Judge Bao And Qin Xianglian

The Story

Of Judge Bao

And 

Qin Xianglian

------ Part IV -------

Translator :  Angela Hanum  and  Alicia Tan

Adapted From : Kumpulan Kisah Klasik Dari China 

Bahasa Indonesia Version  

1993 TV Series

Tampines Ave 9,Singapore

 Previous Story :

Qin Xianglian succeed met with Judge Bao. She blocked Judge Bao's trip return to the court.  Even, she was involved small argument with Judge Bao's man, Zhan Zhao and Judge Bao's secretary, Gongsun Zhi, she withstood for seeing Judge Bao.

She asked her own children to knelt down on the street. She showed traditional hand fan from Wan Yangling so Judge Bao can see th fan.  Recognized the fan belongs to his old friend, Judge Bao approached Qin Xianglian and asked her request.  After listened to Qin Xianglian's explanations,  Judge Bao decided took her and her children to his court and his living place.  

Meanwhile, Chen Shimei was anxious to waited Han Qi.  Han Qi didn't returned at the appointed time.   Then,  the government official named Wang Zhao visited his place to notified that Han Qi was found being a corpse.  Wang Zhao informed to Chen Shimei that Chen Shimei has awaited by Judge Bao at his court.  Chen Shimei visited to Kaifeng without knowing Judge Bao's trick.

Chen Shimei was arrested by Judge Bao  after confronted with Qin Xianglian. Chen Shimei was hopeless could ran from Judge Bao.

" Why you didn't admitted your kids and your wife existences? "  asked Judge Bao to Chen Shimei. But, he refused to answer.

Judge Bao sent a letter to The Emperor about detention of his son-in-law.  The Emperor sent his sister to Kaifeng for took Chen Shimei out.  But, unpredictable,  Judge Bao rejected The Emperor's sister to released Chen Shimei.

" The Emperor, The Emperor's family, Officials, or commoners are the same ! Must to following the regulations. All equal before the law ! "  said Judge Bao sharply.

Judge Bao told to her that Chen Shimei will beheaded after he is proven guilty. The Emperor's sister unacceptable with Judge Bao decision. She left the court with flashed face and rushed to meet with The Empress. She informed that Chen Shimei will beheaded by Judge Bao.  The Empress not least her furious after listened  this informations.  She ordered to her maids and did trip to Kaifeng.

She almost get heart attack after saw Qin Xianglian and listened to her explanations that Chen Shimei is her husband. The Empress accused her that she lying about her story.  She was unacceptable spelled out a liar by The Empress,  she was on the defensive,

" You are a mother. Why you thinking about your family only? What about me and my children? Does Chen Shimei could runaway without responsibility to her and his own children? No, I won't let him free..."

The Empress didn't wits.  She warned Judge Bao about The Emperor regulations, " Long ago to the present,  none of officials has bravery to against The Emperor.  Do you want known as a defector? "

Judge Bao confused.  One side, he did not wanted against The Emperor who trust on him to uphold for justice, but the other side he felt totally wrong if he did not solving Qin Xianglian's problem.  Finally, Judge Bao given Qin Xianglian a pocket of money.  Judge Bao asked  her to returned to her village and starting over.

Qin Xianglian very disappointed for Judge Bao decision.  She thinks she wants suicide with her children.  She threw back the pocket money to Judge Bao,

" I don't need this. I was wrong rely on you as well as Master Wan Yangling. I guess he doesn't know that you are change and more favorable to The Emperor's family even you know they are wrong ! "

Will Qin Xianglian getting justice for her and her children. Will Judge Bao could help her and against The Emperor? Could Judge Bao maintained his position as The Righteous Judge?  Has he a bravery to against The Emperor who trust on him for all this time??


Qin Xianglian turned her body.  Her head kept bowed after heard Judge Bao's statement.  She felt so guilty to forced Judge Bao to helped her and her children.  She knew this is her own problem with her own husband. But, she had no idea where she could going to end it all. Qin Xianglian was crying.  Judge Bao felt so relieved after Qin Xianglian nodded her head to give him the last chance.

" Thank you, Qin Xianglian...thank you for reminds me about my commitment to society. "  said Judge Bao softly.

