The Anarchic Consort c1-1376

by Warring Young Seven

  Chapter 520 - So Odd, Why Didn’t I See Third Brother?

  Helian Wei Wei knew Liao Qingtian would not send assassins to ambush the alley without a good reason.

  There must have been something, or someone, that he wished to get rid of quickly.

  She subdued the group of people and turned to ask Heize, "Second brother, what were they up to in here just now?"

  "I think… they're here for that old lady," Heize paused, pointing toward the blind elder, before continuing, "They've always wanting to kill her."

  Helian Wei Wei's gaze followed his finger to see an elder leaning beneath the gateway, her white hair was disheveled and her expression was bitter, it was unbearable for one to look at.

  "Liao again! It's him again! Oh, all redeeming Guanyin, if there's truly a divine intervention, help this old lady, for Liao Qingtian to suffer the punishment he deserves, I'm willing to do anything, with all my heart!"

  Hearing the old lady's wailed, Helian Wei Wei moved a step forward. She placed down the rocket launcher she was holding and bent down beside the elder's feet. "Granny, are you willing to follow us to the court?"

  "The court?" The two words resonated like some beast to Old Lady Wang. She shrunk back and laughed bitterly, "What good would it make to go to such a place, it will only make the wealthy and powerful even more righteous."

  Helian Wei Wei heard the old lady Wang's words and thought for a moment, "Granny, I'm the newly employed magistrate in charge of the Bayview Seafood Restaurant case. I'm aware that Liao Qingtian should be responsible for all these, so if you truly wish to bring up the case, follow me to the court. You needn't worry, I will bring you justice."

  "The Bayview Seafood Restaurant! Could you really lay your hands on the Bayview Restaurant?!" Old Lady Wang grasped her hands vigorously as if she wanted Helian Wei Wei's to give her an affirmation!

  Helian Wei Wei did not hesitate. She gripped her hand and said, "I promise."

  "Fine then," the old lady Wang's voice deepened. It was hard to tell about her past from the way she responded. "I shall go with you immediately."

  Heize stood aside and laughed, "Granny, for you to be trusting her completely, aren't you afraid that she would sell you out?"

  Old Lady Wang shook her head. There was humor in her tone, "Young chap, I may be blind in the eyes, but my heart isn't. Such a scene that you all made just now, and for you alone to hold out for this long, it was just to protect this old lady. Since you wish to investigate the Bayview Restaurant case, regardless of what the results may be, but merely for the sake of your protection today, I shall follow you to the confrontation!"

  Upon hearing this, Heize and Helian Wei Wei exchanged looks with each other. They both saw respect in one another's eyes for Old Lady Wang.

  For such an elderly with an unyielding upright spirit, she was worthy of respect…

  Bang!

  Following a series of drum rolls, the court gates opened wide.

  The court runners held their wooden rods and stood orderly on both sides as they shouted, "Wei… Wu!"

  This case would be different from any other in the past.

  At first, most of the officers were unaware that the Retired Emperor would be coming, they knew only that Elder Helian would be listening.

  Now that they saw the Retired Emperor sitting on the stands like an unmovable God, many felt their legs gave way. They intended to go over but were frozen in their positions by merely a glance from the Retired Emperor.

  Eunuch Sun spoke, "All lords here, please take a seat. It's almost time, the trial is of utmost importance, and the Retired Emperor doesn't carry that many rules along with him."

  The meaning was clear enough, he was telling them to skip the protocols.

  Elder Helian chuckled as he smoothed over the situation, "Since Steward Sun said so, let's take our seats."

  "Yes, sure!" The other officials would not dare to give any other objections, so they took their respective seats, though their bodies were stiff and they dare not touch the tea before them.

  Liao Qingtian arrived late by comparison, though he was still not late for the trial.

  The one who had yet to arrive was Helian Wei Wei, she was still on her way.

  Liao Qingtian saw this as an opportunity, he then glanced at Lord Xu sitting next to him.

  The two exchanged glances. Lord Xu caught the signal and shook his head while speaking disappointingly, "This Lord Wei, even if he usually doesn't take things seriously, how could he be this careless today?"

