Ger, So Proud

Chapter 109

“Liu Yangji?”

“Come in, Liu Yangji. What’s the matter that’s got you so flustered?”

“Sir, it’s bad news!” Liu Yangji pushed the door open anxiously. His face was tense. “Something big has happened. Someone from the Wang family has died too. It’s Chaiwu. The young master of the Wang family is seriously poisoned and hanging by a thread. Another servant reportedly already passed away.”

“What’s going on?” Zhou Wen stood up. “Where did you hear this news? Lives are at stake, why hasn’t anyone reported this?”

“It happened at a teahouse in the city, about an hour ago. It’s said that the discovery was late… Now it’s spreading like wildfire out there. Everyone speculates it’s connected to the previous murders!”

“Indeed.” Zhou Wen frowned deeply.

With this news, it seemed the previous clues were now useless. Luo Zhanming was both angry and anxious. “Uncle Liu, who is the deceased?”

“It seems to be the Wang family’s young master’s personal servant. He tasted the medicine first when it was administered. The rescue was too late…”

“Brother-in-law, is this what you meant earlier, that this case would not be resolved quickly?”

“You understand? Yes, now the suspect has become a victim. Morally and legally, most suspicions are dispelled. Without solid evidence, this case is difficult.”

“Li Deming is really ruthless!”

“But sometimes drastic measures are necessary.”

“Sir…”

“But this isn’t the most urgent matter. I have a feeling this isn’t as simple as it seems. There may be something brewing.” Zhou Wen pondered for a moment before saying to Luo Zhanming, “You go back first. Don’t be hasty. Don’t startle the snake in the grass. Right and wrong will eventually be determined.”

“Yes, I understand.” Luo Zhanming nodded in response, realizing that speaking further at this moment might be futile. It was better to leave and think carefully.

After he left, Liu Yangji said, “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned earlier that perhaps this matter isn’t as simple as it appears. I wonder…”

“It’s just my speculation. If this indeed is orchestrated by Li Deming, his actions are ruthless and well-calculated. If it’s just to protect his nephew, there are better ways, aren’t there? If the servant had taken all the blame, his nephew could have walked away unscathed.”

“People always have weaknesses. Wealth, status, family… It’s easiest to find a weak spot in the vulnerable.”

“Sir is right.”

“Don’t stand idle either. Think carefully for me. Last time at the banquet, I and Li Deming parted on bad terms. It seems I may have offended him. If he finds any leverage against me, your lord’s days as the county magistrate might be numbered.”

“Sir, since danger may be coming your way, we should prepare. Perhaps we should have someone secretly watch over my lord’s house and businesses, especially the medical clinic and pharmacy. Any unusual activity should be reported immediately.”

“Yes, sir. Your wisdom shines through.”

Liu Yangji left in agreement. Zhou Wen looked up at the dark sky, where stars and moon were hidden, the night sky like ink. “Ah, it seems the storm is coming!”

That night passed without incident, but the next day Li Deming arrived promptly. It was clear that trouble was brewing. Although Zhou Wen was prepared in advance, he couldn’t help but worry: how would Li Deming strike?

As Li Deming held a higher official rank and had the authority to oversee and inspect lower officials, Zhou Wen, accompanied by Liu Yangji, the county deputy, and the historian of the county yamen, went to welcome him.

Qiongchuan was just a small county town, impoverished and remote. In previous years, unless there was a major event, even inspectors from the Ministry of Personnel would not visit the county. This was the first time they were welcoming an inspector of Li Deming’s rank.

Observing the respectful bowing of the crowd, Li Deming’s gaze paused momentarily on Zhou Wen, feeling increasingly pleased. This was the life Li Deming was meant to live! Compared to being lowly and cautious in the capital, struggling through each day, why not be the “little emperor” here in this small domain?

With this thought in mind, Li Deming’s determination only grew stronger. He couldn’t afford any missteps today!

Since he was visiting privately this time, the reception at the yamen was not formal. After exchanging pleasantries over a few cups of tea, Li Deming got straight to the point, saying, “To be frank with you all, this time I am here to visit relatives and, well, as you all know, my inspection team does not pass through here. Therefore, I took the opportunity to conduct a discreet side investigation, which I haven’t done in previous visits.”

Seeing the change in the faces of the county officials, Li Deming chuckled and continued, “The people of Qiongchuan are living in peace, and the businesses are prospering. It truly is a land of joy. The contributions of you gentlemen cannot be overstated, especially County Magistrate Zhou.”

“Where can that be? Lord Li is too kind.”

“Indeed, these are all within our duties. Nothing worth boasting about,” replied the county historian, who was around fifty years old. He had considerable experience and had been the county historian even before Zhou Wen was appointed as the magistrate. He was average in ability but knowledgeable and tactful in his actions.

The officials of the yamen all humbly responded, but Li Deming suddenly changed his tone, his smile fading from his face as he went straight to the point, “However, I have recently heard of a murder case that has caused quite a stir. The handling of the case by the yamen has been sluggish, letting the suspects roam free. How do you explain this?”

“How could such a thing happen? Sir, could you be mistaken?” exclaimed the newly appointed historian.

“Yes, I have also heard of the recent major case. Aren’t all the suspects already in custody? It’s just that the case hasn’t been resolved yet, hence no action has been taken.”

