Chapter 68

Qingliu County's government office was located in the center of Qingliu City, but Chuhuan was not directly taken to the office. Instead, he was brought to the county prison, which was quite a distance from the government office. According to Head Constable Huang, it was already late, and they could not hold a court session. They would wait for the magistrate to give further instructions before reviewing Chuhuan's case.

The county prison was set in a dark courtyard, with strict security. Chuhuan was led into the cell, and a burly jailer with a full beard approached, smiling at Head Constable Huang. "Head Constable Huang, more goods have arrived? What did this one do this time?"

Head Constable Huang replied coolly, "This is Chuhuan, who killed Zhao Bao. It's already late, and the magistrate has instructed us to wait before reviewing the case. You must keep a close eye on him. If anything goes wrong, you won't be able to keep your job."

The jailer glanced at Chuhuan, a strange look in his eyes, and chuckled, "Don't worry, can you not trust me, Big Bearded Zhang?" He called out, "Bring him to Cell A!"

Several burly guards immediately came forward and led Chuhuan inside.

After the guards took Chuhuan away, Big Bearded Zhang leaned in and whispered, "Head Constable Huang, leave the rest to me. I'll make sure he's comfortable!"

Head Constable Huang gave a cold smile, watching Chuhuan's figure disappear into the dim shadows. He stroked his chin, glanced at Big Bearded Zhang, and said softly, "Be careful. It's not a fierce dragon that doesn't cross the river... This kid isn't easy to deal with."

Big Bearded Zhang's face twisted into a sinister expression, "Even if he is a dragon, once he's here, he'll become a dead snake!"

...

...

In a room at the back of the county government office, the lights were bright. A luxurious black wooden table was set with fine wine and delicacies, but only three people were seated: Magistrate Hu, who was dressed in loose, comfortable clothing; Xue Lang, who had a face full of scars; and a plump young woman in her early twenties, who, though not exceptionally beautiful, had a fair complexion and a flirtatious demeanor. She was whispering in Magistrate Hu's ear, making him chuckle, and then she giggled.

This young woman was Magistrate Hu's concubine. Although he had served as the magistrate of Qingliu County for several years, he was not from Qingliu. When he came to take office, he left his family and property in his hometown. Feeling lonely, he had taken this concubine a year ago, who brought him great joy and was deeply favored by him.

After listening to his concubine's whispers, Magistrate Hu chuckled, his hand caressing her plump buttocks, and said to Xue Lang, "Xue Lang, one of your men has died. I called you here to comfort you. Since he's gone, you should accept it and move on."

Xue Lang sighed, "I've already sent people to comfort Zhao Bao's family. They are truly pitiful. This time, Chuhuan committed a heinous crime, and I ask you to seek justice for Zhao Bao."

Magistrate Hu chuckled, but before he could speak, a voice came from outside the door, "Sir, someone from Heshengquan has arrived!"

Xue Lang frowned, but Magistrate Hu remained calm, stroking his beard and smiling, "They came quickly. If it weren't for the connection between the Su family and General Lei, I would have dragged the Su family into this as well." He stood up, "Since they're here, I'll go see them. Xue Lang, wait here!" He tidied his clothes, gave a light pat on his concubine's face, and left.

After Magistrate Hu left, only Xue Lang and the concubine remained. Xue Lang took out a jade hairpin from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, smiling softly, "Madam, Chuhuan killed my brother, which is intolerable. Please speak to the magistrate on my behalf. No matter what, we cannot let that country bumpkin go free this time."

The concubine took the hairpin and giggled, "It's really beautiful... Xue Lang, you are so powerful in Qingliu City, and with the magistrate's help, two grown men can't deal with a poor country boy? I think once this poor boy comes in, he won't be able to get out!"

...

Liang Fangzhu was waiting in a side hall, his mood quite complex. Deep down, he was filled with hostility towards Chuhuan. His many ugly secrets had been exposed, though the information came from Manager Yuan, Liang Fangzhu knew it was definitely because Chuhuan had said something to Linlang.

However, when he volunteered to come to the government office to smooth things over, he genuinely hoped to do something. If he could establish his merit in this crisis, he wouldn't have to worry about Linlang kicking him out of Heshengquan, and he might even keep his position as the workshop manager.

He didn't wait long before Magistrate Hu coughed and entered. Liang Fangzhu hurriedly stepped forward, bowing, "Sir, I am Liang Buquan from Heshengquan. I apologize for disturbing you at this time!"

Magistrate Hu sat down, coughed twice, and said, "I know why you're here, but you don't need to worry. Go back and tell your boss that I am a fair and upright official and will not accept bribes." He picked up his teacup and took a sip, "Zhao Bao's body is in the morgue, and the coroner has already examined it. He was killed by a blow to the head, and the evidence is clear. Chuhuan's guilt is undeniable!"