Qin Xianglian left Judge Bao alone at the court.  Judge Bao  thinking hard how to end this trouble.  He's been thinking all night and he did not sleep.  The sun came rise and brighten today with his light. Birds flying away from tree to tree.....

Zhan Zhao opened the court's gate. He was startled when he found Judge Bao sat down behind his bench.

" Master, are you alright? "  asked him very carefully to Judge Bao while he opened the gate.

He moved toward Judge Bao.  Zhan Zhao shook Judge Bao's shoulder because he saw his master only quite without action.  He just sat chin in hand.

" Master...."  asked Zhan Zhao started panic.

Judge Bao blew his breathe out so heavily. He looked at Zhan Zhao. His eyes turned to red because did not slept all night.

" Master, did you sat down here from last night? What did you do in here? How was The Empress condition now? You looks so tired, Master. "  said Zhan Zhao after seeing Judge Bao's face.

" Haaaah.....it's alright, Zhan Zhao. Please, tell to Gongsun Zhi to writing official letter and send to The Emperor. "  said Judge Bao after breathe out heavily again.

Zhan Zhao nodded his head and Judge Bao moved to his bedroom. He left Zhan Zhao that was clearing the court.

Two hours later, Zhan Zho saw Gongsun Zhi entered to the court,

" Gongsun Zhi, Master Judge Bao informed you to create an official letter for The Emperor. "  said Zhan Zhao.

Gongsun Zhi comprehended what does Judge Bao means. He was soon to Judge Bao private work room and put one sheet court paper.  He prepared the quill and the ink. He started writing.

Meanwhile, The Empress decided to leave Judge Bao's court today.  She asked her ladies maid to find Judge Bao and informed him that The Empress ready to go. Ladies maid met Zhan Zhao on patrol around the court.

" Master Zhan Zhao, The Empress decide to go today. She wants meet Judge Bao before she leaves. Could you tell to your master about this? "  said one of The Empress Ladies maid while giving homage.

Suddenly, Gongsun Zhi appeared behind Zhan Zhao,

" Ladies, tell to The Empress. I'm gonna escort her until to the palace. I have a little message from Judge Bao to The Emperor. "  said Gongsun Zhi.

Those ladies maid giving a homage for once then left them,

" I'm not sure about Judge Bao's decision. I'm not sure this is a good for him. This letter is the same with against The Emperor. "  said Gongsun Zhi with heavy voice.

" Don't worry. I know our master, Judge Bao, very well and longer than you. He must be thinking about this carefully. Just do your job. And good luck on the way. "  replied Zhan Zhao. 

Shortly, The Empress ready to go. Zhan Zhao did not awaken Judge Bao. He released departure of Gongsun Zhi and The Empress with her entourage. When the entourage arrived to the town gate, all The Emperor's guards escorted the entourage entered the town.

They returned to the palace directly. Zhan Zhao go to meet The Emperor and given the letter to The Emperor.  The Emperor shocked after read that letter. His face turned be pale and cold sweat flew through his forehead.  The Emperor so confused to took a decision. This is very heavy to solving.

Finally, The Emperor said to Zhan Zhao,

" Tell to your master. I wish could meet him tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest. You can leave me now. "

Zhan Zhao smiled and nodded his head. He returned to the court immediately for reported what The Emperor's says. Zhan Zhao feels that this case could be solved by his master.  And he really sure The Emperor would be on their side for this case. Zhan Zhao so sure The Emperor is a fairest person after Judge Bao.

In the afternoon, Judge Bao awakened from sleep. He stood up from his bed and washed up his face. Then, he went out of his room to his court.  He asked to his self, why doesn't one awaken him from his sleep?
He found Gongsun Zhi at his desk writing something on the paper.

" Gongsun Zhi........."  said Judge Bao.

Gongsun Zhi looked at him and threw a smile for him. He called Zhan Zhao entered to the court,

" Zhan Zhao, tell to our master, what The Emperor said........."  said Gongsun Zhi.

" Master Bao, The Emperor asking you to meet him in the palace tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest. "  said Zhan Zhao. " He ready to speaking about this case and ready to solving it. "

Judge Bao's eyes being enlarged, " What did you said? Are you sure with your words, Zhan Zhao? "

Zhan Zhao nodded his head and given a homage to Judge Bao and left him without more words.  Judge Bao rush to his own bedroom. Before he entered to his room, he approached to Qin Xianglian who played lute with melodious in the garden.

