Chapter 10 Strange Case Nine Xianfeng Qijian Bridge Murder

The meandering Jialing River runs straight down from the Jialing Valley in Shaanxi to the city of Hezhou in Sichuan, absorbing the two major tributaries of the Fujiang River and the Qujiang River. The water volume has increased greatly, forming a very wide river course.Three rivers cross the nearby Huaying Mountain, creating the famous Jialing River Small Three Gorges in central Sichuan. Since ancient times, this place has been a scenic spot that literati have longed for.Hezhou County (now called Hechuan), where the three rivers meet, is the hub of water and land transportation in the central Sichuan Basin.The land here is fertile, with abundant rainfall, and is rich in tangerines and rapeseed. It can be called the hometown of fishing and rice in central Sichuan.

During the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, a homicide case that caused a sensation in the southwest occurred in Hezhou County. Due to the incompetence of corrupt officials and the self-seeking of evil officials, an innocent and chaste woman was almost convicted of adultery.Fortunately, the governor appointed a witty and meticulous county magistrate to make a thorough investigation. After many twists and turns, the case became clear and the culprit was brought to justice.After the murder case in Hezhou was cleared up, the Hezhou County where the three rivers meet has attracted more attention. From the end of the Qing Dynasty to the present, Hezhou has become a tourist attraction in Sichuan. People who come to Hezhou always like to listen to people's stories. Let's take a look at the whole story of this case.

During the Xianfeng period, a family named Ju lived at Qijian Bridge in the east of Hezhou City.There are four people in the family, the head of the family is named Ju Hai, and he married his wife Xiang Shi. The couple has only one son named Ju An, who is also twenty years old this year. He married a woman from a nearby Zhou family.The two generations of Ju's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are quite beautiful. The mother-in-law, Xiang, is just in her early forties. Because of her fair complexion and delicate face, she looks about 30 years old. The daughter-in-law, Zhou, was a famous beauty in Qijianqiao before she got married. Now she is young. Young, a bit more charming than her mother-in-law.Therefore, the old households of Qijianqiao all said that the ancestors of the Ju family were virtuous, and that the beauties have been passed on from generation to generation.

Na Ju Hai, Ju An and his son relied on their ancestral skills in treating snake bites, and specialized in practicing medicine.No matter what kind of venomous snakes bite the nearby villagers, as long as they still have a breath, they will be sent to Ju's house without exception.Therefore, the snake doctor of the Ju family is quite famous within hundreds of miles.Ju Hai is a kind-hearted person, and he never blackmails patients with skills. The medical expenses he receives are very low. When he encounters poor families, he often pays for medicines and refuses to collect any money. Therefore, the Ju family’s family is not very rich. That's all.His son, Ju An, has the same temperament as his father. Apart from practicing medicine, he also farms farmland. He works hard every day without seeking fame and fortune, but the family is harmonious and his life is very happy.

In the autumn of this year, Qijianqiao had a bumper harvest of citrus, and the branches were covered with bright red citrus up and down the mountain.The fruit farmers happily picked up baskets of plump citrus, and the yards of every household were full of citrus baskets. People were smiling and thinking about what to buy after selling the citrus. In the joy of a good harvest.The Ju family also runs a two-acre orchard. Because Ju An is hardworking, the orange harvest is better than other families.Her mother-in-law, Xiang Shi, was so happy that she couldn't keep her mouth shut these days. She and her daughter-in-law, Zhou Shi, tended the newly harvested oranges all day long, and they were so busy that they couldn't even eat well.After finally picking the oranges on the tree, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, and Xiang cooked some delicious dishes, and took out the wine that Yi Yi couldn't bear to drink, and the family had a good harvest meal happily.After dinner, it was already a starry night, Ju Hai drank a few more glasses of wine in excitement, slightly drunk, and took the lead to leave the table and go to sleep.Xiang Shi and his daughter-in-law were busy for a long time, and it was nearly midnight before going back to their rooms to rest.

In late autumn, the weather is cold and warm. During the day, I still feel a little hot. At midnight, the mountain wind blows, which makes people feel cool in autumn.Xiang took out the thin quilt specially out of the box, first sent it to his son and daughter-in-law, and then covered it up for his sleeping husband, before he fell asleep hazily.Because of the day's work, I was very tired, so I slept until dawn.After waking up, the sky was still not bright, and a light ray of the last quarter moon poured in through the window, adding a bit of coolness to the room.Xiang Shi turned over and felt that the kang was empty, and reached out to touch it, but her husband Ju Hai was not on the bed, and he did not come back after waiting for a while.Unconsciously, Xiang Shi got up and went down to the ground quickly, and went to the toilet in the courtyard to search, but there was still no trace. Where could the old man go in the middle of the night?An ominous feeling suddenly surged in Xiang's head, he groped to the front of his son's room and called Ju An, but only his daughter-in-law answered in the room.Only then did Mrs. Xiang really panic, and hurriedly called his daughter-in-law up. They put on an oil lamp and walked towards the main street tremblingly.In front of the main gate, the street gate that had been tightly shut was opened. It was obvious that someone had gone out from here. When they found the outside of the yard, they found a person lying a dozen steps away from the door.Xiangshi didn't care about being afraid at this time, and ran over in three steps and two steps, and bent over to see, it was her husband Ju Hai who was lying there, his body was wet and covered with blood, and he tried it in front of his nose with his hand, and it was already gone. I'm out of breath.Looking forward, there was a person lying about ten meters away from Ju Hai. Mrs. Zhou hurried over and found that Ju An was also lying in a pool of blood, his body already stiff.Suddenly, a catastrophe occurred overnight, and the young mother-in-law and daughter-in-law burst into tears unknowingly.The crying alarmed the neighbors. When people came out of the house and saw the bloody scene, they were also terrified. Looking at Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, they were already crying. The painful expression caused many people to cry.

Ju Hai and his son are usually very popular, but now that they have encountered such a disaster, how can the villagers stand by and watch?Everyone comforted and comforted, helped those who supported, and those who understood the reason, quickly went to ask for the dibao.The scene of the murder had already been protected by several elderly people.After a while, the local police arrived, and the situation at the murder scene was clear at a glance. Both Ju Hai and his son were killed, and no murder weapon was found after searching around.This is the first time such a big case has happened in Qijian Bridge. Fortunately, the local security guards are very capable. While ordering Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to go home to rest, he found two bamboo mats to cover the body, and at the same time sent someone to the Hezhou Yamen. Report the crime, and when everything is done, the sky is already bright.

