Chapter 008: Lone Wolf

Governor Shen rose with a flick of his sleeve, and upon seeing this, Captain Luo hurriedly fell silent

Governor Shen's voice was not loud, and he wore a smile on his face, speaking in a gentle tone with a refined and soft accent typical of Jiangnan people. However, for these three individuals, it was as if a thunderclap had simultaneously erupted above their heads, startling them so much that their knees buckled, and with a thud, they fell to their knees.

From this, it can be seen that the position of the Tongpan is indeed quite high among these numerous senior officials. However, the current Tongpan of Jiankang Prefecture has already passed away, having died in a bizarre murder case. One can imagine how seriously Jiankang Prefecture must regard this matter

Governor Shen chuckled lightly and said, "Ten days or half a month? How much disturbance would that bring to the people of Jiankang? Wouldn't the livelihood of the citizens be affected?"

Governor Shen shook his head and sighed, saying, "The officials are as slippery as oil..." After a pause, he then commanded loudly towards the door, "Go, summon the head constable Li Gongfu from Lin'an Prefecture to come in."

Li Gongfu was taken aback for a moment, then immediately forced a bitter smile and said: "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten." He patted his forehead and continued: "That terrifying scene from last night has left this old man utterly bewildered, and having not slept all night, I was so preoccupied with recounting what I had witnessed to the local officials that I completely forgot. As for my nephew... sigh, I don't even know..."

Governor Shen bypassed the public case, stepped in front of the three of them, and looked at them with a smile, kindly asking: "You are also aware that the murder of the deputy judge is a significant matter. So, you intend to catch a mere servant to brush it off, hmm?"

These invisible and intangible resistances can exert substantial influence in various aspects. How easy is it for the emperor to restore the former territory? However, that is a matter for another time. Since the southward migration, the situation of the Song Dynasty valuing civil over military affairs has been significantly altered for a considerable period, as the threat of formidable enemies looms right before us

Li Gongfu, accompanied by his men and escorting the prisoners, arrived at the court. In front of the court stood the Cautionary Pavilion, which housed a square stone inscribed with the sixteen characters: "You receive your salary and your provisions, the people their fat and their marrow; the lower class is easily oppressed, but Heaven is hard to deceive," serving as a warning to officials

King Kang's southern expedition, the new group's foundation, who fears these two traitors returning? Moreover, the Southern Song Dynasty lasted for over 150 years, and combined with the Northern Song, it outlasted both the Tang and Ming Dynasties. Even if Zhao Gou worried about his father and elder brother returning, how long could that have been? What about after they died? What did the later emperors have to worry about?

The seat of the Jiankang Prefecture is located at the southeast corner of the emperor's palace, to the north of the Qinhuai River. Here, senior military and political officials such as the pacification commissioner, the administrative commissioner, the proclamation commissioner, the governor, the deputy governor, the chief officer, the transport commissioner, and the imperial guard cavalry officer all conduct their duties.

Li Gongfu spoke hesitantly, as if he had a difficult-to-express desire

Without entering the tiger's den, how can one catch the tiger cub? The constables actually intended to frame him. Is the death of Li Tongpan related to the intrigues within the officialdom? The deaths of Li Tongpan and the young lady Youge were both so peculiar and tragic. However, he had previously placed his hopes on the authorities to solve the case, and moreover, as the young lady Youge was a woman, it was inappropriate for him to examine her body. Therefore, he did not have much understanding of the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths. He needed to infiltrate the coroner's office and conduct a thorough investigation; it might also provide a clue. The deaths of Li Tongpan and the young lady Youge were both so peculiar and tragic. However, he had previously placed his hopes on the authorities to solve the case, and moreover, as the young lady Youge was a woman, it was inappropriate for him to examine her body. Therefore, he did not have much understanding of the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths. He needed to infiltrate the coroner's office and conduct a thorough investigation; it might also provide a clue.

During the era of cold weapons, the strength of military power was sometimes not closely related to economic development or the level of civilization. Previously, when others were gaining momentum, they had to prioritize stability. In a hasty retreat to the south, how could they possibly launch an immediate counterattack? It was already commendable to be able to hold their ground and maintain stability.

The Hall of Faithful and Undeceiving, though it sounds somewhat lengthy and does not quite resemble a typical hall name, is indeed the designation of an important location within the official residence of the governor in the Jian Kang Prefecture during the Southern Song Dynasty. In the hall, Captains Qiu, Zheng, and Luo stand in unison before the hall, reporting to the governor, Shen, who sits in the center with a solemn expression.

Governor Shen slowly said: "The case of the murder of Li Tongpan is likely not so simple. You three, put in your utmost effort and be sure to uncover the true culprit! As for this Yang Han, he may have some connection to this case, but even if he is the true culprit, there must certainly be another mastermind behind the scenes"

Go ahead, do your work well! If you do not deceive this official, this official will not deceive you!

The three captors crouched low, trembling with fear, only to see the toes of the governor's robe standing firmly before them. They were greatly concerned that he might suddenly lift his leg and deliver a fierce kick to their faces

Upon seeing the young man, Li Gongfu was taken aback and exclaimed in astonishment and delight: "Ah, you... my nephew, what are you doing here?"

Governor Shen wore a smile that was not quite a smile, his demeanor exceedingly peculiar. He extended three fingers and said lightly, "Three days, counting today, I allow the Jian Kang Prefecture to conduct a strict investigation into both water and drought issues for only three days. After three days, everything will return to normal."

