Chapter 2

This area is inhabited by the common folk, such as dung collectors, porters, and coal ball shakers... There are people from all walks of life. It is advisable to seek shade under the trees, as there were already people there earlier. A woman, who often sets up a stall selling fried dough and peanut beans at the Dongyue Temple, was there with her grandson, with a small basin in front of her, not sure what she was tinkering with. Upon seeing her, I smiled and said, "Tree, do you have work again today?"

Her master has strict rules; one must leave the mountain and make a name for oneself by the age of twenty. She is seventeen this year, so she still has three years to go. She can only do trivial tasks, but inheriting the mantle on the execution ground is certainly out of the question. Xia Zhi is right; it is time to seek a way out, but where is the way out? Since she turned six, she has not worn a skirt, and she knows nothing of women's needlework or domestic skills. She does not even dare to entertain the thought of marrying someone and living a good life.

At the summer solstice, she was still in a daze when she heard the words and received a hit to the back of her head. "You little rascal, getting so bold, teaching your senior brother a lesson, just wait and see if I don't get you." The two brothers chased each other around the courtyard, a daily routine performance.

Caishikou is located outside Xuanwumen, where the executioner's ghost-headed knife is displayed on the city gate tower, available for use upon request. Those who have not taken on apprentices must personally bow in respect, while those who have taken on apprentices may have their apprentices do so on their behalf. It is advisable for Ding Yi and Xia Zhi to go up the tower together, supporting each other as they lean over the city wall to look down. "Wasn't it said that a prince would oversee the execution? Why haven't I seen a single one?"

However, a door cannot block the arrival of the summer solstice; he comes and goes freely, just like today when the master is not present. She dozed off during the afternoon nap, lost in a dream, when he came in and woke her up

On the summer solstice, I poked the handle of a fan into my neck and rubbed it a bit, leaning over to eavesdrop. "Why do I keep hearing you dream about calling for your wife? It's one thing for someone to have big dreams about their future spouse, but isn't it a bit early to be pondering such matters since you were twelve or thirteen?"

He reported the name in a muddled manner, confirming its accuracy. The officials outside did not delay, directly coming up to take the person, pulling and tugging as they called out the number.

As death approaches, who can still eat! Not being able to eat is of no consequence; the jailer merely wipes the sauce from the pork knuckle on his lips to signify that he has eaten. The chopsticks are snapped and thrown away, and then he is taken to the execution cart heading to Caishikou.

She experienced the devastation of her family in her childhood, and later entered this profession. Having become accustomed to the rise and fall of the political arena and the fluctuations of the bureaucratic world, she seems indifferent to everything. She turned her head and asked, "How many will be dealt with tomorrow?"

His grandmother nodded, "If the emperor does not give it to grandmother, you drink it. After drinking, we will buy it right away."

After all, it is a good job, but the first few times seeing blood made her dizzy. A person's body is like a water bag; when it bursts, the water inside spills out all at once, and it cannot be picked up. She had never seen so much blood; in the countryside, when pigs are slaughtered, they use a basin to catch it, but there is nothing like that for killing a person. With one knife, blood splatters five steps away. At that time, her senior brother teased her, saying she was small and her bottom was heavy, and when he tried to pull her, she refused to move. In reality, she was just scared silly.

It is advisable to follow the constables into the cell to count the heads. A minister who once held a high position and wielded great power has now become a prisoner, illustrating how honor and disgrace can change in an instant. Encountering such a criminal always reminds one of her father; looking at the ragged person inside evokes a myriad of emotions.

The three young men emerged, bowing and apologizing, asking Uncle Wu to calm down. The troubles brought by the summer solstice have been ongoing for more than a day or two, and everyone has grown accustomed to it. Ding Yi, impatient with their quarrels, stepped out under the blazing sun to wait for someone. Across the street stood a hundred-year-old locust tree, its branches lush and green in July, with clusters of purplish-red flower buds hanging down, and the air was filled with a fragrant breeze for miles.

In the main hall, Shuntian Prefecture had to inquire once more, but he did not respond, and the escorting officers answered on his behalf. The court was busy preparing the summons, while the executioners waited under the eaves. It was advisable to glance at Xia Zhi; among the three prisoners in the hall, one was assigned to him. He secretly glanced several times, becoming increasingly anxious, his legs trembling uncontrollably beneath his trousers.

As the sky grew darker, she looked outside and asked, "Has Master not returned yet?"

It is said that a tight throat is best treated with traditional remedies, and the elderly often have their own tricks. It is rumored that consuming toad bones prevents sores, though one cannot be sure of its reliability. In any case, this knowledge has been passed down through generations, and nearly every child in the village has swallowed them whole at some point in their childhood

The child was persuaded and asked in a childish voice, "Really? A reward of a big knife?"

At present, the officials have also become a bit more courteous in their speech. Upon opening the prison door, one of them bowed and said, "Master An, the case has been resolved today, and I extend my congratulations to you."

