Chapter One, Children of the Jianghu

Mo Yan, grinding ink... Zhan Zhao smiled slightly and said: "Miss Mo, the green moss on my clothes did not come from the roof, but rather from inadvertently brushing against it in the garden of the Eighth Prince's residence"

The monthly salary is three taels

He raised his head proudly and said, "Is my lightness skill something I practiced for nothing! I have already shaken them off.

Mo Yan smiled and said, "Don't worry, with my limited abilities, I won't cause any major trouble."

"Constable?" Mo Yan tilted her head and thought for a moment, "It may be a bit small, but as long as it is effective, that's all that matters"

I just woke up yesterday and discovered a package on the table, but I haven't had the chance to see what it is yet. At that moment, the illustrious and formidable Lord Zhan entered, and I still wanted to know what was going on!

The young lady wishes to see the letter; she may speak frankly to this office. Why must she sneak into Kaifeng at night

"What discoveries have you made, young lady?" Bao Zheng inquired

At noon, the Jin Feng Restaurant was filled with guests, laughter and chatter echoing throughout the establishment

Miss Mo!" Zhang Zhao sheathed his sword, his starry eyes filled with anger, "What is your purpose in breaking into Kaifeng at night?"

Have you had a falling out with him?" the shopkeeper asked cautiously

"How much silver does this constable earn per month?" she asked him, looking up.

Are you here to break into the prison?

Mo Yan bit her lip, clearly dissatisfied, yet feeling powerless. After pondering for a while, she said: "Lord Bao, may I go to the scene of the incident? Also, I would like to see my senior brother."

This ... ... Lord Zhang repeatedly stated that matters concerning your office should not involve me. I think you probably would not be willing to show me the letter either. Moreover ... ... " she said with a smile, " Lord Bao is busy with countless affairs, and I do not wish to trouble you over such trivial matters, so I simply came myself.

What the young lady said is incorrect; the one who died was a third-rank official of the court. The matters of the officialdom are intricate and complex, not something that outsiders like you can understand or should be told about.

Thank you, my lord

Since Mo Yan is already a constable, she naturally cannot be deprived of her sword. As Zhan Zhao saw Mo Yan walking out gracefully, completely forgetting that her sword was still in his hand, he had no choice but to catch up and hand it to her

Apart from there, have you been to other places

"You said during the day that someone left a letter asking you to capture my senior brother, so... I just want to see if there are any clues in that letter," Mo Yan said with an innocent expression. "I just intend to take a look, I'm not here to steal anything, you all need not be so cautious."

The evidence is conclusive

Hey! What’s going on? Why don’t you say something!" Mo Yan urged him

Fifth Brother! As soon as Mo Yan entered the door, she saw Li Xu. He was sitting in the sunlit area of the cell, idly combing his hair with his fingers.

"How many days?" Li Xu gritted his teeth, "I have waited for you for more than twenty days, and I have spent all my money."

Miss, please come in quickly! Be careful not to let the lamp wicks attract dust and blind your eyes!" The young waiter greeted her with a beaming smile.

Bao Zheng, however, was not angry; he merely smiled slightly and said, "Since the young lady has said so, this office has nothing more to say. The words of Guard Zhan are indeed correct; matters of the court cannot allow outsiders to interfere. The young lady should take care; if it hinders official business, do not blame this office for being unyielding."

"Not only is he a martial artist, but he is also a swordsman," Mo Yan said with a slight smile. "Although the characters are ugly, the strokes are powerful and fluid, and the wrist movement is quite decisive. However, the tail guard is sometimes present and sometimes absent. In the Eastern Han dynasty, Cai Yong's 'Nine Forces' states: 'The tail guard must be firmly controlled at the end of the strokes.' This person does not know how to guard the tail, which is likely due to being misled by his sword practice, indicating that the sword techniques he has learned must be one-way, with no room for retreat.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, a faint sound suddenly came from behind. Wang Chao's figure stiffened as he quickly turned to look, but found nothing unusual.

I am also helpless; the horse has injured its leg, and I cannot ride it. After walking for half a day, I still have to rest for half a day. " Mo Yan rubbed her head in frustration, "By the way, what exactly happened? How did that guy from the Suzhou Weaving Bureau die?"

How would I know how he died? In any case, I didn't kill him! Now these court officials, those good-for-nothings..." Li Xu particularly emphasized the words "good-for-nothings," glancing sideways at Zhan Zhao as he spoke, "It's simply a disregard for human life, randomly arresting someone just to report back, and after I am dealt with, they can then claim their rewards.

