Chapter 41: Jiangpu Changes Heaven

  At the loud shout of the bailiff, the onlookers retreated like a tide, watching from a distance as a sedan chair with a green canopy and four attendants slowly approached from the east.

  Everyone was stunned. In order to arrest Xiao, the county magistrate and deputy magistrate had to come together. What was so special about Xiao that the head of the county would make such a big fuss and mobilize so many people?

  Xiao Fan heard that Huang Zhi County had arrived, and although he was prepared, his heart still skipped a beat. He turned to see Cao Yi's face calm and composed, and only then did Xiao Fan calm down, bowing slightly and retreating to the side with the other villagers.

  He knew that it was no longer his concern, and in front of so many people, it was now the time for County Magistrate Lao Ye and County Lieutenant Lao Ye to perform. As a supporting actor, he naturally had to understand the rhythm, and Xiao Fan was also eager to be a supporting actor. The intrigue between court officials was not something that a small citizen like him had the qualifications to participate in.

  The sedan chair was getting closer and closer to the Drunken Immortal Building, Cao Yi turned his head back, exchanged a quick glance with Xie Zhushu, Li Dianshi, and Liu Baozhu, then nodded slightly without being noticed, and immediately Cao Yi adjusted his clothes and led the few small officials from the yamen to welcome the sedan chair.

  The sedan chair stopped a few dozen feet away from the main gate of the Drunken Immortal Building, and the bearers set it down. One of them reached forward to help out Huang Zhixian, who was wearing a seventh-rank official's robe, and he stepped out of the sedan chair. After alighting, Huang stood quietly in front of the sedan chair, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd with an air of piercing intensity. Although he didn't say a word, the aura of authority emanating from him was suffocating, causing everyone present to lower their heads in silence, not daring to make a sound.

  Cao Yi burst out laughing and was the first to bow his hands in greeting, saying: "I didn't expect that a small Drunken Immortal Pavilion's opening would actually trouble County Magistrate Huang to come in person. Chen Si Liu's face is even more radiant now. I, Cao Yi, have seen County Magistrate."

  Huang Zhi County first looked at Zhou Zhanggui, who was kneeling on the ground, and then stared at Liu Captor with a stern expression. Then, he smiled slightly and said: "Governor Cao is too polite, I heard that all colleagues in the yamen have come out, and there is no one left in the second hall's signing room. Out of curiosity, I asked and found out that everyone has come here. Ha ha, I also want to take a look, what kind of person has such ability, can invite so many officials from top to bottom at the same time..."

  Huang Zhi County's words contained a sharp edge, and he subtly accused Cao Yi and other officials of colluding with merchants, hinting at the suspicion of official-merchant collusion.

  Cao Yi seemed to have not heard the meaning of Huang Zhi County's words, and still laughed loudly, saying: "The lower official and colleagues had nothing to do in the city, so they strolled around to observe the people's feelings. Coincidentally, Chen Dongjia's wine house was opening, and the lower official is a good drinker. Moreover, there is a shallow relationship with Chen Dongjia that cannot be ignored. So, I invited colleagues to come and disturb them for a cup of water wine. Since County Master has arrived in person, it would be great if you wouldn't mind joining me to go in and have a few cups together?"

  Huang Zhi County's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom, then he also smiled and nodded: "This is very good, as it happens, this official has not had a drink with colleagues for many days. Today, since Lord Cao has this elegant interest, this official will take advantage of the opportunity to have a hearty drink with everyone..."

  Cao Yi heard this and stepped aside, extending his hand to invite Huang Zhongxian inside.

  The onlookers in the crowd couldn't help but secretly sigh, originally thinking that the two masters would engage in a fierce dispute over the capture of Xiao Fan, but unexpectedly, neither of them even mentioned it, speaking to each other with courtesy and respect, creating a harmonious scene of "reunion joy", leaving the crowd who had been waiting for a good show feeling greatly disappointed.

  Just as everyone was shaking their heads in disappointment and preparing to disperse, it happened again unexpectedly.

  Huang Zhi County, surrounded by officials, walked a few steps towards the gate of Chui Xian Lou, suddenly stopped and turned his head, saying indifferently: "Liu Tou, didn't I tell you to catch someone? Hurry up and take him to the prison, then come back. You've been working hard these days, I'll treat you to a few more cups of wine."

  Everyone's movements suddenly froze, the lively scene was as if it had been paused, and suddenly fell into a dead silence. All eyes involuntarily turned to Cao Yi.

  For a long time, no one responded. Huang Zhixian slightly furrowed his brow and said in a deep voice, "What's wrong? Is there something not quite right?"

  The silence was broken, and Cao Yi suddenly burst out laughing, saying: "I wonder who the Honorable County Magistrate wants to take?"

  Huang Zhi County's expression gradually turned serious: "Chen Si Liu's son-in-law, Xiao Fan."

