Chapter 8, Yang Chenglie (Part 2)

As for the reason, he does not wish to speak of it, nor can he.

Alright, I will take my leave now

These two days, let Erlang stay here. On August 15th, I will host a banquet for guests at the Mile Temple. If you are willing, please assist Erlang; if you are unwilling, there is no need to pay attention. In any case, do not inquire further about this matter; otherwise, if I find out, the family rules will be enforced.

Generally speaking, there would be three classes of yamen runners, collectively referred to as "li zu". However, the duties of the li zu differ, leading to various titles. For instance, those stationed at the yamen, who stand on either side during trials, escort prisoners, and carry out torture, are called "zao li", akin to court bailiffs; while those responsible for summoning defendants, investigating criminals, and searching for evidence are known as "kuai shou", similar to modern criminal police. In addition, there are also "min zhuang", who guard city gates, prisons, and warehouses, patrol urban and rural roads, and respond to emergencies. This type of min zhuang is comparable to modern armed police.

His skin is rough, clearly a result of years of exposure to the biting wind, and he still bears frostbite on his body.

To be honest, he does not expect Yang Shouwen to achieve any great accomplishments; living a safe and sound life for a lifetime is already sufficient

I did not expect Yang Shouwen's observation skills to be so remarkable, and that he could identify so many issues right after regaining consciousness

However

After Yang Chenglie finished speaking, he stepped forward and walked outside

Surely, the old man must have his reasons. Since Yang Chenglie is unwilling to let him make a public appearance, Yang Shouwen has nothing to say.

Yang Shouwen could not help but feel distressed, yet he could only bow and agree

What other avenues could there be

In these years, you have been muddling through, dazed and confused, wasting quite a bit of time. It is rare that you have now become clear-headed, so focus on studying well at home. You need not worry about matters over in the county town. I will ensure that your monthly expenses are covered. ... When two more years have passed and you have achieved something in your studies, I will seek another path for you ... In short, you can rest assured and stay at home.

One must seize the opportunity for fame early

Why pretend to be crazy and foolish, and why choose to live modestly?

Yang Chenglie was uncertain and bowed his head in deep thought

This place is located at the confluence of Juyong Pass, Guzhu, and Changping, with a complex flow of people coming and going every day. How can one possibly keep track of everything? Moreover, the local inhabitants are rough and boisterous, prone to showing off their strength and engaging in fights, with incidents of murder occurring from time to time. You should not inquire further.

Yang Chenglie, upon hearing this, could not help but nod gently

How to say?

Yang Shouwen said with a bitter smile: "Father, do not think that I am still as foolish as before, unable to distinguish between the Liao people and the Han people. Although that person has the hairstyle of a Liao, his eyebrows resemble those of a Han, which is quite obvious.

Alright, I still need to hurry back to the county town to report the case to the county magistrate

Father, do we have any leads on the body at the village entrance

Furthermore, when I returned just now, the children in the village told me that they had seen the deceased enter the mountains yesterday and inquired about the location of the Maitreya Temple. If he lived in Guzhu or frequently traveled to Changping, he would certainly know where the Maitreya Temple is located. At that time, he also gave that child two coins. After I returned, I soaked the copper coins in hot water and found that they were covered with a lot of grease. Anyone living in Changping or the Jimi Prefecture would be affected and would pay attention to cleanliness. At that time, he also gave that child two coins. After I returned, I soaked the copper coins in hot water and found that they were covered with a lot of grease. Anyone living in Changping or the Jimi Prefecture would be affected and would pay attention to cleanliness. Only the Hu people from the frontier do not care about this, which is why the copper coins are so greasy.

Yang Shouwen thought for a moment and then said: "This person was likely killed last night and had fought with three or four individuals before his death"

Yang Chenglie squinted his eyes, looking at Yang Shouwen, remaining silent for a long time

Yang Shouwen followed behind him and saw Yang Chenglie mounting a horse outside the courtyard gate. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he stepped forward to grab the reins.

Originally, I intended to have you experience some training in the yamen

However, that person is not a fang.

However, Yang Chenglie was unwilling to speak, and he did not pursue the matter further. He simply responded respectfully and accompanied Yang Chenglie out of the mourning hall

However, it seemed that Yang Chenglie's mouth involuntarily twitched twice, and then he said with a serious expression: "Everything is merely your assumption, with no evidence whatsoever. I will have Guan Hu take over this matter, and you need not inquire further."

After Yang Shouwen finished speaking, he pursed his lips and looked at Yang Chenglie

How can that be seen?

