The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 695 This is exactly what I like!!!
Autumn is here.

For the people of Liujiazhuang, this is the most anticipated day of the year.

Autumn in Yanjing is breathtaking, whether it's the pristine autumn scenery in the suburbs or the cultural charm of the city, each has its own unique appeal.

By October, the autumn colors in the Liujiazhuang area of ​​western Beijing were becoming increasingly vibrant.

The vibrant spring and the passionate summer have passed, and Liujiazhuang now presents a cool and tranquil scene.

Along the roadside trees, the maple leaves have already taken on a unique color—a brilliant golden yellow.

On a crisp autumn day, Liu Yong was driving back to his old house when he passed by the Hexi Jia Lao Lamb Soup Restaurant and smelled the aroma of lamb that made his mouth water.

Liu Yong slowly parked the car on the side of the road, pushed open the door and walked into the well-known old-brand braised food shop.

The shop is filled with a rich aroma of braised meat, which is very appetizing.

He carefully selected a freshly slaughtered local goat, and also asked the owner to weigh out several golden-brown braised goat heads and legs.

This shop is a time-honored brand in Liujiazhuang, run by three generations, and its braised food skills are unparalleled.

Especially the secret braising sauce, which is said to be made with more than 20 kinds of spices and simmered over low heat for three days and three nights.

Liu Yong's uncle, Liu Zhiye, loves this restaurant's braised dishes the most; he's been eating them for decades and still can't get enough.

Having heard that his uncle had just completed an important task and was recuperating at home, Liu Yong came to visit him.

My uncle has had a really tough time these past few years, shouldering heavy responsibilities. Although his three children are successful in their careers, they all live in other places and rarely come home to be with him.

As the only second-generation member of the family still working in Beijing, Liu Yong feels a deep sense of responsibility to take care of these elders on behalf of his siblings.

Liu Yong carried the heavy gift box of braised food, thinking to himself that he would have a good drink with his uncle later and chat about family matters.

As Liu Yong walked out of the braised food shop, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the bluestone pavement. He carefully carried the gift box, afraid that the bumps would ruin the perfect shape of the braised food. The old shop's golden signboard was printed on the gift box, gleaming in the sunlight.

As the car drove through familiar streets, Liu Yong recalled how his uncle used to bring him to this shop when he was a child.

Back then, his uncle would always buy extra so that Liu Yong could take some home for his parents to try.

Now that the roles have been reversed, he couldn't help but smile.

After turning the last corner, my uncle's courtyard house came into view.

The old locust tree at the entrance of the courtyard is still lush and verdant. I remember my uncle saying that it was planted by my grandfather himself.

Liu Yong parked the car, straightened his collar, and suddenly heard the melodious sound of a jinghu (a two-stringed bowed instrument used in Peking Opera) coming from inside the courtyard—it was his second uncle's favorite piece, "Deep Night."

It seems he's in a good mood today, which puts Liu Yong at ease.

He gently knocked on the vermilion gate, the sound of the jinghu (a two-stringed bowed instrument) stopped abruptly, and then his second uncle's loud voice rang out: "Coming, coming!" The footsteps grew closer, and Liu Yong could almost smell the jasmine tea wafting from the courtyard.

Liu Jingzhai is over eighty years old. In recent years, he has lived a life of luxury and is not only sharp of hearing and sight, but also quite healthy.

When he pushed open the heavy, faded vermilion gate of the courtyard house, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Oh, isn't this Xiaoyong back!"

"Hehe, Second Uncle, I've come back to see you. How have you been lately?" Liu Yong put down what he was holding and quickly went to help Liu Jingzhai.

Liu Jingzhai smiled and waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need help, and steadily stepped over the threshold with his cane.

Sunlight filters through the old locust tree in the courtyard, casting dappled patterns on the bluestone slabs, revealing traces of time.

"You silly child, you're back now, but why did you bring so much stuff?" Liu Jingzhai pointed to the gifts on the ground, his eyes full of affection.

Liu Yong scratched his head and laughed, "They're all tonics, I heard they're good for the elderly."

Besides, those dishes are my uncle's favorites. I'm not leaving tonight; I'll stay and have a few drinks with the elders.

Liu Jingzhai laughed heartily and patted Liu Yong on the shoulder: "My old bones are still hale and hearty! As for you, I heard you're doing quite well at the Municipal Bureau?"

Liu Yong nodded, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes: "Not bad, I'm in charge of the criminal investigation department. I haven't let you and my uncle down."

