From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

It was a deep night, and all around was pitch black.

The lanterns in front of the Jiang residence swayed in the night breeze, casting shadows on the two stone lions, making them appear almost lifelike.

"They're here!"

The officials from the yamen have come out!

Zhu Hong, holding Jiang Feng by the back of his collar, slowly walked out of the mansion gate, followed closely by the six constables, their scabbards clattering against their waist badges, making a series of clanging sounds.

At the end of the long street.

The people remained gathered and refused to disperse.

With such excitement, everyone was willing to sacrifice a few hours of sleep. The reason for this was that Jinyang City had been at peace for a long time, and such a rare event had never occurred before, so it was a welcome relief from the boredom.

"The authorities actually arrested Jiang Feng?!"

Someone suddenly shouted something, and the crowd immediately erupted into a commotion.

"The second young master of the Jiang family... will also be arrested?"

"Yes, is Jinyang City about to undergo a major upheaval?"

"The Liu family case is still unclear, and now the Jiang family has caused this trouble. How did the waters suddenly become so muddy that no one can understand it?"

"..."

The voice was soft and fragmented, like the chirping of autumn insects, impossible to suppress.

Zhu Hong seemed not to hear, and gave a single order:

"Put them on the truck."

Gu Shu immediately led his men forward, stuffed Jiang Feng, who was bound hand and foot, into the prison cart, and slammed the iron door shut with a loud bang, causing the wheels to bounce slightly.

"Zhu Hong!"

Jiang Feng, blood trickling down his neck, glared at him through the iron bars, "Remember this humiliation—"

"Gag him/her."

Zhu Hong didn't turn his head.

Lin Jizhi had been waiting for this, so he tore off a piece of rag and stuffed it into Jiang's mouth, patting his cheek as he did so, and said with a smile, "Save your energy, Young Master Jiang."

The prison van started moving slowly, its wheels creaking as they rolled over the bluestone slabs.

The crowd automatically parted to make way for the group, watching them cross the long street and disappear into the night.

……

By the time I returned to the yamen, it was already late at night.

The lanterns hanging high in the government office illuminated the area in front of the gate, but the light could not penetrate into the depths, only making the high brick walls appear even more sinister.

Zhu Hong dismounted, his boot heels striking the stone slab with a loud thud.

The six squads of constables landed one after another. After half a night of running around, everyone was exhausted, but their faces remained tense, and no one took their leave first.

"Brother Hong, should we send someone to call the registrar?"

Lin Jizhi leaned closer and asked in a low voice.

Zhu Hong didn't respond, only looking at Wang Zhenshan. Wang Zhenshan stood with his arms crossed under the pillar, his expression calm. Meeting Zhu Hong's gaze, he nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:

"Put him in jail first, and report him tomorrow."

Zhu Hong then waved his hand at Gu Shu: "Do as you say."

"it is good."

Gu Shu, a veteran clerk of the sixth rank, responded and directed the young constables to drive the prison cart toward the prison. He personally checked that the iron locks were in order before stepping aside.

"Officer Wei, Officer Qing."

Song Jiwen stepped forward from behind, cupped his hands in greeting to the two people in front, smiled faintly, but his tone carried a hint of mockery: "You two are quite leisurely tonight, your swords unsheathed, you've just stood firmly under the eaves."

Wei Qingyuan paused, snorted coldly, and didn't turn his head:

"Song Jiwen, stop being so sarcastic."

Having said that, he strode through the moon gate and left. Qingshan, however, didn't care at all. He just smiled and put his hands behind his back, walking leisurely, and disappeared into the night in an instant.

"have to."

Bai Ri Mang curled his lip, wrapped his arms around the pillar, leaned back, and clicked his tongue twice: "These two have such high and mighty attitudes, they can't even be bothered to exchange a polite word, as if we owe them tens of thousands of taels of silver." He was hot-tempered by nature, had a loud voice, and was easily provoked.

"Let's say less."