Zhan Zhao smiled and said: "Zhan is merely a humble warrior, it is truly a pity for you, sir."

Mo Yan stood in the area, observing the surrounding situation where weapons were drawn against each other, feeling utterly helpless. With a bitter expression, he said: "If I were to say it is a misunderstanding, would you believe me or not"

Just a moment of hesitation, and then Zhang Zhao leaped out closely behind, like a giant thunderbolt, heading straight for the entrance

I originally did not know! She looked at them, her gaze shifting, light shimmering: "It was you who told me!"

The officer ordered Mo Yan to be escorted out through the corner gate, while Zhan Zhao returned to the outer study to report in detail.

The masked black scarf gracefully falls to the ground

He slightly furrowed his brow and said, "I don't know; he only left a letter."

Zhan Zhao stepped forward and exchanged a few brief words with the guard, who readily opened the prison door, allowing them to descend

No

Zhan Zhao stood quietly beside, holding his sword, with his eyes lowered and an expression that revealed no emotion.

How is it my fault! I only arrived a few days late

Mo Yan smiled gently and nodded: "That's about right, but you missed a few items: there are also golden dragon grass, evening fragrance, and two green seedlings at the base of the wall, but they haven't been well taken care of, so they are likely to wither. The flowering plant is also the green vine, its flowers are small and it winds around the pine tree, I suppose you didn't notice it."

"You wrongfully accuse me of stealing, but I did not steal!" Mo Yan said with grievance, "I have already said, I just wanted to take a look at that letter. There are not many things in the Kaifeng Prefecture that I find appealing..." Her gaze slipped past the giant sword in Zhan Zhao's hand, "It is the only thing I find worthy."

It is Lord Zhan Zhao of the Kaifeng Prefecture, a fourth-rank sword-bearing guard in the imperial court. His skills are..." The shop assistant raised his thumb in admiration, yet he did not notice the expression of the guest beside him

What brings this young lady here?" Zhang Zhao observed Mo Yan's travel-worn appearance, which was unlike that of a person from the capital.

Mo Yan scratched her ear and smiled, "I didn't expect that. Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Xiao Qi! You must not be reckless!" Li Xu said seriously, "Taking care of yourself is what matters!"

In the distance, the sound of the gong can be heard striking three times

She frowned: "Only three or two silver coins..."

This is merely a conjecture of this office. Bao Zheng's brow furrowed even tighter.

Oh! Through the wooden gaps of the cell, she received a hard glance from Li Xu.

Mo Yan took off the deer skin gloves and walked in: "I would like to stay here! I need a room. By the way, could you find out for me if there is a person named Li Xu from Shu who is staying here?"

The nearby Wang Chao Ma Han couldn't help but laugh; this letter had no name, no signature, and no address, making it impossible to trace its origin, and she naturally would not know.

"That being said, my senior brother must have been targeted by someone before," she frowned and pondered for a while, then asked Li Xu, "Since you arrived in the capital, have you ever stolen anything?"

This restaurant is one of the largest inns in Kaifeng Prefecture, thriving in business with a constant flow of guests, keeping the attendants busy to the point of spinning around, even on a cool autumn day, they are drenched in sweat under their inner garments

Hearing this, Bao Zheng smiled faintly and said, "No wonder it is said that talents emerge in every generation; this statement is indeed true. Unfortunately, how many can truly be utilized by the court?" Among the ministers in the court, only a handful have gained the emperor's favor through their genuine talents and knowledge, while among those in high positions of power, how many are truly devoted to the prosperity of the Song dynasty? Reflecting on this, he felt a deep sense of frustration in his chest and could not help but let out a long sigh

It was precisely afternoon, and at the entrance of Kaifeng Prefecture, two constables were feeling the drowsiness of autumn, yawning one after another, yet they did not dare to be too obvious. Their mouths were slightly ajar, and most of the breath they exhaled came through their noses.

As we spoke, we turned a corner and passed through an iron gate, and the Kaifeng prison appeared before us. Although it is called a prison, in fact, this facility is not large, consisting of only four or five cells, and it is merely a temporary holding place for prisoners who have not yet been tried; those who have been tried are sent to the Dali Temple.

Rest assured, I heard that this person was arrested last night and is most likely now in the prison of Kaifeng Prefecture

"Miss has a good memory, I, Zhan, feel quite ashamed." Zhan Zhao looked at her and said with a smile. It was only at this moment that he noticed that although this young lady was not particularly attractive, her eyes were as bright as polished lacquer, shining brilliantly.