As the two walked into the courtyard, Liu Jingzhai suddenly stopped and pointed to an orchid in the corner of the wall: "Look, the one you almost killed when you were a child, it's blooming exceptionally well this year."

Liu Yong gave an awkward laugh: "Hehe, Uncle, you have a really good memory!" He was the most mischievous person when he was young, and he caused quite a bit of trouble.

Inside the house, Liu Zhiye was engrossed in his book when he suddenly heard familiar footsteps coming from the courtyard. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

As people get older, they often reminisce about the past and long for the warm and joyful moments of being surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

"Is that Xiaoyong? Come in and sit down!" He put down the book in his hand, his voice filled with undisguised joy.

“Uncle, my eldest uncle is calling me. I’ll go and pay my respects to him first. Please rest here for a while.” Liu Yong carefully helped Liu Jingzhai and settled him in a rattan chair under the grape trellis.

Patches of sunlight filtered through the green leaves, casting dappled shadows on the old man.

"Go ahead, go ahead!" Liu Jingzhai smiled, his wrinkles smoothing out. "Your uncle was just saying yesterday that you brothers are all busy and don't have time to come back and see him!"

Liu Yong responded and turned to walk towards the main room.

Liu Jingzhai watched his retreating figure, his eyes filled with affection.

He reached out and touched the mottled paint marks on the armrest of the rattan chair. This chair was made by the old man himself, and now it has been passed down to Liu Jingzhai, accompanying him for most of his life.

A few clear birdsongs came from the grape trellis. Liu Jingzhai looked up and saw several sparrows hopping happily among the branches and leaves.

He recalled the times when Liu Yong, Liu Wu, Liu Wen, and their older brothers would chase and play together in this courtyard when they were children.

The sunlight back then was just as warm, and the laughter of children always echoed under the grape trellis.

……

As the sun sets, dinner is laid out under the grape trellis.

The early autumn evening breeze is gentle, carrying a touch of coolness yet still warm, making it the most pleasant time of year.

The dappled moonlight filtering through the grapevines added a touch of poetry to the family feast.

The fat lamb that Liu Yong had specially brought was now emitting an enticing aroma, clearly becoming the star of tonight's dinner table.

Liu Zhiye gazed at the steaming copper pot before him, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

He has tasted all kinds of delicacies in his life, and rare and exotic foods are no longer surprising to him.

Strangely enough, the older I get, the more I miss those simple and unpretentious flavors.

Perhaps this is what people often refer to as "remembering the bitter past to appreciate the sweet present."

Liu Zhiye has loved this season since he was a child. In Yanjing, when the autumn wind blows, not only is the climate and scenery at their best, but even the snacks and treats available near ordinary homes are abundant and diverse.

Delicious and leisurely items, available seasonally, are of great quality and variety. Coupled with the melodious and charming calls of the vendors, it is indeed a rare enjoyment in life.

When autumn arrives, Liu Zhiye inevitably reminisces about his childhood.

In early autumn, around the time of the Ghost Festival, in the morning, there is the first cry of a vendor selling mutton head meat.

In late autumn, in the courtyard under the twilight clouds, amidst the chilly west wind, there is the pleasure of peeling "half-empty" under the lamp;

After winter sets in and a sudden chill sets in, the calls of vendors selling radishes in the evenings, carried intermittently by the north wind, evoke a unique feeling.

Although these foods are all very ordinary, common items, the tranquil pleasure they bring to everyday life is immeasurable and cannot be measured by monetary value.

For example, Liu Zhiye's favorite dish is mutton head meat.

I remember things were quite different when I was little.

Back then, mutton head meat was a side dish for breakfast, unlike staple foods such as sesame seed cakes, fried dough sticks, and tofu soy milk, and its popularity was extremely high depending on the season.

On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, it is essential to go to the market and sell the goods.

Despite the still hot weather, it was the perfect time.

Conversely, if the weather is cool but autumn has not yet arrived, the products will not be available on the market.

Long-time residents of Yanjing (Beijing) would listen intently for the first cry of the vendor on the day of the Autumn Equinox: "Ah, mutton... head meat!"

It signifies that autumn is in full swing, giving people a very welcoming sense of the season.

Lamb head meat is always boiled, but it is not suitable to be eaten with alcohol or rice. It is best paired with fried dough sticks and fried dough in the morning.

If you can enjoy the "fried dough rings and small spirals" from Wu's shop near the back gate, paired with a bowl of almond tea, it would be an absolutely delicious experience.

