The middle-aged man covered his nose, but blood still seeped through his fingers. He grumbled, “What do you want to talk to me about?”
Lin Yue said, “I know you’re just doing someone else’s bidding, so I won’t make things difficult for you. But I’ve also suffered from this incident, and it’s really frustrating…” He stopped there.
The middle-aged man asked, “So what do you want? Your attitude doesn’t seem like you’re trying to make things difficult for me.”
Lin Yue replied, “Zhao Shuilai can’t get away unscathed.”
The middle-aged man was taken aback at first, then he laughed. He propped himself up, looking proud, and said, “If you want me to do something, you need to show some sincerity.” He looked Lin Yue up and down, “What sincerity have you shown? I don’t see any.”
Lin Yue furrowed his brows and quietly stared at him.
The middle-aged man slowly slumped down, muttering, “Alright, alright, I get it.”
Lin Yue smiled and helped him up, “I heard you mention earlier that you’re dealing with some troublesome matters. What kind of troubles are they? Maybe I can help you.”
The middle-aged man said, “You?”
Lin Yue replied, “Whether I can or can’t, just tell me. If I can solve it for you, then you won’t have to worry about it. If I can’t, at least your troubles will be lessened. A person of your stature, doing such grand things, shouldn’t be troubled by these small matters. You don’t need the experience; leave these small tasks to us little people.”
The other two people, upon hearing this, showed a bit of regret. Why hadn’t they thought of saying that?
Since they hadn’t accomplished their task, they quickly got up and chimed in.
The middle-aged man glared at them angrily.
The two retreated, shoulders hunched.
The middle-aged man introduced himself, his surname was Feng, and his given name was just “Er.” He was currently the head jailer in the county prison. Everyone called him Feng Laotou.
Feng Laotou said, “It’s not that I can’t tell you about this.” He cleared his throat and glanced at Lin Yue, “If you can solve it for me, I’ll reward you handsomely. You just want me to help you while also getting some benefits from me, right?”
Lin Yue shyly lowered his head, “Nothing escapes Feng Laotou.”
Feng Laotou waved his hand, “In a few days, the Inspector will come to the county. I don’t know the exact reason. The County Magistrate has been busy tidying up the yamen to make a good impression on the Inspector.
“You’re an educated person, right? Seeing you working as a laborer, you probably studied but didn’t pass the exams, so you’re a commoner.
“Then you wouldn’t know about the Inspector. The Inspector isn’t a name; it’s a position. His surname is Wen, and he’s a special officer in the prefectural yamen, responsible for delivering official documents, escorting prisoners, and other important duties.
“His status is much higher than ours. If I could reach the position of Inspector, I could die without regrets.”
Feng Laotou sighed and continued seriously, “The County Magistrate, while tidying up the yamen, discovered that I had previously taken money to replace someone who committed a minor offense. This afternoon, someone informed me about it, and tomorrow afternoon, the County Magistrate will confront me about it.
“I’m worried about how to deal with the County Magistrate! So, do you have a way to solve this for me?”
Lin Yue said, “Let me think it over, and I’ll give you an answer in the morning.”
Feng Laotou said, “You better have a solution!”
Lin Yue politely smiled, “Feng Laotou, could I borrow your men to help find my wife? She’s scared and hiding somewhere.”
Feng Laotou said, “I’ll bring my men to help you find your wife!”
Lin Yue said, “Thank you, Feng Laotou.”
…
“I understand now.” Gu Jun released Lin Yue’s hand, “As long as you’re okay.”
Lin Yue smiled at him.
“Little lady, we meet again.” Feng Laotou had already approached Gu Jun and Lin Yue, greeting Gu Jun.
Gu Jun’s gaze lingered on Feng Laotou’s scratched face, then he lowered his eyes, “Feng Laotou.”
Only now did Feng Laotou get a good look at Gu Jun’s face. He clicked his tongue, thinking to himself that Lin Yue was really lucky. He told Lin Yue to remember to find him in the morning and then turned to leave.
Lin Yue said, “Take care, Feng Laotou.”
Feng Laotou took a couple of steps, noticing his two lackeys staring at Gu Jun and not following. He kicked them, “Why are you two still standing there, daydreaming?”
The two snapped out of it, chuckled, and were about to follow when they caught a glimpse of Gu Jun’s neck and gasped.
Feng Laotou, annoyed, asked, “What now?”
The two said, “The little lady has dried blood on the right side of her neck.”
Feng Laotou squinted and looked over. Lin Yue also glanced over.
Gu Jun felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer, frozen in place.