Chapter 63

Wu Qi was a civil official, and he usually gave the impression of not being very strong. However, at this moment, he was using all his strength, almost making the constable unable to breathe.

The constable's breathing became difficult, but he did not dare to struggle. His face turned red, and he said with a strained voice, "The person outside said he killed Wang Yonggui and brought his head. Sir, could you please loosen your grip a bit? I can't breathe."

Wu Qi released his hands. He still found it hard to believe his ears. He had tasted the bitter fruits brought by Wang Yonggui. He had arranged for countless constables to capture Wang Yonggui and even asked the local hundred-house to send troops to help, but in the end, several people died, and not a single hair of Wang Yonggui was harmed.

How could Wang Yonggui be dead? This ruthless bandit, who had wreaked havoc in several prefectures and killed countless people, how could he be killed by someone? Who had such great ability?

"Sir, should we see Li Wenjun? He and Sun Baicao are still waiting outside," the constable asked cautiously.

He had received five taels of silver from Li Wenjun, so he was more diligent in his work. At least, in the uncertain mood of the county magistrate, he dared to ask a few more questions.

"Li Wenjun? Sun Baicao? Why would it be them?" Wu Qi muttered in surprise.

"What? County Magistrate Wu, do you know these two people?" Jiang Shan, who had left the flower-viewing pavilion at some point, stood beside Wu Qi.

Wu Qi nodded and said, "There are a few families in this county who have been herbalists for generations, and the Sun family is one of them. However, a few months ago, he announced that he would no longer collect herbs and instead opened a herbal shop. I have met him a few times; he is a very ordinary person, nothing special.

As for Li Wenjun, he is not from this county. He came here as a refugee, traveling hundreds of miles alone, enduring hunger for dozens of days. This story has even been turned into a tale by storytellers and spread widely. By the way, didn't the head of the Three Mountains Academy, Zhou Wei, give a set of the Founding Emperor's Dictionary to someone? That person is Li Wenjun."

Although Wu Qi had never met Li Wenjun, he knew a lot about him, clearly having conducted a secret investigation.

Jiang Shan chuckled and said, "So he's a refugee. That makes things easier. Third Young Master, your opportunity has come."

Not just Third Young Master, even Wu Qi was confused and did not understand what Jiang Shan meant.

Jiang Shan pointed at the constable who was still waiting for a reply and said, "Go and bring Li Wenjun and the others in."

The constable looked at Wu Qi, who urgently said, "What the大人 says is what I say. What are you waiting for? Go quickly!"

Seeing that the county magistrate was anxious, the constable did not dare to delay and hurriedly ran toward the gate.

Jiang Shan watched the constable leave and smiled, saying, "With no outsiders around, we can speak more openly. County Magistrate Wu, please go and see Li Wenjun first. If the head they bring is really Wang Yonggui's, do not rush to fulfill your promise. Try to delay it for three to five days. Also, instruct them not to spread the news."

"Sir, why?" Wu Qi asked, "Wang Yonggui's evil name is well-known. Even a three-year-old child in our county would not cry upon hearing Wang Yonggui's name. Announcing his death early can calm the people and allow them to live in peace and prosperity, fulfilling my duty as a magistrate who loves the people."

Jiang Shan sneered. From what he knew, Wu Qi was not a good or clean official who cared for the people. He was guilty of corruption, favoritism, and extortion. If he still cared for the people, there would be no bad officials in the world.

The reason Wu Qi was eager to announce Wang Yonggui's death was to gain popularity. On one hand, it would ease the resentment of the people, and on the other hand, it would give him a good performance record, which would help him secure his position as county magistrate and even advance further.

How could Jiang Shan let Wu Qi have his way? He said, "County Magistrate Wu, do you see Third Young Master? He is the fiancé of your only daughter. Only if Third Young Master is well, will your daughter be well, and only if your daughter is well, will you be well. If Third Young Master is not well, you will suffer as well."

Wu Qi's face changed, and he said with a stern look, "Sir, I do not understand."

Jiang Shan smiled and said, "How can you not understand? Third Young Master is about to go to the capital for the imperial exams. With his talent and the Marquis's favor, passing the exams is just a matter of time. However, after passing, the Ministry of Personnel will assign positions to the successful candidates, and there are many ways to influence this.

If Third Young Master can gain a great reputation, it will only benefit his future career. Think about it, if Third Young Master becomes a high-ranking official, you, as his father-in-law, will benefit greatly. Do you see the logic?"

Jiang Shan had made it clear enough, and Wu Qi could not possibly misunderstand. He wanted to refuse but could not bring himself to do so. He could not afford to offend Third Young Master Shao Chuanjie, let alone the fact that Shao Chuanjie had the backing of the Prefect Shao Kehan and the Marquis of Pohu.

Wu Qi forced a smile and said, "I know what to do."

Jiang Shan smiled and said, "This is a small matter, and I believe County Magistrate Wu can handle it well. This is also a good opportunity to prove your ability. If everything goes well and everyone is happy, I will certainly speak well of you to the Marquis in the future."

Wu Qi had Li Wenjun and the others brought to the second hall, where private hearings were usually held, and the public was not allowed to attend.

Wu Qi changed into his official robes to show the importance and formality of the occasion. He sat behind the desk and instructed the constable to bring Li Wenjun and the others to the hall.

Upon seeing the county magistrate, Sun Baicao pulled his son, Sun Jianing, to kneel before Wu Qi. Li Wenjun, however, only bowed to Wu Qi. Making him kneel was out of the question unless Wu Qi knelt to him, and even then, it would depend on his mood.

Wu Qi was displeased. If it were any other time, he would have slammed the gavel and ordered the constables to give Li Wenjun a beating. However, the matter at hand was more important.

"Are you Li Wenjun? Did you request to see me?" Wu Qi asked, maintaining his dignity.

"Yes, County Magistrate, while collecting herbs in the Five Peaks Mountain, I encountered the wanted criminal, the notorious bandit Wang Yonggui. I fought with him, killed him, and decapitated him. His head is here," Li Wenjun said, lifting a cloth bag.

A constable stepped forward, took the cloth bag from Li Wenjun, and placed it on the desk.

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