I was a conman in the Ming Dynasty.

Chapter 458 A woman’s kindness

Chapter 458 A Woman's Kindness

Wang Wenzhou said irritably, "Old Wang, what's wrong with that? Hou Xun's rebellion is a capital offense punishable by confiscation of his property and extermination of his entire family."

Wang Chengen earnestly advised, "Lord Wang, although Hou Xun committed a crime, he has not been tried by the three judicial authorities. Your direct execution of his entire family is not in accordance with procedure."

Wang Wenzhou knew, of course, that it was against procedure, but if he didn't kill them now, Hou Xun's family would be safe and sound once the three judicial authorities tried them.

"Old Wang, in this urgent situation, we need to act expediently. This is a case handled by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so there's no need for the three judicial departments to conduct a trial. Someone, come here..." Wang Wenzhou was about to give the order.

Zhou Liang rushed over and reported, "Your Excellency, there is a woman outside the door who claims to be your wife."

Wang Wenzhou frowned and asked, "Which of my many babies is this? What did she say?"

"Hmm..." Zhou Liang thought for a moment and replied cautiously, "Madam said her name is Liu Rushi, and she told you to get out."

"Wait a moment, I'll be right back!" Wang Wenzhou said, and hurriedly ran to greet him.

"Phew..." Wang Chengen breathed a sigh of relief. With Liu Rushi here, there's a good chance she can save the lives of Hou Xun's family.

As soon as Wang Wenzhou stepped out, Liu Rushi roared, "Wang Wenzhou, get over here!"

Wang Wenzhou rushed over and asked, bewildered, "Ruru, Ruru, what's wrong? Why are you so angry?"

"Come back to the manor with me!" Liu Rushi said coldly.

Wang Wenzhou glanced at Hou Fangyu beside Liu Rushi and understood that it must be Hou who had asked Liu Rushi for help.

Wang Wenzhou pointed at Hou Fangyu and said coldly, "Men, seize this traitor!"

"Yes!" Zhou Liang waved his hand, and the Imperial Guards rushed forward, took Hou Fangyu off his horse, and pinned him to the ground.

"Wang Wenzhou!" Liu Rushi dismounted and walked up to Wang Wenzhou, gently scolding him, "What exactly do you want to do? Brother Hou is my close friend. You called him a traitor to my face. Are you going to arrest me too?"

"This old lady is just making things worse!" Wang Wenzhou said with a wry smile, "Ruru, I won't lie to you. Today's incident was a trap I set for Hou Xun, and now is the time to kick him while he's down. I know you want to save Hou Xun's family, but have you considered that if you don't nip the problem in the bud, the consequences will be endless?"

"Sigh..." Liu Rushi sighed softly and said helplessly, "Wang Wenzhou, I don't care about your grudge with Hou Xun. But Hou Fangyu once did me a favor, and I can't just stand by and watch him die!"

Wang Wenzhou put his arm around Liu Rushi and said, both amused and exasperated, "Grandma, you're saving him now, but what if he wants my life someday?"

Liu Rushi said softly, "I believe in Brother Hou's character; he wouldn't repay kindness with enmity. If I've misjudged him, and that day truly comes, I will surely die for you!"

"Ruru, be good! Listen to me, don't be so soft-hearted!" Wang Wenzhou really didn't want to leave any future troubles. Although Hou Fangyu didn't hold an official position, he was the leader of the Fushe Society. The Fushe Society had considerable influence, and when they started criticizing people, they were even more shrewd than the Donglin Party.

“Wang Wenzhou, I have never asked you for anything! Today I’m begging you, okay?” Liu Rushi asked softly.

Wang Wenzhou silently watched Liu Rushi. It was the first time Liu Rushi had asked him for a favor, and he really couldn't bear to refuse.

Wang Wenzhou thought for a moment and said, "Ruru, if you sleep with me tonight with Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan, and stop targeting them in the future, I will agree to let Hou Fangyu and the others go."

"You rascal!" Liu Rushi thought for a moment, then stamped her foot and said, "Fine! I agree!"

