Chapter Sixty-Two: Gu Shen’s Request

He had only ever seen prisons on television before. Now, as he stepped inside the cell for real, Gou Ye realized just how dark and dismal it truly was. The scenes on television had been sanitized; there were no beds here—just tangled weeds strewn across the floor, the decaying corpses of rats long dead, and a barred window scarcely wider than a human head, through which the cutting wind blew in. Pushed into the cell, Gou Ye felt only dampness and gloom. Through the refracted light that slipped in, he could just make out the cell’s miserable interior.

The magistrate of Qin County had indeed taken action, as Wanxiang had warned. Her advice was now coming to pass. Gou Ye sat in a corner, regretful that he had not planned ahead; now, all hope rested on Gu Shen.

Meanwhile, though Yun Niang was anxious, she did not lose her composure. She first entrusted household matters to Caisheng, instructing both him and Dali to settle any returning villagers. Then, accompanied by the Guo brothers, she hurried toward the county seat without delay.

When Gu Shen learned from Yun Niang of Gou Ye’s predicament, he pondered his next move. He recalled that the last time Gou Ye had been taken by the authorities, he had soon been released. Perhaps it would be the same this time, so he decided to wait a little. Yet, this time was different: Gou Ye had been brought back in shackles, riding in a prisoner’s cart. That meant he was accused of a crime. Gu Shen first sent someone to investigate Gou Ye’s whereabouts; if Gou Ye truly was in prison, he would make further plans.

In the county office, the magistrate of Qin County toyed with a walnut in his hand, laughing coldly. “This Gou Ye—what a joke. He dared offend me, Qin Ming. I’ll make him understand who really rules this patch of land.”

Zhu Ling, seated nearby, replied softly, “A lesson is all he needs. Make sure your men don’t harm his life. Besides reclaiming our money, I have other plans for him.”

“Oh?” The two exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other, then burst into laughter.

By this time, Gou Ye had already been imprisoned for three hours. The men Gu Shen had sent finally returned with news confirming his fears: Gou Ye had indeed been jailed, and no trial had yet taken place. Without further hesitation, Gu Shen hurried to his father’s study.

Though anxiety gnawed at his heart, Gu Shen maintained a calm demeanor before the duke. He bowed and said, “Father, I have a request.”

Gu Yuan, leafing through a book, did not look up. “What is it?”

“Gou Ye has been imprisoned.” Only then did Gu Yuan put down his book and look up. “What is the charge?”

“I do not yet know the details. Early this morning, a group of constables arrested him. It seems to be connected to his business at the market, for as they took him, they asked about his stalls and the procurement of foodstuffs. He acknowledged responsibility, and they took him away. The servants say he returned to the county in shackles and was thrown directly into prison without even a hearing.” As Gu Shen finished, he watched his father’s expression.

Gu Yuan rose and said gravely, “You’ve come to plead for his rescue. I know he is your close friend, but you must remember our family’s situation. We keep a low profile precisely to avoid attracting the attention of corrupt officials, bringing calamity upon our kin. Saving him is not impossible, but do you understand the risk?”

Gu Shen bowed deeply, then knelt before his father, solemnly declaring, “Father, since childhood you have taught us to be upright men, to uphold justice. When it comes to righteousness, we must face it openly, not shirk from danger or bow to power. I understand the family’s circumstances, but if I do nothing for my friend in his time of need, and think only of self-preservation, would that not be an act of betrayal? I beg you, Father, to intervene for Gou Ye. If you must put the family’s interests first, then I will act alone, even at my own peril—I will not implicate the family.”

Gu Yuan gazed at his son. He had never imagined Gou Ye could influence him so deeply. What surprised and pleased him most was that, for the first time, his son stood before him not timid or playful, but firm in his resolve. Gu Yuan had no doubt—if he refused today, the boy would attempt a prison break on his own.

Inwardly, he smiled. At last, his son possessed the mettle worthy of the Gu family—just as he himself had, long ago. Yet his face remained stern as he turned away. “Go now. Prepare a carriage. You will accompany me to the county magistrate.”

Gu Shen was stunned, hardly believing his ears. When he realized, joy surged through him. He bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Father!” and hurried out. Watching his son’s retreating figure, Gu Yuan grunted with a faint smile, “Rascal.”

Back at the county office, a commanding voice rang out as two rows of constables struck their batons, restoring order in an instant. Magistrate Qin slammed his desk, his voice thundering, “Gou Ye, do you admit your guilt?”

Gou Ye sneered and shook his head. “I do not.”

“In recent days, you have operated many food stalls at the market, and all the ingredients have passed through your hands—is that correct?” the magistrate pressed.

“It is. But tell me, which law of Great Ming have I broken by running stalls and buying food?” Gou Ye’s voice was calm but forceful.

“You still try to talk your way out. Someone has accused you. They say your snacks are harmful, that many people fell ill with vomiting and diarrhea after eating them. Though no one has died, you have already caused bodily harm to others. I was lenient with you the first time, even requisitioned your alley for use. Yet you remain unrepentant, still gathering people to sell at the market, harming others. Do you not admit your guilt?”

At this, Gou Ye burst into laughter, making Magistrate Qin frown and slam the table. “Insolence! What is so funny?”

Still laughing, Gou Ye shook his head. “To punish a man, any excuse will do. Yes, I run the stalls and purchase the ingredients, and I have inspected everything myself. The villagers eat this food every day—I eat it myself—no one has ever felt ill. Vomiting and diarrhea? Where is the proof? So I laugh—I laugh that, under the bright heavens, some twist right and wrong, demand I confess without uncovering the truth. Is this not absurd? Is it not a farce?”

Seeing Gou Ye’s defiant expression, Magistrate Qin was incensed. He slammed the table and roared, “Arrogant knave! Ten strokes of the cane!” As the order was issued, a voice called from the doorway, “Stop!”