CHAPTER 83: CHAPTER 83: THEN LET THEM SHARE THE SAME GUILT!

"Mother, I have no choice. Before the County Magistrate, I dare not lie. Don’t worry, once you’ve been punished, I’ll certainly find a good doctor for you. While you serve your hard labor, I’ll ensure you have meals every day so you never go hungry."

Does eating enough make it easier to work?

This wretch calls this filial duty?

"Sir, this woman is old; how can I endure the punishment and hard labor? I have a son; let him take the responsibility for me, can he?" Sun wailed with snot and tears.

The County Magistrate nodded thoughtfully, "Zhou Country’s law does indeed have this clause, but only if the children are willing."

In the past, words were just words, and no one seemed more filial than Meng Cheng, but that’s before things got serious.

Selfish as Sun is, how could she raise a son who would bear the guilt for her?

"Sir, the commoner is unwilling. A child’s faults are the parents’ wrongdoing. If she hadn’t failed in educating me, how could today’s situation occur? Back then, Meng Yao’s relatives gave silver, asking my parents to raise her. My mother took the silver but didn’t treat Meng Yao well. I thought such actions were right because of this upbringing," Meng Cheng declared confidently, "That’s why, when my brother-in-law got into trouble, and my mother suggested getting some silver, I didn’t see it as wrong."

Sun jumped and cursed Meng Cheng, while Meng Yao listened in embarrassment. So, this is how Sun truly is.

This is truly her real capability.

It’s astonishing beyond words!

The County Magistrate furrowed his brows, likely never witnessing such a mother-son confrontation.

The village chief was sweating profusely but dared not make a fuss in front of the County Magistrate.

"Since we cannot distinguish the mastermind, then let it be the same punishment. I rule that both of you are masterminds. Do you accept this?" The County Magistrate’s voice was stern.

Sun and Meng Cheng fell silent.

"Mastermind’s crime is more severe." The County Magistrate continued, "Twenty lashes, six months of hard labor."

Sun wailed.

Meng Cheng pleaded.

But how can their cries affect the punishment?

As for Meng Qingshan, the County Magistrate reprimanded him, as he too was accountable as Sun’s husband.

Moreover, how could he be completely unaware of such matters?

Similarly, the village chief was scolded, seeing as such an incident occurred in his village.

"Enough, this no longer concerns you." The County Magistrate signaled Meng Yao and others to leave.

Lin believed she could also depart, but was stopped by the County Magistrate, "You may not leave."

The Daoist was sought by Lin Jinbao, and Lin was Lin Jinbao’s sister. They must determine any connection among them; the others must be retained and judged afterward.

"Sir, this woman reported their forgery of loan notes, that’s credit, isn’t it? Regarding the Daoist matter, I truly knew nothing. I merely heard from my brother that the Temple Master of White Cloud Temple was skilled, so I asked him to seek someone. I really don’t know anything! Meng Yao, please speak to the magistrate for me! If it weren’t for my reporting them, how would you know the truth?" Lin pleaded with Meng Yao.

"Had you revealed the forgery at its inception, it would undoubtedly be meritorious." Meng Yao responded indifferently.

Because of this remark, the County Magistrate gave Meng Yao a second glance, thinking inwardly, this woman’s mind was quite clear.

"Meng Zhu, Meng Zhu was also an accomplice." Lin cried out.

"Who is this Meng Zhu?" The County Magistrate inquired.

"Responding to your honor, she is the eldest daughter of the Meng Family, and this woman’s elder sister. If she hadn’t protected me, who knows if I could have grown up. Moreover, when they forged loan notes, my elder sister had already been married for several years. Apart from visiting during holidays, she didn’t often return home. Also, after my husband got into trouble, she repeatedly helped me through adversities." Meng Yao replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, the County Magistrate nodded, "Thus, it seems unrelated to her. However, this official cannot just take your word for it. Officers, summon Meng Zhu."

"Sir, my elder sister is now pregnant and can’t bear any fright." Meng Yao said, "Would you consider sending a trusted officer to accompany this woman for verification?"

"As you suggest." The County Magistrate replied.

"Defamation results in ten lashes, fine silver of five taels." The County Magistrate addressed Lin.

Thus, Lin not only failed to absolve herself but also earned punishment.

Meng Yao felt somewhat pleased, her perception of the County Magistrate improving.

"Master, master!" A small servant in gray clothing rushed in with a face of urgency, "An Ge has no breath!"

The County Magistrate’s face changed with shock, his steps staggered.

"What transpired, young man?" Meng Yao caught the person, inquiring.

"My young master choked while eating..." The servant cried softly.

Meng Yao swiftly chased the County Magistrate away.

The Zhao Family knew Meng Yao went for something, but the village chief didn’t, anxiously fretting in place; this was the County Government, how could Meng act so recklessly, barging everywhere!

Meng Yao and County Magistrate arrived one after another at the rear courtyard of the County Government.

"Sir, this woman knows rudimentary medical skills." Meng Yao’s tone was resolute.

At this moment, An Ge’s small face had already turned purple.

His breathing was weak, contrary to the servant’s claim of having no breath.

Meng Yao didn’t wait for the County Magistrate’s response, directly kneeling behind An Ge, her arms encircled An Ge’s waist, keeping his upper body inclined, one hand clenched in a fist, positioned two finger widths above An Ge’s navel, her other hand wrapped around the fist, rapidly and forcefully thrusting upward towards An Ge’s upper back. (Heimlich maneuver, a specially learned emergency method.)

The servant wailed anxiously, rushing forth to pull Meng Yao, "You, you, An Ge is grim, why are you hitting him?"

"I can save him."

The County Magistrate held the servant back, "Believe her."

The emergency intervention was promptly timed, An Ge successfully expelled the foreign object, though his face remained purple, his breathing faint, consciousness unclear.

Meng Yao then performed CPR, and gradually, An Ge regained consciousness, beginning to sob.

"The child is young, sticky cakes like these, should be eaten less. If you must, avoid large pieces. In the future, as parents, pay more attention. This time the swift rescue prevented any serious harm!" Meng Yao’s tone was somewhat cold; the child looked only three or four years old, clearly due to negligent care.

The County Magistrate solemnly bowed to Meng Yao, "Many thanks for saving my son’s life!"

Meng Yao swiftly dissociated herself from the role of emergency doctor, aware this was the County Magistrate, a regional parental official, not daring to accept his courtesy.

"Sir exaggerates, this woman studies medicine, healing the sick and saving lives is her duty." Meng Yao hurriedly responded.

"The medical hall is two streets from the County Government, without the lady, my son would have perished by now." The County Magistrate looked frightened.

"Sir is upright and honest, naturally averting calamities." Meng Yao proffered small flattery.