Autumn is the best time to eat mutton, as the roasted mutton that was all the rage in summer is no longer available.

Since there was no market for the head and feet of mutton, mutton shops would sell the surplus heads and feet to vendors who would then go out on the street and hawk "mutton head meat".

Liu Zhiye remembers that when he was in elementary school, there were many vendors selling mutton head meat in Yanjing City.

The vendor carries a load on his shoulder, with a flat, round basket on one side and a miscellaneous basket on the other.

A round wooden lid is placed on the basket. The lid is divided into two pieces. When cutting meat, one half is lifted and turned over to serve as the cutting board. Sheep's head meat is simpler than pig's head meat. Apart from a sheep's head, it has no other flavor. At most, it may contain some sheep's feet or tendons, which are all boiled.

The head was split in two, with the parts being the brain, eyes, cheeks, and tongue.

The tongue is called "core" and the cheek meat is called "face". Both can be sold in small pieces for a few copper coins. Half a face only costs twenty-odd copper coins.

A whole core costs only a dozen or so copper coins, while the eyes and brain cost around two cents each.

Lamb trotters and tendons only cost a copper coin or two, extremely cheap.

Having some mutton head meat with your breakfast is inexpensive and incredibly delicious...

Liu Zhiye, who is nearly 60 years old, has an astonishing appetite that amazes everyone present.

This sprightly elder devoured two fragrant braised sheep heads, along with several plates of tender and juicy mutton, in one go.

The sheer speed and efficiency of the attack left even Liu Yong, a man in his prime, speechless with astonishment.

Although he prided himself on his strength and stamina, he could only admit defeat in the face of his uncle's astonishing appetite.

After dinner, the uncle and nephew chatted about work under the moonlight.

Like Liu Zhiye, Liu Yong had just solved a major case, which allowed him to take a break and enjoy a moment of leisure.

A gentle night breeze, carrying the chill of early autumn, did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm for discussing work.

Liu Yong cherishes every conversation he has with his uncle.

With Liu Zhiye's extensive experience and guidance, the mysteries surrounding the cases that had troubled him were always suddenly cleared up.

These conversations were like guiding lights in the darkness, always illuminating his path and greatly benefiting him.

Today, Liu Yong told Liu Zhiye about the process of handling a case involving "unidentified remains" that finally brought the injustice to light.

Here's what happened in the case.

It was 7 p.m. one day in July this year when the weather suddenly changed.

The rolling dark clouds from the east pressed in like a tide from the west, and soon completely blocked out the scorching sun.

But that's the strange thing. Despite the dark clouds, not a single drop of rain fell, and you could still see a bit of blue sky to the north, but there wasn't a breath of wind.

People who look up at the sky feel as if a huge stone is pressing on their hearts; they feel hot, stuffy, and extremely annoyed.

Near the Badachu Park in the S Mountain Scenic Area, there is a military guesthouse, and there is a construction site to the north of the guesthouse.

The workers are working hard to dig the foundation and clear the soil.

Suddenly, a worker named Xiao Li dug out a piece of brown clothing.

He yanked it, and lo and behold, a skull rolled out!
Xiao Li shuddered in fright and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Come quick! There's a human head here!"

Everyone swarmed over at once.

Someone said, "Let's dig some more and see if there's anything else."

Xiao Li and two other workers carefully cleaned the area where the skull was buried.

They actually unearthed human limb bones again.

The workers immediately realized: "It's definitely not normal for these remains to be buried here; we need to report it to the police immediately."

Xiao Li took off running towards Yingyuan Police Station.

As soon as the news spread, more and more people came to see what was going on, and all sorts of bizarre and absurd rumors flew around.

After receiving the report, the police station did not delay at all and immediately reported the situation to the branch office.

Zhang Chengfu, the captain of the criminal investigation team of the branch bureau, and Li Mo, the deputy captain, led the investigation technicians and rushed straight to the scene.

Upon arriving at the scene, they immediately made several decisions: first, send people to protect the scene; and quickly persuade the onlookers to leave.

Leaders and technical personnel from the Municipal Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Department and the branch bureau also arrived one after another.

The on-site investigation was carried out by technical personnel from the Municipal Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division and the branch office.

Liu Yong arrived at the scene in person and saw that the deceased's bones had turned to skeletal form, leaving only the head and limbs; the torso was gone.

There are obvious saw marks on the leg bones and cervical vertebrae.