  His volume was not considered loud, but it was purposely made audible to the people surrounding the Retired Emperor.

  It was right to do so. Elder Helian stroked his white beard as he took a sip of hot tea.

  The Retired Emperor did not show much expression, wise enough such that others were unable to identify his emotions.

  The servants were already used to this, so none of them were expecting this one comment would cause the Retired Emperor to do anything about Wei. The important thing was for him to hear what they said.

  Then, the Retired Emperor would more or less carry a substandard impression of Wei, and this would make things much easier afterward…

  Liao Qingtian was really scheming on purpose, Eunuch Sun arched his eyebrows, which made him fee; even better.

  For now, it seemed like their objectives had been achieved.

  Heh, Wei Wei, you had brought this upon yourself!

  "For an official of the imperial court to be this lax, this Little Wei, he's too young after all."

  When Little Seven heard Liao Qingtian's words from the side, he gripped his tiny fists tightly. If it wasn't for his Imperial Grandfather who said that he mustn't beat people up in court, or else he wouldn't get his meat buns, he would've had his fists there already!

  This Liao, how dare he dismisses Third Aunt, he really deserves a beating!

  Speaking of which, why didn't he see his Third Brother by now?

  Once Third Brother arrives, he will be able to beat whoever he likes.

  Third Brother mentioned before, if you are bullied, you must beat them up in return!

  The Retired Emperor knew that his youngest grandson was close to exploding, so he gave the little guy a meat bun and stroked his bald head. When he returned his gaze to Liao Qingtian, there was a smudge of iciness in it.

  Liao Qingtian still did not know that he had unintentionally offended the Retired Emperor once again. He held the teacup in his hand and laughed, "If Lord Wei still doesn't turn up…"

  "How unexpectedly for General Liao to miss me so much." A plain tone sounded from the crowd beyond the court gates.

  The commoners gave way automatically as Helian Wei Wei slowly strolled past. A smile played on her lips, her long robe fluttered, simple and plain as usual, the only difference from usual was that this time, she appeared with a half mask on her face.

  Elder Helian furrowed his thick brows. Was it his misconception?

  "Since Lord Wei is here, let's quickly begin the trial. We've wasted a lot of time waiting for you." Liao Qingtian purposefully made the matter sound severe to infuriate Helian Wei Wei. He thought that since Wei came from a remote area, surely he had not seen the Retired Emperor before. Once his emotions were unstable, he would probably be outspoken in his speech. By then, the Retired Emperor will detest him...

  Chapter 521 - Here Comes The Slapping! Swoosh Swoosh Swoosh!

  Helian Wei Wei knew exactly what he was thinking. She curled her lips as said, "Before we begin the trial, I would like to ask General Liao a few things."

  "What is it?" Liao Qingtian replied indifferently. No matter what you ask me now, I will have my ways to punish you!

  Helian Wei Wei stared at him while asking sternly, "Firstly, who gave General Liao the authority to release Magistrate Liao and the other criminals who are guilty of a serious crime in the imperial court?"

  "The criminals who are guilty of a serious crime in the imperial court?" Liao Qingtian chuckled, "I have re
viewed the case that Lord Wei was in charge of, the evidence you were referring to was merely fabricated by the private advisor of yours. After the verification from the other officers, we all believed that it should not be considered as evidence."

  The moment Liao Qingtian finished his sentence, the other officials spoke up for him, "General Liao is right, Lord Wei. Don't just think of who to arrest, sometimes you should check if there are any mishaps in the course of your trials."

  "Therefore, do you all mean even if Lord Chen arrested the criminal himself, it still doesn't mean that Magistrate Liao is guilty of charge?" Helian Wei Wei said calmly. "Lord Chen is the governor of three provinces appointed by the Retired Emperor himself with the duty to arrest corrupt officials. Even a three-year-old child would know a person should recuse from a trial as a family member, but General Liao has set Magistrate Liao free by your own will. Are you trying not to acknowledge Lord Chen or the Retired Emperor?"

  "Lord Wei, please refrain from making false accusations in court," Liao Qingtian warned her with a deep voice.