" Wish I could enjoy longer your lute playing, Qin Xianglian. "  said Judge Bao.

Qin Xianglian stopped her playing and looked at Judge Bao who stood up at the door.

" But unfortunately, I could not longer to enjoyable your lute playing because The Emperor calls me to meet him tonight. And I'm promise that we will take a decision for your case, Qin Xianglian. "

Qin Xianglian was so happy to heard that. For her, this is the light for her case.

" Thank you, Judge Bao. Thank you for not giving up to stand up with me..."

Judge Bao also happy after seeing her. Then, continued to entered his room. He prepared himself to meet with The Emperor. He wore his best suit. And ordered Zhan Zhao to prepared some guards to escorted him on his way to the palace. Judge Bao carried all documents related to Qin Xianglian with him. He so sure that The Emperor will giving the best decision for this case.

Meanwhile in his own mansion, Chen Shimei very worried about Judge Bao's visiting to the palace after he heard from his wife, The Emperor's daughter. He can't calm down. He can't sleep at that night.

In the morning, the entourage of Judge Bao arrived in the palace. The Palace guards given homage to the entourage while the head of guardian cry out,

" Judge Bao and his entourage are coming.....! "

Then, the head of guardian rushed to meet The Emperor and told him tha Judge Bao was arrived.  Shortly, The Emperor and his ladies maid as well as his private guards meet Judge Bao in the hall of palace. The Emperor was so happy to seeing Judge Bao in the palace,

" My best friend, how long we didn't meet each other? "  asked The Emperor whilst he given tight hug for Judge Bao. Judge Bao replied it.

" Because of our activities, My Majesty. As though the time also does not allowing us to meet each other...."  Judge Bao replied unknowingly his tears fell on the end of his eyes.

The Emperor invited Judge Bao to his private working room. He ordered to his ladies maid for served the best green tea to Judge Bao. Judge Bao and The Emperor sat down next to Judge Bao. Gongsun Zhi and Zhan Zhao took a seat across them. They were telling each other about their own life and their jobs. Occasionally they were smiling each other when they were telling funny stories.

They heard someone knocking the door three times.

" Come in..! " said The Emperor.

Four ladies maid carried four trays contains drinks and cookies. They served with well those trays for The Emperor and his special visitors. They given homage then left the room. The Emperor said to Judge Bao for enjoy green tea which picked from bud. He said to Judge Bao for taste the difference the palace green tea.

" Ha ha ha....I know it well, My Majesty. The green tea must be coming from the best tea tree too. That's why the taste must be different. " Judge Bao laughed.

" Yes..yes..yes...you right, Master Judge Bao. And I know my choice never wrong. " The Emperor replied with wide smile.

Suddenly, Judge Bao being quite and stopped drinking the tea and looked into the eyes of The Emperor sharply,

" I know your choice would never wrong, My Majesty. But, about son-in-law, you make a great mistake in your life. I wish this is your first and last mistake. "

The Emperor just be quite and stood up.

" Judge Bao, you really smart to knowing our direction of conversation. You know, I never chose my current son-in-law with my own decision. It was my mother's choice. My son-in-law, Chen Shimei, was so adored by my mother. I could not against my mother's decision. I should respected it. Also, I have no time to investigated his past. " The Emperor explained.

" I know very well he was not your decision or your choice. But if this marriage you trying to keep run, it's not impossible your son-in-law could doing the same as what he did to his first wife, My Majesty. "  Judge Bao replied.

" It's just the same you harm your own daughter, My Majesty. Would you like to see your daughter become hopeless and having no passion for life because of her husband's attitude? " Judge Bao tried to convinced The Emperor.

The Emperor only took a deep breath. Judge Bao so comprehended with his best friend's mind. He can caught worries and sad on The Emperor's face.

" Don't worry about everything. I believe you can explaining to your mother. Your mother was met with Chen Shimei's first wife. Well, she didn't happy when she saw this lady with two children. But I know, your mother also shocked when she knew that her grand-son-in-law lied to her.  She tried to kept hiding from me about her disappointment as like you. " said Judge Bao.

