When they arrived, quite a few people had already gathered outside the government office. The outer circle consisted of common people, the inner circle was filled with scholars, and there was an old man in the middle.
Someone in the crowd shouted: “The county magistrate has arrived!”
“And the secretary too.”
“How can such a scoundrel still remain in the government office’s ranks?”
“Ptui.”
The secretary’s face flushed red with anger. He had always prided himself on being above worldly concerns, carrying himself with dignity everywhere in the county. He never expected to be spat upon at the government office entrance.
The county magistrate said: “Why are you all making such a commotion?”
These scholars all had some degree of academic achievement, so they didn’t need to kneel before the county magistrate. One young man stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute and said: “This student heard of an injustice on the street. This old gentleman’s daughter was violated by the third son of the Gong family. When they came to file a complaint, the secretary beat them indiscriminately without distinguishing right from wrong. Now the perpetrator goes free while the victim has gone mad. I would like to ask whether the national legal system still exists, and I ask the county office – whose kingdom is this?”
He Zifeng, watching from the side, almost wanted to applaud him. This person indeed had some courage, daring to question the parent official directly.
For scholars like them, even ten years of cold study might not guarantee success in the imperial examinations. But if one gained literary fame, that would be completely different. With this kind of proclamation, no one in the county office could compare to him anymore.
The county magistrate said: “Oh, such a thing occurred?” Then he said to He Zifeng and Captain Zhu: “Open court, re-examine this case.”
The scene suddenly erupted in enthusiastic applause.
The secretary’s expression grew even worse. He knew this matter couldn’t be taken lightly. He said: “There are hidden details in this matter. I made my judgment at the time. Since this concerns me, I won’t interfere in this case. Everything is at your honor’s discretion.”
These few words were beautifully spoken. Even the most critical people couldn’t find anything to say.
The secretary’s followers came to their senses and hurriedly tried to disperse the scholars outside. They said: “Our lord has already begun examining the case. There’s no need for outsiders to gather here. Please return!” Their tone carried an implicit threat.
The scholars hesitated, unsure whether to leave or stay. Even the leading scholar hadn’t made up his mind. His help for the old man wasn’t purely altruistic – he wanted to gain some literary fame, and now he had achieved that. Everything required moderation. Once it went too far, it would instead cause others’ resentment.
Just then, the old man said: “Young masters, I’m very grateful that you could speak up for justice on my behalf. When you become officials in the future, I will never forget today’s kindness.”
This made the scholars’ blood surge with excitement. This was called petitioning for the people. If they really could obtain some official position in the future, today’s events would be material for their future boasting.
The scholars around chattered: “We’re not leaving!”
“Exactly, at most we just won’t make any noise. Unless you have something to hide, why won’t you let us watch?”
“We’ll be officials in the future too.”
“Right, let us observe in advance.”
The common people around also cheered for these scholars. “Well said, truly worthy of being scholars.”
“Good for you.”
These words made the scholars straighten their chests, their faces glowing.
When the secretary heard this, he nearly ground his silver teeth to powder. Don’t mention how much he hated it – the people surrounding outside were clearly just stirring up trouble for the excitement.
The county magistrate struck his gavel heavily: “Silence.”
Everyone immediately fell silent.
The county magistrate said: “There must be misunderstandings in this matter. The secretary has always cared about county affairs. Just now he went with us to repair the city walls, all for the people’s benefit.”
The common people were confused, looking at the secretary, then at the lame old man, not knowing whom to support.
The secretary looked at the county magistrate with complex emotions, truly not expecting that the county magistrate would still speak for him in this situation.
Soon they began re-examining this case.
The old man spoke with tears and heartbreak, and the watching common people outside listened with indignation.
The county magistrate summoned the third son of the Gong family for questioning.
The Gong family had heard early on about the trouble at the county office, and when summoned, they had already prepared their response. At this moment, Gong San knelt on the ground, and as soon as he opened his mouth, he continuously cried injustice.
Gong San said: “They father and son saw that the Gong family had money and devised this scheme, first sending their daughter to seduce me, intending to extort money from me. Now that the blackmail failed, they’re instead accusing me. Your honor, with heaven above as witness, if I speak even one false word, may I be immediately struck dead by lightning.” After speaking, he kowtowed several times with loud thuds.
This left everyone speechless.
Especially the watching common people, who were somewhat superstitious, felt that cursing oneself was unlucky. Since the other party spoke so confidently, could it be true?
Gong San didn’t believe in these supernatural things. He said this only to increase credibility. Besides, this matter had happened long ago, so it couldn’t be traced back to him.