Rong Yutian, the magistrate of Hezhou, was originally an ignorant swinger, but because of his wealthy family, he spent money to donate a seventh-rank official title, and went around doing sports, bribed his boss, and unexpectedly got such a fat job in Hezhou.After this man became an official, he didn't take bribes, he just wanted to keep the official he bought with tens of thousands of taels of silver.Therefore, he flatters his superiors, but is too lazy to take care of official affairs.He didn't ask about Hezhou's people's sentiments or economy. After two years as governor, he didn't even know the size of Hezhou's territory.He handed over all the affairs in the state government to the clerk, and he just signed and marked the official documents drafted by the clerk in a daze every day.The scribes were also happy to learn that the governor of the state "didn't work as a errand", so that he could control the power of life and death in a state, so he still sheltered Rong Yutian, a muddled official, and the relationship between the officials was very harmonious.Fortunately, Hezhou is a state of rites and music, a state of Yin and wealth, and there have been no major incidents for many years, and Rong Yutian's position as an official is very stable.Unexpectedly, the good times didn't last long, and suddenly the Qijian Bridge murder case occurred.The local government reported the case information, but Rong Yutian didn't read it, so he mistook it as a report document from the state, stamped it with a big seal, and sent it to the government: Du Guangyuan, the prefect of Chongqing, really couldn't laugh or cry when he received this report, thinking: " Rong Yutian, Rong Yutian, I have long heard that you are confused, but you shouldn’t be so confused! Why did you send me the case that was reported to you by the local government?” Annoyed, he asked The pen wrote a few large characters at the back of the statement, "Human life is at stake, the murderer is at large, and the criminal will be arrested and brought to justice within one month." After writing, he still felt angry, so he simply ordered Rong Yutian to be sent to the mansion. Prepare to talk face to face.

Rong Yutian received a message from the magistrate, but he didn't know why he was summoned. He thought to himself, "There are more than a dozen prefectural and county-level officials in Chongqing, but the magistrate didn't pass on any information, so he just asked me to go to the mansion for questioning." , Maybe they have taken a fancy to me, and it seems that there is still hope for promotion and rewards." So happily, he ordered the sedan chair to be prepared, and ran to the government office with a lot of beautiful fantasies in his mind. When he arrived at the government office, Rong Yutian also understood etiquette, respectfully paid homage to the magistrate, and stood aside, waiting for orders.When Du Zhifu saw Rong Yutian's calm appearance, he felt unhappy for a while, and said coldly: "Master Rong, do you know why the government invited you here?" Rong Yutian replied: "I don't know about the lowly position."Don't you know that there was a murder case in Hezhou? "Rong Yutian was a little flustered by the prefect's question. After thinking about it, he didn't have any impression of the murder case, so he had to say: "I don't know about the humble job. "After hearing this answer, Du Guangyuan became more angry, and continued to ask: "Then what does it mean that you sent a report to report the day before yesterday? When this question was asked, Rong Yutian felt even more "Monk Zhang Er - I can't figure it out", and after wondering for a long time, he said: "What report?I really don't know. "The prefect of Du really didn't expect that Rong Yutian didn't even know the documents reported to the government. It's really the so-called "one question and three ignorance". Unconsciously, he was furious, took out the life report reported by Hezhou, threw it in front of Rong Yutian and said: " What is written on it?Take it back and have a look! Seeing that the prefect was angry, Rong Yutian felt the seriousness of the matter, and tremblingly opened the proclamation he personally sealed and sent. After a closer look, cold sweat flowed down, and he hesitated for a while, but he didn't know what to say. Prefect Du didn't want to Talk to him again, and say with a stern attitude: "As the governor of a state, he doesn't even know that a major murder occurred in this state, he is really stupid.The government wants you to arrest the murderer as soon as you go back. You must solve the case within a month. Every three or eight reporting periods, you must report to the government about the arrest. "At this juncture, Rong Yutian couldn't utter a word, so he could only bow and bow and quit the magistrate's yamen.

Du Zhifu is a serious person. Ever since he reprimanded Rong Yutian, he has been very strict in the supervision of the homicide case in Hezhou. Every three or eight reporting periods, he must send someone to the Hezhou county government to issue a ultimatum.But Rong Yutian felt at a loss. He also sent people to search everywhere, but for more than ten days, no clues were found.However, the family member Xiang Shi who was murdered often came to the county government to appeal for grievances, begging Zhizhou adults to avenge their husband and son.The magistrate's reminder letter was like a reminder, which made him restless for a moment.On the 20th day, Du Zhifu called Rong Yutian to the mansion again and reprimanded him, pointing out that there were only ten days left before the deadline, and if the case could not be solved by then, he would be dismissed.Fortunately, he was careful when meeting him this time, and brought two capable secretary officials there. After pleading with the secretary office, the magistrate agreed to give him another two months, and he must solve the case within a hundred days.Coming out of the magistrate's yamen, Rong Yutian felt as if a piece of lead had fallen in his heart. He knew in his heart that if a murder case like this could not be solved in the near future, it would be difficult to handle it the longer it took.Therefore, although it took two more months, Rong Yutian was still burning with anger.

