Chapter One, The Jia Character Monitor

Qin Xiao has already heard of this matter

Upon hearing these words, many people could not help but nod in agreement, and even Lu Hong displayed a look of hesitation.

Upon hearing that the Captain has returned, the expressions of the constables relaxed considerably. The crowd parted to make way, and a tall, slender man in a blue robe walked through the throng. Approaching Lu Hong, he asked straightforwardly: "What has happened to Meng Zimo?"

The vicious dog attacked a person, and Captain Meng took action... Well, it is only natural to kick in order to save someone, but after all, the dog that was killed belonged to the Zhen Marquis's residence. We suggested that Captain Meng go to apologize, so that we could downplay the matter. The burly constable's expression was serious: "After lunch today, Captain Meng thought it over and still went to the Zhen Marquis's residence. Logically speaking, it shouldn't take long to enter the residence and apologize, but now it is already dark, and Captain Meng has not yet come out of the Zhen Marquis's residence. This... this is likely a bad sign."

Are we just going to wait like this? Lu Hong said, clenching his fist: "Captain Meng is usually not harsh on everyone."

The Zhen family is indeed a marquis. Someone immediately replied, "In the territory of Zhen County, what is it that they would not dare to do?"

At this moment, hearing that Captain Meng had encountered an incident, he certainly would not remain uninvolved. Not to mention that the opponent was the Zhen Hou Mansion, even if it were the King of Heaven himself, Qin Xiao would fear nothing.

"Are they going to eat me?" Han Duyi sneered, glanced around, and asked, "If anything happens later, I will send someone back to report. Who will go with me?"

Qin Xiao also frowned slightly

"Sir, are you going alone?" Lu Hong said anxiously, "That won't do. The Zhen Marquis's residence is not a good place, and... and the people at the Zhen Marquis's residence have always had a grudge against you. If you go there now, I'm afraid...!"

"Lord Duwai, Captain Meng went to the Zhenhou Mansion after lunch and has not come out yet. I fear he may have encountered serious trouble." Lu Hong immediately replied, "Everyone is currently discussing how to rescue Captain Meng."

It was said again: "Two months ago, the young master of the Zhen family was riding a horse on the street, and Chen the blacksmith was unable to dodge in time and was knocked down. After the incident, he went to the Zhen Marquis's residence to apologize, and he was thrown out after a whole day, covered in injuries, with both legs broken, unable to rise again for the rest of his life"

Immediately someone asked: "Captain, what kind of place is the Zhen Marquis's residence, and where is it that we can enter?"

Do not say that it is merely a small constable; even that esteemed governor would show utmost respect when encountering members of the Zhen family. If one were to visit the Zhen Marquis's residence for the sake of Captain Meng and provoke the Zhen family, it would indeed be a significant trouble

Without money, Qin Xiao does not bully or humiliate others, but merely ensures their basic needs are met

What place is the Zhen Marquis's residence? He certainly knows it very well.

The middle-aged jailer looked around and then mysteriously leaned close to Qin Xiao's ear and said, "You should head back early later; something big has happened at the yamen."

The blue-clad man, Han Duyi, said in a deep voice: "Do not act rashly. I will visit the Zhen Marquis's residence to clarify what exactly is going on"

Head Constable Meng, known for his swift actions, was on a routine patrol last night when he passed by the butcher Zheng's meat shop. He noticed a vicious dog attacking Zheng with extraordinary ferocity. In an effort to save the man, Head Constable Meng stepped forward and delivered a powerful kick to the dog's waist. With the strength of his kick, akin to that depicted in illustrations, he struck the dog's vital point, ultimately killing the ferocious beast.

Haha, then I won't hold back. However, you are naturally cheerful; even if there are no harvests, just by looking at you, anyone's mood will improve. The middle-aged prison guard chuckled as he tucked the silver into his pocket

However, this also made the Duwei Mansion a thorn in the side of the Zhen Marquis Mansion. After all, in the eyes of the Zhen family, having an office that was not under their control right beneath their noses always made them feel quite uncomfortable

Whether it was the life-saving grace of Captain Meng or the care of Officer Han, Qin Xiao had never uttered a word of "thank you". He believed that sometimes words are too light and do not need to be spoken.

"Captain Lu, the Zhen Marquis's residence is akin to the Hall of Yama. Captain Meng has not emerged all afternoon; I fear the worst is to come," someone expressed with concern.

The crowd of constables whispered among themselves when suddenly a cough was heard. They then saw a burly constable raise his hand and say, "Everyone quiet down, stop the noise." After scanning the crowd, he continued, "As you all know, last night, Captain Meng led a patrol and accidentally kicked a dog to death, only to later discover that the vicious dog belonged to the Zhen Marquis's residence."

A handsome young man is currently walking out of the prison, humming a tune. He is about fifteen or sixteen years old, with clear brows and bright eyes, dressed in a dark blue prison guard uniform, a wine gourd hanging at his waist, and a cheerful expression on his face

"Hello, Qin Xiao, how was the harvest today?" A middle-aged prison guard at the entrance immediately greeted the young man with a warm smile.