" Actually, I believe in you, Judge Bao. I know you are the fairest person. You won't lying to me about my son-in-law. But what about my daughter if she knows her husband have had a wife before get married with her? "

" My Majesty, every decision having risk its beside. You have to thinking about your daughter's future. You can't take a decision for this moment only. You are The Emperor of this land. You should to thinking about your power and your land for five to ten years later. "  Judge Bao kept given makes sense explanation to The Emperor.

Suddenly, The Emperor's daughter burst into the room.

" Father !! I don't care with my husband's past. If he have had a wife, it was own his business. He living with me now and we are happy. In fact, he left his own wife and his family because they are useless. His wife didn't faithful and cheating with many guys. Chen Shimei willing to responsibility of that woman's illegitimate children !! " she shrieked.

" Enough, My Princess ! You are blinded by love. You can't see the clear reality in front of your eyes. Your husband was lied to you. His wife very faithful to him as well as looked after your husband's parents a whole this time. But, he left his family and then marry you for power ! For wealth. And it's not impossible he will leaving you too when he see another beautiful girl. " said Judge Bao with loudly voice.

Because of Judge Bao's voice, The Empress heard then went to her son's working room. She really angry when she saw Judge Bao at that room,

" How so dare you put your step in this palace and trying to influencing my son ?!?! " said The Empress very loudly with full anger and pointed face of Judge Bao

" Mother, please.......let me speaking with him...." said The Emperor tried to mediated his mother and Judge Bao. 

" Silence !! I'm your mother in here. I also having the great power as like you. So, kick out this troublemaker from here !! "  The Empress yelled. " Guardiaaan..........arrest them and expel them from the palace. "

The Palace Guardian whom seeing The Emperor, had no brave to move forward for arrested Judge Bao.

" Off you go, Guards !! I don't need you right now !! " ordered The Emperor to the palace guardian.

The Empress getting high temper when she saw his own son so weak in front of Judge Bao, " Judge Bao, you are get fired !!!!!! "

The Empress approached Judge Bao and waggled the greatness hat as Judge belonged to Judge Bao from his head to the floor. The Emperor startled. But, Judge Bao so calm down.

" Take your dirty step from my palace now !!! " shrieked The Empress nearby Judge Bao's ears.

The Emperor did not acceptable for what his mother's done to his best friend,

" Stop !!! Stop !!! I'm the king. I'm the emperor of this land. I know you are my mother. But your power does not great as mine. I'm the leader of this land. And you, my daughter, go to your room and let father solving this case also take a decision for your husband !! " said The Emperor with voice blaring.

The Empress was shocked. She didn't assumed her own son against her now.  The Emperor's daughter only crying and ran out of her father's working room. The Empress crying softly because shocked.

" Son, I don't know what kind of devil influencing your mind now. You have a good son-in-law as your successor in the future. Why do you so stick up your employee than your family?? Why, son? " said her with sobbed.

" Mother, please leave us now. I need quite place to thinking for this case so I'm not gonna take a wrong decision for twice ! " The Emperor replied very sharply.

" Oh..well...up to you ! I'm allowing you to stick up your best friend ! You don't have to stand up behind your family. Your family is nothing for you ! I don't know who you are ! "

The Empress left them and slammed the door. The Emperor felt headache. He almost fell down to the floor but he can hold on to handle of the seat.

" My Majesty..." said Judge Bao, Zhan Zhao and Gongsun Zhi together while let him to sat down.

" I'm alright. Don't worry. I...uh...just get headache. This case really makes me feel down and feel don't know what to do. " said The Emperor wiped his cold sweat on his forehead.

" I'm gonna help you, My Majesty. Thank you for stick me up in front of The Empress. You just remember one thing. Your father given me three cleaver as well as The Palace Sword. It means I have rights to punish someone even he is The Emperor of this land as long as he's proven guilty. "  said Judge Bao softly.

" You know the reality is your son-in-law runaway from his responsibility of his family. Besides, he was lied to you. Lie to The Emperor and family. You know very well, My Majesty, what is appropriate punishment for a big liar especially deceived your family. " Judge Bao continued.