For example, the Jiankang Prefecture is a centralized office where many high-ranking officials are located in one place, facilitating communication and avoiding the need for staff to run around seeking approvals from various locations. Additionally, officials, even those responsible for civil affairs and justice, are required to swiftly transition their functions in the event of an imminent military conflict

The young man said with a sense of guilt, "Ah, it is indeed difficult to explain in just a few words. I... I will discuss it in detail with my uncle later." As he spoke, the young man quickly glanced at the several constables nearby.

The present-day city of Jiankang (Nanjing) serves as the provisional capital of the Song Dynasty. Meanwhile, Lin'an (Hangzhou) is the temporary seat of the Song Dynasty. As for the national capital? The national capital has always been Bianliang. Although the north has fallen into the hands of others and the court has been compelled to move south, they have not established a new capital, as they still hope to reclaim the north.

Zheng Butou said: "My lord, that Yang Han is cunning and sly, and has already escaped early. We have now sealed off both the water and land routes, and the entire city is under pursuit. My lord, rest assured, we have made early arrangements; he will not be able to escape."

Li Gongfu understood the situation and realized that he must have some unspoken difficulties. He quickly changed the subject and said, "Oh, these gentlemen are all my colleagues from Lin'an Prefecture. Let me introduce you to them."

The young man paused for a moment, seemingly wanting to avoid the situation, but when his gaze met that of Li Gongfu, a hint of bitterness appeared on his face. After a brief hesitation, he steeled himself and stepped forward, giving a deep bow to Li Gongfu, and said: "Uncle, why have you come to Jiankang?"

The three individuals slowly tilted their heads, trembling with trepidation as they gazed at the upper part of the map depicting the red sun rising from the sea, where the six large characters "Hall of Faithful and Undeceiving" were prominently displayed

"It is! Your Excellency, please show mercy!" The three captains knocked their heads loudly, their foreheads bruised, and only then did they retreat and crawl away. When they reached the entrance of the main hall, they hurriedly slipped out.

Indeed, due to various external and internal factors, the situation has become irretrievable. This includes a surprising fact: both the scholar-officials and the common people do not favor the Northern Expedition. There is significant resistance from the populace; they are living well, in peace and prosperity. Who would be willing to take up arms? If they were to truly reclaim the North, would they not also have to support the people of the North?

A dog, when cornered, will leap over a wall; a rabbit, when frightened, will bite. Yang Han was originally a very harmless person, but when pushed to the limit, he became a completely different person from his usual self.

Later on, the rulers from the northern regions spread the plague of poverty wherever they went, leading to the decline of the Jiangbei region, while the south prospered and the north languished, compounded by the people's desire for stability. In reality, the emperor wished to reclaim his homeland, and the concerns about the return of the two saints are purely the conjectures of later generations

One of these two emperors had no desire to be an emperor at all; later, when the enemy was at the gates, he hastily passed on the throne and ultimately found relief. The other, having just been emperor for a year, did not have the time to cultivate his own team, and even if he had begun to do so, they were captured along with him and the other.

Governor Shen's lips curled slightly, revealing a hint of sarcasm: "That ancient artifact was offered by him, and then he killed the deputy judge, snatched back the artifact, yet did not flee, pretending to faint until you all arrived, attempting to deceive us? Are you too foolish, or do you think this office is too foolish?"

The chief constable said: "The lord loves the people as his own children, with a heart of compassion. However, the murder of the magistrate is a matter of great significance, and it may cause the common people to be uneasy for a few days. Who would dare to voice even a hint of complaint? I believe that..."

Upon hearing this, Captain Qiu became somewhat anxious and hurriedly said: "My lord, in Jiankang, with a population of one million, that fellow is hiding among the common people. Where can we find him in such a short time? If you could give us ten days or half a month..."

While a few people were talking, a man dressed in a two-piece outfit, with a full beard, walked over. He glanced at them, adjusted the bamboo hat on his head, and then passed by them, carrying two heavy loads of meat and vegetables.

At that moment, a young man wearing black shoes, fitted trousers, a round-collared long robe, and a curved cap hurriedly approached with a medicine box on his back. This young man had a fair complexion, handsome features, and an elegant demeanor. He originally intended to bypass the hall and head towards the side room, but upon raising his head, he saw Li Gongfu standing there

If someone who is very familiar closely examines the eyebrows and eyes, they can faintly discern clues. This bearded man bears a certain resemblance to the suspect Yang Han, who is being pursued throughout Jiankang Prefecture. This man carrying vegetables is indeed Yang Han; since he cannot escape, he has come.

Li Gongfu introduced a few of his subordinates, and the young man hurriedly cupped his hands in salute, saying: "I am Xu Xuan, and I have met all the officials here." He then turned to Li Gongfu and said: "It has been a full ten years since I last saw my uncle. Today, upon our reunion, I am overwhelmed with joy. However, I have some urgent matters to attend to. After I finish my business, I will wait here for my uncle and gather with him and the officials who have come from afar."

Taking the Jiankang Prefecture as an example, most officials here bear military responsibilities, and during wartime, they all shift to military service. In order to be efficient, the government has also made numerous changes

Behind the hall is the Qingxin Hall, to the south is the Yimen, connected by a corridor. Behind the Qingxin Hall is the "Hall of Loyalty and Integrity." Mr. Li Gongfu and others arrived at the hall and waited there, as the governor was currently handling matters there, and they had to wait for a while.

In the hall, Li Gongfu and others were waiting. One of the constables suddenly said: "Hey, chief, I remember you mentioned that you have a nephew who lives in Jiankang Prefecture. We went directly to the countryside to catch people on our way here, and we didn't have the chance to meet him. Now that we are about to change our orders and return to Lin'an, won't you take a moment to see your nephew?"

Governor Shen slowly raised his right index finger, pointed to the top of his head, and asked: "Do you know why this office wants to meet you here"