My Wife is Unbeatable in the Whole World, Touch Me If You Dare!

As Zhou Yu and the others were at a loss, a figure hurried into the Chang'an County Government. Upon seeing him, Zhou Yu felt as if he had seen a savior and immediately ran up to him, grabbing his arm and saying, "Father, save me!"

He knew the terror of the punishment rod, and with ninety strikes, he might not die but would certainly be half dead.

The middle-aged man who had rushed into the county government glared at him fiercely, ignored him, and instead forcefully shook off his hand. He walked over to County Captain Wang, apologized, and said, "Lord Wang, I am truly sorry. Zhou here has failed to discipline his child properly, causing you trouble. Lord Wang, please do not consider my position; pass whatever judgment you see fit. I will take them back later and punish them severely myself!"

Although the Minister of Transportation was of the fifth rank, equal to that of the Chang'an County Magistrate, he was very polite in front of the seventh-rank County Magistrate Wang.

All officials in Chang'an who had any sources of news knew that the Chang'an County Magistrate was Lord Li Xuanjing's man. Hence, the officials of Chang'an County Government's status had naturally risen, and it was not something a Minister of Transportation could afford to offend.

In the past, in the face of a fifth-rank Minister of Transportation, County Captain Wang would have certainly nodded and bowed, treading carefully.

But now, behind him stood Lord Li. Every action of his represented not only himself but also Lord Li. He could afford to lose his own dignity, but the reputation of Lord Li must not be tarnished at any cost.

He put on an air of authority, nodded to the Minister of Transportation, waved his hand, and said, "Carry out the punishment."

Just now, the young master had specifically instructed, so when the two constables came over with the punishment rods, County Captain Wang reminded them, "Mind the severity."

Punishing with the rod is a skill, for even with ninety strikes, it could kill a person on the spot, or let the offender jump around lively after the punishment. The old constables had a good grasp of this discretion.

The young master meant to impose a light punishment on these people, and naturally, County Captain Wang did not dare to act rashly.

These people not only had connections but were also academy students. If he should kill or cripple them, he could not bear the responsibility.

Having been an official for many years, the Minister of Transportation also understood some unwritten rules. Hearing "Mind the severity," he knew it likely wasn't the worst scenario possible and finally eased his mind, cupping his hands to County Captain Wang and saying, "Thank you, Lord Wang."

County Captain Wang also cupped his hands in return saying, "Don't mention it. Come, bring a chair for Lord Zhou..."

The Minister of Transportation smiled, saying, "Thank you..."

Seeing that his father clearly stated his stance, not only not saving him but also sitting there chatting and laughing with the Chang'an County Magistrate, Zhou Yu immediately understoood the gravity of the situation and did not dare to make another sound, lying obediently on a long bench.

Bang!

A rod landed on his buttocks. Although it was painful enough to make Zhou Yu grit his teeth, it wasn't unbearable.

Crack!

At the same time, a bamboo strip hit Song Yu's buttocks.

Song Yu looked astonished. This strike, like a tickle, didn't hurt at all, although the bamboo punishment was originally lighter than the rod punishment, it was too light. Any lighter and he would barely feel it.

This was definitely not a normal bamboo punishment.

Being extremely intelligent, it didn't take Song Yu long to realize this was special consideration from his brother-in-law, touched within his heart, he also felt more self-reproachful.

After regaining his composure, he began to shout loudly.

"Ah!"

"It hurts so much!"

"Gently!"

Although the bamboo strikes on his body weren't painful, Song Yu still howled miserably, not letting others think his brother-in-law was bending the rules for personal reasons.

This exaggerated acting made the two constables carrying out the punishment shake their heads. Over there the punishment with the rod was silent, while over here the tickling bamboo punishment was screamed like slaughtering a pig, making them truly want to strike hard with the bamboo in their hands.

Of course, thoughts stayed thoughts, and they didn't have the courage for such actions.

Lord Wang had said it, this man was the young master's relative; they had to understand these basic societal relationships.