"Young lady, with such abilities, have you ever considered serving the court?" he inquired

Li Xu's hair was painfully tugged by her, yet he stubbornly remained silent. In truth, it was not that he did not want to speak; it was simply that with Zhan Zhao present, how could he possibly admit to having stolen anything in front of this cat.

Bao Zheng did not think it was a nuisance, and still asked, "Is there any clue?"

Mo Yan shook her head and sighed, saying: "Fifth Brother, I have long said that you sleep like the dead, yet you still refuse to admit it! You don't even know when someone comes in! ... Lord Zhan, how did you know that the item is with my senior brother?"

On the way to the prison with Mo Yan, Zhang Zhao inquired.

To capture the criminal, Jin Feng Tian Zi No. 2

As soon as the words were spoken, Zhan Zhao furrowed his brows slightly and thought to himself: This girl truly has no filter; with just this one sentence, she has offended everyone in the room.

Mo Yan bowed respectfully to Bao Zheng, then followed Zhan Zhao as he stepped out.

Mo Yan was taken aback: "No way? How could he be caught? What did he do wrong?"

She turned her head and smiled, saying, "What do I follow you for? Besides, I only arrived in the capital at noon."

"Well... I suppose so," she replied ambiguously, nodding her head.

Everyone was taken aback; not to mention Zhang Zhao, even Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce, who entered and exited this place several times a day, would not dare to claim they remembered these everyday objects clearly

Miss Mo, your sword

As he watched him leave, Bao Zheng sighed, "This time, the corruption in Jiangnan has only just begun, and already a third-rank official has died. Thinking of what is to come in the future truly fills this office with dread"

Gongsun Ce understood what Bao Zheng was thinking and knew that he could not help but feel troubled, so he changed the subject and smiled at Zhao Zhan, saying: "Has that young lady returned?"

Upon this thought, she raised her head and smiled broadly, saying: "Lord Bao, is there still a vacancy in your Kaifeng Prefecture? I have been idle lately, so why not lend you a hand."

Adult

May I ask for your esteemed name, young lady

My surname is Mo, and my given name consists of a single character, Yan, which means to grind ink.

She smiled gently as she handed the reins to the waiter, instructing, "This horse has injured its hind leg; please take good care of it and find a doctor to examine it."

"No." He glanced at her sideways, "This cursed place in the capital is not fun at all. If it weren't for waiting for you, I would have left long ago."

Mo Yan expressed dissatisfaction, saying: "Even without entering the public office, I can still uncover the truth."

Shh! The shopkeeper quickly urged her to be silent, and then spoke to her in a low voice, "This person, miss, it would be better not to inquire about him."

Li Xu ... ... in Shu ... ... "The shop assistant was taken aback, his expression strange, and he suddenly lowered his voice, asking, 'Is he square-faced with a handlebar mustache?'"

What happened? "Bao Zheng paused and asked.

After a short while, Zhan Zhao lifted the curtain and called her to enter

Hurry up! Mo Yan reached out from the gap and tugged at his hair, saying, "What are you pretending to be, a dashing hero, at this moment!"

She said that Li Xu is her senior apprentice

The people beside Wang Chao and others, upon hearing his question, understood his intention and were all taken aback, thinking to themselves: Even though this young lady is clever and quick-witted, she is still a young girl and a person from the rivers and lakes; how could she be allowed to enter the public office to work

He is not wearing official robes," Mo Yan replied as a matter of course, and then continued, "Dragon's saliva is the most delicate; if it is tainted with other fragrances, it will no longer possess this elegance. If Lord Zhan has eaten, the aroma of the food would overshadow the fragrance I am currently perceiving.

She shook her head and laughed, saying: "Robbing a prison is not good; robbing a execution ground is much more scenic!"

The Great Meaning of the Criminal Code

Miss, please take a seat

Zhan Zhao smiled; he indeed had visited the residence of the Eighth Prince, but he had not paid attention to the lingering scent of ambergris on his body

"It's just a cat!" Mo Yan murmured softly as she quickly returned to the inn

"Be careful, it has a bit of a temper," Mo Yan reminded, instinctively rubbing the bruise on her shoulder

As I was about to open the drawer, I suddenly heard the door slam open with a bang, and a beam of sword light, like flowing mercury, shot straight towards me

Outside, the blades gleamed like snow, with figures such as Wang Chao and Ma Han standing with their swords drawn, having awaited their moment in that place for an unknown duration

Bao Zheng then stood up and said to the officials, "Tomorrow, I will issue a notice for her. It is late now, and everyone should rest early."

