CH 58

The government office was brightly lit and noisy, which alerted people all around, and they all ran to the gate to watch the excitement.

Magistrate Yin donned his official uniform and ran to the lobby in a panic. Seeing the wounded assassins lying on the ground, his legs were so weak with fright that they went limp. Pretending to be calm, he looked at Yan Mingting, who was standing in the hall: “General Yan, who are these? 

“Magistrate Yin, don’t play stupid now,” Yan Mingting said sternly.

“This official doesn’t understand what General Yan means.”

“Of course you understand. We’ll just wait here for the Imperial Envoy to handle the case.” Yan Mingting sat down on the chair next to him and watched him intently, as if staring at prey.

Magistrate Yin dripped with cold sweat and looked down at the assassin on the ground, still alive and moaning in pain. He had a feeling that something was wrong, and his palms began to sweat.

Clearly, Yan Mingting and “Zhao Yelan’s” relationship wasn’t good, so why did he rush to save the other in time?

“Lord Imperial Envoy, you……” Magistrate Yin walked to the other side with heavy steps, looked at the silent Gao Tan, and made a pretense of concern, “Why is there blood all over your body? Who did it? Was it these people? I’ll put them in prison now!”

“Wait a moment.”

There was a sudden clear voice at the door. Magistrate Yin looked over and saw the two young masters from the capital walking in with Yin Pinglu.

Yan Mingting immediately rose to meet them, and began to converse with their leader.

Magistrate Yin clenched his fists. When matters reached such a point, either the fish would die or the net would split. To temporarily distract the Imperial Envoy, he raised his voice: “Zhao-daren, I want to expose to you the fact that General Yan had an affair with someone!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent and collectively looked at him.

“Zhao-daren, there is something you don’t know. During your absence in Huaizhou, General Yan and this Fu-gongzi expressed affection to each other, colluding in secret. This official saw it with his own eyes! Even at this moment, my lord, you were almost killed, but the General’s primary concern is that gongzi! I’m really looking out for you, my lord!” Magistrate Yin’s words were sincere and his tone was animated, as if he really felt sorry for Zhao-daren.

But after he finished speaking, the person in front of him just looked at him indifferently, then took a step to the side, and another step……

Magistrate Yin watched helplessly as he moved step by step to stand behind the young master, and then handed over the token of the Imperial Envoy to him.

Magistrate Yin’s eyes went wide and blank.

“Are you finished?” Zhao Yelan took the token, avoided the duo lying on the ground, and walked to the table at the front of the lobby to sit upright and still. “Will you honestly confess your crimes now?”

“You!” Magistrate Yin came to a belated realization and pointed at him with a trembling finger, his legs weakening. “You are……you are Zhao Yelan?!”

Zhao Yelan gave him a cold look and hit the gavel: “Bring Kuang Sheng to the hall.”

Kuang Sheng was escorted in by several soldiers. When he entered the lobby, he was a little surprised to see the person sitting in the main seat, but soon calmed down. Ever since he discovered that the group of people obeyed this person’s orders, he had guessed that he was of high status. He had not, however, expected that he was the real Imperial Envoy.

“Zhao-daren, I want to sue the prefectural magistrate for raping civilian women and colluding with higher authorities!” After Kuang Sheng finished speaking loudly, County Magistrate Wu was brought up by Yu Dali.

“My lord, this person sent people to Kuang Sheng’s house in a futile attempt to silence him, but we captured them alive. The assassins all confessed,” Yu Dali said.

“The criminal has been caught in the act. If you don’t want to be punished, County Magistrate Wu, then obediently sign your confession.”

County Magistrate Wu’s hair was scattered, and he was unbearably humiliated. Glancing at Magistrate Yin, he signed his name.

“Now, who is the person who sent others to murder a court official?” Zhao Yelan asked.

“It was me,” County Magistrate Wu choked out.

“Magistrate Yin is your father-in-law, and he has accepted a lot of bribes from you. Why must you take the blame for him at this time? Do you know that this crime can destroy your family? Is he worth your entire family’s lives? Even if you don’t take your wife into consideration, are you willing to lose your child’s life and cause your Wu family to have no descendents?” Zhao Yelan said.

These words really hit County Magistrate Wu’s weak point. His biggest fear was having no heir. The veins on his forehead throbbed, and he turned to look at Magistrate Yin.

