Volume One: Carefree Journeys Among Unfamiliar Leaves Chapter Seventy-Two: The Lawsuit

Yang Ning merely stared coldly at Dou Lianzhong, making Dou Lianzhong feel utterly uncomfortable. He could only say, "Since it was my fault for breaking it, compensating you with silver is not unreasonable, but..." He chose his words carefully, speaking with caution, "But as for how much this glass horse is worth, does the heir have an idea?"

"Silver?" Yang Ning scoffed, "Young Master Dou, do you think my Marquis's household lacks your paltry silver?"

Dou Lianzhong's face darkened slightly. He replied in a cool tone, "If you insist on saying that, I have nothing more to add. Tell me what you want—no need for all this fuss." With a sneer, he continued, "Frankly, you boast about yourself here, calling a mere glass horse a family heirloom. Whether that's true or not, who can really know?"

"Are you planning to play tricks, Young Master Dou?" Yang Ning sneered as well, "Too bad such schemes don't work in my household."

Dou Lianzhong said, "There's no need for us to quarrel. I, Dou Lianzhong, am a reasonable man. Since you claim this glass horse is extraordinary, let's simply find a few experts in appraisal to examine it carefully—they'll be able to tell if it's genuine."

"By your logic, if a learned scholar dies, just by examining his corpse, one could tell how much he knew?" Yang Ning retorted coldly, "The glass horse was intact, naturally extraordinary. But now that you've smashed it, what can be seen?"

Dou Lianzhong's expression turned sour. Zhao Xin, standing nearby, leaned in and whispered in his ear. Dou Lianzhong immediately said, "If it truly is a family heirloom, I will compensate. But if you're merely making empty claims, I will not be swindled." He glanced at the shattered fragments of the glass horse, "Arguing here is pointless. If we want clarity, let's go to the Capital Prefecture now."

"The Capital Prefecture?" Yang Ning smiled, "Young Master Dou, are you preparing to see an official?"

"Indeed. We must see an official."

"Very well," Yang Ning agreed without hesitation, "Even if we have to go all the way to the Golden Palace, you destroyed my family heirloom—you can't escape responsibility. I will accompany you to the Capital Prefecture."

Dou Lianzhong knew that if they continued to tangle in the Marquis's residence, he would gain nothing. Leaving for the Capital Prefecture offered a chance for some reprieve.

Zhao Xin couldn't help but ask, "What about our pawn tickets...?"

"What's the rush?" Yang Ning replied impatiently, "Compared to my family heirloom, your silver is nothing—even ten times as much wouldn’t be enough. You won’t lack your compensation."

Dou Lianzhong felt a chill in his heart, thinking to himself, This boy is truly ruthless. For a broken horse, he dares demand a fortune. Since that’s the case, I must clarify things at the Capital Prefecture.

As its name implies, the Capital Prefecture is the official bureau based in the capital. Most cases in the city, especially civil disputes like this, are handled there. The bureau is also responsible for maintaining order in the capital.

The Capital Prefecture is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, so its Prefect is usually chosen from its officials.

When Dou Lianzhong and Yang Ning arrived at the Capital Prefecture, it was still before midday. Their identities were special, and upon hearing that two noble young men had come to litigate, the clerks hurried inside to report.

Though the Capital Prefecture handles many cases each month, a case like today’s was rare. The capital was filled with princes and nobles, countless high-ranking officials and ministers. Children of noble families were everywhere, and it was inevitable that they formed factions and had conflicts. Yet, even when disputes arose, they were usually settled privately—rarely brought into the open, and even more seldom did they go to court.

If it had been during the days of Qi Jing’s reign, Dou Lianzhong would not have dared to trouble the Marquis's household, let alone bring a case against the Marquis's heir at the Capital Prefecture.

But circumstances had changed. Qi Jing was gone, and Dou Lianzhong suspected Yang Ning was out to ruin him, so he had no choice but to go to court. Upon leaving the Marquis's residence, he whispered something to Zhao Xin, who departed alone instead of accompanying Dou Lianzhong to the Capital Prefecture.

Soon, they were invited inside. Normally, Yang Ning’s guards, such as Zhao Wushang, would not be allowed to enter, but Yang Ning insisted Zhao Wushang was a witness. Though the Marquis's household had declined, its legacy still carried weight. The clerks did not dare offend them and permitted Zhao Wushang to enter.

The clerks did not take the three to the main hall, but led them to a side chamber. After they were seated, Dou Lianzhong sneered, "Qi Ning, you are, after all, the heir to the Marquis. Both generations of the Marquis were upright and incorruptible—who would have thought you’d be so full of schemes, resorting to such underhanded tricks? You’ll ruin the Marquis’s reputation."

