Chapter 31 – The Will of the People

Editor: mako

Proofreader: kllua

Zhuang Zhong had not expected that such a matter would be blown so big. The group of Tai Xue students was stimulated with so much fighting spirit that he was unable to interfere. Even though they did not kick him out from the group, he felt dizzy by the bookish and lofty conversations held between the group of scholars and could only retreat from the frontline, choosing instead to quietly show his support.

Looking at how the scholars had become something inhuman, it was no wonder that people feared the day hooligans became cultured. Emperor Qian Xing’s suppression of them could also be considered not unreasonable. It was fortunate that this time, it was a matter of justice. Otherwise, such acts would only cause a headache for everyone in the imperial court.

Official DaWei did not act appropriately, and with the numerous responses from the people, there was even more evidence collected. As the implications increased, the situation became something that Zhuang Zhong no longer had control over anymore. All of this only made the students angrier, as they had not expected for this official to be this imprudent. With Official DaWei, many of the cases were resolved with many doubtful points. At the start, it was not that bad but later on, in order to get promoted, he took shortcuts. Only paying attention to his speed and the benefits to be gained, he ignored the facts and caused many people with lower backgrounds and not enough money to suffer. So, with the Tai Xue students leading the charge, the common people also joined in with the intention to pull down Official DaWei and attain justice.

As expected, with the Tai Xue students leading the scholars and common people to submit a joint memorial, the officials attached great importance to it, and it became a heated debate in the imperial court. There were some who thought that these Tai Xue students were just showing signs of imperviousness like before. This, coupled with the bad reputation of students like Han Chuan—Yuan LiangJun had been killed because of him—caused many to feel that they should not cause trouble like this to incite a response. Otherwise, there would be no order in the future.

However, there were also some who thought that there should not be excessive suppression. After all, these people were their future pillars of talent. If they dared not to express their own views, how could they stand up for the common people in the future. To be timid was then an undesirable character, as it would only result in every matter being treated the same way, leading to a lack of new insights. Moreover, such a matter did not seem fabricated, but rather, a fact. So, they should not condone such behavior from an official in the name of suppression. Otherwise, it would not only cause discontentment among the students but also cause the common people to be disappointed in the officials.

For a while, there were endless arguments in the imperial court. Although it was undetermined how they were going to deal with the memorial, the key figure, Official DaWei, had already been dismissed and under investigation. Notwithstanding the effect on his career as an official, he might also have trouble retaining his life.

When they heard of this, a group of Tai Xue students drank and talked happily that night, spreading various iconic sayings constructed by them among the public. In line with these poems and songs, Official DaWei’s reputation began to reek like excrement to the point that even his own people were ashamed to meet others.

For two consecutive days, this issue was a topic of argument in the imperial court. With the officials turning crimson with anger, they were like the Tai Xue students fighting for justice outside – a raging fire. Meanwhile, Emperor Qian Xing has not made any comments, and no one knew what he thought in his heart, so they could only continue to quarrel.

Even then, till the end of court, nothing was decided.

The Palace of Heavenly Purity was not as noisy as the outside. It was quiet and comfortable and Emperor Qian Xing was currently in the mood to conduct a tea ceremony. Tea grinding, tea compressing, tea breaking¹ “碾茶、调膏、点汤” are part of the steps that are undertaken in the Song dynasty tea ceremonies. The steps varied from account to account but it generally involved steaming fresh leaves, cooling them with cold water, squeezing the excessive leaves juice out, mixing them with water in a pottery mortar for pounding, and lastly shaping them in a dragon or phoenix mold before drying it. If you are interested to know more, can try these 2 links: https://www.o-cha.net/english/conference2/pdf/2001/files/PROC/I-035.pdf + https://www.teavivre.com/info/traditional-tea-processing-methods.html, the final surface of the tea appeared a clear green color like leaves.

Seeing that, Eunuch Wang Gao exclaimed, “The emperor’s tea-making skill is becoming more and more brilliant.”

However, Emperor Qian Xing refuted, “What is the use of it being this brilliant when Huan’er does not care about it.”

His words carried an air of grievance like a child, utterly unlike the emperor’s appearance.

Feng Huan felt helpless. “Your Majesty, you make fun of me cause you cannot find someone to have a tea competition with. You know I do not understand this, so your goading is useless. Besides, with countless beauties in the inner palace and people skilled in tea-making, why are you afraid of finding no one suitable?”

