Chapter 007: The Vengeful Rabbit

Yang Han gritted his teeth, swallowed the bun, picked up the bowl, and took a hearty sip of hot soup, rolled up his sleeves, and wiped his tears vigorously

However, Gao Chu, accompanied by a few individuals, strolled leisurely past. Until Yang Han slipped into the alley, a breeze blew, bringing a refreshing coolness to his sweaty back, yet he did not hear a single shout from Gao Fusi. The few individuals were looking around, but Gao Fusi clearly saw him; however, he seemed to have completely overlooked him. This was a deliberate act of assistance. Gao Fusi was the deputy supervisor, and Yang Han did not have a particularly close relationship with him, yet at this moment, he was able to offer help in a righteous manner, filling Yang Han's heart with gratitude.

The city, cannot be exited.

That day, he felt so wronged that he could hardly bear it, and the cold, oppressive atmosphere made it difficult for him to breathe. He had originally planned to go back and arrange things, to take a rope and hang himself at the door of the family that had wronged him. However, for Yang Han's shout and that salute of respect, he felt a warmth in his heart. He sensed a glimmer of strength within him, and in the end, he persevered.

At the moment when Yang Han was feeling lost and helpless, hearing her words brought a surge of warmth to his heart, leaving him with an indescribable sense of emotion

Yang Han quickly turned and walked towards the only alley beside him, his back tensed up. If Gao Fusi shouted a single word, he would have no choice but to fight back. Although they were numerous, in terms of martial arts skills, no one was more proficient than him, and he might be able to escape with his life.

Du Xiaoniang smiled sweetly and said, "If you say you have killed someone, I do not believe it. You are a good person"

Yang Han's expression changed drastically. This stretch of road happened to have few pedestrians and was not a convenient place for setting up stalls. Although he hurriedly turned to avoid it, he clearly saw that Gao Fusi's gaze was locked onto him.

He could not leave, and staying meant waiting for death. He knew that this manhunt would not last forever, but he did not know how many more days he could hide. He had nowhere to go now. Having only had a bowl of porridge in the morning, after all this running around, he was now starving and his hunger was rising.

Yang Han was taken aback and said, "How did they send me a message from outside? Miss Du, are you not afraid?"

Yang Han knew that the officials of this street had come out at this time, undoubtedly to investigate him. Just now, he noticed that not only were the constables patrolling the streets, but there were also armed militia members walking about, looking around. They must have been dispatched by the authorities, which meant that he had already been regarded as a suspect for arrest.

Du Xiaoniang was quite efficient; before long, she brought in the meal, saying: "Here, a bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup that you like, a steamer of crab roe buns. Don't drink too much wine; I have to go out to prepare things for tonight's business. You just hide here and absolutely must not go out!"

Yang Han focused his gaze and recognized it was Du Xiaoniang from the restaurant in front of Peach Leaf Ferry. Du Xiaoniang had her hair styled in twin buns and wore a light green cross-collared dress, underneath which was a scarlet corset that revealed her delicate collarbone and a hint of fullness, exuding elegance, playfulness, and an undeniable sensuality

... ...

To sacrifice oneself is to bring down even the mightiest of kings

Yang Han's eyes turned red with emotion, and he was at a loss for how to express his gratitude when his stomach spoke for him with a soft rumble, quite delicately and lingeringly. Du Xiaoniang laughed and said, "Are you hungry? I will go get you something to eat, but it's all leftovers from last night, so please don't mind it."

Yang Han walked along the Qinhuai River, lost in thought and feeling at a loss, and before he knew it, he had arrived at Taoye Ferry. It was not yet evening, and the Qinhuai River was not bustling with activity; Yang Han's mind was in turmoil, and he did not even notice that he had returned to a familiar place

However, unexpectedly, after deliberating and reaching a decision here, when attempting to capture the person, he actually managed to escape. Immediately, the "fast horses" were dispatched in all directions, reinforcing the guards at the city gates. Yang Han, having to rely on his own two legs, found that by the time he arrived at the city gate, it was already impossible for him to exit.

The general perception among people differs; in fact, the Song people did not have as many bound feet as commonly believed, nor were their clothing styles as conservative. It was quite common for women in the Song Dynasty to have a slight exposure of their bosoms. Although the Southern Song period was a time of development for Neo-Confucianism, a consensus had yet to be formed. Zhu Xi promoted Neo-Confucianism, yet just a few days ago, a sensational report in a small newspaper that Yang Han read claimed he was involved in an affair. Regardless of its truth, it left him in a state of embarrassment. In such an atmosphere, who would take Neo-Confucianism seriously? Although the Southern Song period was a time of development for Neo-Confucianism, a consensus had yet to be formed. Zhu Xi promoted Neo-Confucianism, yet just a few days ago, a sensational report in a small newspaper that Yang Han read claimed he was involved in an affair. Regardless of its truth, it left him in a state of embarrassment. In such an atmosphere, who would take Neo-Confucianism seriously?

You reap what you sow

The land route was impassable, so he wanted to take the water route, but surprisingly, the water route was also blocked

As for Gao Chu, when he walked past that narrow alley, he smiled faintly, but no one knew the reason for his smile. Just four months ago, he was reported by another deputy officer with whom he had the worst relations, accusing him of embezzlement. Authorities sent someone to investigate, and for a time, rumors spread that Gao, the deputy officer, was on the verge of being imprisoned.

Du Xiaoniang said this as she hurriedly walked out

Yang Han was just coming in from outside when the two of them ran into each other. He clearly remembers that under the light at the entrance of the street office, Yang Han stood at attention with a crisp sound, showing utmost respect, and loudly exclaimed: "Hello, Gao Touer!"