After returning to the Hezhou County Yamen, Rong Yutian didn't even bother to enter the back Yamen. He sat in the signing room with a sad face, thinking hard about how to deal with it.After much deliberation, he only came to one conclusion - he had to ask Mr. Xingmu to help him out.Mr. Xingmu from Hezhou is over half a hundred years old, and he knows the situation in the county government very well, and because he has been in charge of prisons for many years, he also has certain opinions on arresting thieves.In addition, for the sake of protecting the official, Rong Yutian's attitude towards this old Xingmu was very pious, which aroused sympathy.For the first time, Lao Xingmu narrowed his eyes and began to plan seriously for the magistrate.After thinking for a while, he suggested: "This case is very difficult to solve. The culprit may not be captured within a hundred days, but the above deadline has been fixed. If you want to eliminate the misfortune, you can only find Chen Laolun, the scribe in the execution room." There is a solution." Rong Yutian said: "Chen Laolun is usually taciturn, and he is only in his early thirties, how can he take on such a big matter?" The old criminal screen put away the smile that had never disappeared, and said seriously: "My lord Don't underestimate this young man. Although he is young, he is quite familiar with accidents, quick-witted, and has a lot of experience. He can be regarded as a leading figure in Hezhou County Yamen. If he can't do anything, then this matter is not good It's done." Rong Yutian saw that the old Xingmu respected Chen Laolun so much, and there was a ray of hope in his heart, and he ordered Chen Laolun to sign the house for discussion immediately, but Mr. Xingmu resigned knowingly, Rong Yutian made an exception and sent this staff member Send out the gate of the signing room. The time has passed dusk, and the night in late autumn falls quickly, and it will be the time to hold the lanterns in a short while.Rong Yutian lit a thick candle, and waited patiently for Chen Laolun under the dancing candlelight.For a moment, he bet his future and destiny completely on Chen Laolun.There were light footsteps in the courtyard, Rong Yutian stood up, and just as he was about to go out to meet him, Chen Laolun had already opened the door and entered.I saw that he was about thirty years old, tall and slender, with a fair face, big eyes with spirit, but there was a cunning light shining out, which made people feel that he had a deep and elusive city in his chest.Rong Yutian asked him to sit down across from him, stated his difficulties directly, and asked Chen Laolun if there was any way to solve the case within two months.Chen Laolun seemed to have figured out the purpose of Zhizhou's invitation for him, and said with a slight smile: "The Qijian Bridge murder has caused a sensation in the whole province, but the investigators in our county have not even figured out the ins and outs of the case. Generally speaking, homicides are nothing more than three reasons of vendetta, financial murder or love murder. If you want to find the real murderer, you must first determine which type of crime is the cause, and then you can follow the trend and solve the case in one fell swoop." Rong Yutian saw that he was right. , Unknowingly nodded frequently, and said: "You are really incisive. This state wants to entrust you with the heavy responsibility of solving this case. I don't know if you have the courage to disturb this state?" : "The villain dare not accept this important task." Rong Yutian stood up, approached Chen Laolun, and whispered: "Benzhou knows your intentions. I won't ask you to do it for nothing. After solving the case, I will reward you with five hundred taels of silver, and I will try my best to promote you in your position. What do you think?" Chen Laolun then stretched his brows and said, "The villain doesn't ask for any promotion. I just feel that the case is complicated and difficult to sort out. I am afraid that I will not be able to do what I want, and I will miss the deadline of the adults. Since the adults are kind and rewarding, the villain dare not take it." Rong Yutian asked impatiently: "How long do you think it will take? Time can solve the case?" Chen Laolun said: "The facts of the case are still unclear, and the villain dare not say the exact date, but the adults just need to rest assured that the case will be closed within two months." Rong Yutian was overjoyed, wishing to treat Chen Laolun as a living Immortals worshiped, Qian reminded, Wan instructed to send the prison scribe to the gate of the county government office, and then walked to the back office with easy steps. Qijian Bridge is a scenic spot in the east of Hezhou City, and the famous Fishing City is not far from here.In late autumn, the leaves of the orange trees turn from green to red, and the clusters of red orange leaves in the valleys are mixed with the green bamboos all over the mountains and plains, which are extraordinarily gorgeous.A meandering path winds out of the overlapping valleys and stretches straight into Qijianqiao Village, which is covered by trees so that houses cannot be seen.Ju Hai's home is next to a small bridge at the head of the village. The small bridge, flowing water, bamboo forest, and farmhouse complement each other, and the environment looks very elegant. Chen Laolun carried a briefcase