Chapter 38

......

Walking through the outer city streets in the early morning, Yang Yu listened to the faint groans and still felt oppressed in his heart.

Not until he passed through the inner city gate did his mood improve, or rather, it became even worse.

A single wall separated the inner and outer cities, yet it seemed like two different worlds. The usual bustling scene now made him feel out of place.

It was like having a thorn in his back.

Some things, when heard and seen, are truly different.

In his previous life, Yang Yu never thought his morals were higher than the average person's; at most, he was law-abiding.

But after coming to this world, he found that compared to some people, he was almost a moral role model.

He hurried home, put away some things that were inconvenient to handle, informed his mother-in-law, and headed towards the prison.

After the blood change, his energy was greatly improved, and he was still energetic despite not sleeping all night.

He pondered how to find the hidden things in the prison.

"The county magistrate wants to see me?"

He had just stepped into the prison and had not yet started work when a constable came to look for him.

"Let's go, don't keep the master waiting too long."

The constable was haughty and found the prison's smell unbearable, so he covered his nose and walked out.

"Why does he want to see me?"

Yang Yu was puzzled, tidied up quickly, and followed out.

The two walked in silence, one in front and one behind, through the South Street to the most bustling area, then turned left and walked a few dozen steps. The scene suddenly opened up.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would hardly believe that so close to such a bustling street, there was such a large mansion.

"We're here."

Yang Yu stopped, raised his head, and his expression became extremely complex.

Looking ahead, just a few dozen steps away, stood a large mansion with red walls and white tiles. At a glance, it was at least a seven-courtyard complex.

Two stone lions stood guard at the gate, looking lifelike and intimidating. Passersby would avoid them from a distance.

The laws of the Great Ming were strict and detailed, not only regulating various industries but also specifying the standards for clothing and housing.

Even an ordinary person, let alone a seasoned constable like Wang Wu, could see that this mansion exceeded the regulations.

In comparison, the government office seemed like a doghouse.

"Liu Wenpeng..."

Yang Yu took a deep breath and stepped into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, there were many scenic spots, and the floors were paved with patterns. It was late autumn, the grass was withered, and the leaves had fallen, but there was not a single leaf on the ground in this mansion.

Walking inside, Yang Yu felt as if a thousand insects were crawling on his body, making him want to turn and leave.

But he endured it, following the servant through the courtyard. After about half a cup of tea, they arrived at an inner courtyard.

At this point, Yang Yu felt a bit relieved because there were many people outside the inner courtyard.

At a glance, there were prison guards, constables, and even instructors from several martial arts schools in the inner city.

The group was a mix of old and young, but the one thing they had in common was their vigorous blood, all of them being Blood Change Realm martial artists.

"The master is drinking and playing chess with his friends. Please wait here for his summons."

The servant said casually and then walked away.

Leaving everyone outside the courtyard gate, some were dissatisfied but dared not show it.

"So many Blood Change Realm martial artists, what does Liu Wenpeng want to do?"

Yang Yu was puzzled and guessed the purpose of the county magistrate.

Could it be to take action against the Liansheng Sect?

But that didn't make sense; why would he be so open and risk alarming them?

It was already late autumn, and the weather was getting colder, especially in the early morning. The group was left outside for more than an hour.

Finally, a servant came out of the courtyard and beckoned them.

Yang Yu noticed that many people's faces were flushed, seemingly angered by the summoning attitude, but they held their breath.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Yang Yu felt a change in temperature.

This courtyard was much warmer than the outside.

At a glance, he saw many green plants, vegetables, and fruits, and several servants were picking them.

Under a distant parasol tree, two people were sitting and playing chess, one smiling and the other with a cold expression.

"Wang Wu?"

Yang Yu's heart skipped a beat, recognizing that the person playing chess with Liu Wenpeng was Wang Wu.

Wang Wu also saw Yang Yu, his lips twitched, but he said nothing.

The well-groomed middle-aged man stroked his beard and smiled, beckoning them.

"Come, everyone, don't be拘束, try the fruits from our courtyard."

"Thank you, sir!"

The group, regardless of their thoughts, all bowed and thanked him, forcing themselves to taste the fruits, praising them no matter how they tasted.

In their hearts, they were suffering.

Liu Wenpeng never gave without expecting something in return. Eating his food would likely bring trouble.

Yang Yu remained calm, stepping back and watching the others feast.

After a long while, someone finally spoke, "May I ask, Sir Liu, what task do you have for us?"

Liu Wenpeng smiled slightly and said, "I wouldn't dare to call it a task, just a small matter I need your help with."

The group hurriedly said they were willing to help.

Liu Wenpeng smiled satisfactorily and then said with a worried look, "My son is unruly. He went into the mountains to hunt tigers a few days ago and hasn't returned. I am deeply concerned and have invited you all here..."

"Master Liu's son?"

Yang Yu was stunned.

Someone couldn't help but speak up, "I saw the young master at the Kelaile Tower listening to storytelling a few days ago. How could he have gone into the mountains?"

"The one who went into the mountains was not Qingqing but my second son, Qinggui."

Liu Wenpeng sighed deeply, seeming very worried.

"If any of you can bring my son back safely, there will be a generous reward!"

Generous reward?

The group exchanged glances, not really believing it.

Liu Wenpeng frowned slightly and then clapped his hands. Servants came forward with trays, walked to the group, and lifted the red silk covering them.

Revealing ingots of silver.

"Wow!"

Yang Yu heard someone draw a sharp breath, and he was also surprised.

Liu Wenpeng was so generous?

It wasn't that he had to think this way, but Liu Wenpeng was known to be stingy. Just look at this mansion.

Ordinary wealthy families often hired servants, guards, and maids, but he had constables serve him, which was incredibly frugal.

"Would any of you refuse to give Liu a face?"

Liu Wenpeng's face darkened.

The shocked group finally came to their senses, looking at each other, none of them wanting to agree.

But seeing Liu Wenpeng's increasingly dark face, they had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

"Good!"

Liu Wenpeng was satisfied and had the group take the silver.

"Here are fifty taels of silver. Whoever brings my son back will receive another two hundred taels."

......

Holding the silver and leaving the Liu family, the others all looked worried and returned dejectedly.

Yang Yu found a clean corner, sat down cross-legged, and sorted through the information he had gathered over the past two days, while also waiting for Wang Wu to come out.

He waited until the sun was setting and the sky was dark.

Wang Wu finally came out of the Liu family, his face iron-gray. Yang Yu approached, and before he could speak, he heard the constable grinding his teeth.

"Even bandit suppression needs a pretext. I've really seen it all, seen it all..."

...