He Zifeng was also shocked by Gong San’s shameless performance. Indeed, people from wealthy families were different. In such a short time, he could arrange everything clearly.
The old man was both anxious and angry, tears flowing as he said: “You… how can you turn right and wrong upside down?”
Gong San said: “You’re making false accusations!” Then he said: “Don’t you just want money? Why disturb his honor’s peace? Speak up, how much do you want?”
The county magistrate said: “Audacious! This is a courtroom, not your family’s marketplace. There are still many things to investigate in this matter. I will certainly give everyone an explanation. Both of you will be temporarily detained in the prison, to be tried on another day. Court dismissed…”
Only then did the crowd outside disperse.
The two were taken to prison.
Gong San had given the jailer a bag of silver pieces in advance. The jailer weighed it – it was about six or seven taels. They let him stay in the most spacious single cell, where even the straw had been freshly changed.
As for the old man, he didn’t have it so good. He was taken to the innermost area next to the latrine, where the stench was unbearable when you got close.
This was the secretary’s arrangement. Wanting to file false charges against him – if this matter hadn’t caused such a big stir and the county magistrate didn’t need to conduct regular interrogations, he really wanted to secretly kill this person.
The secretary had always been at odds with the county magistrate, but this time the county magistrate had helped him, so in both emotion and reason, he should express his thanks.
The secretary went to the county magistrate’s room.
He Zifeng went to the prison.
Those jailers spent their days in the prison, staying with these people, listening to prisoners cursing and wailing every day, staying in this sunless place with no end in sight. They knew that He Zifeng’s group only had six people, obviously fewer than other groups, and He Zifeng was also willing to share profits with his subordinates. Everyone below wanted to go to his side.
He Zifeng said: “Who is Xiao Li?”
A twenty-year-old young man immediately stepped forward from the crowd with a joyful expression, saying: “Deputy Captain, you’re looking for me.”
He Zifeng said: “Mm, you take me around here.”
“Alright.” This Xiao Li had entered at the same time as Xie Rui back then, but was assigned to this bitter job. However, he was good at maneuvering, and now had become a small leader here!
He Zifeng inquired about how many jailers there were in total and what everyone’s character was like.
When Xiao Li heard this, what he had been hoping for was coming. He must be planning to select people for the team. This was the perfect time to show loyalty, so he told him everything he knew without reservation.
He Zifeng said: “Move that old man from the stinking cell to another cell. He’s quite old.” He also sighed: “He somewhat resembles my uncle.”
When Xiao Li heard this, he immediately said: “Good, I’ll change him to a clean cell right away. No, I’ll change it immediately.”
He Zifeng pretended to be concerned: “If it’s troublesome, don’t bother. After all, this matter is related to the secretary. If discovered, it wouldn’t look good.”
Xiao Li said: “If discovered, I’ll just say he fainted. He hasn’t been convicted yet, so we can’t let him die! It would be hard to explain to his honor later.” Having stayed in the prison for a long time, he naturally had ways to deal with these people.
He Zifeng nodded and said: “You’re very good.”
When Xiao Li heard these words, his cheeks flushed red. He felt that he was being appreciated. He said: “Brother He, I’ve always admired your character. If there’s anywhere you need me, I definitely won’t say no.”
He Zifeng patted his shoulder and said: “Good job. These two are his honor’s most important suspects. If anything happens, let me know in advance.”
Xiao Li repeatedly agreed, feeling this was He Zifeng’s test for him.
He wasn’t afraid of He Zifeng having business for him – he was afraid of not being asked!
Xiao Li was still talking with He Zifeng when they suddenly heard Gong San’s shrill scream, startling both of them: “Ah ah ah, there are rats.” This young master who had grown up in luxury had never seen such terrifying things before and was scared almost to the point of jumping up.
Although his cell was the best, there were many rats in the prison, and many prisoners detained here urinated everywhere.
When Gong San first came in, he was still okay. But as time passed, he found that underneath the dry straw, everything reeked of urine. Just now he had grabbed the bars with his hand, then smelled his hand and almost vomited. He couldn’t endure even one day of such life.
Xiao Li frowned and said irritably: “Truly a pampered young master.” He didn’t say more.
He Zifeng said nothing and left the prison.
Just as he left, it was mealtime in the prison. The prisoners ate stewed cabbage, thin soup with nothing but salt added. Each person got one hard steamed bun. With such food, if you didn’t eat, you’d go hungry.
