Chapter 3

Lu Yi furrowed his brows and succinctly issued the order: "Search him."

This summer, with great delight, Jin collected the silver and prepared to leave with Yang Yue. After taking a few steps, she stopped and turned back to look at Lu Yi, reminding him in a cheerful tone: "I do not know what you officials are looking for, but there are traces of moss on his sleeves, and his shoes are half wet. I suspect he has just been to a place very close to the river, such as under a bridge."

Four members of the Jinyiwei meticulously searched the corpse of the fortune teller, while she and Yang Yue observed coldly. They examined the body from head to toe, untying the hairdo, then proceeding to the undergarments, even cutting open the soles of the shoes to prevent any hidden items.

Half an hour later, the defense map of Jizhou, wrapped in oilcloth, was found in a recess of a bridge pier. The fortune teller's real name was Song Yongwen, who was actually a double agent hidden within the capital, specializing in collecting intelligence and selling it at a high price. Cao Ge offended his superior and was transferred away from the capital; in retaliation, he stole the defense map and sold it to Song Yongwen, and then eloped with the Qi Qiu family.

"I sell three skewers of dried tofu, and he has jumped eight times already." This summer, I looked enviously at the bare-chested man climbing onto the boat, "He can bounce around for one night, and it would be equivalent to our monthly salary. Why should we continue working as constables?"

This summer looked down upon it: "What is there to it? Practice makes perfect, at most it is just the standard of the coroner in our office, a bunch of rough men"

"Are you short on money again?" Yang Yue understood her very well

Due to her remarkable achievements in childhood, her reputation this summer has indeed become quite prominent. In the past, when neighbors mentioned her, they often appended titles such as 'demon' or 'monster.' Initially, she felt quite uncomfortable with these labels. However, one day, she happened to read a casual book in which demons and monsters were depicted as celestial beings descending to the mortal realm, feared by all, and later becoming heroes on the mountains, drinking heartily and feasting on meat. She found this portrayal quite enchanting and began to regard the titles given by her neighbors as compliments.

This summer has not yet responded, and people have already arrived in front of the stall

This summer, upon hearing the name Cao Ge, I have already come to understand something. I cannot help but let out a sigh: in just half a day's time, Cao Ge indeed could not withstand the cruel torture and was utterly exhausted.

I would like four skewers of dried tofu, two skewers with spicy sauce, and two skewers sprinkled with plum powder, the more sour the better, as my wife is craving something sour right now. The indulgent tone sends shivers down one's spine; it is none other than Sun Jixing, the eldest son of the Sun family, accompanying his wife to the night market.

Sun Jixing paid. Sun received the marinated dried tofu and blinked at her: "Oh, Jin Xia, why are you the one watching the stall? Aren't you supposed to be catching thieves?"

That place is a bit high, so he propped his feet up, supporting himself with his left hand against the wall, and reached with his right hand. Jin Xia continued, "If I am not mistaken, there will be moss debris left in the nail bed of his left hand."

She knocked her forehead hard and, feeling irritated, looked at the firewood crackling in the stove, then stuffed another handful into it

Ahem, this summer, unable to avoid the situation, raised his voice from the back: "Several officials, you should at least compensate a bit of silver, right!"

This summer, she gestured for them to look at Yang Yue beside her and retorted, "Otherwise, do you think we are just standing here... for the sake of selling dried tofu?"

Do you know again

On the river surface, in addition to the melodious painted boats, there are also performers rowing boats, with men adorned with flowers on their heads, bare-chested. If someone on the shore throws down silver coins, they immediately smile and sing a promise before climbing up the tall bamboo pole on the boat, leaping into the water, performing tricks in mid-air, either turning or doing somersaults, before finally entering the water

Lu Yi had his back to the two of them, and it was unclear whether he had heard them. He slightly turned his head, and the coldness in his peripheral gaze was as chilling as ice, causing Yang Yue, who was about to speak, to fall silent.

... cough cough ... this is a special mission. This summer, lowering her voice, she leaned closer and said, "Recently, the authorities are planning a major operation. You should avoid wandering around the streets, especially since you are pregnant; it would be even worse if you were to bump into something."

