"Imagine this, they captured Hua’s friend!" he said. "The four of us were just having drinks at Aunt Cong's house, when suddenly some security officers from the fortress stormed in and arrested him without any explanation. Of course, we were shocked. I hid in Bi Hwa's room for half a day, meanwhile, I was able to gather some explanations. It turns out Hua's three brothers reported him over an inheritance dispute and he was arrested to be interrogated. My heart only calmed down and I dared to come out of hiding after that."
"Hmm, serves you right! That's what you get for hanging out with them and your habit of wandering around," Goat Toanio chided. Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Siauw Thai's servant, who informed of the arrival of Ciu Hwa's servant girl, sent by Mrs. Hua to invite Shi Men for an important matter. Shi Men was stunned for a moment, then he set off. "Hmm, maybe next time you won't get good advice from anyone if you don't listen to mine," Goat Toanio warned.
"We are neighbors and Hua is my friend, I can’t refuse his request." Shi Men replied. Mrs. Hua greeted him with disheveled clothes and a very pale face. She knelt in front of Shi Men, crying.
"Ahh, what should I do? My husband never listens to my advice. He neglects our household and always goes to the city. And now disaster has struck. I could die of frustration when I remember him. And if he's flogged half to death, then he'll know the consequence. But I'm considering the good name of old Kong-kong (grandfather). Because of his good name, I beg you, please keep this matter from going to court and causing disgrace."
"Calm down and let's sit properly. After all, I don't yet know what your husband's problem really is." Mrs. Hua then gave a brief explanation.
"My husband is the second brother of four siblings, all grand-nephews of the Grandfather. Before he died, Kong-kong old man handed over all his inheritance to me, because he didn't really trust my husband who was his grand-nephew. The three other grand-nephews were distant from Kong-kong, who was always harsh to them. When Kong-kong died, the other three grand-nephews accepted the inheritance, namely the division of items and household furniture. But the ancestral wealth remained with me, undivided. I've repeatedly advised my husband to pay his three brothers with money as a share of the inheritance, but he never cared. And now, they have suddenly made a claim."
"Ah, so it's just an inheritance dispute," said Shi Men. "That matter isn't too big. Don't worry. Of course, I will help you and consider this matter as my own."
"Ahhh, now my heart feels relieved. I think the most important thing is to seek the support of high officials. Of course, I will provide the means for that."
"There's no need to throw money around without calculation. The ones who will decide on this case are the judge from Kai-Hong-Hok, that is, General Yang and official Cai. These two hold the court roles and they are close to the palace. General Yang has a very good relationship with me. We have to approach them both, as they will be able to influence the prosecutor who receives your husband's claim. However, for official Cai, we may give him a modest gift, as for General Yang, it's impossible to give him a meaningless gift. He holds a high position and still has a good relationship with me."
"Alright, wait here." Mrs. Hua went into her room, then ordered her servants to bring sixty pieces of silver weighing no less than three thousand ounces.
"Here, I entrust this to you."
"Why so much? Half of this would be enough."
"Just take it and consider it yours. Besides this, I also have several boxes filled with luxurious clothing and all its expensive accessories hidden away and I wish to entrust these items to you for safekeeping. Is that alright?"
"What if Hua's brother loses these items after he returns?"
Glossary
- Kong-kong: The term used for 'grandfather' in the story.
- Kai-Hong-Hok: The court or judicial system in the story's setting.
- Bi Hwa: A character in the story, possibly related to Hua.
- Hua: A character who appears to be the protagonist's friend and is involved in an inheritance dispute.
- Goat Toanio: A character who seems to be offering advice or guidance to the protagonist.
- Ciu Hwa: A servant associated with Mrs. Hua.
- General Yang: A high-ranking official with judicial power.
- Official Cai: Another official mentioned who seems to have influence in the court.