“Rest assured, Lord Li, County Magistrate Zhou is adept at handling cases. He will certainly not let any criminals escape. We will assist wholeheartedly to resolve the case as soon as possible.”

Although Li Deming held a higher position, Zhou Wen was a local power. Having managed the affairs of this prefecture for many years, he had accumulated influence and respect. The other officials in the yamen were either trusted aides or long-time colleagues. Their responses seemed oblivious to the undercurrents between the two men.

Li Deming’s gaze swept over the several subordinates, and seeing this situation was no exception.

Originally, today he could have chosen to confront Zhou Wen alone, but he opted for this gathering. Firstly, these minor officials were insignificant. Secondly, it was to intimidate, making it easier to replace Zhou Wen in the future. Thirdly, he suspected that some among them might be sharp-minded enough to defect voluntarily, thereby doubling his efforts with half the work.

“As for the death of the beggar, one could argue it was an accident. But what about the incident at the Wang residence yesterday? The servant died, and the young master’s life hangs by a thread, still in grave danger. Both were poisoned with the same toxin from the same pharmacy. Even a fool could see the problem here. It’s been a day since the incident, yet the authorities have done nothing. Well then, County Magistrate Zhou, care to explain?”

At this point, Li Deming was playing his last card.

“Don’t speak nonsense, Lord Li! The Wang family incident was only reported this morning, and the yamen received the news just recently. How can you accuse us of willful neglect?” Zhou Wen set down his teacup, meeting Li Deming’s challenge head-on.

“Very well, since you seem to know about my relationship with the Wang family, where my nephew is only a half-relative, I’ll take responsibility for reporting the case on his behalf. Furthermore, I request that County Magistrate Zhou entrust this case entirely to me,” Li Deming said with an undeniable tone, despite the polite words.

“Why should we?” The historian felt grateful for Zhou Wen’s recognition, but he had already realized that he was the most loyal one.

Li Deming ignored him and continued, “My nephew and that boy surnamed He have a grudge. The He family and the Luo family also wish to strengthen their ties. The source of the poison implicates both families. I have reason to suspect this was a premeditated murder. Considering County Magistrate Zhou’s close ties to the Luo family, he should avoid suspicion in this case.”

This was indeed a reason Zhou Wendao found hard to refuse.

“How do you intend to handle this case, Lord Li?”

“Involving three lives, we must imprison both the Luo and He families and conduct a strict investigation.” Li Deming emphasized the “strict” nature of the investigation, as if insisting on extracting a confession.

This was clearly a situation where he was forcing a confession!

Zhou Wen looked deeply at Li Deming. Tension brewed between them, and the subordinates dared not even breathe heavily. One was a superior closely related to him, and the other was a superior’s superior. It was clear that neither could afford to offend.

“What if we handle this case together, Lord Li? This way, you can rest assured. As the local officials of Qiongchuan, I would never bend the law for personal gain,” Zhou Wen stepped back.

“County Magistrate Zhou, I’m not questioning your trust. However, in our dynasty, we govern through filial piety. As you are related to the Luo family by marriage, entrusting this case to you would place you in a difficult position between loyalty and family duty. Or perhaps, County Magistrate Zhou, you simply don’t trust me?”

“It’s not like that,” Zhou Wen admitted defeat this time. However, if he truly handed this case over to Li Deming for investigation, he feared…

Zhou Wen’s expression turned cold, “Lord Li, you jest. Just now, it was only your side of the story. The specifics need thorough investigation. If it truly involves the Luo family, I will have the county magistrate, registrar, and historian jointly handle it. I won’t disturb your family’s peace.”

Well, that was bold!

Li Deming felt pleased inside, though his face betrayed anger. “Very well! County Magistrate Zhou, it seems you truly do not regard me, your superior, in any regard! Lives are at stake, yet you, County Magistrate Zhou, intend to play favorites and cover up. I will certainly write a detailed report to the inspection team!”

After saying this, Li Deming swept his sleeves and left.

“County Magistrate Zhou, what should we…”

“You all go back first. Be cautious recently. He came for me. If he can’t find any leverage against you, he won’t harm you.”

“But, sir…”

“Go back.” Zhou Wendao waved his hand and went back into the inner hall by himself. The remaining subordinates exchanged looks, feeling like they had just witnessed a celestial battle! They could only hope it wouldn’t affect them.

Back at his residence, Li Deming was in high spirits. Wang’s father stood at the door to greet him, immediately understanding from his demeanor that the mission had been successful.

“Did the letter get sent out?”

“It was sent out early this morning. The messenger rode at full speed. The round trip to Hushan County should take about three days.”

“Hahaha, three days… In three days, Qiongchuan County will be mine!”

Everything today had gone according to his plan. What he wanted was for Zhou Wen to refuse to let him handle this case. As the magistrate of the county, Zhou Wen had close ties to the suspects and refused to avoid suspicion, handling the case poorly. Li Deming not only wanted to accuse him of favoritism and cover-up but also to seize the position of acting magistrate of Qiongchuan County!

Once he firmly established Zhou Wen’s guilt and proved his own contributions to solving the case, with the support of his colleagues over the years, he could legitimately take the position of acting magistrate. Hmph, Zhou Wen had no background or connections. What could he use to compete with him?