on his back, traveled across the mountains to Qijian Bridge, and found Ju's house without any trouble.Several thatched huts, a low courtyard wall, surrounded by a small gatehouse with no decoration, it looks like a law-abiding family.When Chen Laolun came to the door, he hesitated for a moment before raising his hand to knock on the door.After buttoning it three or four times, I heard a woman inside asking through the door: "Who is it?" Chen Laolun put his tone very calmly and said, "I am a clerk in the Hezhou Yamen, and I am here to inquire about your family. case." The door was gently opened, and it was Ju Hai's wife, Xiang Shi, who came out.Although he had just suffered misfortune, Xiang's face was sad, but he still had an elegant and dignified demeanor.Chen Laolun couldn't help thinking secretly, "There is such a decent woman in a wild household in the mountains." Seeing Chen Laolun's good appearance, Mrs. Xiang hurriedly saluted and respectfully invited him into the main room.After sitting down, Chen Laolun looked around the interior furnishingly, and found that the inside and outside of the house were full of orange baskets, and some oranges had begun to rot because they were not transported away in time and kept carefully. I don't have the strength to deal with the things in life anymore.When Xiang Shi mentioned the matter of her husband being killed, she burst into tears and couldn't make a sound.However, Chen Laolun took his time and asked about the details of the day sentence by sentence. Xiang Shi was so sad and incoherent that he finally sobbed and couldn't speak. He had to call out his daughter-in-law who was hiding inside to answer Chen Laolun's inquiry. .Mrs. Zhou heard her mother-in-law's summons, so she had to come out to greet her. When Chen Laolun saw Mrs. Zhou, she was attracted by her beauty, and stared at Mrs. Zhou's handsome face, feeling at a loss for a moment. .Zhou's face was blushing from Chen Laolun's stare, so he lowered his head and stood behind her mother-in-law, rubbing his belt cautiously.Chen Laolun felt that he had lost his composure, so he quickly collected himself, and after a few words of comfort in a soft voice, he began to ask questions.He asked very detailed questions, from what happened that night to the usual behavior of the Ju family and his son, and from the financial situation of the Ju family to whoever the Ju family had offended.Zhou told the truth one by one, and she burst into tears when she talked about her sadness, and she showed the demeanor of a young woman who was lingering in sorrow, making people feel her handsome face even more.At the end of the question, Chen Laolun's heart was beating wildly "thumping". With great difficulty, he could restrain his emotions, and reluctantly bid farewell to Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. After returning to the state, Chen Laolun couldn't calm down anymore, Zhou's pretty face was always floating in front of his eyes.Although he tried his best to drive it away, for some reason, the more he wanted to drive it away, the more he thought about it.Chen Laolun is already thirty-one years old this year, but he has not yet married a wife, so he had a whimsical dream, and he even came up with the idea of ​​marrying Mrs. Zhou.Once this idea appeared, he couldn't get rid of it. For a whole night, he tossed and turned, thought about it, and finally came up with a very sinister idea that killed two birds with one stone. Early the next morning, Chen Laolun came to the county government and asked to report confidential matters to Rong Yutian alone.Rong Yutian was eager to hear the good news from Chen Laolun, how could he delay?Call now.Chen Laolun bowed deeply and said: "Congratulations, master, congratulations, master!" Rong Yutian was happy when he heard it, and quickly asked: "Could it be that the case has a clue?" Chen Laolun said: "There is indeed a clue, But it will take some time to find the real culprit." Rong Yutian asked: "Can you find the suspect?" Chen Laolun said: "The villain visited the Ju family yesterday, judging from the family background and personality of the Ju family, it doesn't seem to be the case. It belongs to vendetta and financial killing".Rong Yutian asked: "Why do you know that?" Chen Laolun smiled and moved his fingers and replied: "Ju Hai and his son usually spend their days running farms and treating snake bites for neighbors. Although they are famous, their family is not rich. In terms of wealth, in Hezhou County, it is only middle-lower. There are no valuables in the house, and there is no accumulated silver, so it will not attract thieves. Not to mention that no one will take the risk of stealing a basket or two of oranges from him. Killed two lives, so the possibility of murder for money is extremely small." Rong Yutian nodded in conviction and said, "Yes, yes, it makes sense." Chen Laolun continued: "Father and son of the Ju family kept their own place and kept their lives safe in the village. He has always treated people generously and got along very well with his neighbors, especially Ju Hai, who is kind in nature and has never negotiated a price for healing and saving lives. Hezhou is tens of miles away, and hundreds of people have been saved by him. He has never knocked A person's bamboo stick is quite popular. How can a good person like this have enemies? Vendetta is absolutely impossible." The more Rong Yutian listened, the more he felt that it made sense, so he asked: "So is it love killing?" Chen Laolun He nodded and said: "Ju Hai's wife, Xiang Shi, is in her early forties this year, but she is pretty. She looks like she is only 30 years old, and she can be called the Xi Shi of Qijian Bridge. My daughter-in-law, Zhou Shi, is in the age of cardamom, and her appearance is also beautiful. It is very beautiful, which