Emperor Qian Xing was disappointed. He picked up the teacup to smell the fragrance, inspect the color, and taste it. He reveled in the tea and said, “They dare not utilize their true abilities in a tea competition with me. So uninteresting.”

Feng Huan smiled, “If the empress heard Your Majesty’s words, she would be sad.”

“It is not interesting to compete in tea-making with her all the time. One more person will make it merrier.”

Feng Huan remained firm. “That person will not be your nephew, so the emperor should not consider it again.”

“It is lonely to be in a high position.” Emperor Qian Xing sighed before suddenly asking, “What does Huan’er think about the matter regarding the Tai Xue students?”

“Has the emperor not made a decision already?” Feng Huan’s eyelids did not even twitch while saying so.

“I am asking you.”

Feng Huan put down the teacup in his hand. “Official DaWei’s actions cannot be condoned, while the Tai Xue students cannot do as they please. The fear lies in having someone orchestrating schemes in the shadows like before. While Tai Xue students can give cause for an impeachment through memorials, someone does have to take responsibility for it.”

“Is Zhuang Zhong under you?”

Feng Huan hesitated. “There is some entanglement.”

“He is the son of Marquis WenYuan, who had been wandering outside?”

Feng Huan declared everything simply without revealing any emotion, “Yes. I met him on my way back to the capital the last time I was suppressing the bandits. The method of using bark to create a fake injury had been deduced by him. I also witnessed him bury someone in earth to save him, so I took notice. It was after seeing him break two consecutive cases that I brought him along when Your Majesty ordered me to go to the Central Judicial Office.”

Emperor Qian Xing took a sip of tea and drank it before speaking slowly, “Although Jiang Xun is not the leader, this matter was actually initiated by him.”

“Everything should be decided by the emperor.”

Emperor Qian Xing gave Feng Huan a deep look. “You are not speaking up for him?”

The edges of Feng Huan’s mouth twitched. “Your Majesty is a wise monarch, so you will naturally know how to organize talented people. Besides possessing integrity, his autopsy skills are outstanding, and no one in the entirety of DaYou can compete with him.”

Emperor Qian Xing became a little curious. “He is only fourteen to fifteen years old. Where did he learn such skills?”

When Feng Huan recalled how Zhuang Zhong had feigned his reply then, he could not help but laugh, “Buddha.”

Emperor Qian Xing was humored. “This person is certainly interesting.”

“Even though he appears narrow-minded, he is not exactly so. In this world, capable people are eccentric, and it is not surprising that some are born innately good at certain skills.”

In the end, although Emperor Qian Xing was slightly interested in Zhuang Zhong, he was not too hung up about it and changed the topic after asking some questions. “I heard from the empress that Imperial Concubine Xian is busy with your marriage? Has your match been chosen already?”

Feng Huan was entirely uninterested in it. “Women love to fuss over things like that.”

Emperor Qian Xing laughed. “You have no experience with women and yet speak this way. Concubines can be casual playthings, but the wife must be to your liking.”

“This nephew understands.”

Emperor Qian Xing promised half genuinely, “If Huan’er finds a person he likes, I will go acquiesce to your decision and bestow a wedding even if that person was a beggar on the streets.”

“Many thanks, Your Majesty.” Although Feng Huan did not really care, he accepted this notion.

Emperor Qian Xing became silent for a moment before saying faintly, “Now, Huan’er, do not call me uncle anymore.”

Feng Huan’s eyes flashed. “Either way, it is just a form of address, so there is no need to incite others’ envy.”

Emperor Qian Xing sighed deeply. “That is what happens to a person in solitary splendor.”

To that comment, Feng Huan remained silent.

“Huan’er’s marriage should not be decided carelessly. After all, the common people do not like to have blind marriages, so how can Huan’er marry someone he knows nothing about? You should make a decision only after taking a look at the participants in this year’s Chrysanthemum Appreciation Fair.”

Although Feng Huan agreed, he did not think the same way. To him, seeing or not seeing made no difference, as he did not take a fancy to either option. Might as well choose one that would keep others satisfied.

However, if he had really taken a fancy to someone…

Feng Huan felt his mind being jammed for a while as he realized that he had never thought of liking someone before.

