Chapter 1

When I was twelve, my father, Sun Dagui, insisted on betrothing my elder sister to the local ruffian leader, Chao San, in town.

My sister cried and refused to marry him. Furious, I dragged Wei Donghe, who had grown up with me since childhood, to the yamen to beat the drum and seek justice.

Wei Donghe was so scared his legs went weak. “Forget it, Xiao Chun. Chao San runs rampant in Qingshi Town. Even the County Magistrate might not interfere.”

I refused to believe it. “The county court is a place of justice. I don’t believe Zhao Bazhi is incapable of handling him.”

In the courtroom, Magistrate Zhao ascended the bench yawning, twirling his eight-shaped mustache, and smiled at me, “Oh, isn’t this Xiao Chun from Shopkeeper Sun’s rice shop? Who do you wish to accuse?”

“My father,” I said loudly, then added, “Chao San.”

Magistrate Zhao burst out laughing, “How did Chao San become your father too?”

All the yamen runners joined in the laughter. I was so angry I stood up, “What’s so funny? Stop laughing! What’s there to laugh at!”

Just then, Chao Jianan happened to pass by on the street, and some busybody outside the yamen shouted at him from afar, “Third Master! Third Master Chao! Your daughter is suing you!”