The jailers ate much better. The county office’s cook sent them one rice dish and two vegetable dishes. Today they had coarse rice, stir-fried cabbage with meat – quite a few thumb-sized pieces of fat pork that would leave oil on your lips when you ate them, and the other dish was scrambled eggs with willow artemisia buds.
Xiao Li gave Gong San a portion of the good food that the jailers ate, since he had given silver when he arrived. But Gong San was ungrateful and kicked the food away with his foot: “What garbage food is this? Even our servants at home don’t eat this.”
Xiao Li was somewhat angry. If he didn’t want to eat, he could go hungry. He had already done everything he could.
Xiao Li also took a portion of good food to the old man. If not for his own sake, then for He Zifeng’s sake. The old man repeatedly thanked him. He was truly very hungry and ate with great relish.
By evening, Gong San was detained with his stomach growling from hunger. He wanted to eat but there was no food left. He was somewhat angry, constantly waiting for his family to get him out. Even Wan Hai, that bastard’s family, had spent money finding connections to get their person out. They would definitely get him out too. When he got out, the schedule for stepping over the fire basin and going to the pleasure quarter to drink was all arranged. Outside, the sky had already darkened.
The more Gong San waited, the more anxious he became. He wanted to call the jailers over, but shouted until his throat was smoking and no one came. Thirsty and hungry, his eyes were almost seeing stars.
His prediction wasn’t wrong – the Gong family indeed wanted to pay money to bail him out, but the county magistrate sent word that no one could take him away. Now that the matter had blown up, many people were paying attention to this case. If Gong San was bailed out, it would truly become a joke for the county office.
The Gong family also knew this was a critical moment, so they had to let Gong San stay inside for a few days. When the heat of the matter died down, they would spend money to get him out.
But Gong San didn’t know about this. By night, the prison was pitch black. You could always hear rustling sounds – the sounds of rats seemed magnified countless times. A pampered young master who had always lived in wealth couldn’t endure this kind of mental torture and was almost breaking down.
He wasn’t the only one detained in the prison. Besides delicate young masters like him, there were also murderous and arsonous desperate criminals. They were fully shackled with hand and foot chains, so they couldn’t do anything. But when Gong San passed by them in the morning, and they heard he was even afraid of rats – not like a real man at all. Since no one was supervising at night, they began speaking lewdly.
When young master Gong San heard this, he was both angry and ashamed. The weird voices of several people came through, using words to molest him thoroughly.
This made his eyes red with anger. Combined with the Gong family’s people not coming for so long, he was almost breaking down.
…
He Zifeng knew that the old man alone couldn’t bring down the secretary. After all, the secretary had been maneuvering in the county for so many years – he wasn’t someone any random person could deal with.
But He Zifeng had already decided in his heart to eliminate the secretary and wouldn’t let this matter rest.
When He Zifeng returned to the county office, the sky was already getting dark. The bailiff brothers had just returned from the city wall. They were used to being casual normally, but suddenly being made to repair the city wall – since it was the county magistrate’s arrangement, no one dared to slack off. After working solidly for a whole day, they were all exhausted and grimacing.
He Zifeng knew the secretary had a lover in the pleasure quarter. He said: “Brothers, the secretary seems to have gone to the pleasure quarter.” He acted very surprised.
The other bailiffs weren’t surprised at all. Except for He Zifeng, they were all regulars there. “What’s the big deal about that? Men, you know.”
“The secretary didn’t go before, now who is he doing this for?” Bing Zi said curiously. When men start gossiping, they also become very enthusiastic.
He Zifeng never talked behind people’s backs, but now chatting about this made him seem less distant from them. Brothers who spent every day together, talking about gossip made their relationships closer.
Xie Rui had gotten a good clerical job and said to He Zifeng: “How about we go to Willow Leaf House to relax our muscles and bones?”
Willow Leaf House was a newly opened tavern on the county’s pleasure street. Not only did they serve wine, they also had rooms. It was said that all the beauties there were exceptional.
Bing Zi said nearby: “Who in the county office doesn’t know our Brother He is a good man, with such a beautiful wife at home. You dare bring this up – aren’t you afraid sister-in-law will spit on you?”
Xie Rui immediately raised his hands: “Heaven and earth as my witness, I never intended to lead Brother He astray. The people there are good at massaging and beating muscles.” As a place for men to relax, it wasn’t only about those intimate matters.
Xie Rui had gone once with his brother last time, and the massage was quite comfortable. It was perfect for people like them who had been busy all day.
