Seeing Wu Caiwei’s confident expression, the county magistrate couldn't help but laugh, feeling he was growing younger. He found himself curious to test a woman who could never join his ranks. Her business was thriving, while his was a mere sustenance post. It would be foolish to assist him in solving cases, and furthermore, women prioritized family and rarely appeared in public.
Though her intentions were good, to outsiders, it seemed he harbored suspicions and deliberately made things difficult for her. Continuing to question her might lead others to believe she had offended him, and in an attempt to curry favor, they might even obstruct her.
Thus, for the first time, he did not ask for Wu Caiwei's opinion. Instead, he directly revealed the answer. A common man's clothes and shoes were placed on the court. The crowd watched in confusion, not understanding why ordinary attire was presented as evidence.
The middle-aged woman, who had long prepared her defense and consistently denied everything, slowly sagged. She finally collapsed onto the ground, knowing she was finished. She hadn't expected her actions, which she believed were so discreet, to be discovered by the discerning county magistrate.
The men of the Xu family, seeing their sister-in-law’s reaction, sensed something was amiss. However, they couldn't understand why she reacted so strongly to what appeared to be ordinary clothes, similar to what their elder brother usually wore. They wondered if there was something unusual about the garment or if it was poisoned.
The county magistrate didn't let them guess for long. He quickly provided the answer, slamming his gavel down and sternly asking, "Bold Madam Zhang, do you recognize these items?"
The middle-aged woman took a deep breath and tried to maintain a calm demeanor, feigning ignorance. "Are these not the shoes and clothes I made for my husband? It's a pity my husband passed away before he could wear them."
"According to my knowledge, your husband, due to years of outdoor labor and excessive drinking, was quite thin. However, this garment is exceptionally large. Are you certain you made it specifically for him?" the county magistrate asked, narrowing his eyes and watching for any subtle change in her expression.
Madam Zhang stiffened, realizing her secret was about to be exposed. It was clear these clothes were not her husband's size. Her two children were not yet adults and could not possibly wear such large garments. As expected, when she looked up, she saw the Xu brothers looking at her with confusion. A realization dawned upon them – they had never suspected their sister-in-law of infidelity.
Some quick-witted among them guessed that their elder brother might have been murdered by his lover. The thought that they had not only failed to find their brother's killer but had also inadvertently wronged an innocent person made them involuntarily show expressions of guilt.
"Who is it?" Xu family's second brother, overwhelmed with grief at his brother's unjust death, couldn't help but weep. Although their relationship had faded over the years, they had grown up together, and their bond was extraordinary. If their brother had indeed died from drinking, they would have felt some solace, believing he had gotten what he deserved. However, knowing he was murdered, they felt obligated to help find the killer. Thus, before the county magistrate spoke, he couldn't help but loudly ask the question in front of everyone.
Madam Zhang's expression remained unnervingly calm. She listened to the murmurs of the crowd, knowing that from this day forward, she would be known throughout the city as a promiscuous woman. Yet, she had no regrets.
Recalling the desperate and bleak days she had spent with the elder Mr. Xu, the memories were suffocating. He had saved her soul when she was in despair and on the verge of suicide. Her only regret was not meeting him sooner, which would have allowed them to live together openly. She knew that the revelation of today's events would mean their certain death. She was content to face the underworld alone, wishing him a good life and hoping he would eventually find a suitable woman to spend his remaining years with.
Just as she was about to confess to all the crimes herself, a person suddenly burst from the crowd and knelt in the hall. With remarkable calm, he declared, "I killed Xu Defa. These clothes were presented to him as I lamented my inability to receive warmth and care. He volunteered, proclaiming our brotherhood, and suggested that my sister-in-law make him a set of clothes, which led to this supposed evidence."
"No, that is not the truth. I killed my husband. I noticed they were growing close and intentionally seduced Lei Zi. That day, our affair was discovered by my husband. As he was drunk and unable to resist, I decided to go ahead and suffocate him.
Lei Zi has always been weak and incompetent. At the time, he tried to stop me, but I told him that if he didn't stand by me, I would expose our affair to everyone, making it impossible for him to live in this city. He hesitated, and in that moment, I killed Xu Defa." Madam Zhang felt it was worth it to have a man die for her. If there were a next life, she vowed to overcome all obstacles and be with this kindred spirit.
Seeing their expressions, there was nothing left to misunderstand. It was likely a joint crime, but what was surprising was their apparent genuine love for each other, both willing to bear all the blame to give the other a chance at survival. Although touched by their devotion, murder was a capital offense.
Indeed, by the time Wu Caiwei recovered, she saw the two embracing tightly. The Xu brothers clenched their fists, staring at Lei Zi with hatred. They had never imagined their good friend would cuckold their elder brother.
"Why are you so foolish? No one knew about our relationship. If it weren't for you, I would have died long ago. I've already lived many extra years, a great fortune. As long as I can take all the responsibility, I can still live a good life. I have too many flaws; you don't deserve to do this for me."
Madam Zhang would never forget a night ten years ago. She had been beaten bloody by Xu Defa and left with nowhere to go. Lei Zi, who was out helping in the middle of the night, found her, took her home, not only bandaged her wounds but also escorted her back. Back then, he was gentle and caring, and unknowingly, he had captured Madam Zhang's heart.
"My greatest regret in this life is that I cannot marry you. I once told you that although we cannot be born in the same year, month, and day, I want to die in the same year, month, and day as you, never to be separated for eternity. I am merely fulfilling my promise."
Lei Zi looked at her openly for the first time, tears streaming down his face mixed with a smile. She understood that she had already resolved to die. But what meaning would life have for him without her? This was the perfect opportunity to let everyone know that they had truly loved each other, something he had always wanted to do but hadn't. With all regrets resolved, he could die without remorse.