Volume One: The World in a Jar

Chapter 6: The Scholar Meets the Magistrate

Inspector David Bolton of Yanshen Town looked coldly at Ethan Clark, suddenly slammed the table, and shouted, “Insolent scoundrel! How dare you not kneel before me, the magistrate?”

Ethan Clark gave a faint smile, bowed, and said, “Sir, according to the rites of our dynasty, a licentiate need not kneel before a county official!”

A trace of surprise flashed across David Bolton’s dark face. After a moment, he said in a low voice, “You are a scholar?”

“Replying to your honor, I am the licentiate Ethan Clark, admitted in the 26th year of Hongwu through the county examination. In Yanshen Town, everyone knows me.” The corners of Ethan Clark’s mouth lifted in a slight smile, though inwardly he felt he was being a bit “shamelessly boastful.”

“Kevin Foster, you are quite bold. A scholar is a man of letters—how could he resort to violence?” David Bolton turned and barked, his sharp gaze sweeping over the kneeling Kevin Foster.

Blood still streaked Kevin Foster’s face. He lifted his head and argued, “Sir, it’s true that this Ethan Clark is a scholar, but he’s also a notorious playboy in town. He owes Kevin Foster fifty taels of silver, with an IOU as proof. Today he struck me, and Kevin Foster has witnesses—my two servants saw it, as did several of the Lin family’s servants.”

“Scholar Lin, what do you have to say?”

“Sir, I was grieving my parents’ passing, and in a moment of confusion, I strayed and gambled, owing this Kevin Foster a total of fifty taels of silver, including principal and interest. This is true. Furthermore, today he came to my house repeatedly to demand repayment, and even spoke rudely, harassing my wife. In anger, I shoved him once—this is also true. I know my past actions have shamed my teachers and parents, and I deeply regret them. Today, I am willing to offer the deed to ten mu of my family’s land to repay the debt to Kevin Foster. From now on, I will shut myself away to study, reform my ways, and strive to pass the exams early to serve the court. I beg your honor to show mercy and grant me a chance to change.” Ethan Clark spoke earnestly, taking out the land deed from his robe, appearing extremely sincere.

David Bolton nodded slowly. “Scholar Lin speaks with sincerity. A man of learning who can admit his faults and change is most commendable. Kevin Foster, today Scholar Lin shoved you only because you insulted his wife, and he is voluntarily offering land to settle the debt. Merits and faults offset each other; grievances are cleared. This magistrate hereby rules the case closed. You may leave.”

It is often said that officials protect each other, and this has always been true. In fact, in ancient times, scholars and men of letters also “protected” one another. Ethan Clark’s composure and sincerity left a very good impression on David Bolton, which is why the case was settled so straightforwardly. Of course, it was also because he was busy with official duties and didn’t know about the “glorious deeds” of the playboy Ethan Clark. Had he known that Ethan Clark’s drinking, gambling, and debauchery had long disgraced the scholarly class, he probably wouldn’t have been so protective.

Kevin Foster reluctantly got up and took the land deed, but the look of hatred he shot at Ethan Clark as he left made it clear he would not let this go.

Ethan Clark felt a bit grateful and bowed again to David Bolton, saying loudly, “Thank you, Magistrate, for your protection. I am truly grateful!”

“Scholar Lin, there’s no need to be so polite. As fellow men of letters, it is only right for me to look after you. I hope you will devote yourself to studying the classics from now on and avoid associating with these idle youths, lest you stir up trouble. Otherwise, I may protect you once, but not for life. If you cause trouble again, I will handle it impartially.” David Bolton waved his hand with a smile, but his voice immediately turned stern. “Also, the Wu family is quite wealthy and influential in Yidu County. Kevin Foster’s uncle is the county assistant Andrew Brooks. You’ve crossed him, so you’d best be careful in the future.”

“Thank you for the warning, sir. I understand.” Ethan Clark bowed again, secretly frowning. People in ancient times really were obsessed with etiquette—every few words required a bow. It was truly exhausting. At the same time, he was a bit puzzled. The Ming dynasty’s magistrate was a ninth-rank official, subordinate to the county, and a relatively low-ranking military officer. So why did David Bolton say “as fellow men of letters” to him?

As if sensing Ethan Clark’s confusion, a trace of gloom appeared on David Bolton’s dark face. He said quietly, “I once served in the capital, but after offending the emperor, I was to be exiled three thousand li. Thanks to the intercession of a high-ranking minister, the emperor showed mercy and demoted me from the capital to this remote town as a ninth-rank magistrate. Though I hold a military post, I come from a civil background, haha.”

Ethan Clark suddenly understood. So that’s how it was. Although David Bolton hadn’t mentioned what position he held in the capital, anyone who had dealings with the emperor must have held a high office.

As if recalling something, David Bolton hesitated, then asked, “Scholar Lin, I just remembered—the Lin family’s porcelain kiln in town is your family’s business, right? Some days ago, the county magistrate ordered the Lin kiln to produce a three-foot painted vase as a birthday tribute for Prince Qi. How are the preparations going?”

“It’s going well. We should be able to deliver on time.” Ethan Clark nodded.

“Ah, a three-foot painted vase is said to be quite difficult to fire. Are you confident?” David Bolton asked again.

“Hehe, thank you for your concern, sir. I don’t think it will be a problem.” Ethan Clark smiled slightly.

David Bolton responded with an “oh” and said nothing more.