Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 181 Doctors are exempt from punishment

To guard against Wang Shen's sneak attack, Shi Shouxin lay in ambush at the village entrance for most of the night, but nothing happened. Even when he delivered food to Wang Jun the next day at noon, no one came to rescue this "Young Master Wang."

"You have no one backing you, so why are you so arrogant?"

Is it really fun to strut around naked and act all high and mighty?

Inside the woodshed of Shi Shouxin's house, the Imperial Censor Shi looked at Wang Jun, who was wolfing down his food, with a pitying expression and asked, "I really can't understand it."

In fact, not only Shi Shouxin couldn't understand it, but even Wang Jun himself couldn't understand it.

He thought he should have a credit card limit of several million, but when he actually went to the supermarket to use it, he found that the limit was zero!

"General Shi, Lord Shi, Shi Yeye! I was really wrong, I shouldn't have come here, please let me go."

It was the Crown Prince of Jin who instigated me! He sent Yang Xiu to help me save face, saying he would show you Wei Xiu's marriage certificate, and then have the Crown Prince of Jin come to your house to arrest people.

I was just running errands for someone else. I didn't even know if Wei Xiu ended up being delivered to me!

I just wanted to come here and make myself look good!

Wang Jun said with tears streaming down his face.

He wasn't doing it out of regret; he was simply because he knew he was going to die.

Shi Shouxin shook his head. Even if he wanted to release Wang Jun now, and even if Wang Jun really wouldn't retaliate, there was no reason to just let him go like that.

Not to mention that he had no intention of letting this guy go at all.

A person's reputation matters. Wang Jun came to slap him in the face; how could he leave without suffering a severe beating?

This is a matter of face, and you can't make a decision just because you want to!

If Wang Shen doesn't cut off some flesh, Wang Jun will have to obediently squat in the woodshed.

Just then, Huiniang walked in. She first glanced at the listless Wang Jun, then pulled Shi Shouxin aside and said, "My lord, Du Yu requests an audience. He says he is now the Prefect of Henan, in charge of miscellaneous affairs around Luoyang, and he has come for Wang Jun."

Du Yu actually came?

Shi Shouxin was shocked. He hadn't expected that the first savior Wang Shen brought would be Du Yu!
He gave Huiniang a few instructions, telling her to lock the woodshed door, and then went to his own main hall.

Du Yu, dressed in a black official robe, seemed to have been waiting for a while.

"Brother Yuankai, what brings you here?"

Shi Shouxin grasped Du Yu's forearms with both hands and said in a very joyful tone.

Du Yu smiled and said, "I'm here just for something I'm supposed to do. Of course, you can think I'm doing this on someone else's behalf. How is Wang Jun doing now?"

"They were locked up in the woodshed. They came here with fifty personal guards to snatch them, but none of these guards were wearing armor, and they were killed by my armored troops."

"I've never seen unarmored soldiers dare to fight against armored soldiers before."

Shi Shouxin waved his hand and succinctly explained the course of events.

Du Yu was speechless. Wang Jun was probably used to being arrogant and domineering, but he didn't expect to run into a brick wall this time.

How could Wang Yanei, a thief, possibly have his men wear armor? That would mean they'd have to rest by the roadside every few steps. Little did they know that Zhao's troops had just received the Imperial Guard's equipment from Sima Zhao, and the equipment they hadn't taken with them was temporarily piled up in the Shi family's courtyard.

Wang Jun arrived with his troops lightly armed, only to encounter heavily armored soldiers!
"Well then, I'll go back and tell some people what happened. You can deal with them as to what happens next. I'm not involved in this kind of thing."

Du Yu nodded, indicating that he was aware of the situation and that such matters were inherently troublesome; if he could avoid them, he would definitely not get involved.

Shi Shouxin saw him out of the courtyard and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Shen, as expected, backed down. Perhaps he didn't want to mobilize troops, or perhaps he couldn't mobilize them; in any case, Wang Shen could only resolve the matter by following the official procedures.

Shi Shouxin felt much more at ease. To be honest, if they were to engage in a direct confrontation with the army on the outskirts of Luoyang, the end result would be mutual destruction.

In the afternoon, the Wei family sent someone to deliver a "contract of sale." The middle wife was not entitled to a marriage certificate, and this "contract of sale" was proof of that. It stated explicitly that Wei Xiu was Shi Shouxin's middle wife, and that everything concerning Wei Xiu in the future would be arranged by Shi Shouxin, with the Wei family no longer having any involvement.

This contract effectively sealed the door to a woman marrying twice.

Feeling guilty, Wei Shi didn't dare to come; instead, he was sent by Wei Guan's son, Wei Heng.

Wei Shi's role in this matter was far from honorable; he was playing both sides. However, Wei Shi hadn't anticipated that Wang Shen would be so easily defeated, and the plan was aborted before it even began.

The common practice among the aristocratic Tianlong families is to change course with the wind. Once the outcome was decided, the situation became clear.

Before Wang Jun was even released, Wei Xiu's matter had already been settled.

