The Ruthless Female Forensic Doctor's Husband-Destroying Story

Chapter 54

Yang Huan hurriedly kowtowed again before saying, "Your Majesty, my mother-in-law feigned illness to lure my wife home and hide her. I went to look for her, but she wouldn't let me see her. In my haste, I did some inappropriate things. I have already apologized to my father-in-law..."

Before he could finish speaking, the third son of the Xu family, who had been unable to contain himself any longer, retorted, "Your Majesty, do not listen to his nonsense. Our two families have already signed a document at the Kaifeng Prefecture government office to prove that we have been separated and have no connection whatsoever. Yet he dared to come to our door, not only damaging the stone lions at our gate but also nearly breaking down our gate. Such an arrogant person deserves Your Majesty's severe punishment!"

Yang Huan glanced at him sideways before speaking loudly: "Your Majesty, according to the laws and regulations of the Celestial Empire, there are three ways for a married couple to separate. The first is divorce, the second is amicable separation, and the third is a forced divorce by the government. My wife and I are of similar temperament, and I will not divorce her, nor will she agree to amicable separation. What my brother-in-law just mentioned is a forced divorce by the government. However, a forced divorce by the government must have a reason. Now, a judgment has been issued without any cause. Although it may be the will of our parents and elders, it is against the law, and I must uphold the law above all else."

Emperor Renzong looked at the Minister of Justice and asked, "Is this true?"

The Minister of Justice hurriedly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, what Lord Yang said earlier is not wrong. According to the laws of our dynasty, the government can only grant a divorce if either spouse discovers that the marriage was illegal, the wife has fled, the husband has been on the run for three years, the husband has forced the wife into prostitution, or the father-in-law has cheated on his wife with another man. Otherwise, a divorce cannot be granted.”

Yang Huan replied, "That's right. My wife and I are deeply in love. How could there be such a shameful reason? Therefore, although the judgment came from the Prefect of Kaifeng, the law of the royal family is supreme. I dared not to recognize this case. Although my wife is my father-in-law's daughter, now that she is married, she is a member of the Yang family. When I went to ask for my family back, my father-in-law refused to see me. I had no choice but to take this drastic measure."

Emperor Renzong frowned and looked at Prefect Li of Kaifeng Prefecture, asking, "When you handled this matter that day, did either of the two families mention the reason?"

Seeing that he had been dragged into this, Li Xianchen stepped forward and said helplessly, "Your Majesty, please investigate. On that day, Madam Xu and Madam Yang came to the government office together and demanded that I be sentenced to retirement. They argued fiercely, and I had no choice but to issue the judgment without asking the reason, thinking that it was ultimately the will of their parents. I handled the matter improperly and beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Emperor Renzong snorted, his eyes sweeping over Xu Hanlin and Yang Taiwei. Seeing the embarrassment on their faces, he said impatiently, "What a muddled case! The dignified Prefect of Kaifeng is so easily swayed by two women. What a disgrace to the prefect! Go back and investigate this matter thoroughly. All matters must be governed by the laws of our dynasty!"

Prefect Li was reprimanded but dared not argue. He hurriedly agreed and then retreated, his forehead already covered in sweat.

Emperor Renzong then turned to Yang Huan and said, "Let's put that matter aside for now, but how do you explain your unauthorized return to the capital without imperial orders?"

Upon hearing this, Grand Commandant Yang felt a pang of unease. He looked up at Yang Huan, gesturing for him to kowtow and beg for forgiveness, but Yang Huan instead exclaimed joyfully, "Your Majesty, I have dared to return to the capital this time only because I have been entrusted by the people of Qingmen County to present Your Majesty with an auspicious object!"

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the court showed strange expressions. Emperor Renzong was taken aback and asked in surprise, "An auspicious omen?"

Yang Huan nodded and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, some time ago when I was inspecting the seawall, I suddenly heard from the laborers that they had found a strange stone while digging the foundation of the seawall. I rushed over to take a look and found that it was a naturally formed tortoise stone about a foot square. After washing it, I saw that it was bluish-yellow all over, with a lifelike head and feet. What was most strange was that the patterns on the tortoise shell looked like some characters. I am not very knowledgeable, so I asked the county magistrate in the yamen to identify it. Only then did I realize that it was the ancient script 'Tianyou Bao' (Heavenly Blessing Treasure)." The four characters "木" (wood) combined form the character "宋" (Song). This is an auspicious omen from heaven, protecting the eternal foundation of our Great Song Dynasty! Upon hearing this, the people rejoiced and knelt in worship, insisting that I present this heavenly blessing to the Emperor. I dared not refuse, and thus boldly entered the capital, eager to convey this news to the Emperor as soon as possible. That is why I have been traveling day and night. The auspicious object is still on its way, and I have ordered people to escort it carefully. It should arrive soon!