Jin Buhuan twirled three black iron beads between his fingers and said slowly, "If someone wants to leave, how can you stop them?"

"I just can't stand it."

Bai Ri Mang snorted.

"There are so many things in this world that I can't stand, how many can you possibly control?"

Jin Buhuan smiled, turned to look at Zhu Hong, sized him up, and a genuine admiration appeared in his eyes: "Zhu Hong, is it? This trip has truly broadened my horizons. What kind of place is the Jiang residence? In all these decades, has anyone ever dared to barge in like this?"

As he spoke, he reached out and gently patted Zhu Hong on the shoulder:

"You led me on a journey today."

"Incredible, incredible!"

Zhu Hong bowed respectfully, his expression humble yet not obsequious: "Officer Jin, you flatter me."

"Overrated? Not at all."

Song Jiwen smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "I, Old Song, have been in Jinyang for twenty years and have seen at least eighty or a hundred newcomers, but someone as courageous and capable as you is truly a first."

He paused, then gestured towards Wang Zhenshan with his lip:

"Zhenshan, you've really struck gold this time."

Wang Zhenshan remained leaning against the pillar, his expression indifferent, and simply said, "It was just luck."

"luck?"

Bai Rimang chuckled, leaned forward, and lightly punched Zhu Hong in the chest: "What are you pretending for? In martial arts, there's no such thing as luck." He then looked at Zhu Hong and said kindly:

"Young man, if you ever need anything from the yamen in the future, just come and find me, Bai."

"If I can help, I won't hesitate."

Zhu Hong smiled and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Officer Bai."

"Alright, alright, let's not just stand here doing nothing."

Jin Buhuan put the iron bead into his sleeve and clapped his hands: "It's getting late, everyone should go home now, there's a lot to do later."

"That's right, then let's call it a day."

Song Jiwen bowed and took his leave. Bai Ri Mang and Jin Bu Huan also left one after another, each going their own way.

The corridor suddenly became deserted, with only Zhu Hong and Wang Zhenshan remaining.

"Boss."

Zhu Hong spoke, his voice not loud.

"Hmm." Wang Zhenshan responded, took out a flask of wine from his pocket, uncorked it, took a sip, and casually handed it over.

Zhu Hong took it and sipped it, but it was so spicy that he frowned and gave it back.

"How do you feel about what happened today?"

Wang Zhenshan tucked the wine jug back into his pocket, crossed his arms, and gazed at the moon in the sky, his face expressionless.

"It went fairly smoothly."

Zhu Hong pondered for a moment and said, "Jiang Yannian didn't forcefully stop them, and Jiang Boyong only said a few polite words. They... are still wary."

"fear."

Wang Zhenshan turned his head to look at him, a slight, fleeting smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, they fear the golden token in your hand, fear Registrar Gu, and fear the Prefect. Even though the Jiang family is powerful, they can never surpass the imperial court. But..."

He paused, as if choosing his words carefully:

"A hidden arrow is hard to guard against."

"You've really offended someone today. From now on, be more careful in everything you do. The government can help you, but it can't always be perfect." These words were spoken neither too harshly nor too lightly, but rather like a mature and prudent person advising a younger generation.

It can be savored slowly.

There wasn't a single word of blame in his words. If he really thought Zhu Hong was frivolous and reckless, Wang Zhenshan would have stopped him long ago, given his personality. Why wait until now?

Zhu Hong nodded thoughtfully.

"Alright, you're tired tonight too."

Wang Zhenshan straightened up and gently patted him on the shoulder: "Go back and rest."

"it is good."

Zhu Hong responded.

"besides……"

Wang Zhenshan took two steps and then suddenly stopped.

He didn't turn around, but kept his back to Zhu Hong, as if casually mentioning something unrelated: "In the future, be more restrained in your dealings with others."

"After all, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it."

Recklessness can be fatal.

Zhu Hong was taken aback.

"Arrogant?" He shook his head slightly, a faint smile unconsciously curving his lips. He thought to himself, "This feeling isn't so bad."

……