Magistrate Yin knew that the matter was over. His knees softened, and he knelt down on the ground: “My lord, please forgive me, this official was just confused for a moment!”

“You were confused? You were afraid that the Imperial Envoy would find evidence of collusion and bribery between you and other officials. You were just afraid. In addition, you thought that Yan Mingting and I did not have a good relationship, so you planned to murder me and then spread word of Yan Mingting’s affair in order to divert attention and cause confusion,” Zhao Yelan said.

Magistrate Yin knelt on the ground, his hands continuing to tremble.

“Now write down the list of all the officials you secretly bribed, and I can fight for a lighter sentence for you.” Zhao Yelan handed him the brush and paper. Seeing that he was still unwilling to move, he smiled slightly. “These assassins lying here haven’t died yet, but they are living a life worse than death. Write quickly while you are still able to do so, lest you be punished later worse than them.”

He looked back at the two assassins whose hands and feet were still bleeding, and then couldn’t bear to look anymore. He turned back around and quickly signed.

After more than half an hour, Zhao Yelan finally got an indictment, including the list of embezzlers: “Send these two people to Dali Temple immediately.”

“My lord, didn’t you say that you would lighten the punishment?!” Magistrate Yin stared at him in shock.

“I have lightened it, ah, did I touch you?” Zhao Yelan said, “The investigation of this case will of course be left to the people from the Ministry of Justice and Dali Temple. If you want someone to intercede, ask them.”

Magistrate Yin slumped to the ground and was lifted up. When passing through the door, he turned to look at Yin Pinglu.

“I will take good care of my younger siblings,” Yin Pinglu said.

“Pei!” Magistrate Yin spat at her. “You traitorous leech! How did I bring a daughter like you into this world!?”

Yin Pinglu froze in place, staring at him in disbelief.

Yan Mingting was about to step forward, but Zhao Yelan got there first and slapped the man hard: “You don’t know the heights of the sky and the depths of the earth,[1] you old thing. What you have today is purely your own doing.”

“Precisely!” Li Yucheng had been unhappy with this old man for a long time, so he went up and kicked him several times to vent his anger. 

Xiao Gao also took advantage of the opportunity and punched him a few times.

“Take him out.” Zhao Yelan waved his hand.

“Are you okay?” Yan Mingting looked at Yin Pinglu, and she shook her head, quickly wiping her fingertips over the corners of her eyes.

“It’s nothing, I don’t feel any guilt at all now. Do whatever you want, the two of you don’t have to worry about my reputation.”

The Imperial Envoy had the right to try this case locally, and went through so much trouble, probably so that she would not be implicated in it. 

“Sending it to the capital for trial is not just to save face for you, but to make a big show of it so that officials in other places can be more apprehensive and well-behaved.” Zhao Yelan said, “Moreover, there are too many people involved in this, and it is most appropriate to hand it over to the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple.” In order to prevent the Imperial court from suspecting him again.

On the second day, Zhao Yelan interrogated Magistrate Yin and County Magistrate Wu overnight, and the news of a lot of related personnel was spread through the streets and alleys, causing a sensation in the entire Jiangnan area.

Officials from several surrounding prefectures were also involved, and everyone was in danger of being thoroughly investigated.

The common people were all delighted, discussing this major event over dinner and tea. Some felt that it was unthinkable, and there were also those who felt that they deserved death.

In addition, many people knew that the so-called “most beautiful man in the capital” had turned out to be Zhao-daren, and while praising his conduct of punishing corrupt officials, they also praised his good looks.

When Zhao Yelan went out to buy stuffed steamed buns in the morning, he was surrounded by people. Some asked how he would deal with the officials, and some bold women spoke out and declared that they wanted to marry him.

Yan Mingting started to get sour from a long distance away, and pulled him out of the crowd. Holding his hand, he said: “The matter of the officials will be handled by the court, and a new magistrate will arrive soon, so see to your own business and don’t even think about my wife! We have been married, the kind with three matchmakers, six ceremonies, and an eight-carrier sedan chair!”

Everyone was amused by him, and laughed while praising the General for also being very handsome. The two were really a good match!

“Girl, what did you just say?” Yan Mingting asked.

“I said that General Yan and Zhao-daren are really a good match!”

“I didn’t quite hear that.”

