Chapter 45

In the Tianxiang Winehouse, it was the same private room where Ye Yu had once invited Liu Yuanshan. Laughter echoed from within, indicating a pleasant gathering.

Today, however, it was not Ye Yu who had invited County Magistrate Liu Yuanshan, but rather Liu Yuanshan who had personally invited Ye Yu. The laughter and conversation from the room suggested that this meeting was very enjoyable. Lu Kun had already been taken to the state capital for trial, and the evidence had been presented. It was believed that it would not be long before Lu Kun received his due punishment.

Liu Yuanshan had always wanted to bring Lu Kun to justice, but Lu Kun's actions had always been smooth and left no trace, which had been a constant source of frustration for him. Now that Lu Kun was finally getting his due punishment, how could Liu Yuanshan not feel relieved and satisfied? However, what Liu Yuanshan did not know was that he had been used by Ye Yu without realizing it.

On that day, Abbot Yuan Tong had deceived the bailiffs outside the Western Chan Temple, telling them that Lu Kun was having a pleasant conversation with the traveling monk Zhiyuan inside and that no one should disturb them. Although the bailiffs felt that the magistrate had been inside for a long time, they did not dare to barge in on this sacred ground. Moreover, since monks do not lie, they believed Abbot Yuan Tong's words.

However, Ye Yu was worried that Abbot Yuan might not be able to hold off the bailiffs, so he had Abbot Yuan send a young monk down the mountain to inform Liu Yuanshan. Upon hearing that there was evidence to arrest Lu Kun, Liu Yuanshan hurried to Longshan Temple. This not only resolved the siege at Longshan Temple but also avoided a violent confrontation to take Lu Kun down the mountain. Ye Yu simply handed over the person and the evidence to Liu Yuanshan and left gracefully.

During their conversation, when Liu Yuanshan asked how Ye Yu had obtained the evidence, Ye Yu did not hide anything and explained the entire story. He knew that if he did not explain clearly, it might cause a rift between them in the future. However, regarding the involvement of Li Dayin's gang, Ye Yu was very reserved and attributed their contributions to the brothers of She Tongcheng.

After listening to Ye Yu's detailed account, Liu Yuanshan said meaningfully, "You, young man, are full of surprises. However, the methods you used to deal with Lu Zheng are indeed quite underhanded!"

Ye Yu nodded without denying it, but he had also taken steps to remedy the situation. When Lu Kun's family was being escorted to Lian Prefecture, he had already sent a large amount of detoxification pills and explained the methods for detoxification in detail.

Moreover, the amount of opium in the aphrodisiacs that Lu Zheng had consumed was minimal, so it would only cause addiction and not be life-threatening. As long as the detoxification was done properly, he would surely return to his previous state.

Then, Ye Yu took out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve and placed them on the table, respectfully and solemnly saying, "Sir, you have been in the bureaucracy for a long time and are naturally more familiar with these matters than a commoner like me. After Lu Kun is convicted, how much of his wealth will actually go to the state treasury? How much will benefit the people? It would be better to return it to the people of Qingliu County rather than let it be consumed by corrupt officials!"

Liu Yuanshan did not respond immediately but stroked his beard and thought quietly. Seeing this, Ye Yu continued, "I, a commoner, do not understand politics or the livelihood of the people. I only know that the people's benefit is the foundation! Moreover, this wealth originally belongs to the people of this county. If I can return it to the people without breaking the law, why not do it? I present this wealth to you, Sir, and hope that you will use it to benefit the people of this county!"

After Ye Yu finished his explanation, Liu Yuanshan pondered for a moment without looking at the large denomination banknotes on the table. Instead, he stared at Ye Yu and asked, "According to you, how should I benefit the people?"

Ye Yu had come to know Liu Yuanshan's character well over the past few days. His unconventional methods were hard to gain Liu Yuanshan's approval. During the hostage exchange at Yushan, although Liu Yuanshan had made concessions, it was a matter of life and death.

Moreover, Liu Yuanshan knew that the two states' troops could not conquer Yushan, let alone a small county magistrate like him. It was only because of the need to protect the hostages that he made the difficult decision to compromise.

In the current situation, Ye Yu could not guess Liu Yuanshan's thoughts and was unsure if his approach would be understood. The only thing he could do was to explain reasonably: "In my opinion, although the Qingliu River is not wide, people still need to take a boat to cross it. Over time, the cost of crossing the river becomes a significant expense for the people, and it also poses a danger during storms. Why not build a bridge to connect the two banks? This would benefit the people for decades, even centuries. Additionally, the embankments along the river are often at risk of collapse during the rainy season, causing minor flooding and major crop losses. If we use this wealth to build and reinforce the embankments, we can solve this problem..."

Ye Yu spoke eloquently about various strategies to benefit the people. Liu Yuanshan listened quietly without a word, impressed by the young man's insightful and practical suggestions. He nodded, his deep-set eyes filled with approval.