After these words, the hall fell silent. After a long while, someone spoke first, saying "Congratulations, Your Majesty," and then a chorus of congratulations erupted.

"Your Majesty, just as our army is about to march north, this auspicious omen has descended from the heavens. It is truly a sign of great fortune! We must announce it so that the whole world may know."

The Grand Secretary, who was usually most adept at flattery, immediately spoke up loudly, and voices of agreement rang out. There were also a few who stood silently, such as Fan Zhongyan, who merely watched with smiles on their faces.

Although Emperor Renzong was somewhat skeptical, it just so happened that he was at the time of the military expedition and was troubled by the many interferences in the court and the low morale of the army. At this moment, Yang Huan presented him with such a heaven-sent opportunity to boost the morale of the army, which seemed to have hit the nail on the head. How could he not readily agree and laugh and say, "Minister Yang is indeed commendable for his loyalty! When I receive the miraculous stone bestowed by Heaven, I will certainly wash my hands and burn incense to welcome it with utmost respect!"

Yang Huan smiled and kowtowed again before saying, "Your Majesty, I have another request upon my return."

Emperor Renzong said, "Speak!"

Yang Huan said, “The people of the county all say that when the sea dike is completed, they want to build a monument and erect a stone tablet at the place where the divine turtle was unearthed. The people asked me to ask the Emperor to bestow a calligraphy piece to name the sea dike. They hope that with the blessings of the divine turtle and the Emperor, our people will be protected and have a prosperous life.”

Emperor Renzong was overjoyed upon hearing this and readily granted his request.

Seeing the situation take a sharp turn for the worse, and noticing Grand Commandant Yang's beaming face, Zhang, the censor who had initially impeached him, felt resentful and stepped forward again, saying, "Your Majesty, Lord Yang's crime of returning to the capital without permission can be exempted from punishment. However, as an official of the court, his actions yesterday were crude and uncouth. If word gets out, it will truly be a disgrace to the court. This matter must be investigated."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Renzong was displeased with the man's lack of tact, but since what he said made sense, he couldn't very well rebuke him. After thinking for a moment, he said with a stern face, "Lord An, what do you think should be done in punishment?"

That was the Minister of Justice who had spoken earlier. He had a good relationship with Grand Commandant Yang, and being perceptive, he had clearly seen the Emperor's smiling face and knew his intentions. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Minister Yang's behavior was inappropriate and lacked the decorum expected of a court official. According to the law, he should be punished with twenty strokes of the cane. However, considering his merit in presenting the treasure, we will fine him three years' salary. Does Your Majesty find this appropriate?"

Emperor Renzong grunted in agreement, thinking to himself that this was a sensible person. He then looked at Yang Huan and asked, "Do you accept the punishment?"

Yang Huan hurriedly kowtowed and said, "Your subject is willing. The punishment is extremely appropriate." But in his heart he thought, "Even if you deducted my salary for thirty years, I would not mind."

Emperor Renzong was satisfied and rose to say, "If there is nothing else, court is adjourned."

Chapter Sixty-Seven

The emperor's figure disappeared behind the palace, but the officials still lingered, gathering in twos and threes, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes constantly glancing at Yang Huan. He, however, seemed oblivious, grinning as he got up from the ground.

Grand Commandant Yang never expected the matter to end so easily. Initially, he was both surprised and delighted, but soon a sense of unease arose in his heart. Seeing several officials walking towards Yang Huan, seemingly about to strike up a conversation, he hurriedly went over to apologize, pulled them aside, and walked out of the hall. Once he was sure no one was around, he lowered his voice and asked, "Tell me honestly, where did this auspicious omen come from?"

Yang Huan said solemnly, "Didn't I just say it in the palace? Father, don't worry, how could I dare to talk nonsense about such an important matter? Deceiving the emperor is a capital offense."

Grand Commandant Yang stared at him for a while, his expression shifting between light and dark. After a long pause, he sighed and said, "Very well. I just hope your auspicious omen arrives soon."

Just as Yang Huan was about to speak, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw that it was the Yellow Gate Attendant from the Emperor's side.