is well-known in the Qijian Bridge area. Beauty cannot but attract attention, and the life of the Ju family is very poor, so it is inevitable that someone will seduce them with wealth, and the woman has long hair and short knowledge, who can guarantee that Seduced by him? The villain saw that Xiang's eyebrows and eyes were full of affection, and he was also a flirtatious person, so he speculated that she might have seduced the adulterer and killed Ju Hai and his son." Rong Yutian said: "In this case, I send A fire lottery, bring Xiang Shi to ask, can't the case be closed?" Chen Laolun shook his head and said: "It's not that easy. At present, we are only speculating, and we can't come up with any evidence. Besides, who is the adulterer? How to seduce into adultery? How to murder your own husband? I still don’t know at all, if Xiang Shi refuses to admit it, wouldn’t you startle the snake?” Rong Yutian said: “Then what should we do in your opinion?” Chen Laolun was cunning He smiled and said: "The villain has already arranged a clever plan. I am only afraid that the adults will be suspicious, so I come to report it. As long as the adults are willing to let the villain follow the plan, the truth will come out within two months. As for the villain's plans Come on, my lord, please don't ask me." Rong Yutian was dizzy by Chen Laolun's words, and lost his mind for a moment, just stared at Chen Laolun in a daze.Chen Laolun knew that he was worried, so he said in a more emphatic tone: "As long as the adults allow the villain to act cheaply, and the murderer cannot be found after two months, the villain is willing to die to atone for the crime." Rong Yutian saw that Chen Laolun dared to use his life as a guarantee to solve the case , I felt at ease, and said: "Okay, okay, the state will not interfere with you, as long as the murderer is captured for the state within two months, you can do whatever you want." Chen Laolun said: "For the convenience of solving the case, I hope my lord will inform the county prison that the villain can go to the prison to interrogate all kinds of criminals at any time, and no idlers are allowed to be present." Rong Yutian said: "This is easy to handle. You are the scribe of the punishment room, and you can go in and out of the prison. Inform Prison Officer Huang, it’s just for your convenience.” Chen Laolun stood up and thanked him, and was about to leave, but Rong Yutian stopped him and said, “Wait a minute, Benzhou promised you five hundred taels of silver for solving the case, and now that you have been found out Eyebrow, how can this state break its promise to give you the bounty now, so that it can be spent in solving the case." Chen Laolun was overjoyed, and hurriedly saluted to thank him, Rong Yutian immediately took out ten envelopes of silver and solemnly handed them to Chen Laolun. On the morning of the third day, Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were taking care of the messy housework when they suddenly heard someone knock on the door gently.Zhou hurriedly avoided, Xiang put down his work and went out of the house and asked, "Who is it?" A woman's voice outside the door said: "Sister-in-law of the Ju family, can it be that you can't even hear my voice? "Xiang felt that the voice was very familiar, but he couldn't remember who it was for a while, so he took two steps to open the door, and saw a middle-aged woman standing in front of the door, smiling all over her face, looking like a relative, so she thought When I got up, it turned out to be Mama Sun who sold four seasons flowers in Hezhou City.Xiangshi has been fond of beauty since she was young, and she often buys some rouge and pollen to apply on her face. This mother Sun often sells flowers and dowry products in the village, and Xiangshi is her regular customer.Every time Mother Sun came to Qijian Bridge, she would stay here for half a day, and besides sending cosmetics, she would also bring some needles, thread and brains along the way.The two have been in frequent contact for more than ten years, and they have become very familiar with each other. Mama Sun can speak well and is a city resident. Sometimes Xiang Shi would discuss with Mama Sun some difficult things, and Mama Sun could always come up with a solution to the problem.In the past three years, for some reason, Mama Sun hadn't been here, so she couldn't tell who was coming through a door. As soon as she saw Xiang Shi, Mama Sun took her hand and said with a smile, "Sister Xiang, it's been a long time. Why do you look so thin? How are you, big brother and big nephew? I moved three years ago and have been Didn't come to see you, no one gave you rouge, right?" Hearing this affectionate greeting, Xiang's nose felt sore, and he said with a sob: "It turns out that the sister-in-law of the Sun family is here, please sit in the main room. !" Mama Sun seemed to have just realized that Xiang Shi's expression was wrong, she took a closer look at her, only to find that Xiang Shi was dressed in filial piety, she was stunned, and stopped smiling.Mrs. Xiang hasn't seen a sister she is very close to since the accident. This time Mama Sun's sudden visit was like seeing a relative. Now seeing Mama Sun standing there in a daze, she couldn't restrain her feelings anymore. All of a sudden, he threw himself into Mama Sun's arms and cried bitterly.Mama Sun had no choice but to comfort her ramblingly while helping her into the main room.It took a long time for Xiang to suppress her grief and told Mama Sun about the disaster at home, and Mama Sun shed tears as she listened.After Xiang Shi finished speaking, a handkerchief of Sun's mother was also soaked.She also asked in detail about the process of reporting the case and the government's tracking of the murderer, and finally said: "It seems that the Hezhou county