" Yes...yes...I know it. Let me thinking one night what will be my decision, Judge Bao. You better take a rest now. You need it. "  said The Emperor finally.

Judge Bao, Zhan Zhao and Gongsun Zhi excused themselves from working room. The Palace guard showed their room in the palace. But, actually, Judge Bao, Gongsun Zhi and Zhan Zhao did not slept at that night. They can't feel calm down before decision issued.

Next morning, The Emperor called the whole family and the whole palace officials to gathered in the hall of the palace. The palace drums are beaten. It's the sign that The Emperor issuing the new regulation or important information about the country. Judge Bao, Gongsun Zhi and Zhan Zhao also attended to the hall palace to hearing what The Emperor decision.

The Princess and Chen Shimei seemed attended to the palace hall. But not The Empress. She prefer stayed at her room than listening his son's statement.

" Ladies and Gentlemen, today I gathering you all in here for one case. Fraud case to my family. I know you all already know about famous case lately from my best friend, Judge Bao. About my son-in-law who alleged to have had wife before get married with my daughter. "  The Emperor explained.

People whispered each other so the hall full of tumultuous voices. They didn't know the real story. Only heard from palace rumors. They wondering what will The Emperor to do.

" Please...keep silence. And after I was thinking for all night. I decided........."

The hall being quite awaiting for The Emperor's decision.

" I decide Chen Shimei is guilty ! He was proven guilty and I have many witnesses of his crimes. First, Master Wang. Second his guard whom paid to killed his first wife then Master Judge Bao.." The Emperor continued.

" We all knew the track records of Master Judge Bao. So, with all his crimes, I handed him over to Judge Bao for prosecute him fairly as possible. "

The Emperor knocked hammer on the table for three times and the palace drums are beaten too. The Princess shrieked and crying. She ran to her room. The Empress Ladies Maid rushed to The Empress's room and reported what The Emperor's said.  The Empress only crying at her room.

The guardian of the palace promptly arrested him and stripped off palace suit belonged to him. Some of people whom attended in the hall seemed smile and praised The Emperor for his right decision.

Chen Shimei yelled to guardian to let him off,

" My Majesty, I'm innocent...I'm innocent. Judge Bao does not like me. Even he hates me so much from the first time he saw me. Please, My Majesty, I'm innocent....."  Chen Shimei shrieked repeatedly while bended his knees.

The palace guardian remained grabbed him and took him away to the palace prison before the entourage of Judge Bao brought him to be judged.
Judge Bao given a deepest homage to The Emperor for his brave decision. The Emperor left the hall with his guardian.

Master Wang approached to Judge Bao and said congratulation.

" You really really lucky, Judge Bao. You can convinced The Emperor that Chen Shimei is guilty. I even hopeless about this case before. Because we touch the greatest power in this land..."

People dispersed slowly and said congratulation to Judge Bao.

" Zhan Zhao, prepare our entourage. We'll be back to Kaifeng soon. So, I can chopped off Chen Shimei's head soon. "  ordered Judge Bao.

" Yes, Sir ! " Zhan Zhao answered sharply.

When the sun in the middle of sky, the entourage of Judge Bao prepared to returned to Kaifeng. Judge Bao meet The Emperor before his returning.

" My Majesty, thank you for everything. There's a lady and her children will be smile when she see this. " said Judge Bao clenched his fists as a sign of respect.

" No, you don't have to say thank you. I suppose thank you to you because you opened my eyes and showing my son-in-law is guilty, Judge Bao. Keep be a fair Judge. That's what I hope from you. "  answered The Emperor.

The Emperor released departure of Judge Bao until to the palace gate. And Chen Shimei locked up and taken using a horse back to Kaifeng.  Rumors about The Emperor son-in-law deceived The Emperor's family grown quickly. Almost people in the town knew Chen Shimei is a fraud. People started took a stone and threw the stone up to Chen Shimei's wooden jail while yelled to Chen Shimei.

Chen Shimei shrieked for helped but no one from the entourage of Judge Bao cares to help him.

" Judge Bao, help me. People starts going crazy. Judge Bao........! Help...."
Chen Shimei shrieked.