In the end, the result of the memorial sent in by the Tai Xue students was finally determined. Official DaWei pleaded guilty and was dismissed from his position. He could no longer be an official in the future. Meanwhile, Tai Xue student Jiang Xun and law student Zhuang Zhong would not be able to take the imperial examinations for five years.

As a person’s life had a limited amount of five years duration² In case it was a little confusing, this means having a limited amount of 5 years period in one’s lifetime (e.g. living to 70 means only having 14 of such a 5-years-period). , such a punishment was extremely severe for the literati and could be considered a black history. In actuality, though, it had no effect, as the people in question were Jiang Xun and Zhuang Zhong. Although they could not take the imperial examinations, they were not expelled and could still participate in the public examinations. Jiang Xun’s grades had always been excellent, so if he could obtain first-rate results, he could still embark on the path of an official career. It would be no inferior to those coming from the imperial examination background. After all, if he could not pass the public examinations, there was no guarantee that he could do any better in the imperial examinations, so there was no regret. Meanwhile, for Zhuang Zhong, such a result did not cause him any pain or itch, as he had no intention to participate in the imperial examinations in the first place.

Such a punishment was simply a display of the officials’ attitude that if their appeal was reasonable, they would be heard. However, this also implied that Tai Xue students should have some misgivings when submitting a memorial in the future. By refraining them from acting absurdly and making trouble all day long, it would prevent them from being the mouthpiece of someone with ulterior motives.

Although the result was not perfect, it left the public with nothing to say. Meanwhile, the Tai Xue students cheered together and gathered to drink and sing. Eventually, the whole ordeal also spread countless praises of admiration that the officials were brilliant and wise.

Notably, among them, Jiang Xun was in high spirits, and one could no longer feel the gloom surrounding him before. Making good friends with others and no longer speaking harsh words to others, he gained a prestigious reputation among the students of Tai Xue. Even though he could not participate in the imperial examinations for five years, it could be seen that he possessed a kind of fearless quality for the common people among the literati, something that was highly praised.

Likewise, Zhuang Zhong also benefited a lot. Because he had originally been enrolled through enyin, he was looked down on by many. Even if he were to rise to a high position in the future, he would still be excluded by other literati. However, now there were none who did not admire this smart and bold young man. They might not treat him like Jiang Xun, but at least they viewed him with special regards and did not take him as lightly as before.

Jiang Xun, who had drunk until he was tipsy, placed his hand on Zhuang Zhong’s shoulder and rested most of his body weight on him. “Zhuang Zhong, I am so happy today! Joyful, I am so joyful!”

Contrary, Zhuang Zhong was not as excited as him. Although Official DaWei had stepped down, the previous cases had not been reviewed, and who knew how many mistakes had been made. Emperor Qian Xing also did not order the Ministry of Justice to examine them, so only the cases that were noted down in the memorial submitted were reinvestigated. What was troubling was that Official DaWei had handled many cases in recent years, and it was precisely because of his speed that formed the basis of his reputation later on. Zhuang Zhong would have to look through every one of them to be assured. The trouble it would bring was not important, as he only feared that there might be mistakes and omissions in the process. However, once the cases were reexamined, it would undoubtedly implicate others, making his future difficult. Besides, up till now, YuanJue’s case still remained without a clue, making him feel depressed, and he vigorously drank down a gulp of alcohol.

Jiang Xun, who did not notice Zhuang Zhong’s downcast emotions, said, “If Yuan LiangJun was here, he would have been the happiest. I have been arguing with him for so long, and yet, he was not able to see me like this.”

Jiang Xun’s eyes were full of deep loss and melancholy. He had been Yuan LiangJun’s opponent for a long time, and even though the other person had left, he could not feel the joy that was supposed to come with it. His heart seemed to be missing something, and he was at a loss on what to do. He thought they would continue fighting like this for a great deal of time and did not expect the other side to leave the field ahead of time.

When Zhuang Zhong returned to Marquis WenYuan’s household, one of the marquis’ manservants told him, “Young Master, the marquis invites you to his study.”

Ever since he was “thrown” into the law college, he had never seen Marquis WenYuan again. In the instances that he saw him, it was only in the presence of other people, and Zhuang Zhong was unable to speak with him. For the marquis to invite him to the study must be due to the matter regarding the memorial.

