Chapter 3: Eavesdropping

Leng Yi said: "Alright, how much do I owe you in total?"

He mentioned the inability to solve a case and critical moments, which implies that this county magistrate became a monk due to an unsolvable case? Moreover, this case is closely related to his future and fate, to the extent that he could not come to terms with it and chose to hang himself in despair

The horse-faced waiter next to him said in a sarcastic tone: "That’s not necessarily the case. The esteemed guest hasn’t settled his bill for several months, accumulating a debt of over ten taels. If this continues, our manager might have to close the doors for good"

The master clerk angrily said: "What is wrong with you? At this moment, you should be persuading the esteemed magistrate to consider the welfare of the people and not to leave home. It would be one thing if you were not persuading him, but instead, you come here to demand payment. What is the reasoning behind this? Could it be that the dignified magistrate would actually owe you rent and food expenses?"

It is unnecessary to say anything; having owed you so much money, repaying debts is a matter of course. How can one still express gratitude?

The attendant cleared all the cups and dishes from the table and quickly brought up three sets of clean ones. The food and drinks were also served promptly. The proprietor changed into formal attire. When drinking with the county magistrate, one cannot dress too casually

Upon hearing the magistrate's words, the clerk sensed an opportunity. For now, his priority was to prevent the magistrate from becoming a monk; other matters could be addressed later. He hurriedly smiled and said, "Of course there is hope! As the saying goes, heaven does not disappoint those who are determined. As long as everyone works together, we will surely achieve success swiftly."

At this point, the advisor stepped forward, lowered his voice, and said to the book: "Moreover, the gift money from Dong Weng is rather meager, which is no wonder that Governor Liao is unwilling to meet with Dong Weng. However, it is not a problem; we can go back and think of ways to raise funds. If that doesn't work, we can approach the wealthy families in the county for a loan. As long as Dong Weng makes the request, these people will find it hard to refuse and will lend some money to Dong Weng."

Hearing the county magistrate speak foully, both the clerk and the onlookers laughed

Leng Yi was taken aback. In ancient times, one tael of silver was equivalent to one thousand wen, which he was aware of. Therefore, seventeen thousand two hundred wen was equivalent to seventeen taels! However, the county magistrate only took ten taels of silver to present as a gift to the prefect, and it was likely borrowed, which was still insufficient to settle the rent and meal expenses. He glanced at the clerk and said, "What do you think, is there still hope for our case to be resolved?"

Without further ado, Leng Yi casually patted his shoulder, stood up, walked to the bedside, opened the brocade box, glanced at the silver coins inside, picked them up, and approached the innkeeper, saying: "These silver coins will settle the account for now. If they are insufficient, this county will find a way to settle the balance as soon as possible"

The assistant beside him forced a smile, unable to believe that the county magistrate had just abandoned the thought of becoming a monk and immediately began to disperse his wealth. This was precisely the time when money was most needed. While repaying debts is indeed a responsibility, one must also prioritize matters according to their urgency. The money has already been returned, and seeing how the shopkeeper is beaming with joy while tightly clutching the money box, how could it possibly be retrieved? After all, he is still a young man, lacking in composure, which made him shake his head in bitter amusement.

Leng Yi thought to himself that the extravagant feasting and signing of bills by officials, leaving debts to hotels, is a common occurrence in modern society. It is surprising to find that this also happened in ancient times. However, it seems that the county magistrate's debts to the inn are likely not due to misappropriating public funds for dining and signing bills, but rather a genuine inability to pay.

The shopkeeper was both surprised and delighted, fearing that Leng Yi might change his mind, and hurriedly accepted it, saying: "Thank you! This is truly too much to thank you for!"

What Leng Yi wanted was this; he had gathered some useful information through chatting.

Although the voice of the steward was soft, the shopkeeper and the previous horse-faced waiter, who were close by, still caught a few words about money. They exchanged glances and the shopkeeper cleared his throat, smilingly said: "My esteemed guest, since you intend to shave your head and become a monk, shall we settle the room and board fees? Hehe, let's clear this up, shall we?"

The horse-faced waiter, quick of tongue, interjected, "The room rate is one hundred and fifty wen per room per day, and the meal cost is..." The horse-faced waiter calculated as if he were reciting a well-known account, seemingly well-versed in these figures, and the shopkeeper did not intervene. When he finished calculating, the horse-faced waiter said, "In total, that amounts to seventeen thousand two hundred wen! This does not even include this time's charges!"