Bao Zheng shook his head: "In the capital city, beneath the feet of the Son of Heaven, it is naturally the sovereign who has the final say"

The shop assistant was speechless, silently lowering his head to wipe the table

Although you did not say it out loud, your eyes convey that meaning

This is the place!

So, it means that it was still discovered by someone—Mo Yan thought for a moment: "Zhang Yaozuo, isn't he the San Si Shi?"

Bao Zheng stood up, and a ray of sunlight streamed in through the window, falling upon the paper and ink on the desk, slightly dazzling.

Bao Zheng smiled faintly: "This Kaifeng is the capital city, and for someone to enter the Kaifeng Prefecture, it is certainly not an easy matter"

The door to the outer study has been locked, and the man in black does not touch the lock. Instead, he takes out a small silver hairpin from his bosom, reaches through the gap of the nearby window, and with a gentle flick, the window is opened

Upon hearing this, Li Xu let out a cold snort again

"By the way, Lord Zhan!" she asked with concern, "You captured my senior brother, you... you didn't hurt him, did you?"

As the two emerged from the cell and entered the outer chamber, she looked up at Zhan Zhao and softly asked, "If we cannot capture the one who framed us, does that mean my senior brother is doomed to die?"

Listening to his reasoning, she hesitated for a moment, biting her lip as she pondered for a long time: the matter of the Fifth Senior Brother is the current priority; once his affairs are settled, leaving the public office would be a perfect solution.

"Miss, the letter is here, take a look." Bao Zheng took the letter from the side and gestured for Wang Chao to hand it to her

Reflected in the candlelight, her eyes shone remarkably bright as she looked at him with confidence. Zhang Zhao was momentarily at a loss for words; although her argument was somewhat specious, he indeed had thought that way at the time

Li Xu shook his head, pulling the hair that Mo Yan had just tugged over to his chest and carefully combing it.

Mo Yanxi said: "Yes! It's him! Have you seen him?"

Apart from Zhan Zhao, there are two individuals in the room. One is seated behind the table, with a slightly dark complexion, exuding an aura of authority without anger; it is evidently Bao Zheng. The other person beside him is a fair-faced clerk, who is likely Gongsun Ce.

Adult

Mo Yan stared at her toes, turned around in place twice, yet still could not figure it out. She raised her head and asked, "So... have there been any unusual happenings around you these days?"

The man in black clearly recognized the visitor's identity and inwardly exclaimed that it was bad; no matter what, he was not a match for this cat and had to make a quick escape.

I went to Zhang Yaozuo's residence the night before, he finally spoke up reluctantly, "But I didn't take anything valuable, I just casually took about three, four, five, or six items..." His voice grew quieter as he continued, only vaguely alluding to the rest.

After a winding path, passing by several courtyards, Zhang Zhao led her directly to Bao Zheng's outer study, asking her to wait outside for a moment before he lifted his robe and entered.

A person in a red official robe, wearing a black official hat, had the light of a sword reflecting on his face, which further accentuated his handsome features

In the deep of night

"Are you saying that my senior brother killed him!" Mo Yan frowned and said anxiously, "My senior brother would never kill anyone"

First, imprison her in the dungeon, and await the examination by Lord Bao tomorrow said Zhang Zhao, signaling to Ma Han with a solemn voice

... ...

Although she spoke the truth, her words were unreserved, and she had quite a few criticisms of the Emperor, which caused Zhang Zhao to furrow his brow slightly

Bao Zheng remained silent, feeling a slight sense of disappointment. He had been ordered to thoroughly investigate the corruption in Jiangnan, and upon reaching the Suzhou Weaving Bureau, he discovered numerous suspicious points. Just as he began to gain some insights, Bai Baozhen unexpectedly died under unclear circumstances. If one were to say it was merely a coincidence, he found it truly hard to believe

She was taken aback and shook her head, saying, "... I don't know." Then she quickly added, "It wasn't me!"

You ... ...

I fully understand the young lady's feelings, but she is not one of my officials... Moreover, this office has already dispatched guards to thoroughly investigate the scene of the incident

Two swords clash, sparks fly!

Although I have never been to Kaifeng, I am aware that the grand Kaifeng Prefectural Yamen is not a place that just anyone can enter at will. When Lord Zhan encountered me at the entrance and learned that I was the junior sister of Master Li Xu, he brought me inside. At that moment, I realized that this case must be of great significance, which is why you are unwilling to overlook any clue. After entering, Lord Bao mentioned the incident regarding the murder of the Suzhou Weaving Supervisor. The assassination of a third-rank official of the court is naturally a major event, and it is no wonder that Lord Zhan has been preoccupied with it.