“Both General Yan and Zhao-daren are great heroes. General Yan helped us catch the bandits, and Zhao-daren caught corrupt officials for us. You are the perfect match!”

Yan Mingting and everyone else laughed together.

Zhao Yelan glanced helplessly at the proud Yan Mingting.

“Be careful that the Imperial Censor doesn’t accuse you of the crime of inciting the masses.” Back at the inn, Zhao Yelan put down the paper bag in his hand, which contained a few big steamed buns fresh out of the oven.

“Then I’ll give him a good beating. Not thinking about the common people, and hanging onto the words and deeds of officials all day long, he’s really idle.” Yan Mingting sat down beside him heavily.

“Again with your vulgar language.” Zhao Yelan laughed.

Yan Mingting laughed too, saying with emotion: “In my opinion, when comparing Jiangnan to the capital, it’s like heaven and earth. The people here are really sensible.”

There were many officials in the capital, and many different parties and interests. Common people without a keen sense of judgment would follow others’ opinions when they heard about turmoil in the court.

Yan Mingting still remembered the time when he had just returned to court. He heard gossip about Zhao Yelan outside all day and didn’t care much at first, but after getting along with Zhao Yelan for a length of time, it was inevitable that he would be fed up with these voices.

In Jiangnan, these peoples’ first impression of Zhao Yelan was that he was cruel and merciless, but since they were far apart in distance, they didn’t care how cruel he was. Now in their hearts, it was Zhao-daren who was a decisive and resolute person who had captured corrupt officials for the sake of the common people. He was a good official who did practical things for them!

Yan Mingting stood up suddenly, called a few people, and ordered: “You spread what the common people said today in the capital, preferably in other places as well.”

Zhao Yelan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Their mouths can’t be blocked, so why care about others’ opinions?”

“I care, I don’t want to hear them say bad things about you.” Yan Mingting sat back down in a huff.

Zhao Yelan looked sideways with a slight smile in his eyes. He slowly approached his cheek, pinched his earlobe lightly, and whispered: “Then will you listen to my words?”

Yan Mingting had already frozen completely when the other party got close. Now his face was even redder, and he turned his head, wanting to kiss his lips.

But the other party took a light step back and pressed his index finger against his lips.

“Not right now.”

“Why?” Yan Mingting stared blankly.

Because I just ate a steamed bun filled with chives, and the taste is strong.

Zhao Yelan raised his eyebrows and didn’t give the real reason, but got back to business as usual: “I received an urgent letter from the Imperial court saying that the trial of the governor’s collusion with officials and bandits has been completed, and he has been detained in prison, waiting to be dealt with. The new governor is about to take office.”

“En.” Yan Mingting listened seriously, but his heart itched unbearably when he looked at him. “What else?”

“In addition to County Magistrate Wu, there are several other important officials on their way to the capital. Those other small officials will stay in Jiangnan for investigation. You send people to guard the rest of the people on the list, and wait for the new governor to deal with them in turn. Someone who has just arrived in office must be eager to make some political achievements. This is a great opportunity. I won’t participate, so we can set off for the capital as soon as that person arrives.”

“Going back so soon? Don’t you want to relax for a few more days?”

“The new governor will arrive in a few days, that’s enough time for us to have some fun.”

“All right.” Yan Mingting looked at him with burning eyes. “Is there anything we should do?”

“En, I haven’t bought any Jiangnan silk yet.” Zhao Yelan took his purse and prepared to go downstairs. “I’ve heard that Jiangnan silk is exceptional, so I will go and take a good look.”

Next door, Li Yucheng heard movement and ran out excitedly: “Are you going to look at silk? I can accompany you, ah, I’ll take you to the best silk shop!”

“Let’s go,” Zhao Yelan readily agreed.

Yan Mingting looked at the backs of those briskly departing figures and silently covered his face.

“General, what’s wrong with you?” Yin Pinglu came out to the sight of his melancholy face, then saw the two figures going downstairs. The sound of their discussion about clothing could be heard from here, so she could guess what they were going to do.

“Tell me……is it the clothes or the man that is most important?” Yan Mingting asked.

“This….. If the General is jealous, he can follow suit.” Yin Pinglu smiled and said, “Nothing is more important than being happy, so why make Zhao-daren choose? How about making him a little happier?”

Yan Mingting thought for a moment and suddenly realized: “You’re right. Come on, you come too.”