  Cao Yi exclaimed in surprise: "Xiao Fan? The County Magistrate wants to arrest him? Are you mistaken? As far as I know, Xiao Fan is a weak and young man who abides by the law, is kind and ambitious, and is a rare good man..."

  Xiao Fan in the crowd heard this and couldn't help but secretly touch his own face, feeling a little proud of himself. He thought Cao Yi's summary of him was very accurate. A leader's vision is sharp, no matter how deeply one hides their strengths, a leader can always spot their shining points at a glance. Otherwise, how could they become leaders? Their level is just high...

  Huang Zhi County's calm smile gradually turned into a cold sneer: "Abiding by the law and being content with one's lot? Being enthusiastic and progressive? Lord Cao, are we talking about the same person? As far as I know, this Xiao Fan is a lawless rascal who does evil deeds, and is a real troublemaker. He has caused great resentment among the people in the market, and today I am precisely going to arrest him, to rectify the atmosphere of Jiangpu and eliminate harm for the people!"

  Xiao Fan's handsome face gradually solidified, and he found that his previous idea was still a bit wrong. Not all leaders have Cao Yi's sharp eyesight, but also those who are blind...

  Cao Yi smiled and said: "Is County Magistrate misunderstanding Xiao Fan? What is meant by 'lawless tyranny' and 'doing evil', what exactly are you referring to?"

  Huang Zhi County coldly said: "A few days ago, this official's dog son was beaten unconscious on the street corner at night, and his body was robbed of all his belongings. After this official investigated for many days, it was confirmed that the person who committed violence against my dog son that night was indeed Xiao Fan! Cao Da Ren, you say that such a scoundrel, shouldn't this official catch him?"

  Chen Si Liu's legs went soft upon hearing the words, and his body involuntarily shrank into the crowd. His pale face turned to Xiao Fan and whispered: "It's all over! The Chen family is finished because of you! Didn't you say that this matter would be done without anyone knowing? How did he find out?"

  Xiao Fan's eyes were fixed on Cao Yi, his lips moving slightly as he said, "Father-in-law, can't you calm down a bit? Huang Zhixian is just blindly guessing..."

  "Can you deceive everyone? It's all over, the Chen family will be ruined by you and thrown into prison. What to do? What to do..."

  "What to do? I'd rather die than admit it, he didn't see me hit his son with a club, and since there's no evidence, it's just slander. Didn't you hear what Lord Cao said about me earlier?"

  "What evaluation?"

  Xiao Fan said patiently, "Magistrate Cao says I'm law-abiding and diligent, a humble gentleman like me, how could I possibly be involved in such a despicable act? It's simply the biggest joke under heaven..."

  Chen Si Liu was shocked, his eyes wide with amazement: "I've been in business for half my life, I've seen many people who don't know shame, but to eat and drink without paying the bill to this extent, honestly, you're the first... You can tell lies more convincingly than truths, what a great skill..."

  Xiao Fan said seriously: "Anyone who tells a lie must first believe it themselves. If the lie is not even believed by oneself, how can it be convincing to others? So, telling a lie once is not difficult, but what's difficult is telling lies all one's life. The most difficult thing is that people who have been lying all their lives still think they are honest and trustworthy, without perseverance and determination, it is impossible to achieve this... I wish to make progress with my father-in-law..."

  Chen Si hesitated for a while before nodding and saying: "You can make such a ridiculous argument sound so convincing, I'm no match for you..."

  The two old men were chattering away, but the atmosphere at the entrance of the Drunken Immortal Building had already become somewhat tense.

  Cao Yifei glanced at Xiao Fan, who was calm and composed in the crowd, then smiled at Huang Zhixian: "If Xiao Fan really committed a crime that harmed people and stole their property, of course he should be caught. However... Your Excellency, as officials appointed by the imperial court, we should love the people like our children, not being unfair or biased. As the saying goes, 'catching thieves and catching adulterers', if you want to convict someone, you must have evidence. Otherwise, if anyone can be arrested based on empty words, I'm afraid it will create a trend of false accusations among the people. I dare ask Your Excellency, Xiao Fan beat up your son and stole his property, do you have any evidence to prove his guilt? If there is evidence, I am willing to help Your Excellency deal with Xiao Fan, throw him into prison, and sentence him to death. How about that?"

  Huang Zhi County's face suddenly turned gloomy upon hearing this. Over the years, he had put people in prison and determined their guilt by first throwing them into a large prison cell, then using torture several times to extract confessions. Whether or not the accused confessed, they would eventually confess; whether or not they acknowledged their crimes, they would eventually acknowledge them. When had he ever bothered with evidence? How could he possibly produce any evidence now?

  "You... Magistrate Cao, humph! You must understand your role as County Lieutenant. The duties of a County Lieutenant are to assist the Prefect, handle official documents, oversee the government granary, and judicial matters are handled by the County Historian and the Head of the Constabulary. Whether Xiao Fan is guilty or not, it's none of your concern, Magistrate Cao!"