Zhan Zhao originally intended to advise him to rest first, but thinking of Bao Zheng's temperament, he ultimately swallowed his words. He stepped forward to confiscate the soft sword from Mo Yan's hand and took her to the study.

In recent days, you have hardly rested for a few hours each day. Wang Chao said, "The lady has quietly come to inquire a few times, not daring to disturb you, as she seems to be quite worried."

Mo Yan turned around, and behind him stood a person in a blue robe, elegant and handsome, holding a three-foot-long green blade in his hand, with a seven-inch hilt, its brilliance shimmering, indeed it was Ju Que

Well, do you know how many trees are in this courtyard? How many types of flowers and plants are there? Which ones are currently in bloom?

Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind the crowd: "No need to wait until tomorrow, take her to the study." It was indeed the voice of Bao Zheng, who had turned back after hearing the commotion from this side.

The difference in what you said, Sir Zhang, is not a matter of memory, but rather whether you pay attention or not. For example... She was full of confidence, with a hint of pride in her brows and eyes. "I also know that you just returned from the residence of the Eighth Prince and have not eaten yet. You have been thinking about this case all along, and you even specifically went to look around the scene of the incident on your way back. Am I right?"

"Please follow me, young lady," he said after a brief pause. He then nodded slightly to the constable, indicating that it was alright, and led Mo Yan into the Kaifeng Prefecture.

Zhan Zhao naturally understood what he was thinking, and without looking at him, he simply said: "The gravity of theft and murder, which is lighter and which is heavier, I believe Brother Li has his own judgment in his heart"

"Do I still need to find the Emperor?" Mo Yan scratched her ear, turned around, and walked out, "It is indeed a bit troublesome, but I can just take a trip to the palace."

Zhan Zhao looked at her in disbelief, "Miss, have you been following me all along?"

"Injured?" The waiter leaned out to take a look, noticing that the lower part of the chestnut horse's hind leg was wrapped in white silk, with a faint hint of blood seeping through.

Hmph

Mo Yan was left speechless, having not even heard the sound of the silver coins yet, how could it be gone!

What happened? Mo Yan was perplexed, "You must tell me quickly, I absolutely must find this person!"

Mo Yan furrowed her brows and shook her head, saying: "From this letter, I cannot deduce who this person is."

"Fifth Brother, stay in this prison for a few more days, and I will think of a way out." Mo Yan turned and asked, "Lord Zhan, when will my senior brother be brought to trial?"

Zhan Zhao raised his sword and performed a salute, smiling as he said, "I shall take my leave first."

The Kaifeng Prefecture was enveloped in silence, with only the candles still burning in Bao Zheng's study.

Mo Yan bit her lip and fell silent.

Lord Bao! I am wronged!

Zhan Zhao! In the Kaifeng Prefecture, there will naturally be no one else holding the giant sword.

Bao Zheng had just examined the items on the table, and it was still the same as when he had left earlier, with no items missing. Having encountered countless people, he observed that although this young lady appeared innocent and carefree, her eyes were clear and spirited, unlike those of deceitful individuals. It seemed that her words were not false.

Upon hearing these words of praise, Mo Yan felt as if it were a matter of course, and then addressed Bao Zheng: "Regarding my senior brother's case, you must investigate it thoroughly, and under no circumstances should an innocent person be wrongfully executed. My senior brother has a naturally unruly disposition, but he possesses a very kind heart and has never harmed anyone's life."

With just a few words, everyone felt a sense of shame in their hearts, not expecting that she had only spent a short time outside yet had taken in the entire scenery.

There are numerous doubts regarding this case, and it is unlikely to go to court in the near future

Gongsun Ce did not expect that his words would evoke such thoughts in Bao Zheng, and he smiled, saying: "Sir, with you saying this, both the student and Guard Zhan feel utterly ashamed."

Although the food in the inn was delicious, it did not quite suit her taste. Mo Yan hastily took a few bites of rice and then returned to her room to rest. After sitting in her room for a while, she still felt uneasy and ultimately decided it would be better to go to the Kaifeng Prefecture to gather some information.

Zhang Yaozuo, the overseer of the finances of the Song Dynasty, has formed numerous connections with court officials in the capital, wielding considerable influence. Moreover, he enjoys the protection of the Emperor. If this matter is linked to him, it would undoubtedly be extremely troublesome

What the young lady said does have some merit

This paper is bamboo paper from Eastern Zhejiang, without any added powder or wax, nor is it printed, and it is commonly found everywhere, quite ordinary, with nothing particularly special about it. She frowned and said, "The ink is pine soot ink, without any added dragon musk for fragrance, which is also quite common, indicating that the person writing this letter is not a person of refined taste."