When Zhuang Zhong stepped into the study, the marquis was writing at his desk. One could only say that the marquis had a great complexion, which made his serious appearance quite pleasing to the eye.

“Come and examine my words.”

Zhuang Zhong walked towards him and noted that his words were indeed brilliant. Elegant and free, it conveyed the strength of the Chinese characters and was not something that could be achieved in a short duration. However, it was matched with a picture of a fierce tiger which tainted the whole work.

The former was elegant and free, while the latter was grand and ambitious, truly not very fitting.

Zhuang Zhong told him, “The words are written very well.”

“Between calligraphy and painting, none can be omitted.”

Zhuang Zhong then honestly continued, “They are not very compatible.”

Here, Marquis WenYuan placed down his brush. “If the painting and the inscription do not match, the whole painting will be destroyed. The same notion applies for a person.”

In Zhuang Zhong’s heart, he understood that this was just like hitting oneself. “Marquis thinks that I should not embroil myself in this matter?”

Marquis WenYuan remained noncommittal and only continued, “For an official, one cannot be too sharp in order to continue down the golden mean³“中庸之道” (zhongyong zhi dao) was something that Confucius came up with (the way of living in the mean = the way of zhongyong). It could be determined as the golden mean/golden middle way which teaches people that excess is similar to deficiency. One should then try to obtain the desirable middle between two extremes of excess and deficiency. Do take note that this was not only reflected in Chinese teachings but also in western cultures like Greek thought. long-term. When you chose to study law before, I feared that you were too principled, but I still respected your choice. However, I did not expect that you would cause such a big ruckus. You are truly not level-headed enough. You are still too young and do not understand the truths and ways of the world.”

“I cannot agree with such words. Before becoming an official, I must have conduct that requires principles. If everyone is tolerant towards evildoers, the world will fall into great disorder. An additional day where people such as Official DaWei stay in their positions, the more people will be harmed. Since I have the ability to, why not pull him down? Seeing such disdainful people will only cause me to lose sleep at night.”

Instead of getting enraged by Zhuang Zhong’s rebuttal, the marquis remained calm. “It is good to have ideas, but you have embarked on a winding road. Originally, you gained entry to the Central Judicial Office through the favor of Prince Si Zhao and would be able to remain there after you finished your law studies without accident. Now, you have to remain there longer and make a detour.”

Zhuang Zhong was unaware that there would be such a disruption, but even if he knew, he would not regret it. “I will just take it as experience. To be stuck in this city will only gradually make my horizon narrower.”

Marquis WenYuan lightly swept a glance over him. “You have ambition.”

“I am just following my heart.”

“Your heart?” A light mist covered Marquis WenYuan’s clear eyes. “I wonder if you will still remember your own words today in the future.”

In response, Zhuang Zhong did not answer, as he knew whatever he said now would just be empty words.

Suddenly, the marquis harshly added, “No matter how you act in the future, do not forget that you are now the son of Marquis WenYuan. If you do something wrong, it will implicate the whole household.”

Zhuang Zhong replied frankly, “I will always keep that in mind. After all, I am also afraid of death.”

Seeing that the marquis had no further words to say, Zhuang Zhong asked, “Marquis, who were those people who attempted to kill me before?”

Light ripples appeared in the marquis’ tranquil appearance before disappearing. “Refugees.”

“If they were refugees, why would ZhouTong be so shocked when he saw the tattoo?”

The marquis glanced sharply at him. “You also saw the tattoo?”

“That tattoo truly has deep origins?”

Even though Marquis WenYuan’s eyes narrowed and his appearance became dangerous, Zhuang Zhong faced him directly. Eventually, the marquis shifted his gaze and replied, “The one who killed your elder brother was a refugee. There is no need to ask further about other things.”

To that, Zhuang Zhong gave the marquis a deep look. “When did the marquis forget your real heart? Or is it that you never had such a thing?”

Marquis WenYuan remained in place silently before waving his hand to ask Zhuang Zhong to leave. Zhuang Zhong also did not speak further, choosing to swing his sleeves and exit.

After that, till Zhuang Zhong’s return to Guo Zi Xue, he did not see Marquis WenYuan at all. In the future, it would also become more difficult to meet, which gave him complicated feelings. In this world, there was no such thing as simple people. After all, simple people would only die early.