“Alright!” Wang Wenzhou waved to Hou Fangyu and said, “Brother Hou, let’s have a good talk.”

Hou Fangyu nodded and walked over.

Wang Wenzhou spoke up, "Brother Hou, we have no grudges against each other. My feud with your father will be settled today for the sake of my Ruru. Let's be frank, I killed Hou Fangjiang. But because of your father, my four children died tragically! I wish I could kill your whole family! But my Ruru once owed you a debt of gratitude, and today I'm helping you repay it. I'll spare your family's lives."

"Thank you, Lord Wang!" Hou Fangyu quickly expressed his gratitude. Although he hadn't asked whether his father had actually planned the assassination of Wang Wenzhou, he felt that his father was inextricably linked to these cases. Now, Wang Wenzhou's revenge was understandable.

"It is better to resolve enmity than to let it fester. I am deeply grateful for Lord Wang's mercy today," Hou Fangyu said respectfully.

"Alright! Stop saying these insincere things." Wang Wenzhou said irritably, "You're probably just hoping I'm dead right now. Since I've let you go, I'm not afraid of your revenge. But let me warn you, if you dare to mess with me again, I'll definitely kill your whole family!"

Hou Fangyu nodded repeatedly and said sincerely, "I will never forget Lord Wang's great kindness and virtue."

"Ru Ru, let's go. There's nothing more for us to do here." After saying this, Wang Wenzhou put his arm around Liu Ru and got into the sedan chair.

"Thank you!" Liu Rushi said as soon as she got into the sedan chair.

Wang Wenzhou kissed Liu Rushi and said with a smile, "Rushi, what kind of relationship do we have? We sleep together every day, do you need to thank me?"

Liu Rushi smiled slightly. Although her nemesis had many flaws, he was incredibly kind to her.

Wang Wenzhou remained silent for a moment, then said earnestly, "Ruru, is this the last time? Letting Hou Fangyu go is like planting a time bomb. Who knows, you might get hurt by him at any time."

Liu Rushi also knew that the feud between the two families had already been established. She pleaded for Hou Fangyu's release, but she could not guarantee that Hou Fangyu would not seek revenge one day.

Liu Rushi comforted herself, "Don't worry, I trust Brother Hou's character."

“Ruru, you’re too naive sometimes! Why did that guy surnamed Hou treat you so well before? Of course, it was to sleep with you!” Wang Wenzhou said with a wry smile.

"Hmm?" Liu Rushi frowned and scolded, "Wang Wenzhou, don't think nonsense. Brother Hou and I have no personal relationship. We are just friends who appreciate each other."

"Sigh..." Wang Wenzhou said with a wry smile, "Ruru, a girl as beautiful as you, which man wouldn't want to sleep with you? Between sexually capable men and women of the same age, what kind of pure friendship is there? There's always one who wants to sleep with the other. Do you really think that Hou Fangyu was nice to you before because he didn't want anything in return? Don't be naive!"

Liu Rushi rolled her eyes at Wang Wenzhou, thinking, "You wretch, your heart is too dark."

Wang Wenzhou gently stroked Liu Rushi's hair and said softly, "Rushi, I know you are kind-hearted, but can you promise me that no matter what happens or who it is, you will not plead for them anymore?"

"Why?" Liu Rushi asked.

Wang Wenzhou said with a wry smile, "Do you even need to ask why? Ruru, you're so smart, don't you understand? I just said that letting them go now will only lead to danger later. Even if you don't think about me, you should think about our Liu Xiaohua."

"Sigh..." Liu Rushi sighed and said, "Alright, don't worry, I won't interfere in your affairs anymore."

Just then, chaos erupted within the palace. The leaders of the Donglin Party pointed their fingers at Zhu Youjian and berated him, saying: "You are muddle-headed and incompetent, listening to the slander of treacherous officials and persecuting loyal and virtuous men."

Zhu Youjian was unable to cope and had no choice but to send someone to summon Wang Wenzhou to the palace.