The work is done quite meticulously. Yang Yue observed and whispered to Jin Xia.

This fortune teller, armed with a poisoned dagger, is certainly not a good person. Although this summer knows that the Jinyiwei are usually heavy-handed, she still couldn't help but step forward and speak: "May I ask what crime this fortune teller has committed? Even if an interrogation is necessary, it should be..."

Lord Lu, there is none! The search has been completed, and thousands of households reported to Lu Yi.

During the more than two years as a constable, she has naturally become more restrained this summer and has written many life maxims for herself, such as: "A hero does not suffer immediate losses; a great man can bend and stretch; those who understand the times are the true talents," and so on. Her life plan is naturally aimed at the path of a true talent. Although she currently disapproves of the high-handed demeanor of the Jinyiwei, the Six Doors indeed has no authority to interfere in the cases of the Jinyiwei. She originally wanted to leave, but when her gaze fell upon the scattered tofu dregs, and thinking of her mother's expression, the maxim "People die for wealth, birds die for food" emerged at the right moment.

Oh. This summer, casually responding, "Has something been lost in the pantry again?"

At the time when the lights are turned on, the Jinshui River flows gently, reflecting countless brilliant lights along both banks

His command was such that thousands of households dared not disobey; they could only take out their money bags and throw two taels of silver to Jin Xia

Sun Jixing hurriedly assisted his wife back home, while Yang Yue watched their figures disappear into the crowd, and then turned to Jin Xia in surprise, saying: "What was the point of scaring them like that when everything was fine?"

Yang Yue had already made his move, yet someone arrived later but acted first. A shadow in green flashed by, and with a flying kick, it struck the fortune teller, causing him to spit out blood, leaving him to struggle on the ground.

After she became a constable, being considered a person of the official family, this flattering title gradually faded in the mouths of the neighbors. However, it was well known in every household that the Yuan family had a rather spirited daughter, not to mention the matchmakers. Yuan Chen's wife could not restrain her daughter, and seeing her grow day by day without anyone coming to propose, she felt quite distressed. Gritting her teeth, she thought fiercely: Once I prepare a substantial dowry, I need not worry about suitors coming to seek my daughter!

At present, what is most pressing for this summer is not a matter of military or national significance, but rather the ruined tofu stall right in front of her. Thus, she spoke again, her tone sincere and straightforward: "Sir, these tofu pieces of mine are actually not expensive; just two taels of silver would suffice."

Aren't you cold

Hello! You ... ...

Meanwhile, four individuals arrived, all dressed in the uniform of the Jinyiwei, wearing blue long robes, leather belts, and black boots. They approached Lu Yi, respectfully saluted, and reported: "Lord Lu, Cao Ge is dead"

This summer, Xia was leaning against the small stone lion by the bridge railing, listlessly guarding the stall selling marinated tofu, listening to the sounds of silk and bamboo music and the bustling voices coming from the nearby restaurant, her gaze fixed on the surface of the river. She had originally come to help, but her mother, perhaps having caught a chill last night, was troubled by various matters, and her head had been aching persistently. Xia urged her to go home and rest, but Mrs. Yuan was worried about her watching the stall. Xia had no choice but to swear and assure her in every possible way that she would faithfully guard the stall and not meddle in anything else. Mrs. Yuan repeated her instructions several times before finally leaving, turning back to look three times as she headed home to rest.

Qian Baihu was about to step forward and make a move, but was stopped by Lu Yi with a dismissive wave of his hand

Lu Yi turned his head again. Although he did not speak, the cold glint in his eyes was very clear: shut up

A thousand households of evil figures shouted at her

"I have long said that they are a bunch of brutes, only knowing how to fight and kill, unworthy of being on the stage." She expressed her disdain for the style of the Jinyiwei as she walked, speaking to Yang Yue. "If they were capable of doing something, we wouldn't have to go to the Ministry of War's Office tomorrow morning."