Yesterday, Yang Rui came to the door, and he took the opportunity to explode in anger, wanting to test Yang Chenglie's true attitude

As for seeking another way out

What is the matter

Yang Shouwen suddenly realized that the situation was likely not as simple as he had imagined

Please give me some change to spend, the child is now awake, but has not a single cent to their name, wanting to buy something delightful, yet their pockets are empty

How do you know it will be a sheep's tail and not on the official road

Yang Chenglie glanced at him, his brows furrowing slightly, seemingly a bit impatient

The child can still tell that this person must have lived in the frontier for many years

However, it seems that Yang Chenglie does not want him to overshadow others.

Before you arrived, the child had carefully observed the corpse of that person

Additionally, have Yang Ma clean the room. Tomorrow, I will have your little mother and Qing Nu come over as well, just to keep an eye on you

Yang Chenglie's voice suddenly became exceptionally high-pitched, and his tone was very serious

Father, let us discuss a matter

Although I am the official of Changping County, it does not mean that you can act tyrannically here. Changping is quite complex; two years ago, the Khitan caused turmoil, and although they were ultimately suppressed by the court, it does not mean they will become obedient. Now the court has established Gozhu in the northwest, making the situation even more complicated. The Khitan, Xian, and Turkic people are quite arrogant; it would be best for you to be more compliant.

The county lieutenant leads the third squad, and Guan Hu is the head of the capture squad, also known as the head of the apprehension squad, and is a trusted confidant of Yang Chenglie.

However, now that Erlang has taken on the role of the chief mourner, you should honestly stay here and serve as a substitute for your father in mourning for your grandfather

Therefore, the child believes that there were at least three, possibly four, people surrounding him. Moreover, the scene around the discovered corpse was too tidy and clean, unlike a site of struggle. After examining the corpse, the child felt that it must have been abandoned by someone. Given the heavy rain yesterday, the murderer could not have disposed of the body too far away. Thus, the child walked along the mountain path into the mountains and found obvious signs of a struggle at the tail of the sheep, estimating it to be the actual scene.

Yang Chenglie widened his eyes, "You know again?"

To his surprise, Yang Chenglie saw through his intentions at a glance

Upon hearing Yang Chenglie's words, Yang Shouwen realized that Yang Chenglie had already come to believe in the conjecture he had presented

If it were on the official road, the terrain is broad and not suitable for an ambush. Moreover, if the deceased was ambushed on the official road, there is a village three miles to the south and a military camp five miles to the north. The heavy rain last night came suddenly; if I were the murderer, I would never set an ambush on the official road, as it would be too easy to alert others, too easy to be discovered, and even easier for the deceased to escape

Yang Shouwen is already seventeen years old, and in four years he will be considered an adult. He is currently very eager to change everyone's perception of him and hopes to assist Yang Chenglie, at the very least to increase his significance in Yang Chenglie's eyes.

It was only Yang Chenglie who made him stand by and watch, which left him feeling somewhat displeased

The term "Liaozi" is a designation used by the Han Chinese to refer to the Khitan, Turkic, and Xianbei peoples, among others, who are categorized as non-Han ethnic groups.

Yang Chenglie suddenly felt a strong sense of curiosity. After hesitating for a long time, he softly asked: "What else have you observed?"

Fortunately, Yang Chenglie did not pursue the matter further. Instead, he gazed at the spirit tablet of Yang Dafang, tears glistening in his eyes as he softly said: "Father, Zizi has already recovered. Your many years of hard work have finally not been in vain, and you can rest assured in the underworld."

sheep's tail

He has knife wounds and sword wounds, but the fatal injury was indeed caused by an arrow.

Yang Chenglie's words carry deeper meaning beneath the surface

Guan Hu is a subordinate of Yang Chenglie and also the head of the quick-hand team in the yamen.

If it were not for the knowledge that Yang Chenglie actually cares about him, Yang Shouwen might have been very angry

After a moment, he asked again: "What else have you noticed?"

His hands were rough, with thick knuckles, giving the impression of a farmer at first glance. However, the old skin between his legs was very evident, clearly a result of long hours spent riding horses. How could a person who lived most of his life on horseback possibly be a farmer? Furthermore, he bore many wounds on his body, which, although deformed from being soaked in rain, still revealed scars from blades. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that he must have been extraordinary in life, likely a highly skilled warrior.

Yang Shouwen stared at him in astonishment, realizing that Yang Chenglie's intention was for him to continue feigning madness and not to attract attention

Qing Nu is Yang Shouwen's half-sister.

After speaking, he gestured for Yang Shouwen to come over and bowed to Yang Dafang

Achun, now that you have recovered, you should live your life well from now on and refrain from showing off or being aggressive

Yang Shouwen had no choice but to grit his teeth and agree