"His Majesty invites Lord Yang to the Imperial Study."

Grand Commandant Yang thought he was being called and was about to go over when he heard the eunuch say again, "It's Young Master Yang."

Grand Commandant Yang was taken aback, turned to look at Yang Huan, and his expression suddenly showed some worry.

Yang Huan scratched his head, said "Oh," and had no choice but to hurry over with the eunuch.

The emperor's study was located in the Ruisi Pavilion. When Yang Huan followed the eunuch inside, he saw Emperor Renzong still wearing the same court robes as before, sitting behind a desk, reading a letter in his hand.

Yang Huan knelt and bowed. Emperor Renzong grunted softly, but remained silent for a long while. Yang Huan couldn't help but steal a glance. He saw that Renzong's eyes were still fixed on the paper, motionless, only his brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was somewhat gloomy. Yang Huan's heart skipped a beat. Just then, Emperor Renzong suddenly crumpled the paper in his hand into a ball and threw it far away, his expression somewhat indignant. Startled, Yang Huan dared not look again and quickly lowered his head.

"Yang Huan, do you know why I summoned you here?"

After a long pause, Emperor Renzong finally asked a question.

Yang Huan slightly raised his head and saw that his expression was now completely calm compared to before. He was secretly puzzled, wondering what it was that had provoked such anger in him. However, he respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and ignorant. Please enlighten me."

Emperor Renzong snorted and looked at Yang Huan with a half-smile, saying, "Yang Huan, if you are so dull-witted, then I'm afraid no one in the entire court would dare to claim that they are not. Your words in the main hall just now were quite good; I couldn't find any fault in you."

Yang Huan's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly bowed and kowtowed several times. In the blink of an eye, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. When he raised his head, his face was full of sincerity as he said, "Your Majesty is indeed wise and mighty. I knew that my words just now could not hide from Your Majesty. I was just thinking of coming to see you to confess and beg for forgiveness, but I did not expect Your Majesty to have summoned me. So I will tell you everything. The strange stone turtle was indeed dug out at the foot of the sea dike. The people all thought it was an auspicious omen from heaven and wanted to erect a monument and build a stone, which is also true. The only thing is that the ancient characters on the turtle shell were my own audacious interpretation. I beg Your Majesty to consider my loyalty and punish me leniently."

"Oh? You deceived the emperor, and you dare to claim to be loyal?"

Emperor Renzong looked at him and said slowly.

Yang Huan wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve before continuing, "Your Majesty, I am truly loyal. Several months before the New Year, I learned from my father's letter that the court officials were arguing endlessly about war and peace. I was extremely indignant, only regretting my own exile; otherwise, I would have long ago requested Your Majesty to send me north to lead troops to fight the enemy. How can our mighty Song Dynasty be looked down upon by barbarian tribes? Later, I learned that Your Majesty finally ordered the northern expedition, and I was greatly encouraged. Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler! Once this wondrous stone is obtained, it will fulfill the people's wish..." "Only after requesting to enter the capital to offer tribute did I learn that those cowardly and conservative officials in the court were still attempting to obstruct the Emperor. I pondered how to silence them so as not to disturb the Emperor's plans for war, but I was at a loss. Just now in the main hall, I looked up and saw the Emperor's majestic bearing, as if a celestial being had been reborn. It was then that a sudden inspiration struck me, and those words slipped out. Although I have deceived the Emperor, it truly comes from my heart, out of gratitude and utmost loyalty! I beg Your Majesty to investigate!" After saying this, he bowed his head and did not rise.

A hint of a smile appeared in Emperor Renzong's eyes, though he suppressed it on his face. Earlier in the main hall, he had listened to Yang Huan's eloquent speech, and although he had some doubts, what Yang Huan said was exactly what he needed at the moment, so he readily agreed. Afterwards, however, he felt somewhat resentful, which was why he summoned Yang Huan again. He thought that if Yang Huan stubbornly denied it, even if he couldn't be convicted of deceiving the emperor, he should at least give him a warning, letting him know that the emperor wasn't so easily fooled. Now, with just a few words from him, Yang Huan confessed like beans spilling from a bamboo tube. And although his words sounded like flattery, they were incredibly considerate. Emperor Renzong felt as if he had been soothed, every pore relaxing. Even his anger at receiving the letter from Empress Dowager Liu, who had feigned illness and left the palace for rest but still sent an order for him to rescind the military campaign, was considerably lessened.