Chapter 146: One Hundred and Fifty-Three: Dismantling the Liu Family, Crushing Liu Liu Ziwen

One Hundred and Fifty-Three: Dismantling the Liu Family, Crushing Liu Liu Ziwen's Spirit

Liu Liu Ziwen did not know when he had woken.

He did not know how long he had been unconscious.

How had the public trial gone? Had Wang Wang Lengran saved the Liu family? Had Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan continued to pursue justice relentlessly?

Liu Liu Ziwen felt like an aged, sick tiger trapped in a swamp, his consciousness dim and foggy.

Only the searing, bone-deep pain from the bandaged stab wounds on his chest and abdomen occasionally pierced the haze, forcing his mind to flicker awake.

He might have dreamed during this time, but each time he struggled to open his eyes, the dreams vanished into distant oblivion.

It was precisely this intermittent awakening that made Liu Liu Ziwen vaguely realize he had slept for an impossibly long time.

Sometimes, when he opened his eyes, the room was pitch black.

Sometimes, when he opened his eyes, someone appeared to have lit a lamp beside the round table nearby.

Sometimes, when he opened his eyes, the light inside and outside the bed was dim, indistinguishable between evening and dawn.

And now, Liu Liu Ziwen woke again.

He slowly turned his head to look.

Near the bed, beyond the tightly shut window, came the sound of rushing water.

It was a torrential downpour.

In Longcheng County, such heavy rain was uncommon during the plum rain season, which usually brought only drizzling showers.

But such heavy rain meant more than just the plum rain season nearing its end.

It also meant…

The water level of the Lady Yunmeng Marsh upstream would surge again—would the Di Gong Dam hold?

This was the first thought that surfaced in Liu Liu Ziwen's mind, and the first reaction of most Longcheng residents accustomed to floods.

"Husband, you're awake!"

At the table, Xu Shi, who had been sitting dazed, rushed to the sickbed.

Liu Liu Ziwen saw his wife's face—joyful yet bewildered—and glanced toward the door.

His face was pale; with Xu Shi's help, he propped himself up, his dry, cracked lips parting slightly as he whispered weakly:

"Where am I?"

"Husband, you're still under indictment… This is the magistrate's office's ward for sick witnesses, permitted for visitors." Xu Shi spoke timidly.

Whether from crying so often these past days, the plain-looking woman's eyes were swollen and red.

Liu Liu Ziwen paid no attention to his wife; he leaned forward, urgent:

"What's happening outside? How did the public trial go? Cough—cough—cough…"

His words came too fast; he choked, clapping a hand over his mouth as he coughed twice.

"Let me get you some water!"

Xu Shi seemed not to have heard his earlier questions; she looked around, then rose abruptly and hurried out to fetch tea.

As if the noise inside had reached the outside, Liu Liu Ziwen saw Liu Fu limping into the room to peek in.

"L-Lord, you're awake." The limping old steward blinked in surprise.

Liu Liu Ziwen stopped coughing, his tone stern: "Come here. What happened while I was unconscious?"

"Lord, you're finally awake! I'll go notify Second Young Master and the others!"

Liu Fu bowed respectfully and turned to leave.

Liu Liu Ziwen fell silent.

He turned his head, looking at the bare, humble room, then at his white undergarment stained with blood seeping through his chest, and the swaying, unstable bedframe beneath him.

Liu Liu Ziwen realized one good news and one bad news.

The good news: the Yi Yi Bird poison seemed to have been neutralized—likely, Liu Zi'an and the others had given him an antidote later.

The agonizing Yi Yi Bird poisoning had vanished.

He had survived, partly because the poisoned dagger that pierced him had injected its toxin just as it entered his body, before it could fully spread.

Unlike the Lady Yuzhi Immortal's poison, which lay hidden and diffused throughout the body.

The latter's poison struck more violently and lethally.

The bad news: the assassin's dagger had stabbed into his lung, causing the lung lobe to shrink.

Though he had been rescued and survived, the blade had been poisoned and unclean, prone to infection.

Even if he didn't die immediately, he would be plagued by consumption, in unbearable pain.

Liu Liu Ziwen lowered his hand from his mouth, staring blankly at the blood in his palm.

The Yi Yi Bird poison had originally been obtained by his second brother, Liu Zi'an, through the Wei clan's guest, Old Li. Naturally, he had the antidote on hand, just in case.

And this antidote, besides being used on Liu Liu Ziwen now, had actually been used once before.

At the ribbon-cutting banquet outdoors, it had been accidentally given to Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, who was posing as the Lady Yuzhi Immortal.

Before leaving, Liu Liu Ziwen had secretly offered Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan wine laced with the antidote.

The latter had even tricked him out of the Yin Poison's blue vial of Yi Yi Bird toxin.

Because according to the original plan, Liu Liu Ziwen and Liu Zi'an intended for the Lady Yuzhi Immortal to plant the Yin Poison on Chenjun Xie Ling, then trigger the Yang Poison from the red vial during the ribbon-cutting ceremony as needed.

They could not allow the Lady Yuzhi Immortal—who had already unknowingly ingested the Yin Poison—to fall ill and disrupt her mission to kill Shen Shen Xisheng.