Liang Fangzhu stepped forward a few paces, seeing no one around, leaned in, and slipped some silver notes from his sleeve, smiling, "Sir, your integrity is well-known. However, the situation was tense, and Chuhuan might have killed Zhao Bao by accident, not intentionally. I ask you to thoroughly investigate this matter."

Magistrate Hu glanced at the silver notes, which amounted to about 200 taels, and showed no change in expression. He did not take the silver notes and said coolly, "What do you mean? Are you trying to bribe me?" He showed a look of anger, "Am I the kind of person who accepts bribes and perverts the law? I have already said that this case will be handled fairly and without favoritism!" He looked righteous and seemed deeply concerned.

Liang Fangzhu just smiled and took out a few more silver notes from his sleeve, whispering, "Sir, our boss has instructed us to do whatever it takes to save Chuhuan... We must rely on you, sir!"

Magistrate Hu saw that the silver notes now amounted to 400 to 500 taels. His throat moved, and his fingers twitched slightly as he held the teacup. Liang Fangzhu, well-versed in such matters, placed the silver notes on the tea table beside him. As soon as he put them down, Magistrate Hu put his teacup down, pressing it over the silver notes, and coughed, "Let me put it this way. I am always cautious in handling cases. I will not let a guilty person go unpunished, but I will also not wrong an innocent person. I will not rush to a conclusion. I will arrange for a re-examination of the body to ensure that all evidence is solid before making a decision."

Liang Fangzhu smiled, "Thank you, sir!"

Magistrate Hu nodded slightly, showing a hint of a smile, "Your boss is truly righteous, willing to spend so much money to save a mere clerk... Is that true? Did your boss really say that?"

Liang Fangzhu was taken aback, not sure how to react. He thought for a moment, hesitated, and finally nodded, "Yes, the boss did say that!"

"Ah?" Magistrate Hu nodded, "I know you are related to the boss, his uncle, right?"

Liang Fangzhu hurriedly nodded, "Yes, yes!"

"If it were you in trouble, I could understand the boss's concern. But this time, it's just a clerk from Heshengquan, and the boss is willing to spend so much money... Tell me, what is the relationship between Chuhuan and the boss? Are they... perhaps relatives?"

"Absolutely not!" Liang Fangzhu said firmly, "Sir, you don't know, but our boss is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He has a good heart. Chuhuan killed someone to stand up for Heshengquan. Now that Chuhuan is in trouble, the boss feels guilty and wants to spend some money to save him... It's understandable."

Magistrate Hu was somewhat relieved. He was afraid that Chuhuan had a deep connection with Linlang. If that were the case, things would be more complicated. Now that Liang Fangzhu had said this, Magistrate Hu understood and smiled, "I see. Go back and tell your boss not to worry. I will handle this case fairly!"

After Liang Fangzhu thanked Magistrate Hu and left, Magistrate Hu hurried back to the back yard. Xue Lang had already come forward, asking, "Sir, was it Su Linlang who came?"

"It was Liang Buquan," Magistrate Hu said, sitting down at the table and chuckling, "It seems Heshengquan is willing to spend money to save a life. Su Linlang has said that she will spend whatever it takes to save Chuhuan. This is a great opportunity to make money!"

The concubine purred, "Oh, Su Linlang is really generous. What is the relationship between Chuhuan and her? Why is she willing to spend so much?" Before anyone could respond, she said flirtatiously, "Could it be that the widow is in love? That beautiful widow has taken a fancy to this clerk, which is why she is trying so hard to save him? Su Linlang has been a widow for many years, and now she has fallen in love... I think they have been secretly involved for a long time!"

Xue Lang frowned, asking softly, "Sir, it was Liang Buquan who came? Su Linlang didn't come herself? If she really wanted to save Chuhuan, why didn't she come in person?"

Magistrate Hu stroked his beard, "Xue Lang, do you have something to say?"

Xue Lang thought for a moment and said, "Sir, I think we shouldn't delay this matter. The longer it drags on, the more unpredictable it becomes!" He lowered his voice, "Sir, Chuhuan is like a tiger out of the mountains. He doesn't act unless he has to, but when he does, he is ruthless!"

Magistrate Hu lifted his wine glass and took a sip, "He can fight, but we are dealing with him because he is blocking our path. If the Su family is willing to pay, a poor country boy is not a big concern."

"Sir, you are right," Xue Lang smiled, but then became serious, "Sir, have you considered that a poor country boy, with no power or influence, has repeatedly opposed us openly. Such a person is a rebel at heart, a dangerous troublemaker." He clenched his fist, "I am just worried that if we let this boy go for the Su family's money, and he harbors resentment towards us, then...!" He didn't say it outright, but added, "A desperate man will do anything!"

{Piaotian Literature www.piaotia.com Thank you for your support, your support is our greatest motivation}

Page Flip AD Start

Page Flip AD End