~Mid-Autumn Night~

During the reunion night, Zhuang Ping’s whole family came. He only had one son named Zhuang ZhaoCai, who had been married for five years without any further news. He also had several others in the inner courtyards (even a widow who had children before), but none managed to bear fruits. Everyone was internally aware of what this meant, but no one would say it straight, even if Zhuang ZhaoCai were made to drink the pitch-black strange tasting medicine that Cao DaHua bought from somewhere every day.

Meanwhile, Cao DaHua brought her niece over too. A daughter of a humble family, the little girl’s name was Cao Lian’er with a decent appearance. Once she arrived, she had suffocated Yin YueHan with innocent and naive inquiries – how could a concubine also sit at the same table with the main mistress of the house? Should the concubine not serve behind the main wife? Even though such questions enraged Yin YueHan till her face turned red, Yin YueHan could not do anything about it. This, in turn, made Wei YuHua extremely happy, and she gave Cao Lian’er a bracelet from LingLong Pavilion, the most famous jewelry shop in the capital, as a meeting gift.

Such a scene had then made the atmosphere on the table strange. As soon as Zhuang Zhong finished the tasteless “reunion meal”, he made an excuse of wanting to see the festive lanterns and attend the poetry meeting to leave.

It was just unexpected that his words were heard by Zhuang Jun and Zhuang SuNing, who argued that they would like to see the festive lanterns too. Even Zhuang Su, who usually put on a respectable appearance, also had a pair of glistening eyes.

In the past years, Marquis WenYuan would not allow the children to go out to see the festive lanterns. As the lantern show during the Mid-Autumn Festival in the capital would be very lively, there was a great chance that something terrible might happen as they got squeezed around. After all, every year, there were many children abducted at the Lantern Festival, and many were from wealthy families. With the children of wealthy families being pale, chubby, pretty, and adorable, they were not like those from poor families who were bony in appearance and could not be sold for a good price. Last year, due to the loss of too many children in the previous year, the officials had decided to cancel the festival. However, it brought public resentment where many argued that they were being put off easily only because of a slight risk. As there were few entertainments in this world, such festivals were greatly valued, and many were unwilling to give it up. So this year, it was organized once more, and it seemed to be more lively than in the past.

As Yin YueHan worried that something might go wrong, she never allowed her children to go out on that day. In fact, the lights in the marquis’ household were beautiful enough, but it just lacked the fun and bustle found on the outside. With the children’s desire to join in the fun and hearing the accounts from their playmates about how interesting it was, they had been itching to experience it since some time ago.

Marquis WenYuan said, “If you want to go, go.”

Yin YueHan was surprised, “Marquis!”

Before, no matter how much the children asked, the marquis would remain firm, so why would he suddenly change today?! Yin YueHan glanced at Zhuang Zhong, and there was a sense of probing in her eyes.

“Just take more guards. How can a group of adults not take care of a few children.”

Once the marquis made a decision, no one could refute it, so despite Yin YueHan’s unwillingness, she could only take the children to see the lanterns together. Meanwhile, Wei YuHua decided to enjoy the view of the moon at home.

Compared with the excitement of the children, Yin YueHan had a face of distress. Zhuang Zhong also could not feel happy, as before leaving, the marquis had asked him to watch over them for a few hours while he himself went to participate in the Mid-Autumn Poetry Festival in the palace elegantly. If nothing bad happens, that would be the best-case scenario. But if something did happen, he would land himself in serious trouble.

Before they even got to the street with lanterns, there was already a sea of people. Their carriage was stopped in front, and no matter whose carriage it was, no one could enter.

“What if we get separated in a bit? No, we shall not go. It will be the same if we view it from the building beside us.” When Yin YueHan saw the crowded street, she felt even more unwilling.

Zhuang SuNing pulled onto Yin YueHan’s sleeves as she made a fuss like a spoiled child, “Mother, Ning’er want to see the lanterns! Otherwise, the other girls will laugh at me tomorrow and say that I am ignorant.” Currently, Zhuang SuNing was going to a school comprised of girls living in the capital. Although they were still young, they have already taken up the habit of making comparisons between each other.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Jun persisted in his attempts to act whiny in Yin YueHan’s arms while Zhuang Su had an expectant expression on. Seeing this, she relented, as she was unwilling to disappoint them.

