Chapter 17: Seeking Help from the Constable, the Whole Family Mobilizes

"Tomorrow is a rest day. Brother Su, do you want to come to the county? We’ll take you to a fun place," Qin Ming said, eyes darting mischievously.

Because of his talent for arithmetic, although Li Su was the youngest among them, the three had all started calling him 'brother,' suddenly elevating his age.

"I'm busy. I have something important to do tomorrow," Li Su refused without hesitation. Tomorrow’s task was a major one—he couldn’t afford distractions.

"What is it? Do you need our help?" Lin Ze was eager to show his capabilities.

Li Su shook his head, which left the trio a little disappointed. "If I ever need your help, I certainly won't be polite about it."

Their spirits quickly lifted.

Li Su paused, then asked, "Do any of you know a constable?"

"We do, we do. Brother Su, why do you need a constable?" Qin Ming was curious.

Li Su briefly recounted the matter regarding Wang Dafa. According to current law, this was a case of adultery and was indeed a crime, but in practice, securing a conviction usually required catching the offenders in the act.

Now, with his sister away from home, Wang Dafa and the widow were bound to be brazen. With careful timing, perhaps they could bring the constable and catch them red-handed.

Adultery called for corporal punishment, and survival would depend on the resilience of Wang Dafa and the widow.

A cold glint passed through Li Su’s eyes. He was never one to grant leniency.

"Unforgivable! Brother Su, I know a constable and have some connections. Tomorrow, I’ll have him go with you. I guarantee that Wang... whatever his name is, will get what he deserves," Lin Ze said, remembering the pain his own late father had caused.

"Here’s my address," Li Su wrote it down for Lin Ze.

Lin Ze took it, saying, "Leave it to me."

"Thank you."

"Why thank me?"

The group exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

Li Su went home early that day, skipping the bookshop.

After a few days at home, both Li Zhengping and Wang Zhaodi seemed in much better spirits.

"Uncle," Wang Zhaodi greeted sweetly.

Li Su nodded to her. "Third Sister, after you divorce Wang Dafa, change your child’s surname to ours."

"That’s what I intend to do. I just hope the divorce proceeds smoothly tomorrow," Li Zhengping admitted, quietly anxious.

Li Su reassured her, "Don’t worry. With me here, everything will be fine."

Li Zhengping couldn’t help but smile. "Fourth, you’ve changed so much since you returned—steadier, more reliable. You give people a sense of security." Her brother’s words eased her worries.

"People have to grow, not just in age, but in wisdom too," Li Su replied calmly.

Li Zhengping realized she herself had changed as well.

Wang Zhaodi tilted her head, puzzled by the adults’ conversation.

Early the next morning, the Li family courtyard was crowded. Both of Li Su’s uncles brought their sons—more than ten sturdy men in all. Li Su, though not as burly, stood out among them with his upright bearing and distinguished air, a striking contrast.

It was Li Su’s first time meeting his grandparents. The elderly couple discreetly tried to slip him eggs.

Li Su was both amused and exasperated. "Grandma, you should eat them yourselves. I’ve already had breakfast."

His grandparents doted on this grandson above all but, since living with the eldest son’s family and with Li Su away studying, they didn’t see him often.

His eldest uncle was impatient. "So, Su, are we heading out now?"

The Li family had always been blessed with sons and few daughters, something neighbors envied, thinking it made life easier. But to them, daughters were precious and deserved to be cherished. As the only daughter of her generation, Li Zhengping could not be left to suffer.

"Let’s wait a bit," Li Su replied. He was waiting for the constable Lin Ze had arranged.

Constable Liu was nearby, asking villagers for directions to the Li home. The villagers, nervous, pointed the way, and he followed their instructions.

"What do you think the Li family’s done? The constable’s come right to their door!"

"It’s got to be that fourth Li boy—he’s always been the favorite. Now look, all that pampering’s gotten them into trouble."

Gossiping, they eventually hoisted their hoes and went to work.

Constable Liu strode into the yard, momentarily intimidated by the sight of so many burly men. "Is this the Li household?"

The family exchanged confused looks. What was a constable doing at their home?

Li Su stepped forward. "Yes. May I ask your name?"

"Just call me Constable Liu," he replied, treating Li Su with respect—partly because Li Su was a scholar, partly because Young Master Lin had personally requested his help.

"Thank you for coming. Please wait a moment."

Constable Liu nodded.

The Li family traded glances. Grandfather Li asked, "Su, what’s going on?" He’d never had dealings with the authorities in his long life. To ordinary folk, even a constable was an official not to be trifled with.

"I asked a friend to help bring a constable. We’re going to the Wang household together. After all, what Wang Dafa and that widow have done is a crime—adultery," Li Su said casually.

The Li family swallowed nervously. Su really was something—he could even call on a constable for help! There was no one like him in any of the neighboring villages.

"I’ve always said education is important. Look at Su—he knows the law, he can get a constable involved. If you don’t study, how would you know about crime and punishment?" Grandfather Li exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement.

"Thank you, Constable Liu," Li Su cupped his hands.

Constable Liu was slightly flustered by the courtesy. "No need to thank me. This is my duty. But if we can’t catch them in the act, there’s nothing I can do, even if I go with you."

Li Su nodded in understanding. "I know."

The Li family prepared to set out, all eyes on Li Su, waiting for his signal. Their blood was boiling with anticipation.

Li Zhengping was deeply moved. Whether it was the crowd gathered or the constable’s assistance, her resolve to divorce was strengthened by her family—and her desire to protect her child.

"Let’s go. We’re heading to the Wang family."

At Li Su’s words, the Li family mobilized.

When he saw only the men heading out and the women staying behind, Li Su called, "Mother, Grandma, aunts, sisters-in-law, aren’t you coming too?"

The women hesitated. "Should we go as well?"

Li Su nodded firmly. "There’s not a decent person in the Wang family. The men won’t lay hands on their women, but if they try to stop us, it’s not right for men to fight women. But you’re different. And when it comes to seniority, we need Grandpa and Grandma out front, otherwise we’ll be at a disadvantage."

Constable Liu was taken aback. Truly formidable—the entire Li family, men and women, old and young, marching to confront the Wangs.

Grandma Li agreed instantly. "We’re going! We’ll show them what the Li family is made of!"

Although advanced in years, Grandma Li was fired up. If anyone dared bully the Li family’s children, she’d tear the old woman from the Wang family apart.

Men and women, young and old, the entire Li family set out in force for the Wang household.