  Helian Wei Wei smiled faintly, "Relax, General Liao. I've only asked you about one incident, why are you upset already?"

  "Don't be ahead of yourself, Lord Wei. I'm not upset. Instead, I'm just reminding you for what you shouldn't speak of." Liao Qingtian held his hands tightly under his long sleeves, but his tone was calm.

  Helian Wei Wei ignored him and continued, "Secondly, the people from Bayview Seafood Restaurant dare to remove the seal by the yamen although it was just put up, while General Liao didn't seem to be bothered and even hosted a party for your brother, Magistrate Liao to welcome all of the officials there. General Liao, perhaps my education qualification is low, please do not tell me you don't know the meaning behind a yamen seal."

  "Speaking of which, I would like to ask Lord Wei too. Are you aware that your actions of closing down Bayview Restaurant before the verification of the incident have affected the provincial capital terribly?" Liao Qingtian said with indignation. "That is a hundred-year-old heritage restaurant of the provincial capital, many businessmen came just for the seafood at the Bayview Restaurant. Your actions have indeed caused a huge loss to the entire provincial capital."

  Helian Wei Wei raised her eyebrows. "General Liao does possess good eloquence, but since General Liao mentioned investments from businessmen, I have done some simple statistics and found that the provincial capital has no foreign investors anymore since four years ago. Therefore, I really don't see how big an effect it will cause to the provincial capital by closing down Bayview Restaurant for inspection purposes. The only thing which could affect the impression of the businessmen toward provincial capital will be the Bayview Restaurant's sky-high pricing!"

  When Liao Qingtian heard her words, he squinted his eyes and smiled, "It seems like Lord Wei has a strong prejudice toward Bayview Seafood Restaurant. The entire provincial capital knows that Bayview Restaurant is well-known for its delicious food and affordable price, their prawns and crabs are the freshest. I think it's not good for Lord Wei to spread false rumors in front of so many people about Bayview Restaurant in court."

  Liao Qingtian's sentence had caused a ruckus right away.

  "That's right! Do you think you can simply defile the reputation of our Bayview Restaurant just because you are an imperial official? Ask anyone on the streets in the provincial capital and they would tell you that Bayview Restaurant is quality assured and it is a delicious eatery. Are you not worried that you would cause fury among the citizens for acting like this!" Shouts were heard loudly among the crowd, so loud that it seemed unreal.

  Liao Qingtian c.a.r.e.s.sed his moustache. "Lord Wei, you heard it too, these are the citizen's thoughts. As an imperial official, you should not adjudicate the case out of prejudice."

  Helian Wei Wei lowered her gaze once she heard him.

  Liao Qingtian assumed she was frightened, thus he smiled triumphantly.

  Then, the sound of drums banging was heard!

  A handsome man with a devilish vibe walked steadily into the yamen and said, "I am here to file a lawsuit against Liao Qingtian."

  The yamen was in a thorough mess only because of his few words.

  The officials looked at one another.

  The Retired Emperor who was drinking tea before his glance fell upon the man's face. As he stared at him, his eyes flashed a hint of wisdom.

  It was rather unexpected.

  What sort of scheme was Wei Wei plotting.

  The Retired Emperor initially planned to seek justice for Helian Wei Wei, but he has changed his mind now...

  Liao Qingtian furrowed his eyebrows as he regained his thoughts. "Sir, I think you have gotten this wrong, I, Liao Qingtian has never done anything that would harm the citizens."

  "You should know what you've done, let me tell you this, you are the one I intend to sue," Hei Zhe smirked devilishly, and that sent him fuming!

  Liao Qingtian had never met anyone who dared talk to him in such a manner, he really was unaware of the consequences!

  Liao Qingtian grunted coldly and said loudly, "Who is this uncultured servant, how dare you defile me! Sentence him to 50 beatings, take him away!"

  "General Liao!" Jiang Liuyun immediately walked in as soon as he heard someone was about to harm the second master. " What crime did my master commit for you to punish him with 50 beatings?"

