Magistrate Bu snapped his mouth shut.
“I believe you are in my seat,” Magistrate Li said evenly.
With a venomous look, Magistrate Bu snapped his sleeves behind him and marched down from his desk. Lady Bu plucked the official’s hat off her husband’s head and handed it to her father.
Magistrate Bu bristled as Magistrate Li placed the hat on his head and took his seat at the head of the room. Zhi Lan felt the energy change, the pressure in her chest lightening ever so slightly. The sobbing man must have felt the same, as he managed to cease sobbing.
Magistrate Li addressed him. “Did you or did you not steal a prized painting from Magistrate Bu?”
The man kowtowed again. “I did not, your lordship. Magistrate Bu has promised my family wealth if I confessed to stealing from him today.”
“Indeed. And why is that?” Magistrate Li said.
“He was unable to find the real thief, so he needed someone to confess before three days were up. I’m only a poor laborer. I can do little for my family, but his lordship offered us riches in exchange for my sentencing,” the man said. Then, with a defiant glance at Magistrate Bu, he continued, “It is this humble man’s opinion that Magistrate Bu was afraid of losing face and gaining a demerit. He has failed to find thieves and robbers in the past and he’s afraid he can no longer keep his office if this goes on.”
Magistrate Bu fumed. “You traitorous fool! I’ll have your head!” He launched himself at the man and managed a solid kick to his side before a pair of guards restrained him, forcing him to his knees.
“Abuse of power is a capital offense,” Magistrate Li said. “Punishable by demotion and imprisonment. Sometimes death.”
Magistrate Bu’s eyes flashed. He looked like a crazed man. Zhi Lan inched away from him, but the movement only drew his attention. “This changes nothing!” Magistrate Bu spat, his face twisted into a venomous expression. “This girl and thatcriminalyou claim as kin have as good as confessed to their crimes. They are thieves and liars! They deserve retribution!”
Zhi Lan flinched as a drop of his spittle landed on her cheek.
“Young miss,” Magistrate Li said, his gaze fixating on her. His brows raised slightly when he took in her face. Zhi Lan felt like melting into a puddle. There was no doubt he recognized her. “Who are you, and what do you have to say for yourself?”
Zhi Lan carefully wiped her cheek, then clasped her hands before her in respect before addressing Magistrate Li. “I’m Nong Zhi Lan, my lord. Apprentice to my master, scholar painter Dan Li Chen.”
Magistrate Li seemed to recognize Master Dan’s name too. His signature stamp had been on the painting of Shui Jin Mountain, which had been in his possession for a full morning.
Slowly, Zhi Lan told him of the stolen painting, Magistrate Bu’s threats, her determination to retrieve it, and how Shao Qing had helped her along the way. She kept the locations vague and left out the part about Shao Qing’s soul. The case was complicated enough without the supernatural. Zhi Lan knew she was as good as incriminating both of them, but she had a feeling Magistrate Li would be merciful, especially considering thathehad been the buyer of the stolen painting, and Shao Qing was his grandson.
At the end of her story, Magistrate Li stroked his short beard. “It seems that you were only trying to right a wrong, to steal back what was stolen from you. Though, you have broken into a...family’shome. You took nothing else but your master’s painting, is that correct?”
Zhi Lan nodded slowly, feeling that the magistrate was urging her to agree. It seemed that he was willing to overlook the dragon painting Shao Qing had taken from his study.
“Your intent was to help your master. That dedication is admirable,” Magistrate Li said. “Though you still deserve punishment for breaking and entering.”
Shao Qing clasped his hands before him. “Your lordship, Zhi Lan cannot be blamed. The fault is mine. I was a bad influence.”
Zhi Lan resisted the urge to groan. His newfound gallantry was simultaneously touching and tiresome. Couldn’t he see that he was only making things worse?
“I’ll get to you later, Li Shao Qing,” Magistrate Li said, a sardonic glint in his eye. He addressed Zhi Lan again. “Magistrate Bu’s patronage will be terminated. You and your master will no longer receive housing or payment from him. Is that an acceptable punishment for you?”
Magistrate Bu sputtered.
Zhi Lan sagged in relief. “I accept this punishment, my lord,” she said, bowing low. Funny. Three days ago this sentencing would’ve been the death of her.
“Li Shao Qing. You have confessed to thievery,” Magistrate Li said.
Shao Qing lowered his head. “Yes, my lord.”
“You were raised without principles and have resorted to crime.”
Zhi Lan held her breath, wondering if Magistrate Li was going to sentence him to death even if Shao Qingwerehis grandson.
“The fault is on your father, Wen Jun,” Magistrate Li said. “Son, you have neglected your parental duty to teach your child the proper way of the world. Do you plead guilty?”
Wen Jun knelt beside Shao Qing. “I do, my lord.”