Buried with the remains were a dusty rose women's trench coat, non-prescription photochromic glasses, black nylon gloves, black mid-heel leather shoes, and comb-style plastic hair clips.

Liu Yong led Zhang Chengfu and Li Mo around the scene. Based on their years of experience in investigation and case handling and their keen sense of smell, they immediately realized that the place where the remains were buried was originally a small courtyard with an earthquake-resistant shelter, and the environment was quite special.

There are quite a few people living around here, and a lot of transient population, but I've never heard of anyone going missing.

Based on this, the deceased was likely an outsider.

This must be a major and heinous case of murder and dismemberment!

The task force was thus established, with Liu Yong and Deputy Director Wang of the SJ Mountain Branch serving as the leader and deputy leader of the investigation command group, respectively.

The group was further divided into six subgroups: key personnel inquiry and verification, investigation and interview, security control, technical investigation, social relations investigation, and logistical support.

After the on-site investigation was completed, an emergency case analysis meeting was convened.

The meeting room was incredibly stuffy. The criminal investigation technicians all had serious expressions as they pondered the matter and then began to share their opinions.

Judging from the fact that the remains were dismembered and the torso was missing, this case is definitely a murder and dismemberment.

The victim was definitely murdered, and the murderer dismembered the body to destroy the evidence.

Although the torso was not found, it was certainly not far from where the head and limbs were buried, and it was very likely nearby.

Secondly, judging from the skull features, teeth, bones, and the buried items, the deceased was a young woman who usually liked to dress up, and it is highly likely that she was murdered because of an affair.

Third, given that the remains were completely skeletal and that plant roots had grown into the skull, the victim must have been murdered at least three years ago.

Fourth, based on the burial environment and the items used to wrap the body, the murder scene was definitely not far from the burial site, and that earthquake-proof shed was very likely the primary murder scene.

Liu Yong immediately made a decision: to focus the investigation on the residents surrounding the scene;

The focus of the investigation is on the owner of the earthquake-resistant shed courtyard; clues are sought among the young women who have gone missing in Yanjing City over the past five years to see if the deceased can be identified.
Then, based on the characteristics of the remains and the items left behind, technical identification is carried out to depict the basic characteristics of the deceased.

Once all the personnel involved understood the case and received their assignments, they immediately began their investigation.

And so began a battle against a murderous demon!

In the middle of the night on July 6th, it was so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face, and the rain kept falling, sometimes heavy and sometimes light, like a wronged ghost crying.

The investigators, soaked to the bone and covered in mud, walked into the investigation command center one by one.

Liu Yong listened to the investigators' report on the findings of their investigation.

The earthquake-resistant shed at the central burial site was built in the late 1970s. After it was built, a retired employee, Mr. Hou, built a small courtyard around it, which was managed and used by his family.

The Hou family has four sons. The eldest son, Hou Jingyu, and the youngest son, Hou Jingquan, often live in the earthquake-resistant shed.

The situation of the people in the surrounding area has been investigated. There are a total of 265 households and 1985 people, of whom 28 have a criminal record or criminal history.

To the south of the site are two guesthouses, open to the public, and they receive a lot of people every day.

However, verifying the identity of the deceased was too difficult. Investigators went to the municipal bureau to check thousands of missing persons cards, but they still couldn't determine which missing person the remains belonged to.

In this vast sea of ​​people, facing such a pile of incomplete skeletons, where can one find the source of the deceased?

How then can the murderer be apprehended?

It was 2 a.m. and the lights were still on in the conference room.

After listening to everyone's reports, Liu Yong became even more convinced of his original analysis and judgment, and emphasized the scope and direction of the investigation.

The burial site was in a remote triangular area, a small courtyard with an earthquake-resistant shelter. The environment was particularly unusual, and the burial site was very likely the site of the murder and dismemberment. The owner of the courtyard must have been connected to the burial site.

Secondly, although the scene was next to a guesthouse and had a large number of transient people of diverse backgrounds, it was highly unlikely that an outsider would commit the crime and go to the Hou family's house to dig a pit and hide the body.

The possibility of framing someone or burying the body here should also be ruled out.

Third, we must start with the burial site and focus on the four sons of Hou, the owner of the earthquake-resistant shelter, conducting in-depth investigations and interviews to see if we can find any clues.

We also need to keep a close watch on the Hou family to prevent them from escaping, committing suicide, or destroying evidence.

As dawn approached, the investigation technicians forgot their fatigue, ate a quick breakfast, and then continued their investigation.

(End of this chapter)