  Huang Zhixian's face had already turned cold as autumn frost after he finished speaking, his sleeves fluttering heavily.

  The county magistrate was displeased, and the surrounding officials and onlookers were even more silent as cicadas in winter. However, the excitement in their eyes grew thicker, and it was clear to everyone that this was no longer a simple criminal case, but a confrontation that would decide who would hold the power of speech in Jiangpu's future: the old master versus the second old master.

  Cao Yi still had a smiling face, not taking Huang Zhixian's attitude to heart. He said calmly: "County Master, your words are wrong. In this county, there is a formal ranking of officials, and only you and I are registered in the Ministry of Officials. As we serve as guardians of the people on behalf of the Emperor, whether or not we can bring benefits to the people is one thing, but at least we cannot use our official power to oppress people and falsely accuse them of crimes. As a humble County Lieutenant, I have seen your actions being biased, so for the sake of the welfare of the common people and for the sake of your reputation as an honest official, I must speak out and say a few words of justice."

  Cao Yi, disregarding the increasingly gloomy expression of Huang Zhixian, beckoned to Xiao Fan who was standing in the crowd watching the commotion. After calling Xiao Fan over, Cao Yi cleared his throat twice and said: "Xiao Fan, County Magistrate Huang has said that you injured someone and robbed them a few days ago. Today, in front of the magistrate and many citizens, you must clearly explain what happened. You are not allowed to lie; otherwise, this official will severely punish you. Do you understand?"

  In the end, Cao Yi's voice and expression were both stern.

  Xiao Fan raised his head to look at Huang Zhi County, then immediately lowered it, and with a sudden shudder, he fell to his knees with a thud, crying out in grief and indignation: "Your Honor! Great heavens and earth! I, a humble commoner, am wrongly accused!"

  Huang Zhi County's eyes narrowed as he stared at Xiao Fan, who was kneeling on the ground and shouting his grievances. After a long moment, he spoke in a gloomy tone: "You are Xiao Fan?"

  Xiao Fan nodded and said: "The humble subject is right, the humble subject is wronged——"

  Huang Zhi County's eyes flashed with a fierce gaze, and he suddenly roared: "Liu Captor, take him down for this official, and throw him into the great prison! This official says he is guilty, then he is guilty! Who dares to disobey?"

  Cao Yi's eyebrows rose as he stepped forward, cupped his hands and shouted: "Your Honor, sir, I refuse to accept this!"

  "Cao Yi! How dare you defy a superior officer?"

  Cao Yi looked up at the sky and burst out laughing, his expression heroic as he slapped his chest with a loud "pa pa" sound. He shouted loudly: "With you this kind of official who mixes public and private grudges, what's the point of being an upright official? I became an official to bring benefits to the people, not to be your yes-man! In the past when I was in the Yan Wang army, didn't I dare to defy my superiors? What can you do to me today?"

  A burst of shocked gasps echoed through the crowd, Xiao Fan knelt on the ground, his eyebrows twitching twice, silently sighing in his heart, finally tearing his face...

  Huang Zhi County was so angry that his whole body was shaking, his face had turned iron green, and he pointed at Cao Yi with a trembling voice: "You... you this rough martial artist, don't understand etiquette, rude and reckless person, I... I won't bother with you today. Liu Captor! What are you waiting for? I am the county magistrate, the greatest in Jiangpu County, hurry up and bring down Xiao Fan!"

  Liu caught the head, heard that his eyelids lifted, and quickly glanced at Cao Yi, who was looking up at the sky. Suddenly, he raised his hand to stop the movement of the yamen behind him from coming forward to catch people. Then Liu put down his hand, lowered his eyes, and stood in place with his arms around his chest, silent as a meditating old monk. The yamen looked at their leader's demeanor, how could they not understand what he meant? Everyone looked up at Cao Yi, and their eyes showed a look of enlightenment. Then, they followed Liu's lead, standing still, closing their eyes, and remaining silent and motionless. More than ten yamen stood like sleeping statues, without any movement.

  Huang Zhi County saw this situation, his heart tightened, he quickly turned back, looking at Cao Yi's back, Xie Zhushu and Li Dianshi, the two of them simultaneously turned their heads to one side, pretending they hadn't seen anything.

  Looking at Cao Yi's cold smile and icy mocking gaze, Huang Zhixian's body began to tremble violently, a sense of fear of being isolated and betrayed suddenly filled his heart. The triumphant mood he had originally felt was now like falling into an ice cellar, getting colder and colder, so cold that his whole body seemed to have lost all sensation...

  Unconsciously, the latecomer surpasses the old master, Big Master VS Second Master, Second Master wins completely.

  The small Jiangpu has changed its sky.

  Division line

  Today is the 13th, and it has been a whole month since I started writing books. There are more than 1.2 million words in total, with an average of 4,000 words per day.

  To those who complain that I update too infrequently, take a look at the actual data, I really haven't been lazy...

  Call for recommendation votes, call for collection...