“Fine. Let us agree not to run around and only go as far as the EnDe Bridge.”

Hearing that, the three children quickly agreed in succession.

In the group, there were eight guards, three madams, and a female servant who surrounded the three children very tightly. Standing at the edge was Zhuang Zhong, who had no intention to squeeze in and who no one thought to include in the safety circle.

With so many magnificent and gorgeous lanterns hung all over the streets, Zhuang Zhong was almost blinded by them. They were also much more beautiful and exquisite than the lanterns he saw before. In the future, due to greater attention being placed on quantity and being low-funding, they were not as exquisite. Here though, every lantern was handmade and based on one’s creativity. So, even if it was the same type of lantern, it gave off a different charm.

When people were squeezed around, the so-called safety circle was not as secure as before. The surging flow of people also made it easy for them to get dispersed from each other. At first, Zhuang Zhong thought that there were just too many people, as everyone here was almost close to each other’s heels like the Spring Festival before. In that case, it was inevitable to get squeezed around, but he later found out that it was not that simple. Although there were many people, the road was very wide, and it should not be like this. Somehow, he did not understand how it could suddenly become so crowded when they had enough space before. As people were pushing each other, it was easy to break up the group.

With suspicions in his heart, Zhuang Zhong shifted his attention from the lanterns and indeed saw a few idling men mixed in the crowd. It was them who deliberately caused the sudden surge of people every time.

During an instance when Yin YueHan’s group of people were broken up, Zhuang Zhong became certain of his speculation. Fortunately, they brought along enough guards that there was no trouble, and it only gave Yin YueHan a scare. This, coupled with Zhuang Zhong’s observation of the people in the street, caused her to make the decision to return to the household despite the ruckus the children were making.

“Aunt, since you are going back, leave me two guards.”

Yin YueHan raised her chin at him with a look of disdain. “The marquis ordered these guards to protect Su’er, Ning’er, and Jun’er. If something happens along the way, can you bear the responsibility?!”

Although Zhuang Zhong knew that Yin YueHan had found him unpleasant to the eye, he did not expect that she would not even maintain a surface layer of cordiality. Not wanting to argue with her, he then decided to leave it be. After all, he still had others to help him, and it did not have to be people from the marquis’ household. He just thought that it would be helpful to have someone on hand if something happened. Anyway, today, the Lu family would be here, and he had already made a prior appointment with Lu balang. The people from the Lu family could be considered more powerful than these guards.

The place they agreed to meet was overflowing with even more and more people, making it easy for people to be scattered around. This time, another surge came that was quite powerful, and Zhuang Zhong had to help a lady who fell down. The lady blushed shyly, but before she could thank him, Zhuang Zhong had already let her go and squeezed in elsewhere. The lady then stomped her feet with her heart full of regrets.

Zhuang Zhong stared fixedly at the agile man shuttling between the crowd. With a sack on his shoulder, he looked really suspicious. As the man headed to a place where people were sparse, Zhuang Zhong followed behind. Just now, Zhuang Zhong had seen that man carrying nothing, but suddenly after the surge of people, he had more sacks, and they were not small in size either.

The man walked to the alley with a fast speed, and it was evident that he had a great understanding of his surroundings. The deeper they went into the alley, the lesser there were people. Zhuang Zhong’s heart then turned cold, and he dared not continue to pursue. Whistling, he then pretended to do his business at the corner of the wall while examining the situation with his eyes. He saw several figures at the corner.

He dared not to do anything and hummed a small tune as he headed back to the streets.

Previously, Zhuang Zhong heard that abductions would occur every year at the lantern festival, causing many children to go missing. Although some of them have been found, there was no news about most of them, and the abductors were not caught. Despite the extra manpower deployed every year, they still lost many, so they seemed like a group of especially talented abductors who left no traces at all. They were also extremely arrogant, as there were instances where Yamen runners were beaten seriously and left in the streets by them.

Although Zhuang Zhong practiced a few moves, he was still far away from the martial arts masters who kill people. He did not want to sacrifice his life before the people could be saved.

“Brother Zhong, this way!” From a distance away, Lu balang cried out in his own loud voice, “Why are you here only now? I have been waiting for you since quite early on.”

