Chapter 75

The midday patrol might be a bit late, as my condition is not good, very poor, and needs to be adjusted.

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Yang Shouwen took a deep breath, staring at Song Sanlang, unable to speak for a moment.

This explains everything!

After the attack on the county office, the entire city was placed under martial law, leaving the attackers with nowhere to hide. However, despite Yang Chenglie almost turning Changping upside down, he found no clues about the bandits and had to let the matter drop.

Could so many bandits just vanish into thin air during the day?

Of course not!

They must have hidden somewhere, a place no one could think of.

Later, Yang Chenglie reviewed several possible oversights: the county office, the Yang residence, the Lu residence, the county magistrate’s home, and the city training ground. Apart from these, the only place that could not possibly be a hiding spot for the bandits was Baoxiang Pavilion.

As Song Sanlang said, Baoxiang Pavilion is backed by the Fan Yang Lu clan.

Moreover, Baoxiang Pavilion is not just in Changping; it exists throughout Youzhou, including Yingzhou and other areas. It is said that Baoxiang Pavilion is a property of the Fan Yang Lu clan and a pillar of their family. Don't think that noble families are all about poetry and literature, living like immortals. In fact, noble families must have strong financial backing; otherwise, how could they maintain their literary traditions and become the aristocracy?

Yang Chenglie, being from the Hongnong Yang clan, could never imagine that Baoxiang Pavilion would shelter the bandits who attacked the county office.

But if it was Baoxiang Pavilion...

Yang Shouwen immediately realized another problem, and he felt a bit uneasy!

Baoxiang Pavilion is a property of the Fan Yang Lu clan, and Lu Yongcheng is a member of the Fan Yang Lu clan. If Lu Yongcheng wants to get rid of Yang Chenglie, and Baoxiang Pavilion is sheltering the bandits who attacked the county office, it's not hard to see that everything Lu Yongcheng is doing is being orchestrated by the Fan Yang Lu clan. Otherwise, why would he start a conflict with Yang Chenglie?

"Uncle San, are you sure?"

"I am certain."

Song Sanlang said confidently, "I remember very clearly. After I picked up the goods from Baoxiang Pavilion's warehouse, I heard that the city was under martial law. I didn't pay much attention and proceeded to escort the goods out of the city... By the way, something strange happened that day. Usually, the city guards would just give a quick glance and let me pass.

But that day, the head of the guards on duty was Chen Yi.

He and I have always been on good terms, but for some reason, he inspected my goods very strictly, checking each cart and even ordering me to open the goods. That guy definitely had a problem."

Facing a life-or-death situation, Song Sanlang's mind became extremely clear.

The events of that day flashed through his mind, making him more convinced that the problem was with Baoxiang Pavilion.

Another spy!

Yang Shouwen noted down Chen Yi's name, then comforted Song Sanlang a few more times before hurriedly leaving Changping prison.

By then, it was already late.

After leaving the prison, Yang Shouwen did not go home but headed straight for the county office.

In the past, Yang Chenglie might have already gone home by this time. But given the current situation, he couldn't leave work early and was definitely still at the county office. Indeed, when Yang Shouwen arrived at the county office, Yang Chenglie was arranging the night patrol. All the heads of the three shifts were there, except for the head of the bailiffs, Huang Qi.

Yang Shouwen waited patiently until Yang Chenglie finished his arrangements, then went to see him.

"Xizi, are you here to call the county magistrate home for dinner?"

As he entered the office, he saw Guan Hu coming out.

Yang Shouwen smiled and said, "Uncle, you're joking. Everyone is busy, so Father probably won't go home early. I came to discuss something with Father... After the commotion at Uncle San's house this afternoon, I just visited the prison. Uncle San has admitted his mistake, so I came to talk to Father about releasing him early."

The news of Song Sanlang's family causing a disturbance at the Yang residence could not be hidden.

Even Yang Shouwen's visit to the prison to see Song Sanlang was likely known to someone.

Changping is now a place where friends and enemies are hard to distinguish.

And the rough-looking man in front of him, who was once the most trusted person by Father, has become less reliable.

Yang Shouwen didn't know who to trust, but he didn't seem to notice anything unusual.

Since he couldn't hide it, he decided to speak the truth.

