Chapter 61: Big Brother’s Ass

Chapter 61

These words caused an uproar in the courtroom.

Some wondered if such blatant favoritism was acceptable.

Others were shocked that he had waited until half of the fifty cane strokes were administered before speaking up.

The Prefect of Anshui County maintained his stoic expression, simply gazing at Xu Mo as he awaited the young man's response.

"Chief clerk," he said.

Xu Mo had never aspired to become the chief county clerk, he had merely tried his best.

He had never considered the position as leverage for this case, but the Prefect must have his reasons for making such an offer.

Xu Mo struggled internally.

In the corner, Jiang Sheng clenched her fists and stamped her feet as she whispered, "Accept it, big brother! Say yes!"

In the girl's mind, her big brother was the most capable person ever. Forget a lowly chief county clerk, if he wanted to, he could make it all the way to top scholar!

Her steadfast faith seemed to bolster Xu Mo's resolve.

After a long pause, he finally replied in a low voice, "You make a fair point, sir. But this case is far-reaching. How will you ensure secrecy until after the provincial exam?"

That was as good as an acceptance.

The Prefect of Anshui laughed heartily. "Leave that to me. I will silence everyone present. You just focus on preparing for the exam."

Having said that, he returned to his sedan chair and departed.

Several yamen runners were left to record the petitioners' statements and forbid them from speaking of the matter to avoid complications.

Xu Mo forced himself to stand, but after taking just two shaky steps, one of the passing yamen runners moved to support him.

"Easy there, young man. Can you walk?" asked the elderly runner kindly.

Xu Mo waved him off to indicate he was fine.

Just then, his younger siblings rushed over to cluster around him protectively.

"Big brother, you'll definitely become chief county clerk," Jiang Sheng stated with certainty rather than encouragement.

"Big brother, just do your best. I can take those last twenty strokes for you," Fang Heng knew Xu Mo couldn't possibly endure fifty full strokes.

With tears in her eyes, Wen Zhiyun said, "Big brother, I'll tend to your injuries."

Chang Yan took a deep breath. "Let's get you into the carriage first."

The five children leaned on each other for support as they slowly made their way to a waiting carriage.

Chang Yan finally lost patience. Covering her eyes with one hand, he dragged her outside with the other. "Wait out here."

"Why?" Jiang Sheng began to sob. "I want to see big brother's injuries!"

She struggled to get back into the shed.

Chang Yan had no choice but to restrain her in a firm hold.

Just then, the assistant brought the hot water and clicked his tongue at the sight. "How awful, just terrible. The flesh is shredded."

Jiang Sheng became even more agitated. She pried open Chang Yan's hands with all her strength and made a lightning-quick dash into the shed.

Then Fang Heng promptly tossed her back out.

"Little Jiang Sheng, you can't look," Xu Mo admonished despite his pain. "Don't look. Wait outside for us."

Jiang Sheng stopped right at the window, lips pursed in frustration.

She didn't understand why her brothers were preventing her from helping, but she was obedient.

Though anxious, she could only squat and fiercely yank on the sprouting weeds.

Chang Yan sighed.

Survival took priority over propriety, so no one had explained gender segregation to Jiang Sheng before.

Living in the dilapidated temple, they had indulged her youthful innocence.

But staying in the shed this time, the brothers had made an effort to get her a separate little bed and hung a curtain to protect their sister's modesty.

Chang Yan hoped she would come to understand in time.

Despite the circumstances, Wen Zhiyun worked efficiently. Within half an hour, she had finished bandaging and gently covered Xu Mo with a quilt.

Fang Heng then emerged with a bowl of hot water. Seeing Jiang Sheng, he nodded. "Go on in."

Jiang Sheng pursed her lips and marched in angrily, but seeing Xu Mo's pale lips, she began sniffling again.

Glancing over, she saw Wen Zhiyun collapsed at the other end of the big bed, clearly exhausted from the intense first aid.

"Jiang Sheng, you're still crying?" Xu Mo was roused by her sniffling. His long curled lashes fluttered as he slowly opened his eyes. "Don't cry. We were just trying to spare you the sight."

"I'm not afraid," Jiang Sheng pouted. "I'm not scared of big brother's bottom."

Xu Mo said, "...I am."

"I didn't want you seeing such a gory scene. And I'm a boy while you're a girl. You...can't look at a boy's bottom."

"I can't look at any boy's bottom? Not even fifth brother's?" Jiang Sheng was very surprised.