Chapter 3: The Prisoner

Liang Miao quickly apologized. "Wang Bo, don't take offense at the little tricks. Xiao Er was ill a few days ago and his mind is a bit muddled. Just yesterday, he even asked Granny Chu to call his soul back, which you witnessed with your own eyes. Just consider it as him talking nonsense and don't hold it against him."

"Wang Bo, if you say it like that, then I must ask who exactly this Huan Jun is. My son and I have lived here for over ten years, yet we have never seen him. Looking at his attire, he appears to be a recently released prisoner. May I inquire what crime he committed and how he was released? You mentioned that this was originally his home; does he have a property deed? Can we take a look at it?"

The prisoner suddenly laughed: "What a pity for these ape-like arms, they couldn't even hold out for such a short time, what a waste."

"What, are you still afraid of a cripple like me?" The prisoner seemed to see through Liang Xiao's concerns, saying with a half-smile, "Just now outside the city, you were not like this."

For a moment, he found himself in a difficult position, unsure of how to respond. He was inclined to argue, yet feared that Liang Xiao might truly resort to reckless behavior, escalating the situation; this young man was certainly not of a virtuous character. He wanted to take a step back, but his pride held him back.

At that moment, the prisoner said: "I was originally a minister of the State of Wu. I fell into disgrace because I followed the King of Wu. Today, I have just received a gracious edict, granting me amnesty and allowing me to return to the people. You are not wrong in saying that this is indeed not my home, but rather the residence of a friend of mine. You and your son are not the owners of this house, am I not correct?"

Wang Fengshi immediately became spirited, and his gaze turned extremely stern

The prisoner looked Liang Xiao up and down and extended his hand: "Can I take a look at your crossbow?"

You all ... ... '' Wang Fengshi and Liang Miao were somewhat surprised. After all this time, it turned out that they knew each other

Would Wang Fengshi show such goodwill if there were no vested interests involved

Liang Xiao could not help but let out a sigh of despair. He had originally thought that his family was merely a little poor, but now he realized that they were not just poor, but very poor. Not only were they poor, but they were also undocumented, and even the house they had lived in for over ten years did not belong to them.

Wang Fengshi turned his head to look at Liang Miao. "Madam Liang, your little tricks have become quite impressive, daring to reason with me and speaking so eloquently. What is it? I have allowed you to stay here for over ten years, and instead of accumulating virtue, you have instead accumulated resentment?"

Although Liang Xiao cannot be considered an expert, he is aware that for the Han Dynasty government, an increase in household registration is a political achievement, and no one would obstruct the common people from registering. The Liang family, having lived in Guangling for many years without registering, has existed as unregistered residents, which represents a loss of tax revenue for the government. As the village head, Wang Fengshi undoubtedly bears responsibility

The prisoner was indifferent, lifted the crossbow, took aim, sighed, and momentarily lost his focus. After a moment, he smiled to himself and returned the crossbow to Liang Xiao. "Have you ever robbed a tomb?"

Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment, then handed over the crossbow he had been holding, but did not provide him with any arrows

This is a weapon made by the State of Wu, and it is a burial item. If it were not obtained from tomb raiding, it would not appear in your possession. The prisoner smiled and said, "Do you not know how to read? Did you not see the inscription above?"

I do not wish to argue with him, however, if he goes out and spreads rumors, I could be in serious trouble. Wang Fengshi cast a sidelong glance at Liang Xiao, snorted, and elongated his tone. "After all these years, you and your son have not received any land allocation. Now that he has grown up, if the allocation does not happen soon, many matters will become unmanageable, and I find myself in a difficult position as well.

The prisoner waved his hand, stopping Wang Fengshi. "How about this? I am all alone and won't take up much space. You can just free up a room for me. We can be neighbors for a while, and once I find a new place to live, I will move out. What do you think?"