  It was as if Liao Qingtian had lost his voice suddenly as he looked at Jiang Liuyun's face dumbfoundedly, he then asked stiffly, " Master?"

  "Old Master Hei's oldest grandchild," Jiang Liuyun replied to him.

  Liao Qingtian could not take it anymore, but he was unable to make any move yet.

  The Retired Emperor asked calmly while he sipped on his tea, "Little Hei, what crime are you planning to sue Liao Qingtian?"

  "He misused his position to order the City Defense Army to enter the city to murder someone in broad daylight!" Heize pointed at his own shoulder, "This injury is the evidence."

  Liao Qingtian was stunned, his face instantly paled!

  How did this happen!

  He clearly ordered the men to eliminate Old Lady Wang only!

  How come Master Hei was injured by accident?

  But the main thing is, why would Master Hei appear in such a place?

  Perhaps he is just passing by?

  Now, coming to think of it, they were taking way too much time. Even if Commander Wang decided to have fun, Zhang Xin would have been back with the news by now.

  But in fact, Zhang Xin was nowhere to be found.

  His guts and experience as an official told him that something went amiss!

  Chapter 522 - General Liao’s Self-seeking For Humiliation

  "Master Hei, there must be some misunderstanding!" By the time Liao Qingtian realized that he was pointed out, his first reaction was to clarify himself, "I've been running errands between the yamen and Bayview Seafood Restaurant. How could it be possible for me to send someone to commit a crime? Is someone trying to slander me? How dare they try to kill Master Hei in broad daylight? Even if I'm the bravest man, I would not dare to instruct anyone to do this!"

  Liao Qingtian showed that he was really infuriated. He was wise enough to act in such a manner, and more importantly, as he paused, he did not forget to mention Helian Wei Wei, "Lord Wei, why are you ignoring the disturbance created by someone else? The court had to offer you plentiful of salary, so you better do your job!"

  In fact, in normal circ.u.mstances, the local magistrate had to take responsibility for something that had happened in the provincial capital.

  Liao Qingtian's accusation was right. This was the reason why he dared to do so. He was obviously prepared for this from the beginning, ensuring no yamen runners meddling in this incident.

  Without those yamen runners, Wei could not take action even if he did receive any news.

  As for this incident, he would be blamed for being careless at most, but for Magistrate Wei, he could hardly escape himself from bl
ame!

  However, Liao Qingtian was not expecting to hurt Heize by accident.

  Thanks to this commotion, the punishment for Wei would get increasingly heavier as well!

  Liao Qingtian's saying had caused some to respond to his words. After hearing his words, the lords sitting aside understood his purpose and looked toward Helian Wei Wei. "Lord Wei, Master Hei was seriously injured but the yamen is not sending any yamen runners to investigate? This is not right."

  "That's true. The official's salary given to the yamen from the court isn't for no purpose."

  "What is the point of setting a yamen if the safety of the capital could not be taken care of?"

  The sounds of punitive requests were covering up Helian Wei Wei like the tide.

  Liao Qingtian did not know that Heize and Helian Wei Wei had known each other. So he seized the opportunity to clarify himself, "Master Hei, you've heard the words from the lords. Although I'm in charge of the City Defense Army, I couldn't control if any accident happens in this city. If I've known that Master Hei had come to the provincial capital, I would send guards to protect you!"

  "It's easier said than done, General Liao," Helian Wei Wei laughed faintly and answered in a light tone.

  While Liao Qingtian put on a stern face, he uttered "Lord Wei, please stop slandering me. Again I ask, why didn't you send some yamen runners to investigate when someone has created a disturbance? Lord Wei, I don't think you're eligible to be a magistrate for your dereliction of duty to this extent!"

  Liao Qingtian thought that Helian Wei Wei had sent nobody over so he kept asking this question.

  Yet, to his surprise, Helian Wei Wei raised the corner of her lips upon hearing his interrogation. She answered unhurriedly, "Who said that I didn't bother about this incident?"

  "Did you?" Liao Qingtian sounded unbelievable.

  It was impossible!

  All of the yamen runners were at his beck and call. They would definitely not leave the yamen without his order!