The punishments were carried out simultaneously, and in a short while, all who were involved in the brawl had been dealt with.

For these official's sons, the symbolic meaning of the punishments was greater than their practical effect. Those who received the bamboo punishment could still grimace and rub their buttocks, and those who suffered the rod punishment were still able to stand in the courtyard and howl. This was rarely seen in the past.

The Minister of Transportation cupped his hands to County Captain Wang, apologetically saying, "I've caused trouble for Lord Wang..."

County Captain Wang politely said, "Lord Zhou, you are too kind."

"I will definitely visit in person to express my thanks another day."

"Please don't mention it..."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Minister of Transportation led his two sons away, and the others also left, wailing.

This visit to the Chang'an County Government had taught them a valuable lesson.

If they were to fight again in the future, they must keep the number of people below three and—absolutely no weapons!

At the moment, their biggest hatred was not for their past selves who had not listened carefully in class.

What they hated most—was that street vendor selling rolling pins!

Was that guy out of his mind? Did he even know how to do business, selling rolling pins at the academy gate?

At this time, in the back hall of the county government, Li Nuo who had just picked up his teacup, suddenly paused.

Above the floating Law Code, there were clearly two lines of text,

"Name: Li Nuo.

Life Span: One hundred and nine days."

His lifespan had been ninety-four, but the lightest caning and punishment rod administered to the twenty sons of officials had added a full fifteen days to his life.

He finally understood why followers of Legalism always liked to cross paths with officials and nobles.

Judging them was truly killing two birds with one stone—he gained life span, and if it had been a disciple who had comprehended the power of the law, their cultivation would have increased.

With such a great benefit, who wouldn't be tempted?

It seemed he would have to take extra care of these rich young men in the future...

This small test also made him understand the Law Code a bit more.

Perhaps selling rolling pins might decrease the increase in his lifespan, but it would not affect the overall judgment.

Today's gains were not small, and with a joyful heart, Li Nuo walked out of the back hall of the county government and had just reached the front yard when a figure swiftly approached him.

It was Song Yu, with whom he had had displeasures.

Song Yu grasped Li Nuo's hand tightly, saying apologetically, "Brother-in-law, thank you so much for today. I was wrong before and said some excessive things to you. Please forgive me as a generous person overlooks the mistakes of others..."

Li Nuo was slightly taken aback.

He had just sentenced him, and now he was thanking him?

Was the lad knocked senseless?

He glanced at Song Yu's buttocks and the constable who had administered the punishment, realizing they must have sorted it out as a personal matter. He waved his hand and said to Song Yu, "No need to thank me, I was merely administering the law..."

Song Yu earnestly replied, "No, no, no, that Zhou was disrespectful of the Martial Path, even bringing weapons. If it hadn't been for you arriving just in time with reinforcements, we would have been at a great disadvantage today... You knew we were going to fight here and were worried about us, so you ambushed there in advance, right?"

"Uh, well..."

"I knew it, you even arranged a Martial Path expert to help me. Otherwise, that blow from Zhou Yu would have landed on my head!"

Song Yu looked at Li Nuo, his eyes seeming to see through everything, "Were you originally planning to ignore the situation if we hadn't been at a disadvantage...?"

"..."

Li Nuo finally sighed softly, clapped Song Yu on the shoulder, and said, "I can't hide anything from you. I indeed had no intention of intervening, but who would have expected Zhou to be so dishonorable. Oh, you've just been caned, how are you feeling? I should have asked them to be more gentle..."

Song Yu waved his hand and said, "I should still thank you for telling them to be lenient. They were gentle enough. The caning wasn't a big deal, but that damned Zhou Yu, he hit so hard, my back is still aching. And that cursed vendor selling rolling pins, if I see him again, I swear I'll overturn his stall..."

Li Nuo advised, "Maybe it's not necessary to go that far; it's not easy for him doing small business."

After hesitating for a moment, Song Yu finally waved his hand magnanimously and said, "Since you say so, brother-in-law, let's spare him then..."