"Oh my, he became a marquis of ten thousand households with such ease, it's truly unexpected."

Holding the "contract of sale," Shi Shouxin proudly waved it in front of Wei Xiu before handing it to her.

"My father is completely blind!"

Wei Xiu couldn't help but curse. After reading the contract of sale, she returned it to Shi Shouxin with a look of disgust.

Shi Shouxin circled her twice, looking her up and down, and muttered to himself in confusion, "Where did this 'lucky wife' look come from? Pei Xiu just made up a few things, and so many people actually believe it."

Hearing this, Wei Xiu sat on the bed and asked with a resentful look, "My lord, I've never been told anything about bringing good fortune to my husband or that I'll become a marquis. But after being sent to you for only two days, I've become a living auspicious omen. Do people think I'm uneducated?"

It's rare to run into someone with a clear head.

Shi Shouxin sat down next to Wei Xiu, put his arm around her shoulder and comforted her, "They don't care about you, but I do."

"Ugh!"

Wei Xiu sighed and rested her head on Shi Shouxin's arm. In just these few days, she had witnessed more of the coldness and warmth of human relationships than in the previous ten years.

Before long, Shi Shouxin fed her some medicine to regulate her blood and qi, and Wei Xiu lay down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep. Her health was indeed not very good; compared to Li Wan back then, it was like heaven and earth.

After settling Wei Xiu in, Shi Shouxin had a huge pit dug in his family's cemetery, and then threw all the corpses piled up in the pit and buried them.

To broaden Wang Yanei's horizons, he even made Wang Jun watch the entire process of digging a pit and dumping the body. Wang Jun trembled with fear, terrified that Shi Shouxin would bury him as well. When he left, he reeked of a strong, foul stench.

It is considered very unlucky to bury people in one's own field, but Shi Shouxin thought that since this place would be Shi Chong's Golden Valley Garden in the future, digging a big pit to bury some people could be considered a "generous gift" for Shi Chong when he left.

It was already evening. Shi Shouxin calmly ate his dinner, then took a walk and practiced his sword in the courtyard. He went to his bedroom early, exchanged ideas about sex with Huiniang, and practiced their skills before turning off the lights and going to bed.

After the courtyard quieted down, all Shi Shouxin could hear was Hui Niang's soft breathing.

Boom!Boom!Boom!
At midnight, someone knocked on the courtyard gate.

Shi Shouxin jumped out of bed as if by reflex, quickly dressed and lit the lamp. He didn't wake Hui Niang, who had fallen asleep due to excessive excitement. After tidying his clothes, he pushed open the door and went to the main hall.

Several guards were already on duty, standing in two rows with swords at their sides. Standing in the center of the hall was a middle-aged man wearing a straw hat. He was accompanied by his entourage and several large trunks piled up in the courtyard.
"I am Chen Yu, son of Chen Qian, and magistrate of Luoyang."

Du Yuankai has already told me that I will handle Wang Jun's case.

Chen Yu, his face cold and stern, looked at Shi Shouxin and spoke. Without any pleasantries or smiles, he went straight to the point.

"It's already a case...?"

Shi Shouxin frowned slightly, saying that this was somewhat different from what he had expected. He had originally thought that the imperial court would try to deceive him.

"Yes, Wang Shen was not strict with his subordinates and did not educate his son properly. His son, Wang Jun, led fifty personal guards to storm the residence of an official, attempting to abduct the women in the house. He was killed in the attack and Wang Jun was captured."

The case file is here; Prefect Shi may take a look.

After speaking, he instructed his attendant to hand a wooden box to Shi Shouxin. However, Shi Shouxin did not take it; there was no need to verify such a thing, as doing so would only diminish his prestige.

Then Chen Yu bowed to Shi Shouxin and said:
“Wang Shen intends to atone for his sins with money, and I have brought the money with me. Shi Sima has two choices.”

First, I will convict Wang Jun and take the money back with me.

Secondly, you reached a private settlement, and the authorities will not investigate unless the public reports it.

Regardless of the choice, Wang Jun's case will be recorded. The only difference is whether the government will pursue his criminal liability.

Even if he were to be held responsible, he could atone with money. After all, your family members are unharmed, so this matter will surely be minimized and eventually forgotten.

Let me speak frankly. No matter what choice Shi Sima makes, Wang Jun will simply continue as an official and have his property confiscated as appropriate. His future has little to do with this case.

Of course, if Shi Sima wants to deal with him, whether he secretly buries him alive or throws him into the river to drown, Chen will not stop him.

But that's a different case, and it might not be Chen who investigates it.

My visit at this late hour is merely to give you and Wang Jun some face.

This is the will of the Prince of Jin. Tonight I will definitely take Wang Jun back to prison. If Sima Shi is dissatisfied, he can go to the Prince of Jin's residence to reason with the Prince.

"I'm just a messenger; I can't make decisions. I hope Commander Shi won't make things difficult for me."

These words surprised Shi Shouxin quite a bit, because... Sima Zhao actually made a move.

