official—Kaifeng Prefecture dared not offend. Zhao Yu, panting from his exertions, demanded the case be handled impartially.

According to Zhao Yu, it was not merely a matter of assault; Wang Fu had forcibly seized the residences of officials. How could this go unpunished?

Helpless, the officers brought everyone back to the Prefecture.

Staring at the groups before him, Liu Xiantang resolved that once this affair was concluded, he would resign. Whoever wanted the job could have it—he would never serve as magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture again.

Others became officials for profit; this post cost him not only money but his very life.

Wang Fu, battered and disoriented, wished to summon a physician, but Zhao Yu dragged him into the hall. Now, Wang Fu sat slumped in a chair provided by Liu Xiantang, moaning in pain and refusing to say a word.

Liu Xiantang understood Wang Fu’s character all too well; he secretly wished the man had been beaten to death.

Though it was evening, the identities of those involved were so sensitive that crowds thronged outside the hall, occasionally erupting into cheers for Zhao Yu.

Liu Xiantang knew that prolonging matters would solve nothing. He cleared his throat and said, “Your Highness, though you are a prince and any wrongdoing should be judged by the Imperial Clan Court, the nation has laws. To strike a court official in the street is a disgrace to the realm. In my opinion, you should apologize to Lord Wang and compensate him for medical expenses. Let that be the end of it.”

Zhao Yu chuckled inwardly at this verdict—Liu Xiantang was masterful at smoothing things over.

He nodded and replied in a grave tone, “Apologizing is not out of the question, but this corrupt official has abused his power, forcibly appropriating neighboring residences. How is that to be judged? If he can do this to a court official, would he silence commoners altogether?”

His words left Liu Xiantang speechless. He turned to Wang Fu for an answer, but seeing Wang Fu’s swollen, pig-like face, he could barely contain a smile.

To avoid losing composure, he quickly faced forward again, stifling his laughter, and said, “Your Highness, it grows late and Lord Wang is injured. Let him seek treatment, and we will review the case later.”

By this point, Zhao Yu’s objective was achieved: Wang Fu’s reputation was utterly ruined.

He nodded, approached Wang Fu, and feigned surprise, “Oh dear, Lord Wang, how did you come by those injuries?”

Wang Fu grit his teeth in hatred but remained silent, only groaning, knowing that nothing he said would be of use.

Zhao Yu smiled coldly, lowered his voice, and said, “Tell your master this: anyone who tries to scheme against me will find this far from over.”

He then turned to Liu Xiantang and saluted, “Lord Wang has just said he fell by accident—it has nothing to do with me. The people outside can testify. Tomorrow I must embark on a journey, so I beg your pardon—I take my leave.”

With those words, Zhao Yu strode out. The crowd parted, cheering once more as he passed.

At that moment, Zhao Yu resembled a celebrity, waving to the people as he left…

When Wang Fu’s family carried him out, jeers erupted from all sides, and in the darkness someone hurled rotten vegetables and foul eggs…

Watching Wang Fu and his retinue depart like rats, Liu Xiantang slammed his desk and growled, “Listen well! From now on, no one is to meddle in matters concerning Prince Yi. If there is another incident like today, I’ll crush you myself…”

Zhao Yu and his party returned home amid the crowd’s cheers. Accompanying him was the Xu family. Zhao Yu knew Wang Fu dared not harm him, but would surely seek revenge against Xu, so he temporarily sheltered them in his mansion. Since he was leaving, there was no reason for the vast estate to remain empty.

For this journey, only the maids Xiuxiu and Wan Yu accompanied him; the others stayed behind.

In truth, if not for his mother’s worries, Zhao Yu would have brought no women at all.

Xiuxiu and Wan Yu busied themselves packing while Zhao Yu instructed Lin Chong. Soon, Xu requested an audience at the gate.

Xu, about forty, was in the prime of his career, but everyone knew that after this incident, his official path was all but over.

Zhao Yu could do nothing about such matters—the bureaucracy was a world he could not influence.

Lin Chong withdrew, inviting Xu inside. As soon as he entered, Xu knelt before Zhao Yu.

“Your servant thanks Your Highness for your aid. I hear you plan to travel to the south—might you allow me to accompany you?”

Zhao Yu was taken aback; his trip to the south was merely a pretext, and he had no intention of governing. But with Yang Xu absent, he did lack a learned adviser.

“Your Highness may not know—after I submitted a memorial impeaching the old villain, he learned of it and has sought revenge at every turn. I know among the princes only Your Highness dares to speak out and abhors evil. I beg you to take me in.”

Zhao Yu laughed at this—standing up for justice and hating evil? Surely this man knew of his own deeds.

Indeed, seeing through but not exposing it—he was a shrewd and useful man...