The master had a bit too much to drink the night before, resulting in a restless sleep, and with two swollen eyelids, he instructed Xia Zhi, "One must have a clear mind and steady hands. Later, have Xiao Shu prepare to go up, with a piece of old ginger in hand. Even if the King of Heaven himself were to come, one must not tremble."

He pondered to himself, but only smiled. At this moment, there was a commotion inside; the prisoner, bound hand and foot, was about to be taken out for execution. Outside, three cannon shots were fired, and the prisoner exited through the White Tiger Gate. Outside, there was an Eight Immortals table set up, on which was a farewell meal prepared by the yamen, consisting of a package of braised pork knuckle and a pound of large pancakes, inviting him to eat and drink, so that he would be well-fed for the journey ahead

Everyone in the neighborhood was familiar with her, and she smiled in response. Leaning closer to take a look, there were over ten tadpoles in the basin, and three more in the bowl. The old lady brought the bowl close to the child's mouth, but the child was unwilling. She coaxed and deceived, saying, "This is a good thing. Do you know why the emperor can be the emperor? It's because he dares to eat this! The emperor said, whoever eats this will become a general, lead troops, and even be rewarded with a big knife. That knife is beautiful, a hundred times better than your slingshot..." The emperor said, whoever eats this will become a general, lead troops, and even be rewarded with a big knife. That knife is beautiful, a hundred times better than your slingshot..."

The next day, rising early, having bathed and burned incense, the master stood at the door like a formidable figure, blocking half the sunlight, resembling the Guardian King of Growth in a temple. Wu Chang-geng, a man in his forties, was all alone. Having lost two wives in succession, he no longer wished to think about such matters. In his words, "For those of us in this line of work, starting a family is a disaster. Carrying the lives of over a hundred people on our backs, we bear no sins in the mortal world, but the accounts are kept in the underworld!" He was fortunate to have no children, taking on two apprentices, who would handle his funeral arrangements in the future. In his words, "For those of us in this line of work, starting a family is a disaster. Carrying the lives of over a hundred people on our backs, we bear no sins in the mortal world, but the accounts are kept in the underworld!" He was fortunate to have no children, taking on two apprentices, who would handle his funeral arrangements in the future.

As one gazes into the distance, a grand procession approaches from afar. Due to the cleared path, the onlookers are held back on either side, while the horses and riders in the center are unimpeded, appearing even more arrogant. The sight of these noble and affluent individuals evokes memories of the Duke of Zhuang, who captured her father; he was a prince from the older generation, seemingly possessing some sense of humanity. Nowadays, these are all the grandchildren of the retired emperor, peers of the current emperor, each one spoiled and arrogant, suggesting that they have not been raised to possess good character.

On the summer solstice, I steadied my mind, feeling somewhat enlightened about the worldly affairs. "Once you have chosen this path, there is no turning back. Little tree, if you have a way out before turning twenty, then change your profession. This job... is not meant for humans."

Shuntian Prefecture is located to the north of Gulou East Street, and one must walk along Chengzi Road from Tongfu Alley, which takes about two quarters of an hour by carriage. Although the person to be executed today has been interrogated and the palace has approved the execution, it is still necessary to go through the formalities before the execution takes place.

She held the large knife tightly in her arms, feeling a whirlwind of emotions within her. The Wen family had served the court since the change of dynasties, and in the end, their rise was due to them, and their fall was also due to them. Now, reflecting on it all, it truly evokes a sense of sorrow and chill.

Wu Chang-geng has a fiery temper and shouted into the house: "Sanqingzi, take care of your woman. Do you understand the rules? If you don't, your grandfather will teach you!" Today, he is on duty, and just before leaving, a woman splashed water on him, which put him in a bad mood.

She shook her head, "I can't eat it, let's set it aside for now"

"You don't often say 'the sky is the oldest', are you the second? What are you afraid of?" Ding Yi patted him on the shoulder, "What the master hasn't told you, you must strive for yourself, make a name for yourself with a single stroke, and you will make your way in the circle. Don't waste such a good opportunity; by the time I turn twenty, who knows if there will be such good fortune! However, there is one thing you must remember: how did the crooked knife Liu get his name? He closed his eyes when he swung the knife, and ended up slicing off half of someone's head, nearly getting eaten alive by the victim's family. But there is one thing you must remember: how did the crooked knife Liu get his name? He closed his eyes when he swung the knife, and ended up slicing off half of someone's head, nearly getting eaten alive by the victim's family. You must keep your eyes wide open; if you tarnish the master's reputation, I will be the first to not spare you"

"Of course not." At the summer solstice, Xia Zhi sat on a rattan chair, picking at a piece of bamboo to clean his teeth. While doing so, he remarked, "Even the Emperor is afraid now; why wait until autumn? We need to act quickly. The more people bite, the more we must investigate thoroughly. Is the court still engaged in business? Let's select a few key figures and conclude the case. The old saying goes, 'Clear waters have no fish.' The Emperor understands this better than we do."