government has not worked hard to find the murderer for you. I will go to the city tomorrow and give you the inside and outside I asked the trustees, please solve the case as soon as possible—I have many acquaintances in the yamen, and some of them are in charge." Mrs. Xiang hurriedly got up to thank her, and Mama Sun hurriedly returned the salute, and said, "I haven't come for three years. Your family married a daughter-in-law, and I didn’t expect that this poor girl would also suffer disaster. Is she going back to her mother’s house now or living with you?” Then Xiang remembered that she was so busy crying that she forgot to let her daughter-in-law When we came out to meet each other, he hurriedly called out: "Son, come and meet your aunt!" Mrs. Zhou hid in the back room, only listening to the old sisters talking, but didn't make it clear who was coming, and it was inconvenient to come out to listen to her mother-in-law. After calling, he came out of the room gracefully and said a deep blessing to Mama Sun.Mama Sun greeted her, took Zhou's hand and said in admiration: "What a handsome child, the Ju family is very lucky to marry a daughter-in-law like a fairy. Who would have thought that such a disaster would happen again..." said I couldn't help but shed tears again.The three women chatted with each other one by one.Mama Sun is a person who has seen the world, she speaks well, and comforts well. Xiang stopped her sadness for a while, and asked about Mama Sun's recent situation.Ms. Sun didn't waste much time, she just replied that everything was fine at home. After chatting for a while, she found that the things in the house were a little messy, so she helped to tidy them up.Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law managed to meet a caring person, and asked Sun's mother to stay at home for lunch. Sun's mother did not refuse, and helped wash the rice.After a while, the meal was ready, and the three of them gathered together to talk and eat. Although it was a few crude pickles, Ms. Sun did not dislike them. During the meal, Ms. Sun sighed and said: "I don't know if I should say something or not. Tell me?" Xiang Shi said: "Why is my old sister seeing outsiders? Tell me if you have something to say!" Sun's mother said: "It's really pitiful that your family suddenly suffered such a catastrophe. Brother Ju and his son both passed away and lived at home. It’s hard. I can barely eat this simple food here today, and I may not even have this in the future. The murderer has not been found so far. It seems that even if the government works together to arrest him, it will be difficult to solve the case overnight. The current world is difficult How can you not use money to file a complaint in a lawsuit? The longer the case drags on, the greater the cost. You don’t have much savings, what do you use to pay? What’s more, your niece and daughter-in-law are so young, will they be widowed for the rest of their lives? I don’t know. If it is shallow, why not choose a good family for your nephew and daughter-in-law as soon as possible, and let her remarry, which can save a person's expenses and get a little dowry, which can be used for activities in the yamen and avenge elder brother Ju and elder nephew. We are I have been an old sister for many years, so I dare to say these few truths, what do you think?" Mama Sun's words made Zhou's face flushed, and he bowed his head and could no longer speak.Xiang's words made sense, she thought she was really sorry for letting her daughter-in-law spend the rest of her life with her like this.But during the new funeral, it was inconvenient to tell the daughter-in-law what was on her mind, not to mention that there was no reliable person to help find it, and it might be difficult to choose a suitable new son-in-law, so although this matter was in my heart, I never mentioned it.Mama Sun stated the benefits and disadvantages bluntly, how could Xiang not nod her head in agreement?At this time, she turned her head to Mrs. Zhou, and asked in a tone of infinite concern, "Son, did you understand what Mama Sun said?" Mrs. Zhou's pink face was ashamed and turned into a big red cloth, with tears rolling in her eyes. It is about to flow out.Seeing this, Mother Sun quickly persuaded: "My child, Aunt Sun and your mother-in-law are your relatives, and they will not harm you. The days to come will be long, and you have to make up your own mind whether to stay or marry." Twirling the hem of her clothes, she said tremblingly: "I am willing to stay with my mother-in-law and never marry again." Mama Sun said distressedly: "Living at home is not a matter of a day or two. When a husband dies young and has no children to drag you down, you Why stay in an empty room for the rest of your life? What's more, if you stick to it here, you won't be able to impress those servants, and your mother-in-law can't afford money to go to the yamen for activities, the murderer is at large, and your husband won't rest in peace under the nine springs." After saying that, Zhou's tears could no longer be controlled, drips fell into the rice bowl, she pushed the rice bowl in front of her away, stood up, staggered and ran to the inner room.Mrs. Xiang exchanged glances with Mama Sun, and said, "The eldest sister is telling the truth. We country people don't talk in corners. For my daughter-in-law's marriage, I trouble you to find a good family. As long as she can live happily ever after , I will save myself from worrying." Mama Sun said: "There are a few good people, but I don't know if they will nod, just wait for me for three or four days, and I will talk to them separately. One family agreed, and I will guarantee that your daughter-in-law will have no worries about food and clothing for the rest of her life." Xiang expressed his gratitude with great gratitude.Seeing