Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C207

C207 – Fortuitous Meeting

The island housed hundreds of slaves, with some abducted women having settled down and established families, while others were captured and forced into labor, including elderly individuals with knowledge.

Zuo Shaoqing gazed upon the lengthy roster and sighed, remarking, “Not all these pirates were without conscience. They even established a school on this island.” His surprise was evident upon seeing the name of the teacher.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

“Why?” Lu Zheng leaned in behind him, his chin resting on Zuo Shaoqing’s shoulder. The warm sunlight bathed the island, evoking a sense of gentle strength, creating a comfortable ambiance.

Lu Zheng even entertained the idea of claiming this island for himself once its inhabitants were cleared out. It could potentially serve as a contingency plan in the future.

“Look,” Zuo Shaoqing handed him the list and indicated a particular name.

“Wang Xu?” Lu Zheng repeated the name twice, eyebrows raised in recognition. “It’s him!”

Zuo Shaoqing turned around, rubbing his face. “Seems like we need to keep a close watch on our son.” While a lone Wang Zhenhai posed no threat, if the Wang Family retained its former influence, he preferred to avoid any confrontation over the child’s custody.

Wang Zhenhai, frail and feeble, found himself tasked with tallying the enslaved individuals rather than participating in the hunt for pirates concealed on the island.

Surveying the emaciated faces of the shackled slaves, Wang Zhenhai gained a newfound understanding of the pirates’ brutality.

Witnessing several women emerge from a dim chamber, their expressions a mix of despair and fury, Wang Zhenhai’s heart sank. Some even collided with pillars in their frenzied state upon being rescued.

“These unfortunate women may have lived their entire lives on this island, but upon returning home, who would accept them?” An elderly sailor remarked apathetically into Wang Zhenhai’s ear.

For these disgraced women, returning home left them with only two options: to end their lives to preserve their honor, or to end their lives altogether.

Wang Zhenhai’s body quivered as he lowered his head, continuing his duties with an overwhelming sense of sorrow. Recording the name of a slave, he inquired about their hometown and called out, “Next, what is your name?”

“San-er?” A puzzled voice echoed above him. That familiar tone caused Wang Zhenhai to abruptly look up.

“...Father?” How could this be? His eyes widened in astonishment as he rose and approached the old man.

“San-er, could it truly be you?” Master Wang grasped Wang Zhenhai’s shoulder, his eyes welling up with tears, overcome with emotion.

“Father, how... how did you come here?” Wang Zhenhai’s excitement surpassed even Master Wang’s. With everyone believing his father and brother were deceased, the immense joy choked the burly man.

Father and son embraced, tears flowing freely, evoking sympathy from those nearby. Some, aware of their identities, sighed deeply.

As Wang Zhenhai gazed at his father, whose once-dark hair had turned white with age, he received a firm slap. Remorse filled him for his past ignorance and lack of filial piety.

He huffed and turned away from Liang Qi, his face now tinged with embarrassment, provoking further laughter from Liang Qi.

“What’s amusing Vice Minister Liang?” Zuo Shaoqing approached, handing Zuo Xiaolang to Liang Qi before presenting a thick imperial report to Lu Zheng.

Liang Qi had been tasked as a servant for two consecutive nights, a matter he grumbled about to his companions, even Zuo Xiaolang showing signs of discontent.

Holding the child with one arm, the younger and older men shared a brief gaze before Zuo Xiaolang broke free and rushed to embrace Zuo Shaoqing’s leg.

Zuo Shaoqing lowered his head, smiling warmly at his son, eliciting laughter from Zuo Xiaolang, who thought, “Daddy is truly the best!”

Lu Zheng meticulously perused the imperial report drafted by Zuo Shaoqing the previous day, intending to dispatch it to the capital alongside captured pirates at the opportune moment.

The imperial report meticulously detailed their journey, including evidence implicating Prefect Lin of Crane City colluding with pirates to harm Duke Zhen. It presented both human testimony and physical proof, a mix of truths and falsehoods. Zuo Shaoqing’s willingness to document these points indicated his confidence in Sun Tie’s ability to uncover the mentioned evidence.

The report chronicled Prefect Lin’s deep-seated animosity towards Duke Zhen, their initial mistreatment upon arrival at Crane City, Lin’s correspondence with the pirates, and his encouragement for them to strike first. Even the use of two merchant ships as bait was attributed to Lin’s authorization by Zuo Shaoqing.

Furthermore, Zuo Shaoqing pinned the attack on the coastal village of Crane City County squarely on Prefect Lin.

Within this official document, Prefect Lin was portrayed as a malevolent figure, sacrificing commoners for personal gain and conspiring with foreign adversaries to eliminate court officials due to personal vendettas.

With this memorial alone, Zuo Shaoqing was confident that Lin Zhihao would not only meet a dishonorable demise but would also endure millennia of ignominy.

A faint smile played on the corner of Lu Zheng’s lips as he tapped the final page of the imperial report. “How can I convince the emperor of Lin Zhihao’s involvement in the coastal bandit attacks?”

“Prefect Lin accepted bribes, colluded with Hai Kou, and turned a blind eye to their slaughter of our Great Yang’s people, all while his family amassed wealth from the stolen gold and silver!”

Lu Zheng nodded in understanding, pinching Zuo Shaoqing’s cheek. “I’ve heard rumors that the Prefect keeps an East China Sea pearl in his quarters.”

Zuo Shaoqing’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as his hand tightened around Lu Zheng’s, a sinister laugh escaping his lips.

Liang Qi interjected with righteous indignation, “Is it appropriate to discuss accusations of fraud, falsified evidence, and theft in the presence of this official?”

Zuo Shaoqing exclaimed, “Oh dear, this official nearly forgot to document Lord Liang’s contributions. Your valorous injury was indeed significant.”

Liang Qi’s lips twitched as he replied calmly, “I’m indifferent to recognition.” He wasn’t naïve. As the head of civil service in the south, he possessed the authority to report to his superiors.

Retrieving a memorial from his sleeve, he handed it to Lu Zheng. “I also penned a memorial that night, and I would appreciate Master Lu’s assistance in delivering it.”

After a cursory glance, Lu Zheng stowed it away with satisfaction. He planned to dispatch the evidence to the capital alongside the horses upon returning to Crane City.