Guan Hu smiled and said, "I've already tried to persuade the county magistrate about Sanlang, but it didn't help much.

Xizi, you can try talking to him again. After all, we're family... and it's not a big deal, so there's no need to be too serious."

"I'll try to persuade Father."

Yang Shouwen stepped aside to let Guan Hu pass, who hurriedly left.

Watching his back, Yang Shouwen looked thoughtful.

Could Guan Hu and Chen Ziyang be connected to Lu Yongcheng?

Is his persuasion to release Song Sanlang sincere or insincere?

A series of questions flashed through his mind, causing him great distress.

At that moment, Yang Chenglie came out of the office and saw Yang Shouwen standing at the door, lost in thought. He smiled and walked over.

"Xizi, what are you thinking about?"

Yang Shouwen suddenly came to his senses and quickly said, "Father, I need to talk to you."

"Oh, then come with me."

Yang Chenglie stretched and said with a tired look, "I've been on duty all day in the office, and I'm really tired!

Let's take a walk, and I'll have someone bring dinner later."

He gave Yang Shouwen a meaningful look and started walking along the corridor, exiting the left wing and then through a small side door.

Outside the small door was a secluded alley.

The alley was dimly lit and deserted.

Seeing no one around, Yang Chenglie let out a long breath and cursed, "Damn, I have to be so careful in this county office now, not knowing who to trust. Even when I go to the toilet, I feel like someone is watching me."

"Father, it's not that serious, right?"

Yang Chenglie leaned against the wall, looking dejected.

"I don't know... Even Guan Hu is a problem. Who can I trust?"

It was clear that Yang Chenglie really valued Guan Hu, and when he found out that Guan Hu was colluding with outsiders, he became quite disheartened.

However, he quickly adjusted his mood and shook his head, smiling, "I've made a fool of myself... I always thought that after being the county magistrate in Changping for over a decade, I had everything under control. But it turns out... Well, what do you need to talk about?"

"Father, do you know a captain of the city guards named Chen Yi?"

"Chen Yi?" Yang Chenglie smiled and nodded, "Of course I know him."

"He might be a spy."

Yang Shouwen's voice was low, but Yang Chenglie heard him clearly.

His face changed, then returned to normal, and he said sternly, "Is that all?"

"Also, Sanlang told me that on the morning of the attack on the county office, he saw about a dozen people enter the back door of Baoxiang Pavilion.

Father, Baoxiang Pavilion is a property of the Fan Yang Lu clan; Lu Yongcheng is a member of the Fan Yang Lu clan.

I'm worried that this trouble with Lu Yongcheng might be orchestrated by the Fan Yang Lu clan. Also, the contraband in Sanlang's goods might have been planted by Lu Yongcheng. If the Fan Yang Lu clan is really targeting you, you need to be very careful."

As Yang Shouwen suspected, Yang Chenglie had been acting carefree and unconcerned.

But when he heard the name "Fan Yang Lu clan," he became flustered and tense.

The sun and moon are in the sky, and Empress Wu Zetian has ascended the throne, weakening the power of the noble families.

In fact, the suppression of the aristocracy began with Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. For nearly sixty years since the Zhenguan era, the noble families have indeed lost their former glory. But even so, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse! The Fan Yang Lu clan is one of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans, a top-tier noble family. Even under the pressure of the court, they still have deep roots.

Such a massive force is far beyond the capabilities of a mere county magistrate like Yang Chenglie.

If Yang Chenglie had not left the Yang clan, the Fan Yang Lu clan might have been wary of him.

But now...

"Father, are you afraid?"

Yang Shouwen couldn't help but tease, making Yang Chenglie blush.

"Don't talk nonsense, what am I afraid of?"

"The Five Surnames and Seven Clans, that's the Fan Yang Lu clan."

"So what?" Yang Chenglie acted unconcerned, but Yang Shouwen could see through his facade.

Indeed, Yang Shouwen might not fear the noble families.

But Yang Chenglie is different. He lives in this era and knows the power of the noble families.

He's not afraid of Lu Yongcheng!

After all, it's a personal conflict. No matter how powerful Lu Yongcheng is, Yang Chenglie believes he can handle it.

But if the Fan Yang Lu clan is involved...

Yang Chenglie closed his eyes, leaning against the wall in silence.