"First," Yang Ning retorted, "you, Dou Lianzhong, are hardly qualified to speak of upright conduct, given your own dealings. Second, you destroyed the Marquis’s family heirloom, and instead of remorse, you accuse me of plotting against you and try to shirk responsibility. That alone speaks volumes about your character."

"There’s no need to argue," Dou Lianzhong sneered, "You probably don’t know what kind of man the Prefect of the Capital Prefecture is."

Yang Ning turned to Zhao Wushang beside him. Zhao Wushang replied, "Prefect Mo is also the Deputy Minister of Justice, strict and impartial, famed for his judgment—he’s known as 'Iron Judge Mo.'"

His words were brief and direct, quickly summarizing Prefect Mo’s background and temperament.

Dou Lianzhong smiled, "So you know. Prefect Mo’s reputation precedes him. He entered the Ministry of Justice in his twenties, and every case he handled has been judged clearly. Qi Ning, whether your glass horse is a shoddy trinket or a family treasure, Prefect Mo will discover the truth."

As he finished speaking, a shout came from outside: "Court session!"

Four clerks holding batons filed in, split left and right, and called out together, "Please, my lord, enter the court!" The batons struck the floor with a rhythmic sound, few in number but creating an atmosphere of solemnity.

Then a man entered, clad in black official robes, around forty years old, his complexion paler than most, not the healthy white of ordinary skin, but a bloodless pallor. He had a square face, thick brows, and large eyes, his expression stern, with an innate air of authority.

Yang Ning knew this must be Prefect Mo. Behind him followed a clerk holding a stack of files.

Prefect Mo entered without glancing at Yang Ning or Dou Lianzhong seated on either side. He walked straight to the main seat and sat. The clerk arranged the writing materials with practiced ease, dipped the brush in ink, and waited silently.

Prefect Mo coughed, then looked around. Yang Ning and Dou Lianzhong both stood and bowed in greeting. Dou Lianzhong was about to speak, but Prefect Mo spoke first: "This case should be tried in the main hall, but for the sake of your families’ reputations, we shall convene here. Before I begin, I ask only one question: Do you truly wish to pursue this case? If you wish to withdraw, I can stop now. Otherwise, the proceedings will be recorded in the official file." He gestured to the clerk, "Everything you say, and everything I say, will be recorded."

Dou Lianzhong glanced at Yang Ning and smiled coldly. Yet before Prefect Mo, he dared not show disrespect. He bowed, "Sir, Qi Ning of the Marquis's household has set a trap for me..."

Prefect Mo raised his hand, "No need to refer to yourself as a junior. In here, there is no seniority—just state your name. And before I make a judgment, do not accuse others lightly. If you claim Qi Ning has set a trap, you must provide sufficient evidence, or else it is slander and I will not allow it."

Dou Lianzhong was momentarily stunned, embarrassed, "I—Dou Lianzhong understands."

Prefect Mo nodded slightly, then turned to Yang Ning, "Qi Ning, you two are here to litigate. Who is the plaintiff?"

Both pointed at each other, "I am suing him!"

Prefect Mo frowned, "What nonsense is this?" He pointed to Dou Lianzhong, "You first—tell the whole story. Qi Ning, do not interrupt until he finishes."

Dou Lianzhong recounted the events in detail, ending with, "Sir, Qi Ning schemed from the start. A worthless glass horse, he claimed was a family treasure, even saying it could reveal life and death—utter nonsense."

Prefect Mo asked coolly, "Are you finished?"

Dou Lianzhong wanted to add more, but seeing Prefect Mo’s stern expression, he nodded. Prefect Mo turned to Qi Ning, "Is what Dou Lianzhong said true?"

"Sir, what he said earlier is largely correct," Yang Ning replied. "Last night, the pawnshop burned down. Dou Lianzhong rushed to the scene, eager to redeem his pawned items. Early this morning, he arrived at the Marquis's residence to demand compensation. I asked them to wait in the main hall, but Dou Lianzhong sought me out, requesting to see the family treasure. He insisted on examining its wonders, took the glass horse outside himself, and accidentally broke it. That glass horse was a rare family heirloom, now destroyed. Not only does he show no remorse, he slanders me for plotting against him..." Yang Ning smiled bitterly, "I don't know what to do; I can only ask you, sir, to decide."

Dou Lianzhong sneered, "Still pretending? Prefect Mo’s insight will expose the truth at a glance."

"I am already aware of last night’s fire," Prefect Mo said, "Your household reported it, and I sent investigators this morning." He stroked his beard, "Qi Ning, did you bring the family treasure?"

"I did." Yang Ning looked at Zhao Wushang, who handed over a bundle containing the fragments of the glass horse.

Prefect Mo took a piece, examined it briefly, and remarked, "This glass is poorly made. Judging by the material alone, it is not a valuable item."

Immediately, Dou Lianzhong’s brows lit with delight, and he glanced triumphantly at Yang Ning.