He chuckled lightly: "Uncle Wang, an increase in household registration is a good thing. Whether it is the Prime Minister or the county magistrate, they probably won't refuse to let us mother and son register. What I am worried about is if he asks why we haven't registered for over ten years; it might be difficult for you to explain, Uncle Wang"

Liang Miao felt even more anxious and repeatedly apologized. Liang Xiao frowned but discerned some clues from Wang Fengshi's words, which made him even more certain in his heart

The prisoner remained motionless, quietly observing Liang Xiao

Liang Xiao picked up the crossbow and took a glance, and indeed saw a few seal characters, but he still did not recognize them

The prisoner spoke as he walked into the hall, leisurely took a seat, patted his lame leg, and mockingly scrutinized Liang Xiao: "Do you regret not pushing me directly into the river when we were outside the city just now?"

Liang Xiao listened and had no objections. When one is poor, their ambitions are limited; it is already commendable that they are not being driven away. He could not be too demanding. However, although this prisoner was lame in one leg and blind in one eye, his spirit was not diminished. Living under the same roof, conflicts were bound to arise in the future

"If you don't want me to report you, then prepare a good meal and some books for me." The prisoner smiled slightly and said, "It doesn't have to be too lavish; just some chicken and wine will do. I've been eating prison food for over ten years, and if I suddenly eat too well, my stomach might not be able to handle it."

Two people, one sitting in the hall and the other standing in the courtyard, were less than ten steps apart, neither moving, and the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive. After a while, Liang Xiao felt his arm becoming a bit sore, and the crossbow in his hand began to shake. However, he was unwilling to yield, gritting his teeth and persisting.

Do not speak carelessly! Liang Xiao nervously glanced around, especially at his mother. In the past, he did not care, but now he did not want his mother to know about his past misdeeds

Liang Xiao glanced at his mother, Liang Miao. He was not clear about these matters and needed to ask his mother. Liang Miao nodded repeatedly to confirm the truth of his uncertainty

Upon deeper reflection, Wang Fengshi had no familial ties with the Liang family, so why did he take in the mother and son of the Liang family and help them conceal their household registration? Naturally, he must have received some benefits. Liang Miao was skilled in brocade weaving, and all the brocade she wove was sold at a low price to the Ding family, leaving her with only a living expense, while the Ding family profited significantly. It is impossible for the Ding family not to share a portion of that profit with Wang Fengshi.

Liang Xiao Da Qi, with an unknown source of courage, responded with a cold laugh.

Liang Xiao's eyes shifted as he said, "It's alright, there is still a chance now." While speaking, he drew back the crossbow string and placed a bolt into the groove. "I haven't practiced with the crossbow for long, and my archery skills are average, so you need to be careful; I might accidentally shoot you."

Therefore, rather than saying that Liang's family is afraid of losing their status, it is more accurate to say that Wang Fengshi is afraid they will lose it. Liang Miao hopes that Liang Xiao will enter the officialdom after coming of age, which requires him to first establish his status. Wang Fengshi is unwilling to deal with this matter, seizing this opportunity to silence Liang Miao while also extorting a bit of money.

Wang Fengshi responded in a submissive manner, bowed slightly, and then called Liang Miao aside to give her a few instructions before leaving

Wang Fengshi's face flushed red and then turned pale

"Oh, we have met once outside the city," the prisoner said with a faint smile, waving his hand at Wang Fengshi. "Alright, it's settled then. You go about your business, and if there is anything, I will come to find you."

For him, the Liang family, being orphans and widows, and also outsiders, could only establish themselves in Guangling with his support, so how could they not be at his mercy? Unexpectedly, Liang Xiao, this usually reckless youth, was actually very clear about the logic behind it and did not fall for his tricks at all

Liang Xiao slowly raised the crossbow, aiming it at the prisoner's throat, his eyebrows gradually arching as he strained to appear like a villain. Only in this way could he give the prisoner a warning, making him recognize who the master was here