Be careful! Yang Yue was greatly alarmed and rushed forward

In her view, in terms of appearance, Lu Yi should resemble his mother, lacking in majesty but abundant in elegance, while only his pair of eyes closely resembles his father, displaying an unperturbed expression, a calmness that belies his young age, and an added touch of coolness.

The demeanor of the Grand Commander of the Jinyiwei, which I had the privilege to witness this summer, is remarkable. Lu Bing possesses striking features with sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, and flowing long whiskers, exuding an air of elegance. His gaze is captivating, commanding respect without anger, and is truly imposing.

Did you see that diving juggler? This summer, Nunu pouted.

Previously, Yang Yue mentioned that the Ministry of War's Office had lost something, and Cao Ge is indeed from the Ministry of War. This summer, she had already vaguely guessed the situation, but it was inconvenient to speak out, so she said: "This goes without saying; it must be a major case concerning national affairs."

By saving on these expenses, the dowry can also be recouped

Her voice was both crisp and bright, making it hard for anyone to ignore. At this moment, not only Lu Yi, but even a group of the Jinyiwei had turned their attention to her.

Two servings of dried tofu, with chili oil added!" a voice with a smile said

This affectionate couple parades in front of my mother, and when she returns home, she will complain to me endlessly. I cannot retort, which truly makes life feel suffocating.

As she spoke, the bare-chested man leaped down from the high bar with a beautiful backflip, tucking his knees and performing three somersaults before plunging into the water with a splash... It was indeed the chilly early spring, and although the river surface had not frozen, the water was piercingly cold. Yang Yue couldn't help but shrink his neck, shivering on behalf of that man

She tried her best to make her voice sound a bit tearful, ideally with a pitiful effect: "Sir, you can't ruin my stall while handling the case!"

The poison was indeed tyrannical; in the blink of an eye, the fortune teller spat out black blood and met his demise

The fortune teller was sweating profusely from the pain, not knowing what to do

The riverside restaurant stands in close proximity, while a row of small stalls and vendors is set up at the street corner by the bridge

Regarding the issue of silver, Jin Xia has always been very resilient this summer, unwavering: "If I lose money, I will leave; otherwise, I cannot explain myself to my mother"

She had only spoken halfway when Lu Yi did not even raise his eyelids. His clothing swayed, revealing the waist badge of the Jinyiwei tied at his waist, and he coldly said: "The government is handling a case, and idle people should stand aside"

Sun Jixing immediately became anxious upon hearing this: "Really?!"

In today's world, among those in high positions of power, aside from the lofty and devoted Sejong, only two remain. One is Yan Song, the Prime Minister, who forms factions and engages in self-serving practices within the court, needless to say. The other is Lu Bing, the highest commander of the Jinyiwei, who grew up alongside Sejong as a close friend and even risked his life to rescue Sejong from a fire. Their relationship can be described in one word as iron, in two words as solid porcelain, and in three words as beyond doubt. Strictly speaking, Lu Bing is considered a decent official; although he eliminates rivals and holds great power, he at least fulfills his duties and has indeed rectified many wrongful cases in the imperial prison. However, it is well known throughout the court that he is on good terms with Yan Song.

Despite being very reluctant to raise her eyes, she quickly prepared the tofu and handed it over, expressionless, saying: "Four copper coins, thank you"

She anxiously pinched her brow, when suddenly she heard a commotion from the crowd on her left. Just as she was about to stretch her neck to look, she saw a man wearing a flowing scarf and a three-trimmed robe stumble through the pedestrians and crash heavily onto her tofu stand, causing the marinated tofu to scatter all over the ground, with various sauces splattering everywhere

Lu Yi furrowed his brow in annoyance and pointed at the fortune teller, saying: "Take him back to the imperial prison"

In order to save for her dowry, Yuan Chen sold tofu during the day and dried tofu at night, which was quite arduous. This summer, burdened by her reputation as a significant financial liability, she had no say in the matter and could only desperately try to catch thieves, which was also very challenging

Upon seeing the visitor was a member of the Jinyiwei, the surrounding onlookers, no matter how curious they were, dared not continue to watch and quietly dispersed in silence. The once lively scene at the Xinfeng Bridge soon became desolate and quiet.