Or perhaps Sima Yan wanted to ask Chen Qian for help, and then the cunning Chen Qian reported to Sima Zhao, who then sent Chen Qian's son, Chen Yu, the magistrate of Luoyang, to handle the situation.

On the surface, this move was practically flawless. Chen Yu's official position was specifically for handling this matter, and it was even more targeted than Du Yu's.

Du Yu, as the Prefect of Henan, had to review both major and minor cases, while Chen Yu, as the Magistrate of Luoyang, was specifically tasked with addressing illegal activities by officials and their families within Luoyang!
It is also possible that Du Yu secretly helped Shi Shouxin by reporting the matter to Sima Zhao.

However, with Sima Zhao's intervention, the matter came to an end. Even Sima Yan could not easily get involved.

Chen Yu's sneaky visit late at night was nothing more than an attempt to quietly take Wang Jun away, complete the formalities in the prison, and release him back to Wang Shen's military camp before dawn.

Then Wang Jun would not appear in public for a short period of time; this was Sima Zhao's explanation to Shi Shouxin.

You've already done your job by locking him up and humiliating him. You didn't lose anything anyway. What's wrong with leaving some room for maneuver?

Sima Zhao's meaning was very clear: stop immediately and then act as if nothing had happened.

Shi Shouxin and Wang Shen were at odds, and both were people who led troops and guarded their respective regions. Sima Zhao intervened at a crucial moment, demonstrating his ability to control the situation.

Anyone who disagrees is slapping Sima Zhao in the face!
"Oh, Mr. Chen, you're too kind."

Wang Jun was still young and inexperienced, and since the government had spoken, he was free to take the man away. Shi had no objections.

As for punishing him, that's unnecessary. I accept the Wang family's apology, leave the gifts, and that's the end of it.

Shi Shouxin gestured to Chen Yu to invite him, but his attitude changed faster than turning the pages of a book.

One moment they wanted to chop Wang Jun up and feed him to the dogs, the next they said, "The child is ignorant and won't stoop to your level."

Chen Yu smiled and nodded, feeling quite satisfied with Shi Shouxin's "understanding and tact".

If possible, he'd like everyone to have some dignity. Why resort to violence when we can talk things out?
He then bowed and greeted Shi Shouxin, saying:

"Sir Shi, let's not beat around the bush. I am well aware of your past military achievements in Shu."

You are like a bright jade displayed in the hall, dazzling and with unlimited potential.

Wang Jun, to me he's nothing more than a roof tile from a latrine. It's not worth arguing with him.

Step on him, and your shoe will get muddy. He's not afraid of being stepped on, but you should cherish your reputation.

"Sima Shi, don't you agree?"

Shi Shouxin nodded quickly and smiled:
"You flatter me, Mr. Chen. I am not worthy of such praise."

I'll have someone bring Wang Jun out right away. Please wait a moment.

Soon, Wang Jun, covered in filth, emitting a strange odor, and looking utterly defeated, was brought out by two of Zhao's retainers.

"Are you Wang Jun?"

Chen Yu looked at Wang Jun and asked, his brows slightly furrowed.

How come this guy has already turned into this state after only one day?
"follow me."

Seeing the other party nod blankly, Chen Yu didn't waste any words.

"Quickly! Arrest him!"
He had people beat me! They used straw as a mat to beat me, and they beat me so badly! They almost beat me to death!
Shi Shouxin, I'm telling you, you're dead!
"When I get back, I'll bring several thousand soldiers and wipe you out. You just wait!"

Wang Jun appeared deranged, his eyes bloodshot as he pointed at Shi Shouxin, laughing and gesturing wildly.

Chen Yu, who was standing next to him, quietly moved a few steps further away, creating some distance between them.

Nobody wants to get too close to a rabid dog; what if they get bitten?
Shi Shouxin remained expressionless, but his eyes held pity as he looked at Wang Jun.

Two minor officials behind Chen Yu grabbed Wang Jun, pulled him by the arms, and dragged him outside. Even as Wang Jun struggled and cursed desperately, they ignored him.

"I apologize for disturbing you with my visit so late at night, it is my duty. Please forgive me, Master Shi."

Mr. Chen then took his leave.

By the way, to avoid any unforeseen complications, Sima Shi should head to Qingzhou to take up his post as soon as possible.

Chen Yu bowed and took his leave, then turned and left.

They came suddenly and left in a hurry. If it weren't for the boxes of silk displayed in the courtyard, Shi Shouxin would have thought it was all a dream.

"Hahahahahaha!"

"Hahahahahaha!"

Wang Jun's maniacal laughter faded into the distance, but in the pitch-black night, it sounded like the wailing of ghosts and wolves.

"Punishment does not extend to high-ranking officials, and etiquette does not apply to commoners; the ancients were indeed right."

Sure enough, without overturning the table, they couldn't do anything to Wang Jun and Wang Shen.

Shi Shouxin stared in the direction of the courtyard gate and muttered to himself.

The Great Jin Dynasty has not even been founded yet, but it already shows signs of impending doom. Who knows how much more amusement will be served up in the future?

Shi Shouxin was quite looking forward to it.

(End of this chapter)