Zhan Zhao was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and said: "Indeed."

Mo Yan expressed her disagreement, shaking her head and saying: "What do you mean by conclusive evidence? Do you have eyewitnesses who saw my senior brother commit murder? The items could have been deliberately planted to frame him"

As Mo Yanzhan gazed around, he found this courtyard to be more elegant than the several he had passed earlier. Not far away stood a osmanthus tree, its delicate pale yellow petals just beginning to bloom, releasing a fragrant aroma that permeated the air, adding a touch of soft elegance to the tranquil and solemn atmosphere of the Kaifeng Prefecture

Before Li Xu could speak, Mo Yan had already expressed her dissatisfaction, saying: "Zhang Yaozu is merely relying on the fact that his niece is the beloved concubine of the Emperor, controlling the government. A significant portion of the wealth of the Great Song is in his hands. With the Emperor's favorite in front of him, the ancestral rule of not allowing external relatives to hold power has been forgotten, and he has even been given the position of Minister of the Three Departments. " She dismissively remarked, "For someone like this, if he steals, so be it; it is not a big deal."

Mo Yan stood at a distance and watched for a while, yet ultimately decided to go around to the corner gate

Zhan Zhao thought carefully and then said: "There are three trees, one osmanthus tree and two pine trees. The flowers and plants include fragrant orchids, cannas, and wisteria... It seems that the ones blooming are the osmanthus and the cannas"

Mo Yan chose a chair beside her and politely said, "Lord Bao, I have just arrived in the capital and have heard that my senior brother has been captured by Lord Zhan. May I ask what exactly my senior brother has done wrong?"

Du Zhan Zhao stood alone, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, yet in his heart, he felt a sense of approval. He held no prejudice against the people of the martial world, especially since this young lady's intelligence and insight were not inferior to his own

Seeing Zhang Zhao silent, Mo Yan already understood the answer and gritted her teeth, saying: "Then we must do whatever it takes to drag that person out!"

"It is not surprising at all," she said. "Lord Zhan's clothing carries a very faint scent of ambergris. Ambergris is extremely rare and cannot be purchased in the market; only princes and nobles can afford such fragrance. Moreover, since Lord Zhan did not ride a horse, it indicates that his destination was not far, but within the capital. The only one residing in the capital is the Eighth Prince, and it is known that Lord Bao has always been close to the Eighth Prince, so it is highly likely that Lord Zhan has gone to the Eighth Prince's residence.

He forcefully swung his sword, executing the technique "White Snake Spitting Venom," aiming directly for Zhan Zhao's throat, forcing him back, and then took the opportunity to leap out of the house.

The night patrol officers operate in pairs, with a total of six groups conducting overlapping patrols. Every two hours, they change shifts, each displaying a solemn demeanor, showing no signs of negligence whatsoever

As Bao Zheng stepped down the stairs, he heard them speaking and turned to say: "By the way, young lady, if you break into Kaifeng at night, it would be difficult to justify sparing you from punishment. Therefore, let us first deduct three months' salary from your pay."

No wonder Bao Zheng is still awake so late; it turns out that besides the case, there are so many other matters to attend to. The man in black thought to himself, and then proceeded to put these documents away.

Zhan Zhao, upon hearing this, slightly furrowed his brows and said, "You are Li Xu's junior apprentice?"

Exhibit adult?

Wang Chao carefully scanned the surroundings and replied, "It's nothing, probably just a cat"

Bao Zheng fell silent upon hearing this, and after a long while, he sighed and said: "This case indeed has many doubts." He then looked up at Zhan Zhao and said, "Zhan Hu Wei, you take this young lady to meet Li Xu."

He is my senior fellow apprentice

Bao Zheng set down his pen, rubbed his brow, and said with a faint smile: "It is already the third watch... no wonder I feel a soreness in my eyes."

Bao Zheng was taken aback upon hearing this, slowly rising to his feet. He had been too focused and was unaware that the lady had come by. He stepped out of the study, while Wang Chao locked the door and followed closely behind, heading towards the back courtyard of the residence

has already returned

"What is the young lady's surname?" The constable raised his eyes and suddenly saw the person behind her, instantly becoming respectful, "Master Zhan."

If it were not for waiting for you, I would not have come here to be imprisoned

Bao Zheng solemnly stated: "From the belongings of your senior brother Li Xu, two thousand taels in banknotes were found, along with a jade pendant belonging to Lord Bai."