His father passed away due to a plague caused by a flood when he was seven years old. His mother worked tirelessly to raise him until he was fifteen, when she also succumbed to illness. At the age of fifteen... After handling his mother's funeral arrangements, he, with his awkward, croaky voice typical of a boy going through puberty, ran errands here and there, took on odd jobs, and experienced hunger and feasting in turns. It was not until he was seventeen that he finally managed to join the street office after much difficulty.

The constables believed that he was the only survivor from last night, and Lady Li mentioned that the Wind of Good Fortune was a gift he had presented to Judge Li. However, that Wind of Good Fortune has now vanished. Various clues, albeit somewhat tenuous, inevitably lead back to him. Given the gravity of this case, it is evident that the perpetrator is neither a mere spirit nor an ordinary person, making capture unlikely. To avoid bearing the consequences themselves, it would be simpler to frame him directly. Conveniently, he is all alone, with both parents deceased, no relatives, and no one to plead his case.

She looked around anxiously and quickly grabbed Yang Han's hand: "Come with me!"

Du Xiaoniang, without further ado, pulled Yang Han and walked away. She was washing clothes by the river, and her residence was right by the river. After turning into the alley ahead, they entered her small house. The house was not large; in the middle was a main room, to the right was her bedroom, and to the left was her father's bedroom. Usually, she set up a stall in front to run a food business.

Oh no! Yang Han buried his head and turned to leave, but before he could get far, he saw several people from the street office walking towards him, led by Gao Chu, one of the four deputy directors of the street office.

Low-cut garments have become a trend, and Du Xiaoniang's scarlet strapless dress is made of silk. Most people in the Song Dynasty were affluent, and Jiangnan is a silk-producing region, making it relatively affordable. Purchasing one or two beloved pieces of lingerie is still within reach. She possesses a charming beauty, and when she wears it, it evokes a sense of "the crimson gauze frequently concealing the tender bosom."

The one who was killed was a deputy judge, a high-ranking official, and the enforcement power of the government is quite significant

Yang Han slowly sat down by the bed, suddenly realizing that this was a young lady's private space, and it was inappropriate for a man to sit there casually. He hurriedly moved to sit on the stool instead. In that moment, feelings of fatigue, frustration, and despair surged up all at once. What should he do next?

That day, he was interrogated by four individuals for an entire day. When he emerged, he was utterly exhausted, his body swaying slightly. He walked out from the small interrogation room in the secondary courtyard, proceeding outward. Along the way, his colleagues either turned to look at him or deliberately avoided him. Some, who usually had conflicts with him, even strode past him with an air of arrogance. ... Only Yang Han ... He walked out from the small interrogation room in the secondary courtyard, proceeding outward. Along the way, his colleagues either turned to look at him or deliberately avoided him. Some, who usually had conflicts with him, even strode past him with an air of arrogance. ... Only Yang Han ...

Du Xiaoniang said: "In your street office, there are mostly ruffians and scoundrels. On ordinary days, they patrol the market, extorting merchants and harassing women. There are hardly any decent people among them. Yet you are an exception, a person of good character, who does not take advantage of others for personal gain. Otherwise, there would be plenty of opportunities for profit. How could it be that you were dismissed by the magistrate Li and had to offer your family heirloom to Li Tongpan just to make a living? It is... it is..."

Yang Han did not know where he should go

A young woman in a green dress was washing clothes by the river. After wringing out the clothes, she placed them one by one into a wooden basin, along with the washing mallet, which she then picked up and tucked at her waist. As she gracefully stepped up the stone steps, she caught sight of Yang Han, which startled her, causing her to jump. Quickly looking around, she rushed forward and tugged at Yang Han's sleeve, saying: "Han Ge'er, are you not foolish? How dare you come here and walk around?"

"Good!" Yang Han paused for a moment and nodded heavily. After Du Xiaoniang went out and lowered the curtain, Yang Han sat down, stuffed a crab roe bun into his mouth, and after just a few chews, two streams of tears suddenly flowed out.

He will no longer hide, he does not want to hide anymore, the constables can no longer rely on him, so he will investigate on his own. He wants to clear his name, he wants to seek justice for the unjustly deceased Miss Youge. From now on, whoever bullies him, he will retaliate against them. If heaven bullies him, he will retaliate against heaven!

"Leave! Get out of the city, leave immediately!" This was the only thought in Yang Han's mind at that moment, but when he arrived at the city gate, he was still a step too late

Du Xiaoniang stamped her foot and scolded, "You still want to deceive me? Your matters have long been spread around. Look at you, so brazen, truly fearless of death"

When will my days of suffering come to an end? What sins did I commit in my past life that the heavens continue to wrong me, oppress me, and humiliate me? A man should not shed tears lightly, yet at this moment, those hot tears are streaming down, drop by drop, into the bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup.

Yang Han recognized that it was Du Xiaoniang, and his expression changed slightly. He quickly masked his surprise with a smile and said, "Oh, hehe, why can't we come this way?"

Du Xiaoniang pulled Yang Han into the room, peeked out to see if anyone was following, and only then did she feel relieved to close the door. She pushed Yang Han into her small room and whispered, "Father has gone to buy meat and vegetables. Even when he returns, he never comes into my room. Just make sure to keep quiet and do not go out of the room, and no one will discover us."

Du Xiaoniang's face flushed, and she said: "It's just that I have a way with words and enjoy flirting with young ladies, but I never speak vulgar words or engage in indecent acts. If this is not a good person, then what is a good person? You can rest assured and hide here. After a few days, when things outside calm down, you should leave Jiankang quickly.