She sighed and turned the wheel, the well water was cool in the summer, and as the cloth covered her face, she felt a jolt, her mind became clear again

Xiazhi raised three fingers, "Tomorrow I will go to sea for the first time, and in my heart..." He shook his head, "The master said we need to make a big plan. Among those overseeing the execution, there are high-ranking officials and princes. If the task is accomplished well, I can leave the mountains; if not, even the master's reputation will be tarnished."

The master treated her well, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to filial piety and service, but the secret must not be discovered by others. Where would a girl learn to be an executioner? If word got out, would she ever marry in this lifetime? She had no choice; she had learned masonry and carpentry, and was quick to pick things up, but after all, she was a girl—how could she manage? It was the wet nurse's husband who mentioned it casually, saying that Wu Chang-geng's skills were excellent and that he could work until the age of sixty. Executing someone is like chopping vegetables; it requires little effort. Every year, after the autumn harvest, the nine ministers of the Dali Temple, the Censorate, and the Ministry of Justice would hold a joint review, and there would be a group of people sentenced to death before the winter solstice. That was the busy time, with ten or dozens executed in a single day. Usually, there were few executions; when the magistrate said, "Come, take him out and execute him on the spot," it was a rare occurrence. As for the apprentices, they received a small stipend and spent their idle time doing minor tasks.

On the summer solstice, a loud sigh escaped, yet deep down there was a sense of emptiness, accompanied by a morbid excitement throughout the morning. In their courtyard, there were two other households, also working in the Shuntian Prefecture. One of them, nicknamed Sanqingzi, had his wife become pregnant shortly after their marriage. He often enjoyed teasing others, and when he went out, he would shout: "Sanqingzi, go back inside and have a bite, suck on some milk beans, it's time to get moving!" No sooner had the words left his mouth than a basin of water was splashed out from inside the door, soaking the tops of his shoes.

After all, a person who has witnessed grand occasions does not display a cowardly demeanor of weeping and wailing. An Ba Lingwu emerged from the cell, shackled with chains on his body and fetters on his feet, standing at the door of the detention room waiting for the handover. Ding Yi, holding the register, inquired: "What is your name?"

At the summer solstice, incense was offered, and one remarked: "Who would want to stare at a death row inmate? Just standing on the stage and watching heads roll from a distance is enough; it’s not like we are servants of the Crane Year Hall. Getting closer would only bring misfortune, wouldn’t it? The princes are all particular people; they don’t enter the Shuntian Prefecture court but go straight to the execution ground, sitting under the big cool shed..." With a sigh, he pointed into the distance, "Isn’t that them coming!"

If there were any way, no one could do this. She is anxious to leave Sanhe County, and as the girl grows older without anyone to protect her, the wet nurse's family has a foolish son. If she accidentally reveals her situation, the only outcome would be to become a wife to the fool

The summer solstice passed quietly, "The jailer’s daughter got married and received a dowry, it would be a loss if we don’t eat it back. Are you hungry? Dinner is ready, get up and eat!"

She ignored him and got up to fetch water from the well outside to wash her face. As she lowered the bucket, it bumped against something. Looking up at the moon in the sky, she saw a head floating on the water's surface, which startled her greatly. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a melon, with its vine trailing behind like a braid.

The Anbalin case is quite significant, she said while sniffing, involving so many people. If we investigate further, we might empty half of the British Empire.

An Ba Lingwu served as the Governor of the Jiangnan River System, holding the rank of a second-class official, and was responsible for the dredging and embankment of the rivers in Jiangsu. The dredging and road construction were quite profitable, and he kept a muddled account of the expenses, pocketing some for himself. As a result, the newly constructed river channel flooded during the summer rains, causing severe disasters for the people on both banks. When the court investigated, the amount of corruption was substantial. It was one thing to be greedy for oneself, but he even dared to "collude" with others. Not executing him would not suffice to quell the emperor's immense anger, so without waiting for autumn, it was decided to swiftly execute him.

Her senior, named Xia Zhi, is a headstrong young man who tends to take a roundabout way of doing things and speaks in a manner that is sometimes lofty and sometimes down-to-earth. By the time she arrived, he had already been learning for two years. Although he is not very reliable, he is quite sincere towards those close to him. Over the years, he has looked out for her in every way. When she first arrived, they shared a room, but as time went on, she mentioned to the master a couple of times that she found his teeth grinding at night bothersome. She then tidied up a room filled with clutter and moved in there, finally enjoying some peace and quiet.

The child listened and took it over to drink. That thing was a living creature, struggling as it entered the mouth. The child did not understand and naturally chewed it a couple of times, feeling startled, only to realize that the bowl of porridge from the morning was churning in the throat, almost causing him to vomit. He quickly turned his head and saw the master and Xia Zhi coming out, hurriedly welcoming them.

Who would a serious person be willing to marry a butcher?

It is appropriate to stand aside with a burden and mock him, "Well, who told you to be so talkative!"

"Senior brother, are you afraid?" She turned her gaze to the bright sky outside the eaves, shook her head, and said, "It's too late to be afraid. Just do your best and don't make others suffer; consider it a good deed on your part."