that it was getting late, Ms. Sun got up to say goodbye. Before parting, she took out an ingot of one tael of silver from her waist, put it in Xiang's hand, and said, "I'm also from a small family, and I don't have much savings. I can do this little thing." A funeral ceremony for Big Brother Ju?" Xiang Shi refused in every possible way, and Mama Sun said a little unhappy: "You and I have been sisters for many years, don't you even have this tael of silver? If you don't want it, I won't come again. "Xiang Shi reluctantly took the money, and watched Mama Sun's figure disappear on the winding mountain path. In fact, Mama Sun's trip to Qijian Bridge was completely arranged by Chen Laolun.He was overwhelmed by Zhou's beauty, wishing he could marry her for a while.After receiving the bounty from Rong Yutian, he felt even more confident, so he specially entrusted Sun Mama, who is a matchmaker, to persuade the relatives.At first he was worried that Xiang would not agree, but he didn't expect things to go so smoothly.Hearing Mama Sun's reply, he casually took out ten taels of silver as a media agent, and couldn't wait to urge Mama Sun to propose marriage.Mama Sun said, "You can't eat hot food in a hurry, so you just wait for two or three days and listen to my good news." Chen Laolun took out another fifty taels of silver as the bride price, and Mama Sun accepted it all I told him not to reveal any rumors to the outside world these few days, and bid farewell hastily. Four days later, Mother Sun came to Ju's house again with the bride price.Looking at the glistening silver, Xiang Shi was a little dazzled.Sun's mother congratulated her, and Xiang asked who the new son-in-law was. Sun's mother said: "This is really the luck of my nephew and daughter-in-law. Chen Laolun, the scribe of Hezhou punishment room, does not dislike her remarriage. , I hope that the Ming media is marrying her. Chen Shuli is the first capable person in Hezhou County. He knows that the governor thinks highly of him. A few days ago, he received a reward of five hundred taels of silver. It is really prosperous. Married in the past, one can preserve her glory and wealth for the rest of her life, and the other can urge Chen Shuli to help arrest the murderer, and even the prison fees will not be spent, isn't this the best of both worlds?" Xiang Shi was also delighted when he heard this, and immediately asked Zhou Shi to find the murderer. Come on, explain why.Mrs. Zhou had no intention of remarrying at first, but her mother-in-law said it was perfect, and she had met Chen Laolun once, and knew that this person was not ugly in appearance. Compared with her husband in all aspects, she was far better than her husband. , So he no longer refused, and agreed to the marriage with shame and sadness.Xiang Shi is a kind person, thinking about her daughter-in-law leaving, and only herself left in the family from now on, she felt sad and burst into tears again.Sun's mother quickly comforted her, and she didn't leave Ju's house until Xiang Shi suppressed her tears. That night, the autumn wind was strong, and the mountains and plains were filled with roaring forest waves.It was the beginning of October in the lunar calendar, there was no moonlight, and the sky was full of dark clouds, which completely covered the stars.Under the dim candlelight, Xiang's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat and talked for a long time.Xiang opened the box specially, took out the new clothes his daughter-in-law wore when passing through the door, and wrapped them together with a few silk skirts and dresses that he was reluctant to wear on weekdays, and gave them to his daughter-in-law as a dowry.Of the fifty taels of betrothal money, Mrs. Xiang only kept ten taels, and the rest were packaged up for Mrs. Zhou to take over.After the arrangements were made, she walked over and took Zhou's hand, and said affectionately: "You have been in our Ju family for more than a year, and your life is bitter and cold. I have wronged you. Now you are remarried to the Chen family. We are a small family, you have to be careful everywhere, and don’t mess with the rules. If you feel bored after passing the door, you can go back to Qijian Bridge to stay for a few days, so you can be my companion..." Speaking of this, Xiang's eyes glowed的热泪已夺眶而出，周氏也忍不住珠泪横流，婆媳两人紧紧依偎着直到鸡鸣。 陈老伦得到鞠家允婚的消息喜出望外。他特地请人把自己住的房子粉刷得焕然一新，然后又为新娘备办衣物、家具，直忙了四五天，才准备停当。十月中旬，他请了一班吹鼓手。又约三班衙仪仗，吹吹打打，热热闹闹地把周氏迎娶过了门。婚后周氏要什么他就给什么，周氏想干什么他就让干什么。而且天天鸡鸭鱼肉供奉周氏，半个月内没让周氏穿过一天重样的衣服，加之陈老伦处处体贴，把个周氏哄得不知怎样感激才好。在鞠家时，虽然向氏待她像亲生女儿一样，但那种淡饭粗茶的生活实在无法与陈家比拟，年方二十的周氏庆幸嫁了一个好丈夫，感到后半生有靠了，所以刚过门的几天有时还想念婆婆，以后就把一门心思投到丈夫身上了。夫妻之间无事不谈，鞠家的底细被陈老伦摸得一清二楚。 光阴荏苒，转眼一个月过去了，时令已到隆冬，川中的冬天虽不十分寒冷，但刮起风来也还时时催人紧裹衣衫。这天天已过了黄昏，陈老伦还没有回来，周氏安排好饭菜，等着丈夫回来一起吃，可直到月上东天，还没有丈夫的踪影。周氏有点急了，失去过丈夫的人，最怕新丈夫再出意外，所以她坐卧不安，心中也感烦乱。一更交过，陈老伦才拖着疲惫的身子赶回来，脸上布满愁容，周氏满面春风地迎过去，竟没换回陈老伦的一点笑意。只见他木然地坐到椅子上，不自觉地叹了一口气，好象要说什么，又强咽了回去。周氏有点纳闷地问；“今天为什么这么晚才回来？唉声叹气的难道有了什么祸事吗？”陈老伦摆了一下手，示意她不要再问，好半晌才说：“不是我唉声叹气，都为你们鞠家的那个案子，搅得六神不安！”周氏吃了一惊问道：“鞠家案子与你什么相干？”陈老伦说：“只因我这几天不断代你婆婆催促知州速速缉拿凶手，恰逢昨天府台大人也来了紧急文告，限令在半个月内破案，知州又把破案的事责成我来办理。这件事要抓人没有线索，欲待苦主不催又实不可能。刚才我与三班捕头商议了两个多时辰，也不知从哪里下手，而州官期限又紧，到时若不破案，不但我这个刑房书吏要保不住，而且可能因此获罪，叫人怎不忧愁？”周氏一听也心如火燎，但她一个年青的妇女，哪里有什么主意，只急得满屋乱转，最后又伏在陈老伦怀里嘤嘤地哭了起来。陈老伦有些烦躁地推开周氏，闷头思索了半晌，才试探地问：“你能不能回七涧桥一趟，劝说你婆婆不要再催促官府了？”周氏摇了摇头说：“这可劝不了，我婆婆的丈夫和儿子都被人惨杀，好好的人家被拆得七零八落，这样的深仇大恨她岂肯罢休？”陈老伦叹了一口气说：“我也知道她不肯罢休，只求你劝劝她，别催得太紧，能容我一个时间慢慢寻访。我想向氏这个人通情达理，有你出面求她，也许不至于碰钉了吧！”周氏又把头摇了摇说：“这个恐怕也办不到，自九月初我公公和鞠安被杀，到现在已经一个多月了，凶手杳无音信，谁都知道这样的案子越拖越不好破，我婆婆恨不得一时拿获凶贼报仇雪恨，让她不要催促，岂不是剜她的心肝吗？我实在不敢去讨这个没趣。”陈老伦见周氏不肯出面帮助，脸色越发阴沉了，连饭也没吃，就躺到了床上，周氏又是担扰又是心疼，只好强作笑容，柔言劝慰，陈老伦却一言不发，昏昏沉沉地睡着了。 第二天天色还没亮，陈老伦就起身匆匆梳洗了一下，也没和周氏道别就走了，一走就又是一整天，直到定更才回来，胡乱地吃了一口饭就又上床休息了。周氏这次可真有点心慌了，伏在枕边，百般询问，陈老伦只是含含糊糊，并不做正面回答。往日的温存一点也没有了，脸上的愁容却使他显得憔悴了许多。这样一连五六天，陈老伦都是早出晚归，沉默寡言，还有一天直到半夜才回来。周氏见丈夫如此愁闷，也常常暗暗垂泪，心想好好一个家庭，却被这个难缠的案子扰得乱七八糟，原指望过几天夫唱妻和、平平安安的日子，眼见得又没指望了。