"Captain Bu, if others trouble Captain Meng, you need not say anything, but we must also be prepared to take action. However, this time Captain Meng has offended the Zhen Marquis's residence." Someone said with a bitter smile: "We are merely minor constables, and most of our families are here. If we go to the Zhen Marquis's residence, when the Zhen family comes to settle the score, who among us can escape? Captain Lu, your wife and children are also in the city. If you offend them, who among us can escape? Captain Lu, your wife and children are also in the city. If you offend them, who among us can escape?"

Suddenly, someone exclaimed: "The Captain has returned, the Captain has returned"

I heard that Chief Meng has been captured by the Zhen family, and now everyone is trying to find a way out. The middle-aged prison guard sighed softly, saying: "But this time the opponent is the Zhen Marquis's residence, which is not something we can provoke. You should pretend not to know and hurry home; do not get involved in this murky water..."

Qin Xiao provides specialized services in the A-shaped prison, where the inmates are either serious offenders or death row prisoners. In their final moments or during their long-term confinement, they always wish to live a little better. Qin Xiao refers to these individuals as "prison lords" and offers precise services. Whatever their needs may be, Qin Xiao strives to meet them, ensuring they are well taken care of. Naturally, the fees are not inexpensive.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was unusually oppressive. After a moment, someone spoke up: "Captain Meng is a person of the court. Does the Zhen Marquis's residence truly... truly dare to take action against Captain Meng?"

The towering Changling Mountain Range stretches over a hundred miles across the land of Xiling. Although the winter in Xiling is long, by February, the snow on the mountains has melted, and the meltwater flows down the ridges into the rivers below. One of the tributaries meanders through Guicheng, located less than thirty miles from the eastern section of the mountain range, becoming the most precious water source in the city.

However, several years ago, even the constables of Turtle City were no different from the servants of the Zhen family, always acting according to the wishes of the Zhen Marquisate. It was not until Captain Han arrived to take office and took charge of the two groups of constables that the situation began to change

When Qin Xiao ran to the front yard of the county office, about twenty people had already gathered in the courtyard. Qin Xiao frowned; the total number of constables in Gui City was only around forty, yet at this moment, half of them had already congregated here.

The three counties of Xiling, where Guicheng is located, is named after the Zhen surname, and the Marquis of Changxin is the head of the Zhen family. In fact, he is also the ruler of the entire Guicheng. Being in Guicheng essentially means being under the rule of the Zhen family. If there is any exception, it can only be the constables of the Duwei Mansion, who are directly subordinate to the court

Qin Xiao was taken aback and softly asked, "What happened?"

"Adult, I'm going!" A crisp voice rang out as Qin Xiao, who had remained silent until now, stood up from the crowd

Lu Hong looked up at the night sky and frowned, saying: "The Captain has been out of the city for quite some time now, if we keep waiting like this, the situation with Captain Meng...!" After hesitating for a moment, he continued: "Shall we go to the Zhen Marquis's residence to inquire about the situation?"

The officers present exchanged glances, and upon seeing their companions' eyes flicker, they all immediately lowered their heads. Lu Hong's lips moved, but no sound came out.

The labor fees received are shared among all the guards in the prison under the supervision of Officer Jia. Therefore, although Qin Xiao has limited experience, he is well-liked, and everyone is willing to share any new and interesting matters with him

A few years ago, there was a plague in Xiling Zhenjun, which claimed many lives. Qin Xiao contracted the disease at that time and nearly died by the roadside. Fortunately, Captain Meng encountered him and saved his life. Later, Captain Meng also helped him find a menial job in the yamen and the library, allowing him to survive in Gui City.

Qin Xiao let out a buzzing sound and, without waiting for the middle-aged jailer to finish speaking, dashed towards the front courtyard of the yamen.

The prison is located in the northwestern corner of Turtle City, where the population is sparse, yet the security is very tight. It is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Among them, Section A has the fewest inmates, but the conditions are the most comfortable. Not only does each prisoner have an independent cell, but they are also guaranteed three ample meals a day

As the sun sets in the west, the afterglow of the setting sun spills over the rooftops of the Turtle City prison, yet it cannot penetrate the roof to bring even a sliver of sunlight into the confines of the prison

"Not too great, a miser has come in, but once he enters the prison of the A character, there is no way to avoid shedding blood." Qin Xiao's eyes curved into crescent moons as he reached out and stuffed a piece of broken silver into the middle-aged prison guard's hand: "Good brother, we share the blessings and bear the hardships together."

In the vast courtyard, dozens of constables did not dare to make a sound. No one knew what would happen upon entering the Zhen Marquis's residence. Even if one could leave the Zhen Marquis's residence, they would likely be regarded as a thorn in the side by the Zhen Marquis's household in the future. In Gui City, no one wished to offend the Zhen Marquis's residence.

The speaker is the quick-witted constable Lu Hong. As soon as he finished speaking, many people's expressions changed.

Qin Xiao is quick-witted and diligent in his work. Han Duwi noticed this and assigned him to the prison as a jailer, providing him with considerable support. However, Qin Xiao thrived in the A-shaped prison, where he excelled in providing precise services and reaped substantial benefits. Now, he has taken charge of the A-shaped prison, effectively becoming the small head of the A-shaped prison.

Chief Meng has encountered an incident

Qin Xiao laughed and said, "Crying is also a form of living, laughing is also a form of living, naturally it is better to live while laughing"