Xie Rui’s family had money, so he said: “How about I treat everyone?” He was timid and could stay comfortable in the county office entirely thanks to his brothers’ help, so naturally he would reciprocate. “Our secretary, such an upright person, also goes there to relax. He even specifically requests the Piao Piao girl.” He casually showed off his gossiping skills.
“Hey, you dare gossip about even the secretary – looks like you’re asking for a beating.” Others teased him. Everyone had heard about the secretary’s matter when they returned, but didn’t take it to heart at all. How could an arm wrestle with a thigh?
When the others heard that someone was treating, they immediately agreed.
He Zifeng said: “Does our secretary really go to such places?”
The others laughed and said: “Hey, what’s the big deal about that?” Then they started talking, becoming increasingly unrestrained in their speech. They also said the secretary had over ten concubines. The secretary usually pretended to stay away from women, but secretly he might be quite enthusiastic. He would change clothes and go directly to the pleasure quarter.
The pleasure quarter really did have quite a few singing girls and beauties. At night it was even livelier than during the day. In front of the pleasure quarter was a river, and with the sound of water accompanying women’s laughter, it attracted many men who had lustful hearts but no money to just watch from afar. Many of the girls here stood right on the street, looking at passing men with all kinds of charm. The scent of rouge and powder was choking and gave people headaches.
Along the way, seeing that they were young and promising, quite a few people tried to get close to them.
Xie Rui led He Zifeng quickly past and went to Willow Leaf House. From inside came faint qin music. It was much more elegant than brothels, though they were in the same business.
The madam who came out recognized Xie Rui and repeatedly said: “Master Xie, who is this?” Having seen people for years, she discovered that He Zifeng was also a handsome and extraordinary young man. She liked seeing such talented people.
Xie Rui said: “Just call him Master He.” He didn’t give his full name. But the madam also knew the rules and said: “Greetings, Master He.” Then she introduced the other brothers and had their people take them to relax, drink, and do nothing else.
The madam agreed and quickly had girls take them away. She was particularly interested in He Zifeng and said: “Master He, our Piao Piao girl’s dancing is exceptional. Let her provide some entertainment for you.”
Xie Rui said: “Better not – who doesn’t know that Piao Piao girl belongs to the secretary? Where is the secretary?”
When the madam heard about the secretary, her expression stiffened. Then she said: “He just came, had a drink and left.”
Xie Rui knew He Zifeng had never been to this kind of place and wanted to open He Zifeng’s eyes. He said: “What about your other top courtesans?”
The madam said: “Oh my, Master Xie, you’re an old customer too. How can you say such naive things? Top courtesans aren’t cabbages – how could there be others? There’s only Piao Piao girl.”
He Zifeng said: “Oh?” Then Xie Rui chose a girl he’d been with before and went to another room to get a massage. This was also one of Willow Leaf House’s specialties – besides those services, they also provided legitimate relaxation. He left first, telling the madam to put He Zifeng’s expenses on his tab.
The madam actively promoted Piao Piao girl: “My girl is just twenty years old. She likes young talented men and doesn’t match well with the secretary.” A top courtesan’s appearance fee earned more than ten regular girls!
She had thought that connecting with the secretary would make her famous throughout the pleasure quarter! Who would have thought that the secretary wanted to make her his mistress but wouldn’t spend money? Other customers, hearing that Piao Piao had some relationship with the secretary, didn’t dare compete for her favors. His Piao Piao hadn’t become famous before she became cold. How could the madam be willing to accept this? Training a girl required at least a hundred taels of silver to develop that kind of refined bearing.
She looked down on the secretary – what courtesan could he support without money?
He Zifeng seemed moved by the madam’s words. He said: “Is this what you think, or what the girl thinks?”
Suddenly a subtle fragrance filled the room, and a gentle female voice came from behind the gauze screen: “It’s what this humble woman thinks.” Willow Leaf House rooms all had hidden doors. When He Zifeng came in, Piao Piao girl had been watching for a while. Her willingness to show herself indicated she was very satisfied. The madam smiled and withdrew.
Only then did He Zifeng see Piao Piao girl – she indeed had some captivating beauty.
Piao Piao noticed that he only appreciated her without the lustful look that other men had. He Zifeng was too upright – his temperament was completely unlike someone who would come to such a place. Piao Piao said: “Young master, what brings you here? Why not speak directly?”
He Zifeng was startled and said: “Miss Piao Piao is indeed clever.” To be a top courtesan, she was naturally extraordinary. Her willingness to show herself proved she was someone who dared to fight for herself! How could such a person be willing to attach herself to that old coffin-filler secretary? She was being held back by the secretary. In this way, their target of dislike was the same.