"If all of this is done, the wealth accumulated by Lu Kun would be just a drop in the ocean..." Liu Yuanshan pointed to the banknotes on the table, speaking meaningfully.

"Sir, please rest assured. Although my family's business is small, I will do my best to help you whenever you need it!"

"Really? You truly think so?" Liu Yuanshan was surprised by Ye Yu's immediate and sincere response.

Ye Yu, however, was unperturbed and remained calm, answering solemnly, "As the saying goes, a gentleman loves wealth, but he acquires it in a righteous way. The path to wealth lies in three principles: sincerity, trust, and righteousness. If one can use wealth to benefit the world and people, it will flow back like a river, eventually forming a vast ocean. The key to wealth lies in the balance between accumulation and distribution. If I can use my wealth to benefit the people, even if I lose everything, I will still be content and at peace. Even with nothing, I will have a rich heart. Why not do it?"

Liu Yuanshan was taken aback by Ye Yu's passionate speech. He had never expected such insight and breadth of vision from the young man. Such wisdom and magnanimity were rare, even in himself. He looked at Ye Yu for a long time, thinking that his initial support might indeed bear fruit, and that it was not just an empty promise from a young man.

"Very well! Ye Yu, I will entrust this matter to you. I cannot provide the funds, but I will assist you in any way I can!"

"But won't I be taking all the credit? This..."

It seemed a bit presumptuous, as he only wanted to use the wealth obtained from Lu Zheng to do something practical for the people. He had hoped Liu Yuanshan would take the lead, as his term was almost over and he would soon be transferred from Qingliu County.

He wanted to use this opportunity to help Liu Yuanshan achieve more in the county and repay his past support. However, he did not expect Liu Yuanshan to entrust him with this task, which was unexpected.

"You seem very familiar with the people's needs in this county. It seems you are not just trying to please me. Since you have a plan, I am confident you can handle it. As for the credit..."

Liu Yuanshan waved his hand, laughing heartily, "I do not care about empty fame. A young man can see through things so clearly, and I am already in my twilight years. Why should I pursue such illusions?"

Ye Yu was taken aback by Liu Yuanshan's words, realizing that he had been tested. He then smiled, feeling relieved.

They chatted and drank for a long time, and Ye Yu learned that Liu Yuanshan had once been a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel. Unfortunately, his straightforwardness made him a victim of political strife.

Although he was now a county magistrate in Qingliu, he still cared deeply about the state and the emperor. He hoped for more upright officials to support the declining government.

Liu Yuanshan was in his twilight years and would soon retire, but his loyalty and patriotism remained unwavering.

Ye Yu's words today had deeply moved him. Although he knew Ye Yu was unconventional, he was impressed by his sense of righteousness and his rare insight and magnanimity.

However, it was a pity that Ye Yu's disability would prevent him from entering the bureaucracy. In Liu Yuanshan's eyes, if Ye Yu were not disabled, he could have taken the imperial exams in a month and become an excellent official.

Ye Yu was also helpless about his disability. He had gradually adapted to his life. Life is full of disappointments, and he did not need to strive for perfection.

What he did not expect was that his disability would become a source of pride and a symbol of his life.

They talked for a long time at the Tianxiang Winehouse, and even as the sun set, they were still enjoying themselves. As Liu Yuanshan was about to leave, he turned back and warned Ye Yu, "Ye, be careful not to go out alone at night!"

Ye Yu was taken aback and asked, "Why? Is there a dangerous criminal in the county?"

"Not exactly a dangerous criminal, but this person has committed over ten crimes in the county. He only knocks out young men and tears off their sleeves before leaving, without causing any harm or loss. I noticed that you are about the same age as the victims, so I am warning you."

"I have heard of this thief with a penchant for young men. Has the official not found any leads?"

When Ye Yu heard about the strange incident from Qiulan, he did not investigate further. Now, with the thief committing more crimes, he was puzzled.

Liu Yuanshan sighed, "I am ashamed to say that this thief is highly skilled and elusive. I cannot catch him. However, this is not just one person. There are similar cases in other counties of Chuzhou. Since no one has been seriously injured and there has been no loss of property, the authorities have not pursued the matter, and it has been left unresolved."

Ye Yu was shocked. If it were just one person, it would be one thing, but with similar cases in other counties, it was not just a matter of a penchant for young men.

As Ye Yu frowned in thought, Liu Yuanshan, slightly drunk, added, "It's not much of a secret. The thief does not tear off both sleeves, only the left sleeve."

"What!... The left sleeve..." Ye Yu's eyes widened, and he seemed to have an idea.

Liu Yuanshan, slightly drunk, did not notice Ye Yu's reaction and patted his shoulder, warning him, "Be more careful in the future. I will leave now."

Liu Yuanshan left the room, and Ye Yu watched him go, his gaze returning to the table. He stared at a spot, his brows furrowed, deep in thought...