"Miss Mo, Mr. Zhan did not say that you stole anything," Zhan Zhao said

Bao Zheng slowly shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Young lady, you must understand that without evidence, this court finds it difficult to release the person."

We

"So you were framed by someone? You didn't even notice?" Mo Yanqi asked.

This is quite simple. If a martial artist has something on their mind, their feet will inevitably be hindered. Since Lord Zhan has the title of "Cat Master," his lightness skill must be exceptional. It is not surprising to find mud on the tips of his shoes, but the presence of several mud spots on the heels indicates that he is preoccupied with this case. Furthermore, the hem of your garment is slightly damp, with faint traces of moss visible. At this time of day, walking in the capital without engaging in any altercations, there is no need to leap from roof to roof. Therefore, it is likely that the mud was inadvertently picked up while investigating the scene of the incident, most likely from the moss on the roof tiles.

"If I don't come, who will save you?" Mo Yan chuckled.

Li Xu let out a cold snort and fell silent

Excuse me, is the person named Li Xu who was arrested yesterday being held in here?

Mo Yan received the letter but did not rush to open it. She held the envelope up to the candlelight and examined it for a moment, then brought it to her nose to sniff. Next, she took out the letter paper and, just like the envelope, scrutinized it for a while before finally unfolding it to read carefully

Li Xu clearly caught a glimpse of Zhan Zhao behind her, but deliberately pretended not to see him

Gongsun Ce stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Miss, you might as well share your thoughts on how you discerned the movements of the guard Zhan?" Gongsun Ce has always considered himself exceptionally intelligent, yet even he could not fathom how this young lady had come to her conclusion, which made him quite curious.

Someone has reported the news, "Zhang Zhao said.

As the two individuals departed, a shadow gracefully descended from the eaves, landing silently on the ground, clearly demonstrating considerable skill in lightness of foot.

On the third day of this month, Lord Bai Baozhen of the Suzhou Weaving Bureau was pierced through the heart by a sword, and another official also died within the government post. Do you know about this, young lady?

The man in black leaped through the window into the study, promptly closed the window, and quietly approached the desk to rummage through it. Although the moonlight outside was as bright as water, the room was quite dim due to all the doors being shut. However, the man's eyesight was remarkably good; he bent down to sift through the items methodically and without disturbing anything.

Mo Yan shook her head decisively: "My master said there is nothing good in the government, so I will not enter the public office"

You broke into the residence of a first-rank official in the court to commit theft

That young lady is indeed exceptionally intelligent," Gongsun Ce said with a smile, "but unfortunately, she is still quite young and a woman. Otherwise, I would truly like to request that you summon her to the office; she would surely be a valuable assistant.

Seeing that he appointed Mo Yan as the constable, Wang Chao and Ma Han had their doubts, yet they still complied and exited the study

Mo Yan led the horse, standing gracefully under the lantern, tilting her head to gaze at the characters on the sign... After traveling so many days from Shu to the capital, she finally arrived; this was the first time she had ventured so far on her own since she was born.

Hearing the two of them banter back and forth, Bao Zheng couldn't help but chuckle, waving his hand and saying: "Enough, enough, you two, don't try to trap me. Zhan Huwei, you should go have your meal first, as that is the priority; I fear there may be more matters to attend to later."

Bao Zheng and Zhan Zhao exchanged smiles, their gazes filled with approval. In fact, he had already discussed this letter in detail with Gongsun Ce and Zhan Zhao, and the conclusions they reached were not much different from what she had said. Unexpectedly, the words spoken by Gongsun Ce during the day surfaced in his mind—"I truly wish to ask the magistrate to summon her to the office; she would surely be a capable assistant"

Rest assured, I will take good care of you. Will you be dining here or staying overnight?" The waiter handed the horses over to the inn's stableman and let them in.

Who

Bao Zheng nodded and asked, "But how does the young lady know that Guard Zhan is thinking of this very case?"

In the affairs of the world, there are causes and effects; why should the noble one be troubled by this? Gongsun Ce said, "The Emperor has finally made the difficult decision to thoroughly investigate the corruption in Jiangnan; you must not show any leniency.

The young lady is indeed exceptionally intelligent, Bao Zheng remarked with a smile and a sigh

Mo Yan impatiently tugged at his hair: "Stop grunting! ... Hurry up and speak! Do you really expect me to go rob the execution ground?"

Bao Zheng nodded and said, "In that case, I will have to trouble the young lady to serve as a constable at the Kaifeng Prefecture for the time being"

"Master Zhan, you must have entered and exited this room no less than a hundred times, right?" She let out a light laugh and turned to look at Zhan Zhao, who was standing nearby with his sword in hand, her brows slightly raised.