“What am I going to do?”

“You divert the attention of that brat Li Yucheng and chat with him for a bit so that he doesn’t follow Zhao Yelan around the whole time.”

Yin Pinglu smiled and followed.

The group of people arrived at a silk shop with a large storefront, and Li Yucheng yelled: “Shopkeeper, take out your best silk, these masters have plenty of silver!”

Someone soon took out several materials for them to choose from. Zhao Yelan touched the material. It was as thin as a cicada’s wings, soft and comfortable, and was indeed a good product. As soon as he took out his purse, Yan Mingting pressed it back down.

“I’ll pay the bill.” Yan Mingting was full of pride.

Zhao Yelan raised his eyebrows, picked out one of the beautiful brocade handkerchiefs, and looked at him with a half-smile: “I want this handkerchief too.”

“Buy fifty of them!”

“This garment is pretty good.”

“Buy!”

“This color is unique.”

“Buy, buy, buy!”

The shopkeeper was completely overjoyed, and hurried to pack up the goods.

“The total is one hundred and fifty-eight taels.”

Yan Mingting took out his purse and tossed it over. The shopkeeper happily counted the money, but said awkwardly: “Gongzi, this……is not enough.”

The corners of Yan Mingting’s mouth twitched, and his voice immediately weakened: “How much is it?”

“Forty-three taels.”

Yan Mingting usually didn’t carry much money when he went out. This was really embarrassing. He looked down at the accessories on his body, and just when he touched the jade pendant on his waist, his hand was held down by Zhao Yelan.

“We won’t pay with this,” Zhao Yelan said.

“Isn’t such a thing good?” Yan Mingting whispered to him. “My piece of jade is just an ornament and doesn’t have much use. Just give it to him.”

“You don’t need to give it.” Zhao Yelan called, “Li Yucheng, pay the bill.”

Yan Mingting immediately became unhappy: “Why let him pay?”

“Because this is his uncle’s silk shop, and he still owes me more than nine thousand taels of gold. Isn’t letting him pay such a small amount just a fraction of that?” Zhao Yelan looked back at Li Yucheng. “What do you think?”

Li Yucheng grinned: “Sure enough, I can’t hide it from you, ah. Not only will I give you all these things, but I also want to give you a piece of clothing as long as you promise to wear it for a few days.”

“Only one?” Zhao Yelan asked him.

Li Yucheng came to his senses and said, “Yan Mingting and Miss Yin can have one too!”

In the end, the four of them changed into new clothes in the store, and almost everyone turned their heads to look at them as they walked down the street.

Zhao Yelan finally wore a new fan, and when someone asked where they had bought their clothes, Li Yucheng immediately replied: “The Cheng family silk shop!”

Within half a day, everything in the Cheng family silk shop was wiped out.

After dinner, Yan Mingting and Zhao Yelan went for a stroll together. This time, there were finally no other people around.

“There are masks.” Zhao Yelan felt that this was novel. The masks sold here were all in the shape of animals. He took a few glances, picked up the dog-face mask in front of him, and placed it on Yan Mingting’s face.

“……” Yan Mingting put his hand on the mask and was about to remove it, but then saw Zhao Yelan laughing. As if he couldn’t stop, he laughed louder and louder, his eyes curved into half moons. He laughed without any scruples, without melancholy, and without concealment.

Yan Mingting was infected by his laughter, and also couldn’t help but laugh: “Is it so funny?”

Zhao Yelan smiled and nodded, almost unable to stand up straight, and grabbed his arm to borrow his strength. He said: “Take out the money.”

Yan Mingting paid for two, then picked up a cat-face mask and quickly put it on his face, laughing loudly: “So good-looking!”

Zhao Yelan smiled and asked: “What are you talking about?”

“You and your cat face, of course.” Yan Mingting ran away after speaking.

“You’re the one who’s good-looking!” Zhao Yelan automatically chased after him. “You and your dog face are the ones that look good!”

The streets were bustling and full of light, and many people saw two tall men wearing ridiculous masks chasing each other and happily quarreling.

A child was standing on the side of the road licking tanghulu. Seeing this, he said in a babyish voice: “Mother, I don’t play these things anymore. Why are those two still playing, ah? They add up to half a hundred years old, they are so childish.”

[1] To not know the “heights of the sky and the depths of the earth” is to be arrogant and conceited. ⮐