But now, it seemed all these calculations had come to nothing, and Liu Liu Ziwen himself had fallen into the trap, manipulated by others…

On the bed, Liu Liu Ziwen stared blankly for a while.

Suddenly, a flurry of footsteps approached outside—many people were coming.

Liu Liu Ziwen wiped the blood from his palm onto the inner sheet and shifted his body to conceal it.

Liu Zi'an and Liu Liu Zilin entered with a group of men dressed in fine brocade robes.

"Big Brother!"

"Young Master."

Seeing the room nearly filled, even prepared as he was, Liu Liu Ziwen's face froze in shock. He spoke:

"Why are you all here?"

"Big Brother, it's nearly the Ghost Festival. The clan brothers who returned to pay ancestral respects were worried about your condition. When they heard you woke, they came together to visit."

Liu Zi'an stepped forward, grasped Liu Liu Ziwen's hand, and explained earnestly.

Liu Liu Ziwen did not look at Liu Zi'an; he silently withdrew his wrist from his grip, leaving the latter with a helpless expression.

Liu Liu Ziwen's gray lips tightened as his gaze swept over Liu Liu Zilin and the other Liu clan brothers gathered around the bed.

Liu Liu Zilin glanced between his elder and younger brothers, as if wanting to speak but holding back; he lowered his eyes.

The other Liu clan brothers, seemingly returned for ancestral rites, stepped forward one by one, offering warm inquiries—appearing deeply concerned.

Liu Liu Ziwen seemed uncomfortable; he took a deep breath and waved them off: "You—"

At that moment, his words were cut off by laughter from outside the door:

"Master Liu, I heard you've awakened. I've brought some fruit to wish you a swift recovery—we'll resume court proceedings soon."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong entered, smiling, accompanied by Yan Yan Liulang and the constables.

Yan Yan Liulang and the others stared coldly at Liu Liu Ziwen and his three brothers, and the entire room of Liu clan members.

Liu Liu Ziwen's Yuanben pale face flushed crimson as if filled with blood; he opened his mouth to speak—then realized everyone else, except him, was bowing respectfully to Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Liu Zi'an, Liu Liu Zilin, and the Liu clan brothers all bowed low: "County Magistrate."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong raised his hand slightly, gesturing downward in a dismissive gesture:

"Ah, no need for formality. These past few days dealing with you all have been quite pleasant—we've grown quite familiar, and you've all been so cooperative. Why be so formal now?"

The young magistrate smiled warmly, turning to the sickbed where Liu Liu Ziwen's face had turned liver-colored:

"I came mainly to see Master Liu. People always say good men die young, while evil ones live a thousand years—but that's not always true.

"Look, Master Liu's complexion is rosy—he's doing just fine!"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong pointed at Liu Liu Ziwen's face, gesturing to the others.

Liu Zi'an and the Liu clan brothers quickly forced smiles.

The atmosphere in the sickroom was warm and harmonious.

If one didn't know, a stranger would never guess these two sides had been fighting to the death just days ago before the public trial.

But Liu Liu Ziwen suddenly turned and asked:

"What do you mean 'familiar'? What do you mean 'cooperative'?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong raised an eyebrow, studying Liu Liu Ziwen's suspicious expression. Behind him, Yan Yan Liulang crossed his arms and gave the room a cold, sweeping glance, then laughed bitterly.

Liu Zi'an stepped forward quickly:

"Nothing, Big Brother. The public trial is temporarily suspended. The County Magistrate, in his magnanimity, has decided to wait until your health improves before proceeding with the cases of the Yao oil sabotage and the assassination of the Inspector.

"Big Brother, this case was entirely the work of that unconscious witch. She manipulated you and the Liu family—we're innocent. The County Magistrate will surely see clearly. You must rest and recover first…"

Liu Liu Ziwen did not look at his second brother; he pushed Liu Zi'an away with a trembling arm, then turned his head silently, his eyes fixed on Liu Liu Zilin and the others like a dying lion trapped in a snare:

"What happened to the public trial? Speak… speak!" He shouted suddenly, then burst into another coughing fit: "Cough—cough—cough!"

Except for Magistrate Ouyang Rong and his men, the Liu family fell utterly silent, avoiding Liu Liu Ziwen's gaze.

"Cough—cough—cough—cough!" Only Liu Liu Ziwen's violent coughing filled the room, as if he were trying to cough out his lungs.

"Big Brother."

Liu Zi'an knelt beside the bed, gripping Liu Liu Ziwen's hand, his face filled with concern.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong glanced sideways at Yan Yan Liulang.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled, picked up a pear from the fruit basket, wiped it with his sleeve, took a bite, and mumbled through his mouth:

"Young Master Liu, I'll take my leave now—won't disturb you brothers' chat."

"No, no, County Magistrate, why not sit a while longer?"

"Alright, I'll sit a bit longer—the rain outside is heavy."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded. Yan Yan Liulang brought a stool; he sat calmly beside the bed, continuing to bite into the pear he had brought himself.

Liu Liu Zian: "..."