Lu Yi cast a glance at her, then knelt down on one knee to inspect. Indeed, there were traces of moss rubbed on both the left and right sleeves of the fortune teller.

It has come to my attention that Mother has taken a liking to the third son of the Yi family. My first reaction this summer was to wonder just how much dowry Mother has saved up to catch the Yi family's interest. Upon further reflection, Mother's idea is indeed a long-term solution: if she marries into the Yi family, as a brother-in-law, Yuan Yi's tuition fees for the next few years could be entirely saved, and the expenses for summer ice and winter coal would also be eliminated, which indeed amounts to a considerable sum.

Lu Yi carefully examined the left hand of the corpse, and indeed found a few specks of green in the crevices of the middle finger, appearing contemplative

All the people are dead, and the things have been found. What business do we have left? This summer, thinking about it again, I feel a bit regretful, if I had known earlier that Cao Ge was colluding with the enemy, the reward should have been higher!

The newcomer was dressed in a bamboo green silk robe with gold embroidery, complemented by a plain belt, exuding an air of elegance and neatness. One foot was placed firmly on the wrist of the fortune teller holding a dagger, and the tone was as cold as if it were seeping with a hint of chill.

Where is the secret message hidden

Give her the silver and let them leave! At this critical moment, Lu Yi was clearly unwilling to create more trouble, and even less inclined to see irrelevant bystanders again

Meanwhile, one of the thousand households said to Lu Yi with a worried expression: "Both individuals are dead, and we cannot find the map. The governor's side..."

You ... ...

This summer, I came to my senses and looked up to see Yang Yue, and I wondered, "How did you know I was here?"

Would you find silver cold?

The young man in the green shirt before us this summer is none other than Lu Bing's son, Lu Yi. Lu Bing hails from a background as a martial champion, and it is said that Lu Yi possesses martial skills that rival those of his father, making him one of the top experts within the Jinyiwei.

No one responded, perhaps no one heard at all

This life has changed so suddenly that even this summer, with quick reflexes, managed to sidestep just in time, causing the dagger to slice off half of her sleeve at an angle

The case has concluded, and the commander of the Jinyiwei, Lu Bing, entered the palace late at night. The Emperor Sejong, still harboring anger, ordered the dismissal of the Minister of War, the Left Deputy Minister of War, and the Right Deputy Minister of War, stripping them of one year's salary.

This summer, I looked down at a pile of tofu dried in brine, resembling small hills, and wondered when it would ever sell out, letting out a long sigh

I just sent two salted fish to your house and happened to run into your mother, so I handed over your business trip allowance to her. She said you are here watching the stall. Yang Yue was not being polite and took the initiative to scoop up a skewer of dried tofu, drizzling it with spicy oil. My father said that tomorrow morning he wants us to accompany him to the Ministry of War's Office.

Lu Yi's foot slightly twisted, applying a bit of force, and Jin Xia felt as if she could even hear the sound of the fortune teller's wrist bones cracking.

"What do you think they are looking for?" Driven by the instincts of a constable, Yang Yue asked Jin Xia in a lowered voice.

I ... ... really ... ... do not know ! '' The voice of the fortune teller was extremely mournful

You are asking for trouble! Hurry up and get lost!

The fortune teller, well aware of the terrifying nature of the imperial prison, suddenly turned pale and, with a sudden burst of strength, rose up and struggled, not to escape, but to throw himself upon the poisoned dagger...

"Only a ghost would know," Yang Yue followed her gaze and looked at the river surface, asking curiously, "What are you looking at?"

This young man in a blue shirt is recognized this summer

This summer, having understood, he turned and left, carrying two taels of silver, his steps much lighter than usual

Two taels of silver will suffice. This summer, with a smile, signaled for them to look at the scattered pieces of marinated tofu.

Seeing that he was still holding a pair of golden copper bells, it was evident that he was a street fortune teller. This summer, as he reached out to pull her, unexpectedly the fortune teller swung his hand back, revealing a gleaming long dagger from his sleeve, its blue light cold and unmistakably coated with deadly poison on the blade.