倘若丈夫为这个案子被免职、下狱，那么自己后半生还能指望谁呢？他暗暗埋怨自己是个女流，不能帮助丈夫分忧，也曾动过去七涧桥劝说向氏不要再告的念头，但想到出嫁前那个狂风大作的夜晚，婆婆对自己的百般关怀，又使她打消了这个念头。这几天，她似乎比陈老伦还要紧张，整天苦思冥想，希望找出一个保全丈夫的办法来，她甚至下决心，只要能使丈夫平安地度过这个难关，就是自己吃点苦、受点委屈，也心甘情愿。 这天夜里又刮起了狂风，大风摇曳着庭院中的古树，发出“呜呜”的怪叫，使人心惊肉跳。周氏生性胆小，把门窗关得严严的，仍然挡不住风的吼声，偏偏陈老伦又没有回来，她心神不宁地坐在堂屋里盼着听到丈夫那熟悉的脚步声。定更以后，陈老伦拖着沉重的脚步回来了，一进门就扎到了床上，不再动窝。周氏好容易替他脱下外衣，俯过身子关切地问：“官人，又出了什么事？”陈老伦艰难地抬起头来有气无力地说：“今天府台大人又来了公文，催促结案，荣知州严厉地切责了我一顿，限令我一个月以内必须拿获凶手，如若办不到，就先砍下我的人头，看来我的死也就在眼前了……”“啊！”周氏听罢心肝俱裂，只觉一阵眩晕，猝然倒在地上。陈老伦慌忙扶起她，用手捏紧人中穴，好一会儿才舒过一口气来，眼泪却像断了线的珠子一样哗哗地流了出来。陈老伦轻轻地将周氏抱在床上，依依不舍地望着她，眼中流露出无限深情。周氏伸出手臂，把陈老伦紧紧抱住说：“你不能死，我不让你死，你说说怎么办好，我一定帮助你办！”陈老伦犹疑地摇了摇头，似乎要说什么，却终于没有说出口。周氏知道他是有重要的话瞒着自己，越发抱得紧了，说：“夫妻间有什么话不能说？莫非你还要瞒着我吗？”陈老伦这才慢慢地说：“实不相瞒，这几天我与合衙捕快反复查询，已经摸清了案子的来龙去脉，但是碍于你的情面，我又不能说出去……”，周氏更感惊愕，放开了紧抱陈老伦的手臂，把一双杏眼瞪得圆圆的盯紧丈夫，问：“怎么会碍于我的面子？”陈老伦说：“傻丫头，你知道杀死你公公和丈夫的贼人是谁吗？”周氏茫然地摇摇头说：“不知道！”陈老伦突然斩钉截铁地说：“就是你的婆婆向氏。” 周氏真怀疑自己的耳朵听错了声音，惊愕地张着嘴、瞪着眼，一时说不出话来。陈老伦好像后悔自己把机密泄漏给周氏一样，眼神里充满了不安。夫妻默默地相对了好一会儿，周氏才猛醒过来，使劲地摇起头来说：“不能，不能，我婆婆平日的为人我最清楚，她怎么会杀死自己的丈夫和儿子，我不信，我不信，我就是不信！”说罢眼泪又涌了出来。陈老伦此时也恢复了镇静，冷冷地说：“你不信，但案子查得十分明白。向氏平日勾引奸夫，二人通奸已经两年多了，这次行凶乃是向氏出谋，奸夫动手，于半夜时分将鞠海父子诱出门外，分别杀害的。”周氏更加不相信地抗辨道：“我那婆婆是个守本分的，在家奉侍公公十分得体，在外接人待事从来规规矩矩，稳重贤慧，你说她勾引奸夫，这是万万没有的事，人命关天，你不要弄错了，冤枉了好人？”陈老伦说：“我原先也不相信向氏会干出这样伤风败俗的事来，怎奈奸夫已经查明，做案脉络都已理清，向氏实在无法脱罪。”周氏仍然坚定地说：“婆婆与我朝夕相守，冰清玉洁，我自嫁到鞠家一年有余，从没见过她与任何男人有过勾搭，你还是再查查吧。”陈老伦不觉一笑说；“与人通奸本来就是见不得人的事，岂能叫你知道，向氏把事情做得如此风雨不透，可见她的手段多么隐晦。”周氏这时才抬起头来，死死盯住陈老伦的脸，企图从中找出戏谑的影子来，可陈老伦满脸正经，没有一点开玩笑的意思，又使周氏一时不知道是相信婆婆还是相信丈夫了。 陈老伦好像完全理解周氏的心情说：“我原不该告诉你，可事到如今不告诉你又不行。依我的原意，只要向氏不再追究，我们也就睁一只眼闭一只眼不再张扬了。不想那向氏只以为我们不曾察觉，三番五次到知州面前哭闹，知州无奈只得严斥于我，我查得实情后碍于你的情面，还是想方设法替解脱。如今荣知州已勒令我定期破案，我寻思揭破迷底，你婆婆必是死罪，我怎能对得起你，而不拿凶手，我自己又难保残生。我反复思忖，决定至死不点破你婆婆的事情，一个月后我以一死了结这个案子罢了。只是可怜你新婚刚过，又要做寡妇了。”说到这里，不觉也淌下了眼泪。周氏到这会儿可是六神无主了，她实在舍不得这个新婚的丈夫，舍不得这个小康之家，但也舍不得那曾和自己相依为命的婆婆，到底应该怎么办？她是一点主见也没有，只好一头投进陈老伦怀里大哭起来。陈老伦让她哭了一阵才缓缓地说，“你不要过于悲伤，容我再想一想，看还有没有两全其美的办法？”周氏满怀希望地抬起头来说：“如果能两全其美，你让我干什么都行。”陈老伦轻轻地推开周氏，沉思了良久才踌躇地说：“办法倒是有一个，不过要先委屈你婆婆一下子。”周氏忙问：“什么办法？”陈老伦说：“我先将向氏按通奸犯抓起来，你需要到公堂上当面证实她与外人有奸……”，“什么？”周氏又是一惊，陈老伦赶快说：“案子落定后，我就可以得免死罪，然后再想办法，打通关节，将你婆婆保下来。”周氏摇起了头说：“通奸杀人罪岂能保得下来？”陈老伦说：“你没有在衙门混过事，不知道这内中的原委，俗话说'朝里有人好做官'，只要我能保住这刑房书吏的职位，不要说通奸杀人，就是聚众谋反也可以落个无罪释放。”周氏仍然有点不放心，低下头去沉默不语了。陈老伦说：“我若不获罪就一切都好办，你我夫妻一场，不如先把我保下来再救你婆婆吧！”周氏反复权衡，觉得的确没有别的办法了，只得叹了一口气说：“一切随你的便吧！”陈老伦见周氏完全被自己说服了，不觉大喜，激动地一把把周氏紧紧地搂在怀中……两天之后，正逢十一月初八，按清代规矩是衙门开门放告之日。清晨，刮起了嗖嗖的寒风，四川中部虽然气温并不太低，但也使人感到寒气逼人。卯时刚过，合州县衙大开堂门，三班衙役吆喝一声，簇拥着知州荣雨田升堂。大堂上下一派森严气势，荣雨田投下签令，通知有冤情的投上状纸来。喊声刚罢，一名中年女子就应声呼起冤来。众人往堂下一看，只见她素衣缟服，头戴孝巾，满面泪水，但面目清秀，尽管情绪悲怆，却仍掩饰不住容颜的秀丽。此人正是向氏，她三更天就起床，准备了一点干粮，不顾夜色漆黑、山路崎岖，赶到州衙来投状，催促知州大人速拿获凶手，为丈夫儿子报仇。她记得很清楚，这是案发后三个多月来她第九次来州里喊冤了。 知州吩咐喊冤者上堂，衙役们一叠声的呼喊：“带喊冤人！”这气势足以使胆小的人心惊肉跳。向氏却早已习惯了这套程式，循规蹈矩地随着引路公差走上了大堂。还没容她行罢跪拜礼，荣知州已经带着不耐烦的口气说：“向氏，你怎么又来了？”向氏心中一冷，悲戚地说：“丈夫、儿子大仇未报，民妇怎能不来？”荣雨田不觉一阵冷笑说：“你是要本州捉拿凶手吗？”向氏答道：“请大老爷替民妇做主！”荣雨仍沉吟了一下语调变得丁分缓慢，却带着千钧压力说：“你丈夫儿子被谁杀死，你真的一点也不知道吗？”向氏听出了这话中似有含意，但捉摸了一下，又悟不透荣雨田到底是什么意思，只得答道：“民妇实在不知道。”“胡说！”荣雨田狠狠地拍了一下惊堂木，大声吼道：—你以为本州好欺吧？鞠海父子系你与奸夫合谋杀死，案发之后；你不思老实投诚认罪，反而一再无理取闹，堂堂王法岂能容若如此儿戏，今天你来得去不得了。”“啊！”向氏惊叫一声，宛若晴天挨了一个霹雳，一时眼前金花乱冒，急火攻心竟昏厥了过去。荣雨田斜睨了站在一旁的陈老伦一眼，站起身来喝道，“向氏被本州揭破了底细，惊慌过度所以昏厥，尔等可用冷水将她喷醒。”早有两个衙役遵命端来一盆凉水，对准向氏脸上泼去，向氏被冷水一激醒了过来。荣雨田紧紧瞪着她说：“本州早已查清，你与奸夫通奸已有两年，为掩入耳目，竟合谋杀害丈夫、儿子，你道是也不是！”向氏此刻只觉怒火上撞，早把生死置之度外了，朗声抗辩道；“合州出了人命案，大人无力破获，竟然把罪名都推到民妇身上来了，真真令人惊骇。大人既然断定民妇与人通奸，那么奸夫何在？大人又说民妇与人合谋杀死了我的丈夫、儿子，那么可有人证物证？”荣雨田见一向懦弱的向氏竟敢当堂顶撞自己，不由大怒，喝道，“你这刁妇，仗着有点姿色，勾引奸夫，罪不容诛，还敢当堂顶撞本州，你就不怕王法吗？”向氏说：“王法不斩无罪之人，民妇满腹冤情尚未得雪，又无故蒙受通奸杀人之罪名，心中一时愤懑，顶撞了大人，望乞怒罪。”荣雨田见向氏不肯就范，早把一张脸拉得长长的，厉声说道；“你说你是无故蒙受罪名，想是本州冤枉你了？看来你是不见棺材不掉泪，非要当面对质不可了。”向氏说：“民妇心中无愧，不怕当面对质。”荣雨田不再理睬向氏，却对站班的衙役喝一声：“带奸夫！”听知州发下了这道命令，向氏心中又是一惊，此时她侧眼环视四周，只见满堂人役都睁大眼睛，死死地盯着自己，好像是在欣赏一件什么新奇的东西，不觉脸上绯红，她已经预料到将会有一个陌生的男人指控自己与他通奸，想到这里，女性的羞涩之情油然而生，刚才还挺直的腰板一下子弯了下去，她感到无地自容，高昂着的头也一下子垂到了胸前。 大堂上沉静了片刻，堂下传来了“哗、哗”的铁链子响，两名狱卒押解着一名彪形大汉走上堂来。那大汉一张四方脸上镶着一对公牛般的大眼睛，满脸横肉，络腮胡子显得十分凶悍。向氏一见这人，心中就是一阵憎恶，而这个大汉被按着跪倒后并不低头，只是贪婪地望着向氏，好像要一口把她吞下似的。荣雨田对大汉喝问道：“金六，你可认识这个女人？”那大汉点了点头说：“认识，她就是七涧桥的向氏！”荣雨田问：“你对她可有瓜葛？”大汉嘻笑了一下，带着轻狂的口气说：“她与小人有奸……”，“胡说！”荣雨田大吼一声指着大汉说：“向氏一向清白，岂能与你有奸？”大汉似乎一怔，但立刻恢复了镇静说：“大人息怒，向氏不但与小人有奸，而且我二人通奸已经二年有余了！”向氏此时羞愧、愤怒交织在一起，再也忍耐不住，伸出一只纤手来指着大汉说：“无耻恶棍，我何时见过你的面，大堂之上你竟敢诬陷良家妇女，你、你、你不怕遭天谴吗？”那个大汉见向氏恼怒之时更加有一番风韵，更加轻狂放荡，竟挪动着身子，向向氏靠拢过来，嘴里喃喃地说：“我的美人，我已全部招供了，谅你也隐瞒不住，不如实话实说了吧！”荣雨田这才插话问道：“向氏，你还有何话讲！”向氏把脸转向荣雨田说：“大人休听他一派胡言，民妇实在不认识他！”荣雨田把向氏丢在一边又对金六说：“金六，你把如何与向氏通奸，又如何谋杀鞠海父子的事，详细招来！”金六顺从地应了一声：“是！”就像背书一样地讲起了他与向氏在二年前“勾引成奸”的过程。又说：“我二人两年来多次乘鞠海父子出外治病之机，在向氏房中通奸。一个月前，鞠海父子去华莹山给人看病，原定十天回来，小人就潜入向氏房中与其取乐。不料鞠海中途脚腕扭伤，先期回来了，在向氏房中发现了小人，幸亏当时我二人只是在说些情话，没有被他抓住把柄，小人借了个情由，蒙混过去，匆匆逃走了。那鞠海却起了疑心，把儿子也唤了回来，欲查小人踪迹。向氏恐怕事情败露，就与小人商议对策。小人不该起了杀机，与向氏约好，由她先将鞠海父子灌醉，夜间故意假做私奔，先将大醉中的鞠海引出门外，由小人伏在暗处一刀杀死。不料小人动手太猛，鞠海倒地声音过重，鞠安也被惊醒，出门窥探，发现了我二人的勾当。当时向氏伸手抱住鞠安，令他无法挣扎，小人又是一刀，结果了他的性命。”杀人之后凶器如何收藏？”被小人包扎好，扔到七涧桥下的江水中了。“奸妇说了些什么？”她说既杀了人少不得就得咬咬牙，冒充清白之人去州里呼冤，也许能蒙混过去。”你却逃往何处？”小人企图沿涪江外逃，不想十天前在山谷中迷了路被捕头抓来，这也是鞠海父子冤魂缠绕，小人罪有应得。”你的口供可实？“句句是实话！”“当堂画押！”“是！”担任笔录的陈老伦已将口供录好，送了过来，金六看也不看就画了押。荣雨田将供状抛到向氏面前问：“你还有什么话说？”向氏到这时才明白，今天的审讯原来是知州大人早已布好的圈套。自己血海般的深仇未能伸报，却要以淫妇的罪名被打下十八层地狱。她自知要想摆脱这场陷害是万万不可能了，她平日虽然十分善良贤慧，但性格却也十分倔强，把这幕丑剧看穿后，她心中反倒踏实下来了，决心以理抗争，至死不让荣雨田得逞。于是她挺起腰答道：“民妇冤枉！”荣雨田把惊堂木一拍说，“大堂之上，人证确凿，还敢抵赖！来人，掌嘴！”知州一声令下，行刑衙役立即跑上来，两个人将向氏双肩架住，另一个人用一块硬木板尺在向氏脸颊上左右开弓，一顿猛打。向氏本是个皮肤细嫩之人，怎禁得这木板拍打？只打了十几下已经皮开肉绽，满嘴是血，那高昂着的头再也抬不起来，一下子垂了下去。荣雨田止住了行刑者，冷冷地问向氏：“你是招也不招？”向氏喘了一口气，把嘴里积淤的血块吐了出来，双眼一闭，一言不发。荣雨田又问了一句：“招不招？”向氏使劲摇了摇头，但已说不出话来。荣雨田大怒，喝令将拶子准备好，衙役们不敢怠慢，一付血淋淋的拶子掷在了向氏面前。向氏知道这是一种夹断手指的酷刑，但毫不惊慌，索性扭过脸去，不理睬荣雨田。荣雨田怒上加怒，吼道：“给我拶起来！”行刑衙役刚把拶子套到向氏手上，他就迫不及待地喊：“收，收，给我加力地收。”向氏只觉得手上一紧，十根指就发起了一阵彻骨裂心的疼痛，顿时汗流满面，眼冒金花，惨叫一声昏死过去。 荣雨田喝令用冷水将她浇醒，看着她痛楚地出了一口气，混身不断抽搐，知道这次用刑过狠了，向氏已经难以支持，就示意衙役将拶子退下，继续追问：“你到底招不招？”向氏只觉得双颊如同火烧一般疼痛，双手更是不敢曲张，其痛楚直连心腑，嘴里喃喃地说：“冤，冤……枉！”荣雨田把手一挥又要动刑，向氏心胆俱裂，急忙说：“民妇与儿媳周氏相依度日，若有奸情，媳妇岂能不知？只要大人把周氏找来，一问便清楚了。”荣雨田“嘿，嘿，嘿”一阵冷笑，说：“你以为周氏能帮你忙吗？恐怕也不尽然，来人，传周氏上堂对质！”向氏听说要传周氏当堂对质，心中一喜，她想“我待媳妇如同亲母一般，平日婆媳融洽，只要周氏一来，我的冤枉自然洗清了。”想罢不觉一阵轻松，连伤痛都似乎轻了一些。 不一会儿，几名衙役将周氏引上堂来。那周氏平日在鞠家，大门不出，二门不迈，原没有什么见识。到了公堂上，看到公差们一个个横眉立目，满脸凶气，已吓得战战兢兢，及至看到向氏鬓发散乱，满脸是血，更觉心惊肉跳，只是一个劲地喊：“大老爷饶命，大老爷饶命。”荣雨田厉声说：“周氏，不必惊慌，本州问你，你那婆婆向氏，平日居家，可曾与人通奸？”周氏此刻已被吓破了胆，巴不得立刻爬出大堂去躲藏起来，听到大老爷喝问，哪里还容她细想？只得照