Liu clan elders: "..."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong glanced at the group, who seemed on the verge of speaking but held back, then suddenly raised his brow and said:

"Since I'm staying a while longer, I might as well offer a few words."

"I can see Young Master Liu is worried about his elder brother, but matters outside are piling up—you can't afford to delay."

"Hey, the petitions from farmers whose good land was seized and consolidated have piled up like mountains—get them handled quickly."

"Don't forget the promise you made before the entire county during the public trial—if you don't act, the county office will step in again to remind you."

"So, hurry and coordinate with Deputy Magistrate Official Diao to transfer the land deeds of those fields outside the city, and quickly settle the double compensation owed to the oppressed farmers—all must be resolved within three days."

"If your family's silver or grain is temporarily insufficient, you may mortgage or sell valuables and property deeds at the county office—yes, we'll offer you a favorable price..."

"Hey, honestly, if it weren't for Magistrate Wang's full guarantee on your Liu family, the crime of seizing good land and violating our dynasty's equal-field law alone would warrant two full confiscations of your household—you must seize this final chance to repent."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong spoke with a smile, sounding earnest and well-meaning, yet every word cut like a blade.

These words pierced straight into the chest of someone in the room—though that man's chest already bore two knife wounds.

The back of Liu Liu Zian, who had been comforting his elder brother, stiffened.

His right hand, which had been gripping his brother's wrist, suddenly grasped nothing—then Liu Liu Zian's wrist was seized in a blood-smeared palm.

Inside the room, Liu Liu Zilin and other Liu family members averted their gazes—some bowed their heads, others looked sideways—none dared meet the eyes of the man now trembling weakly on the bed, like a crumbling house in the wind.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong acted as if he saw nothing.

Still seated, he continued munching on the juicy pear, listing off details as if reciting family heirlooms:

"Also, many merchants and gentry have accused you of illegal competition and forced buying and selling in the East and West Markets, at Peng Lang Ferry's warehouses and shipping operations."

"Hey, no wonder I heard half the county belonged to your family—so that's how you did it. This won't do; Longcheng County is not a lawless land..."

"Don't drag this out any longer. The deadline from the public trial is up in three days—tomorrow morning, be sure to report to the county office and hand over all the business deeds. The county office will distribute them fairly, saving you further lawsuits."

"Young Master Liu, no need to thank me—this is what I and the county office are obligated to do. We're all citizens of Longcheng; serving you is our duty. Still, if your Liu family insists on presenting embroidered banners, that's fine—but don't set off firecrackers. It's disruptive enough, but letting the whole Lu Ming Street know I received another banner? How embarrassing..."

The young County Magistrate spoke like a benevolent father, offering careful advice, occasionally sighing with concern.

As if afraid the law-abiding Liu family might forget.

Inside the room, one side was Magistrate Ouyang Rong, speaking fluently; the other, the Liu family, growing quieter and quieter.

The atmosphere was neither silent nor lively.

The scene grew strangely unsettling.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly raised his voice: "Did you hear that, Young Master Liu?"

Liu Liu Zian's shoulders jerked; he turned around.

Facing the gaze from behind the bed—like something ready to devour him—he forced a smile at the stern young magistrate:

"Yes, I... I understand, my lord. Your humble subject will comply."

The instant before, Magistrate Ouyang Rong's face had been rigid—he now smiled suddenly, rose, and patted Liu Liu Zian's stiff shoulder:

"Good. Hey, why is Old Master Liu's face changing color—red, then white, now purple? Are you practicing face-changing acrobatics from a traveling circus? Old Master Liu, you've got quite the range of hobbies."

Liu Liu Zian felt needles prick his back; he dared not turn. He sensed the already-unstable bedframe beneath him was beginning to creak and shake apart.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong leaned forward to glance at the man behind Liu Liu Zian, chuckled, and shook his head. He didn't leave yet, but turned to Liu Ziwén's clan elders:

"By the way, you all returned for ancestral worship—yesterday you came to the county office claiming your Liu family once blocked the division of property and seized ancestral assets?"

"I told you to discuss it with Young Master Liu—what did he say? If there's injustice, come to me—I'll stand for you."

The Liu clan elders smiled obsequiously, all shaking their heads, talking over each other: "No, no—Brother Liu Zian is very reasonable. He's agreed to the division, agreed to the division."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded with a smile, scanning the room: "Perfect. Everyone's happy—brothers in harmony, family peace brings prosperity."

Liu Liu Zian took a deep breath and immediately said: "My Lord, the rain has lessened."

"Oh? Really? Seems it has indeed eased. Rain comes and goes so unpredictably. Well then, I'll take my leave. Young Master Liu, stay and keep your Old Master company—I feel his complexion looks off. Could it be... did I eat his pear?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded. Liu Liu Zian hurried to see him off—but before he could move, Magistrate Ouyang Rong, with Yan Yan Liulang and others just a few steps ahead, suddenly turned back:

"Old Master Liu, we've made some progress on the man who tried to assassinate you in broad daylight. Would you like me to take charge? You can file a report now—I and the county office will pursue the true culprit and bring him to justice."

The room fell abruptly silent.

All eyes drifted toward the bed—where the man trembled violently...