Yang Shouwen didn't say anything more and sat on the threshold of the small door, staring at the alley gradually enveloped in darkness.

The two of them stood and sat in silence for a long time.

"Xizi, go home."

"Huh?"

"I'll be back late tonight. Tell your mother not to wait for me."

Yang Shouwen stood up and stretched.

"Do you need help?"

"Do you want to help me?"

Yang Shouwen smiled, "You're my father, and I'm your son... If you're doing well, I'll be in the limelight; if you're in trouble, I'll suffer too. Now that you're in trouble, shouldn't I help you?"

"Alright, then help me deal with Chen Yi."

Yang Chenglie seemed to have made a decision and suddenly felt much lighter.

He looked at Yang Shouwen with a playful expression and a strange smile.

"Chen Yi?" Yang Shouwen was taken aback but quickly understood, saying softly, "Father, you want to make an example of him?"

"Yep!"

"Alright."

Yang Shouwen looked relaxed and nodded at Yang Chenglie.

"Ha, if I really wanted to make an example, I wouldn't need you."

Yang Chenglie was a bit confused by Yang Shouwen's response. He laughed and scolded, "I'm not so desperate that I need my son to kill someone.

Alright, it's late, go home."

"Alright, I'll go home."

Yang Shouwen didn't waste any more words, nodded at Yang Chenglie, and walked out of the alley.

Watching his back, Yang Chenglie's thick eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes showed a complex expression.

He couldn't quite understand his son.

He couldn't describe the feeling. Sometimes, Yang Shouwen doesn't seem like a boy who has just recovered from a serious illness but someone with deep thoughts. This made Yang Chenglie both puzzled and worried.

It seems he should send him to Xingyang sooner.

If he stays in Changping for too long, it might affect his future...

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When he got home, it was already completely dark.

Yang Shouwen reported to Lady Song about his conversation with Song Sanlang but kept the information about the Lu clan to himself.

Lady Song finally breathed a sigh of relief, understanding his intentions.

Being disturbed by people every day is not a good thing.

The Yang family has some standing in Changping. If Song Sanlang's family keeps causing trouble, it would be embarrassing for the Yang family.

But now, it's better. Song Sanlang's family won't likely cause more trouble.

Lady Song felt much lighter and even ate an extra bowl of sesame rice for dinner.

Sesame rice is made by soaking glutinous rice, steaming it, then pounding it into small balls, and mixing it with sesame and sugar. Since sesame was brought back from the Western Regions by Zhang Qian, it is called sesame rice.

In modern times, it is also known as mochi.

However, Yang Shouwen didn't like sweets much, so he didn't eat much.

After dinner, he played with You Niang and Qing Nu in the courtyard, while Yang Rui, looking tired, came in from outside.

"Big Brother is living a carefree life, while I'm out running around."

He sat down on the porch, complaining, "If I had known, I wouldn't have taken on such a tiring job as a guard."

"Isn't that your own doing?"

Yang Shouwen couldn't help but laugh, then gestured for You Niang and Qing Nu to play with the four puppies, while Bodhi lay beside him.

"What did Old Gai say?"

"He asked, and the old soldier said it's fine."

"That's good!"

Yang Shouwen said, picked up a bowl of water, took a sip, and then suddenly asked, "Second Brother, do you know Chen Yi?"

Yang Rui was taken aback but then smiled, "How could I not know him?"

"Is he on duty tonight?"

"Recently, the three shifts have been on duty almost every day." Yang Rui thought for a moment and said, "Let me think... He should be on duty in Xishanfang... Yes, I remember he's on duty in Xishanfang, no mistake."

On duty in Xishanfang?

Yang Shouwen narrowed his eyes and nodded.

"Why are you asking about this, Big Brother?"

"Just curious... By the way, how skilled is he?"

"Pretty skilled!" Yang Rui thought for a moment and replied, "Chen Yi is considered a skilled fighter among the city guards. I remember Uncle Guan once told me that Chen Yi's sword skills are good! Two years ago, when the Khitans rebelled, Chen Yi killed three of them. Unfortunately, he's a drinker and a womanizer, so he's stuck in the city guards."

"So, he's a tough guy who has seen blood?"

"Pretty much."

Yang Shouwen nodded, asked a few more questions about the duty rules, and then let Yang Rui leave.