Every time the Lu family left the house, they would leave as a family. With their stocky and imposing builds, they were also very eye-catching.

Zhuang Zhong greeted everyone before he hurriedly said to Lu Feng, “Uncle, just now I saw a suspicious person, and I suspect he was an abductor.”

As he told what he saw to the rest, he saw several of the ladies getting worried. First Aunt advised, “Zhong’er, do not be this reckless in the future. These abductions are not by ordinary people, as many people have been harmed by them before.”

However, Lu Feng praised Zhuang Zhong for being brave and resourceful. “For Zhong’er to be unharmed means that he had a calculated plan. These abductors are very disdainful. I will find people to search for them now. Do you still remember the alley?”

Zhuang Zhong nodded. “I remember, but they might have run off already.”

Abductors were always detestable. After all, every family had a child, and it was not easy for most to raise them until such an age. For them to get abducted by others and be separated would inevitably cause sadness.

Unfortunately, when Zhuang Zhong took the Yamen runners to the alley, there were already no traces of those people anymore.

The head constable hatefully said, “Every year, it is like this. It is not as if no one has ever found these abductors, but in the end, they have either fled or those who follow them get beaten almost to death before they can provide information.”

Wishing he could dig them up and crush them, Lu Feng added, “These bastards are really lawless! How can they be so imprudent in front of the son of heaven!”

Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhong felt uncertain. “They must have abducted these children away to sell them. However, with such a fuss in the capital, they could not do so here and had to transfer them to other places by leaving the city. Is there nothing from the city gates or piers?”

The head constable remained furious as he explained, “By right, the children are around 7 to 8 years old and are living people, so there should be movement. No matter when, one has to also undergo thorough inspections when leaving the capital with a child. However, nothing can ever be found, and we have no idea how they left the city.”

As manpower was limited and these abductors were very experienced, they never appeared in the key locations of the Yamen runners. Additionally, with no telephones in this world, even if a Yamen runner did find them, it would be too late to call for others. Either the abductors would successfully flee from them, or they would get overpowered by the group of abductors, so those people always have the upper hand.

At this time, a Yamen runner ran over to talk to the head constable, who started scolding, “With their skills, we have already lost five children to them at this moment! They better ensure that they are not caught by me, or I will skin them!”

Even though the others were equally furious, they remained helpless.

Lu Feng’s eyebrows knitted together. “If we want to nab these people, we have to throw out a bait.”

The head constable sighed, “We have already tried this method. Notwithstanding the fact that it was difficult to bait them, we also only managed to get small beggars on the street. As they were unkempt and thin, the other party was unwilling to abduct them. For those that were successful, the children also ended up missing.”

Lu Feng coldly hummed, “That is because your bait was not chosen properly.”

Although the head constable was unconvinced, he did have to admit that such words were true. As the cleverer beggars in the street were unwilling to participate, most of the bait that was sourced were dull and incompetent, unable to deliver any news even if they got abducted. Besides, no matter how clever a child was, they were still children and could do nothing.

Unexpectedly, Lu Feng actually continued, “Let us use my family XiaoBao to be the bait this time.”

As soon as he finished his words, everyone was staring at him wide-eyed.

• 1
  “碾茶、调膏、点汤” are part of the steps that are undertaken in the Song dynasty tea ceremonies. The steps varied from account to account but it generally involved steaming fresh leaves, cooling them with cold water, squeezing the excessive leaves juice out, mixing them with water in a pottery mortar for pounding, and lastly shaping them in a dragon or phoenix mold before drying it. If you are interested to know more, can try these 2 links: https://www.o-cha.net/english/conference2/pdf/2001/files/PROC/I-035.pdf + https://www.teavivre.com/info/traditional-tea-processing-methods.html ↩︎
• 2
  In case it was a little confusing, this means having a limited amount of 5 years period in one’s lifetime (e.g. living to 70 means only having 14 of such a 5-years-period). ↩︎
• 3
  “中庸之道” (zhongyong zhi dao) was something that Confucius came up with (the way of living in the mean = the way of zhongyong). It could be determined as the golden mean/golden middle way which teaches people that excess is similar to deficiency. One should then try to obtain the desirable middle between two extremes of excess and deficiency. Do take note that this was not only reflected in Chinese teachings but also in western cultures like Greek thought. ↩︎