Judge Bao did not came out of his palanquin and his entourage kept walking to.  Chen Shimei bended his knees.  From deep his heart, Chen Shimei regretted his actions during this time.  He realized that the power as son-in-law of The Emperor has blinded his eyes. Chen Shimei was crying.  His tears fell down.  He received all abuse from people on the street.

" This is where my place now. I have no dignity anymore.  I knew I was wrong especially to my children and my wife, Qin Xianglian.  I'm not mannerly person.  I supposed to admitted them when The Empress asked me to married The Emperor's daughter........I knew I was wrong......"  said Chen Shimei slowly.

His tears kept flowing during returned to Kaifeng. Judge Bao did not take a rest even for while. Whereas, trip to Kaifeng almost spent one night. But Judge Bao did not wanted take any risks to rest even for while.  He did not wanted spent many times to punished Chen Shimei.

Judge Bao and his entourage arrived in Kaifeng in the morning. News of captured Chen Shimei had reached the ears of people in Kaifeng. They gathered on the street for seeing Chen Shimei, who had deceived The Emperor and his family.  Besides, they knew his first wife asked justice from Judge Bao.

People started spit on to Chen Shimei's wooden jail while spitting out the words of slur to Chen Shimei,

" Hoooo.....!!! Unresposible man !!! "

" Traitorous husband !! "

" You are not deserve to live, damn !! "

And many other slur words for him which hurts his ears so much. Chen Shimei can't do other thing but crying. And he knew his tears could not helped him at all and everything was late for all.

Qin Xianglian awaited Judge Bao and the entourage at the front gate of court. Her heart was pounded awaiting for final results from The Palace. She can't hide the worries from her face. Soon, she heard the court's drums were beaten. She was a little startled. The guard of front gate asked her to step back because the entourage of Judge Bao will be arrive soon.

Qin Xianglian returned to the hall of the court.  She just pacing in the hall. When she heard the guard shrieked,

" Judge Bao and his entourage are arrive.....! "

Qin Xianglian tried to sit down. She hug her children very tight. She did not want to imagine her husband could escaped from the law because he is son-in-law of The Emperor. She saw Judge Bao entered to the court, followed by Zhan Zhao, Gongsun Zhi then Ma Han. After all, her eyes being enlarged when she saw her husband, Chen Shimei, entered to the court with iron handcuffs caught his hands and two guards held his hands.

Chen Shimei looked so pathetic. No more Chen Shimei with his honor suit as a son-in-law of The Emperor. There was only a pathetic man with dirty clothes and messy hair. Her children ran to their father and hug him. They crying each other. Chen Shimei bowed his back and hug his children so tight.

Chen Shimei whispered to  his children, " I am sorry....I really am sorry...."

Qin Xianglian shed her tears. Her elderly child approached her,

" Mother, please forgive our father. I want to return to our homeland together. With you and with father. Would you?? "

There was a pity feeling when she saw her husband with that condition. She wanted to forgive him and forget all what was happening between them. Suddenly, Judge Bao warned her with his deep voice,

" Qin Xianglian, don't forget about what he has done to you and your kids. He almost killed you. Don't forget what's your purpose here..."

Then, Qin Xianglian took a decision. She wiped her tears and trying to encouraging. Then, Judge Bao given announcement,

" Ma Han, please beating our drums. Let people in outside came into this court and become the witness of a man who deceived The Emperor's family and declined to admitted his own wife and his children ! "

" Yes, Master !! " Ma Han replied.

Drums were beaten very loudly. The gate of the court opened so wide. People which been waiting in front of the gate, entered to the court for witnessed a fraud get punishment. They want to know what will happen to this fraud man on Judge Bao's hands.

" Ladies and gentlemen, today we have an accused of fraud. His name is Chen Shimei. He followed The Royal Exams and graduated with highest score. Then, he was being one of Royal Officials. He have had a good position. He was very loyal to The Emperor. Until The Empress, Mother of The Emperor, fascinated by his handsomeness and his talent in the field of defense. " said Judge Bao

" This man can reached high position as Royal Officials because of his wife paid his education. But, what he has done?? He forgotten the sacrifice of his wife. When The Empress asked him to marry The Emperor's daughter, he said that he never married before. He said he is single man ! "