"Manman, what are you trying to do?" Lady Zhang asked.

"Mother, can’t you see that people are bullying us right to our doorstep? Find a couple of fierce women to tie them up, my brother will write a notice, we’ll send them to the County Yamen, and let it be handled justly." Lian Manman replied.

"Send them to the Yamen?" Lady Zhang hesitated a bit, "Can’t we just chase them away? If we send them to the Yamen..."

For womenfolk to be escorted to the Yamen, it’s an extremely shameful affair.

"Mother, not everyone is like us. If they had any sense of shame, they would hide at home, but instead, they’ve come to our door to cause a ruckus? Mother, we can’t show any weakness in this matter. If we’re soft even a little, they’ll learn from this, and how can my brother, a Scholar, conduct himself outside?" Lian Manman argued.

When it comes to matters that might harm Wu Lang, Lady Zhang had nothing to say. She indeed went to the cross-courtyard and brought two sturdy women over.

Wu Lang asked Xiao Xi to call in Han Zhong, instructed him on what to do, and then went to the study to write a notice.

Following Wu Lang’s instructions, Han Zhong led the two sturdy women and two Changu Palace guards, and went out to tie up Zhao Family’s two women with ropes, bringing them to the roadside.

Many in the village were already informed but dared not approach due to the fear of the Imperially Bestowed Archway, only watching from afar.

"Our master took pity on you as womenfolk and pleaded for you before Lord Magistrate, sparing you from formal charges. But you have been blinded by ignorance and failed to appreciate it, not acknowledging our master’s kindness, and you dare come here and make trouble. You think you can insult the Scholar Master like that beneath the Emperor’s archway, do you realize the gravity of your crime? Is there no law left?" Han Zhong shouted loudly before the crowd.

"Our master is benevolent, otherwise, under the archway, you’d have been beaten to death, rightfully so. But the emperor’s authority is not to be challenged. We’ll send you to the County Yamen for Lord Magistrate to judge fairly, inviting the whole county to witness and make a clear judgment between right and wrong."

Among the crowd, there were cheers and some who shrank back, one of them being Yingzi’s father, who was indeed frightened.

After Han Zhong spoke, he took the notice Wu Lang had written and led the group to take Zhao Family’s two women to the county.

In the evening, Han Zhong returned from the county, saying he had delivered Zhao Family’s women to the County Yamen, handed over the notice, and after the Magistrate read it, he was called for questioning. He narrated the incident of Zhao Family’s women causing a scene under the archway. Without further inquiry, the Magistrate directly ordered them to be shackled and displayed at the Yamen’s entrance.

"Did Zhao Wencai pass through court?" Wu Lang asked Han Zhong.

"He did, Zhao Wencai and his son were flogged, yet they haven’t changed their testimony. Lord Magistrate suggested another hearing tomorrow, and if the outcome remains unchanged, then Master will have to consult him." Han Zhong replied.

As long as Zhao Wencai doesn’t change his testimony, the illegal affair involves Lian Shouren. It’s normal for the Magistrate to consult Wu Lang.

After sending Han Zhong away, there was a brief silence in the room.

"Wu Lang, if this is indeed done by Taicang’s side, are you really going to report this?" After the silence, Lian Shouxin asked Wu Lang.

"Father, we’re not reporting it. If we were, we would write a complaint. My brother just wrote a notice; this is a notification. If my brother learns of illegal activities in the county, he notifies the County Yamen, and it’s up to the Yamen to handle it fairly." Lian Manman stated, "If this truly involves Taicang, the final decision is for the County Magistrate to make. The Magistrate’s suggestion to consult my brother is out of respect for him."

They are only doing what needs to be done; as for the outcome, Lian Manman is not too concerned. She wants everyone to know they’re not aligned with the Lian Family of Taicang, and establishing authority prevents future troublemakers, which is enough for her.

"Hmm." Wu Lang nodded, "Father, I’ve talked to Mr. Luo about this, he supports it strongly."

Generally, once Wu Lang mentions Mr. Luo’s support, Lian Shouxin does not oppose it.

That night, Lian Manman lay in bed, reflecting on the events of the past two days.

"I am really a law-abiding good citizen." Lian Manman couldn’t help but say to herself.

"Manman, what are you saying?" Lian Zhizhi, beside her, hadn’t slept and heard Lian Manman’s odd words, so she asked her.

"Sis, I didn’t say anything." Lian Manman quickly replied.

"Ah," Lian Zhizhi sighed, "Today’s events, I think Father and Mother seem a bit unwilling."

"Sis, do you think what we did today was right or wrong?" Lian Manman asked.

"We did nothing wrong." Lian Zhizhi paused before responding.

"Exactly. Sis, think about why Zhao Wencai dared to ask Father to raise the price of wheat seeds last time? Why did they dare do such deeds right under our noses? Why did Zhao Family’s two women dare come to our doorstep to cause trouble, knowing they weren’t right, not fearing our Imperially Bestowed Archway, nor Brother being a Scholar?" Lian Manman questioned.

"It’s because of Father and Mother..." Lian Zhizhi thought about it and sighed.

"Correct." Lian Manman nodded.

Because knowing that Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang are kind-hearted and gentle, those scoundrels feel there’s an opportunity.

"Father and Mother may not change in their lifetime, but we can’t follow their example. Sis, it’s time to change the family’s customs!" Lian Manman declared.

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First day of the New Year, sending greetings to everyone, thank you all for continuing to support "Rebirth of the Little Landlord" during the Spring Festival, and asking for continued pink votes and support through genuine subscriptions. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit qidian.com to cast your votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)