Zhang Zhao

Gongsun Ce, after listening, exchanged a smile with Bao Zheng and said: "Hearing the young lady say this, it seems that it is really not surprising at all."

As soon as Bao Zheng had just taken his seat, Mo Yan quickly spoke up

"Then, my dear girl, do tell us, what are they accusing you of unjustly?" Bao Zheng asked with a slight smile.

The characters above are in small seal script, the ink seeps through the paper, and while the strength applied is sufficient, the lightness is lacking. It is surprising that he has even learned to write such characters like a gold-inlaid knife..." She shook her head and said, "...If I were him, I would be utterly ashamed. This person must be someone who has a rough understanding of literature and is a practitioner of martial arts.

At this moment, Bao Zheng became anxious, fearing that she might truly attempt to break into the imperial palace. He called out to her repeatedly, saying: "Miss Mo, please wait a moment."

"Miss Mo, this is a matter of the court, and Lord Bao will certainly do his utmost to handle it. It would be best for you not to interfere," said Zhan Zhao in a deep voice.

The young man shook his head: "I am not quite clear about what happened, but I have heard that the person possesses exceptional martial arts skills, and it was only with the intervention of Lord Zhan that he was subdued."

The man in black hurriedly dodged, crouched down, slid out from under the table, and drew a flexible sword from his waist with his other hand

How does the young lady know that I have been to the scene of the incident again

Gongsun Ce nodded and said: "Are you referring to the relationship between Zhang Yaozuo and Bai Baozhen? I believe that Bai Baozhen's sudden trip to the capital is quite suspicious. Without an imperial summons, his unexpected arrival is likely to be in search of someone. If that person is Zhang Yaozuo, then many things would make sense."

Mo Yan drew the sword and casually inserted it into her waist, the sword swiftly piercing through her waist... Upon closer inspection, Zhan Zhao realized that the sheath of the sword was actually the twisted silver belt she was wearing, the soft sword was light and perfectly coiled around her waist, which was quite convenient

What you said is indeed correct

"Qingli Detailed Compilation Edict", "Huangyou Compilation Edict Format"

Investigating a case is not a trivial matter; there are rules within the public domain. The young lady is not a person of the public domain and is not in a position to intervene

The officer glanced up and down at her before asking, "Who... are you to him?"

Upon hearing this, Bao Zheng nodded his head

"Concerning the life and death of my senior brother, how can I possibly remain indifferent!" Mo Yan said anxiously, "Even if Lord Bao had three heads and six arms, it would be impossible for him to attend to everything perfectly. If I can find that person, not only will I save my senior brother, but I will also be helping you all, won't I!"

Is there anything else?" Mo Yan stopped in her tracks and turned back to ask.

"Lord Bao is renowned for his fairness and justice, and it is unlikely that he would wrongfully execute an innocent person." Mo Yan stood up, her gaze fixed on Bao Zheng, and said, "My senior brother would not commit murder; I kindly ask you to release him."

Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao and Gongsun Ce exchanged glances, while Lord Bao also began to play the game of feigned capture and release.

He originally suspected that Li Xu was framed by someone, and hoped that his junior sister might have some evidence to offer for reference. However, looking at the girl in front of him, who was only about fifteen or sixteen years old and appeared innocent and carefree, it seemed she would not be of any help.

Li Xu visited Zhang Yaozuo's residence the night before!" Bao Zheng furrowed his brows and looked towards Gongsun Ce, "Could there be a connection in this?"

How could he not have gone to the palace?" Gongsun Ce deliberately asked

"Did you capture my senior brother?" Mo Yan raised her eyebrows and looked at him, "I wonder what crime my senior brother has committed? May I visit him?"

Zhan Zhao naturally did not believe: "What was the young lady looking for in the study just now?"

No one noticed

There was only one constable guarding the corner gate, and he appeared to be quite amiable.

"The General Revision of Salt Tax"

"What makes you think he is a martial artist?" Wang Chao could not help but ask

The leisure does not overshadow the brilliance; it is already no small feat for a young lady to be right nine out of ten times

"You are the Prefect of Kaifeng, how can it be that your words do not hold weight?" Mo Yanqi inquired

Little Seven! Upon seeing Mo Yan, Li Xu was naturally delighted, jumping up from the ground, and exclaimed, "How did you come here?"

"Sir, it is already the third watch of the night; it would be best to rest early!" Wang Chao said respectfully