Chapter 9: Driven Mad by Longing

In the early morning, the usually peaceful town of Ping'an was thrown into chaos by the intrusion of Zhao's henchmen. The neighbors, awakened by the commotion, were brimming with anger. Amid the hubbub, a young woman's voice rang out, clear and desperate, every word trembling with emotion.

"Before dawn has even broken, you force your way into our home. I have told you all I know, yet you are unsatisfied and now you torment my husband. As his wife, how can I stand by and watch him suffer such humiliation? Do you mean to drive me to my death before your very eyes?"

The clamor on the street subsided, and the expressions of the surrounding neighbors darkened. The henchmen at the gate could feel the hostile stares from those around them.

It seemed the Lu family had always been formidable, but now they appeared even more so.

The leading men exchanged nervous glances and were about to withdraw when suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps approached rapidly, like thunder drawing near. The noise overhead was almost deafening.

"Who dares to cause trouble at my home?"

"What do you think you're doing?"

Lu Dashan's imposing figure appeared before them, his bull-like eyes glaring fiercely, especially as he held a boning knife in his hand, clearly having rushed back in such haste that he hadn't had time to put it down. Pig's blood still stained the blade, and the smell of it emanating from him made the henchmen retreat several steps in unison.

"Father-in-law, they said my husband..." Inside the courtyard, Su Tang choked on her tears.

The henchmen sensed disaster.

"We were only asking some questions."

"Yes, yes, we were just about to leave."

They turned to flee in panic.

Lu Dashan caught sight of Su Tang, her eyes red with tears, and his fury only mounted. "You accuse my son? Do you have a death wish?"

He brandished the knife, slicing the air with a sound that made it seem as though it would cut through anything in its path.

"Ah—" The men shrank back, the one in front nearly stumbling to the ground.

"We really were only asking!"

Suddenly, the big black dog darted over, barking wildly at them.

Lu Dashan's eyes bulged even wider, and he swung the boning knife, the blood on it threatening to drip. The onlookers could not help but gasp in alarm.

Back when rumors circulated that the boy was not Lu Dashan's son, Lu Dashan had also taken up a knife to argue his case. Clearly, this time, he was truly enraged.

"Stop, stop! What are you doing?" came a shout from afar. A group of people hurried over, led by Master Zhao, who kicked each of his own men in turn.

"What did I send you here for? Useless fools!"

Seeing Master Zhao reprimand his own men, Lu Dashan finally lowered his knife. By now, the townsfolk had gathered around.

Master Zhao glanced at Lu Dashan, his gold-capped tooth glinting as he spoke, "Since you are here, I'll speak plainly. Last night, a fire was set at my house. I suspect your family is responsible."

A gasp rose from the crowd.

Lu Dashan's eyes widened in outrage. "Nonsense! Why would I set fire to your house?"

Laughter erupted from those watching. With Lu Dashan's size, he would be recognized anywhere, let alone at night.

Master Zhao grinned. "Of course, not you, Lu Dashan, but—" He looked toward the courtyard, his gaze settling on Su Tang, and shouted, "Her!"

Master Zhao's finger pointed at Li Qingtian.

Li Qingtian's sleeve tightened.

In the next instant, Su Tang stepped in front of Li Qingtian, facing Master Zhao with clear eyes. "If you want the secret recipe, just say so. There's no need to frame my sister."

Her voice rang out, silencing the courtyard and street. Someone in the crowd muttered, "Exactly," "He's obsessed with that recipe," and other such comments.

Lu Dashan stepped forward, his face grim.

Master Zhao lifted his chin and snorted. "I have proof."

He raised his hand, and a servant presented a small, inconspicuous sack.

"This was found at the scene of the fire—it's full of chili peppers. Tell me, who else but this family would have so many chilies?"

Master Zhao swept his gaze around the crowd and proclaimed, "Everyone in Ping'an Town knows me for my generosity. Just the other day, I accepted only five taels of silver for half a year's residence tax—anyone would call that magnanimous. Yet who could have imagined such ingratitude? Last night, there was quite a commotion here, and now, with this sack of chilies as evidence, if not your family, then who?"

The people turned to look at Su Tang and Li Qingtian. The young wife was always sweet and friendly at her stall, but her elder sister was different—always flustered, cold-faced, never warm to anyone except her sister. Many had witnessed her sharp words when others troubled her sibling.

That day when Master Zhao caused trouble for the younger sister, the elder was not present.

So, if anyone were to commit arson, the elder sister seemed a likely candidate.

Yet, at that moment, Su Tang stood there, eyes red, body trembling like a bamboo stalk in the wind and rain—bending, but unbroken.

"There are tens of thousands of people in this town and countryside—how can a single sack of chilies be used to accuse us? My father-in-law and husband saved me, they are my benefactors. Even if I weren't now a member of the Lu family, I have received the kindness of the town these past days and would never dare to set fire so recklessly. As for the black dog's barking last night, I have already explained the cause. If you do not believe me, so be it, but do not force guilt upon my husband and me. Now you try to lay blame with nothing but a sack of chilies—yet I have chilies, the clinic has chilies, and even your own restaurant has them. Why is the blame mine alone?

You speak of the five taels of silver for the residence tax, and I remember your generosity well. All of Ping'an Town can attest to your kindness. But the truth is not determined by your word alone, nor can my innocence be decided by my own defense. The law of Da Qian stands above us all—if you have evidence, I, Su Tang, will bow my head and submit to judgment."

Though her voice was choked with emotion, each word landed clear as a pearl, bright and unwavering.

The crowd outside the courtyard began to whisper among themselves.

"The largest restaurant in town belongs to Master Zhao, doesn't it?"

"That's right—who knows who threw that sack there?"

"No one even saw what happened, after all."

"He's just bullying them, plain and simple."

"Right and wrong, Master Zhao—the law of Da Qian still stands."

"Exactly, the law still stands."

The murmurs grew louder.

Master Zhao's face grew darker by the moment.

"Fine! You all side with outsiders, is that it?" He pointed at those around him, cursing, "My Zhao family has been in Ping'an Town for a hundred years, always generous—have we ever wronged you? And now, because of one woman, you turn against us? You are all ungrateful—"

"Zhao Xiaode."

The voices stilled as an old man emerged, leaning on his cane. He wore a plain long robe, his hair white as snow. Though simply dressed, when he appeared, the entire crowd fell silent.