The Dark Lord Ye Tian Zi 夜天子 CHAPTER 10

 

Ye Tian Zi

CHAPTER 10
Son In Law

Magistrate Hu, tempered by years of bureaucratic experience, had already made his decision while others were still dumbstruck.

Though his sister could no longer tolerate Shui Wu's presence, the Yang family was, after all, a prominent clan in Jingzhou. Selling the family head’s beloved concubine to a butcher would invite too much scandal—especially when the Yang name was already tarnished. Moreover, even if they sold the woman, her brat, Yang Leyao, as Yang Lin’s flesh and blood, would still remain in the household. This arrangement was the cleanest solution.

With that thought, Magistrate Hu stepped forward and announced:

**"Honored guests, what marriage is without discord? Though my sister and her husband had their differences, they were trivial matters. Now that he has passed, as the rightful wife and matriarch of the Yang family, how could she possibly mistreat a mere concubine? It seems my brother-in-law misunderstood her deeply.

But a man’s dying wish is his bond—especially as a husband and father. His will shall be honored. In gratitude, he betrothed his daughter to Ye Xiaotian. Given her tender age, her mother shall accompany them to the capital. Thus, I decree: Yang Leyao is hereby wed to Ye Xiaotian, and her mother, Xue Shuiwu, shall depart with them!"**

He then ordered, "San Shou, unbind them."

As the steward complied, Madam Yang frowned and whispered urgently, "Brother—"

A sharp glance silenced her. Though seething, she dared not protest further.

Magistrate Hu turned to Ye Xiaotian with a smile:

"Xiaotian, the journey to the capital is long and arduous. My brother-in-law relied on your care in Beijing—a debt we need not speak of, now that we’re family."

Ye Xiaotian rubbed his wrists and bowed. "Your Honor is too kind."

"You must be weary from your travels," the magistrate continued. "Rest here a few days before departing."

The phrase "departing" sent a chill down Ye Xiaotian’s spine. Eager to flee, he declined:

"I thank Your Honor, but my aging parents await. I beg leave to depart at once with my... my wife."

His gaze flickered to the sniffling toddler, then her devastatingly beautiful mother. Wife? More like a life sentence.

Magistrate Hu nodded. "Very well. Though the dowry will be hastily prepared."

Recognizing the threat beneath the courtesy, Ye Xiaotian hastily demurred:

"As the groom, it is I who should provide a betrothal gift. Yet poverty and distance leave me empty-handed. Let the dowry stand as my humble offering."

A pleased glint flashed in the magistrate’s eyes. "San Shou, escort the family out."
The Conspiracy Deepens

Once alone, Madam Yang confronted her brother in a side chamber:

"How could you let that little slut go so easily?"

"Enough!" Magistrate Hu snapped. "Must you drag the family name through mud? The letter—read it."

She tore the document apart in rage. "That old fool! Even in death, he schemes for his bastard. But this contradicts the boy’s claims!"

"Precisely his cunning," the magistrate said coolly. "He knew extracting wealth was impossible. This way, we save face. Deny him, and the truth would shame us all. That boy has a bureaucrat’s mind—he’ll go far."

Madam Yang’s voice turned shrill: "We should’ve sold her to Butcher Mu and kept the child! Now the caged bird flies. What if rumors spread—"

She bit her tongue, paling.

Magistrate Hu’s eyes narrowed. "What rumors? What are you hiding?"

Under his glare, she confessed a four-year-old secret. When finished, the room fell silent.

"Too many know the truth," she whispered. "Only her death ensures silence."

The magistrate’s gaze turned icy. "Then they die on the road. Their bodies will join the nameless dead. Who’s to trace it back to us?"
The Road Ahead

Outside the Yang estate, Ye Xiaotian surveyed his "family":

The stunning mother clutched a meager bundle; the toddler sucked her thumb, blinking up at him. His heart twisted.

He’d never considered himself a villain—just an ordinary man who wouldn’t harm the innocent for gain. Losing the promised 500 taels and nearly his life, he’d thought trading for a beautiful "wife" fair compensation.

But fate had mocked him: the beauty was his mother-in-law, the "wife" a four-year-old. Now he’d toil to feed them both. A swindle of cosmic proportions!

Shui Wu bit her lip, her voice like wind chimes: "Son-in-law... your name is Ye Xiaotian?"

"Mn."

"From the capital?"

"Mn."

The toddler hid behind her mother, wiping saliva-slick fingers on her dress.

Shui Wu sighed—a sound so lovely it ached. "How shall we reach the capital? We’ve no means..."

Ye Xiaotian’s resolve wavered, then hardened: Can’t afford two extra mouths. Ditch them after the city gates.

Aloud, he said, "I’ve but a few coins left. No carriage. First, we flee this place. Then... we’ll see."

"As you command, son-in-law," she murmured.

He choked. "Mother-in-law... how old?"

"Eighteen in two months."

"..."

She peeked at him. "And your age, dear son-in-law?"

His reply was soul-crushing: "Nineteen."

Translation Notes:

1. Cultural Nuances:

• Dowry/Betrothal Gift: Highlighting Ye’s face-saving maneuver to avoid provoking the magistrate.
• "Son-in-law" Irony: The repeated honorific underscores the absurdity of their relationship.

2. Character Voices:

• Magistrate Hu’s Duplicity: Polite veneer masking lethal calculations.
• Ye Xiaotian’s Internal Monologue: Dark humor contrasts his dire straits.

3. Pivotal Lines:

• "Who’s to trace it back to us?" – The magistrate’s chilling pragmatism.
• "Nineteen." – The punchline underscoring Ye’s tragicomic plight.

4. Foreshadowing:

• The murder plot sets up the next survival challenge, while Shui Wu’s secret (implied but unrevealed) hooks curiosity.

Final Thought:
Ye Xiaotian’s "marriage" is a masterclass in ironic misfortune—a farce where every "win" deepens his woes. Yet in this crucible of lies and survival, an unlikely family is born.

-- Translated by Xiao Gu Shi --

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