At this point, the advisor glanced at Leng Yi's expression, feigning a relaxed demeanor, and continued: "Moreover, even if the case cannot be solved, the sky will not fall! Now, Dong Weng has already ended up in a remote and impoverished place like Yiling County in Bazhou, which is a location for exile and military service. Even if his political performance is poor, what could be worse than this?"

It turns out that the money in that box was indeed taken to be given as a gift to the governor, but it was too little, and the governor looked down on it. The one putting pressure on the county magistrate is indeed this governor of Bazhou. This means that the county where this magistrate serves, Yinyang County, is under the jurisdiction of Bazhou.

The master was visibly embarrassed, his old face flushed red

Three people sat down, toasting and exchanging cups, drinking and chatting. Both of these individuals had average drinking capacities, but since they were drinking with the county magistrate, they had to drink even if they couldn't handle it. Soon, their tongues became a bit loose, and their conversation grew more animated.

The innkeeper glanced at the wine cup on the table and turned to the waiter with a horse face, saying: "Quick, instruct the kitchen to prepare two small dishes and heat a pot of yellow wine to calm the esteemed guest's nerves!" He then turned to Leng Yi and said: "This is considered a treat from a humble person and will not be included in the meal expenses, esteemed guest, please rest assured"

Leng Yi continued in a sorrowful tone: "This cannot be blamed on the master, it is just that the governor... sigh!"

Leng Yi, however, had his own plans. When he crossed over, he brought along a few modern items. If absolutely necessary, he could sell them to acquire some money. Of course, he would not resort to using these items unless it was absolutely unavoidable

The onlooking guests, seeing that there was nothing lively about the books, gradually dispersed.

Leng Yi smiled in gratitude.

The shopkeeper was overjoyed. Although Leng Yi owed him money, he was, after all, an official. As a mere merchant running a shop, how could he have the privilege to drink with the county magistrate? Now that the county magistrate had taken the initiative to invite him for a drink, it was indeed a matter of great honor. He hurriedly agreed, but was also worried that the county magistrate might get drunk later, cover his face with alcohol, and demand the money back. It would be better to return the silver first. Thus, he made an excuse to go back and change his clothes before coming again, carrying that box of silver as he went downstairs.

Leng Yi pretended to ponder for a long time, then suddenly slapped his thigh and said: "What you said makes a lot of sense. I was just momentarily confused, which is why I thought of becoming a monk. After your guidance, I feel enlightened! Just as you said, I have already fallen to such a state; what could be worse than this? As the saying goes: 'Damn the ball to the sky!' What is there to be afraid of! I won't become a monk anymore, nor will I give gifts; let's see what he can do to me!" Just as you said, I have already fallen to such a state; what could be worse than this? As the saying goes: 'Damn the ball to the sky!' What is there to be afraid of! I won't become a monk anymore, nor will I give gifts; let's see what he can do to me!

The master smiled happily and said, "That's right, Dong Weng, hurry up and wash your head; there are many stray hairs on it..."

As he watched Leng Yi gazing upward with tear-filled eyes, the old man was unsure of what he was thinking. He stamped his foot and said, "It is indeed my incompetence as a student; aside from having a slight understanding of financial accounting and civil law, I am particularly inept at solving cases. At this critical moment, I am unable to assist the East Elder, to the point that he is considering renouncing the world and becoming a monk. I truly feel ashamed!"

The Tongqian Valley criminal code, also known as the county magistrate, refers to the elder who should be the advisor hired by this magistrate.

The shopkeeper feigned anger and sternly reprimanded the young attendant, saying: "Do not speak nonsense! In front of the esteemed gentleman, one must not be disrespectful! Why are you not apologizing to the esteemed gentleman?"

What kind of case is it? It must be something that troubles the county magistrate, and surely only his superior, the governor as stated in the official title, could be involved.

The place I govern, known as Yinling County, was one of the worst prefectures for military exile during the Song Dynasty. This is advantageous; in such a place, pretending to be the county magistrate makes it less likely to be exposed.

He deliberately mentioned only one topic to see if the steward would continue. Sure enough, the steward sighed and said: "If Dong Weng feels hopeless and disheartened because the governor refuses to meet him, then that is an overreaction. Governor Liao is also in a difficult position; if a murder case occurs under his jurisdiction and he is unable to solve it, it will also affect his performance. Therefore, he is pressuring Dong Weng."

The shopkeeper was about to bow and withdraw when Leng Yi said: "Since the shopkeeper has provided wine and dishes, why not have a drink together? The steward can join us as well. In this cold weather, let the three of us have some wine to warm ourselves and chat a bit"

The stable boy, with a horse-like face, hurriedly bowed and responded. He lightly slapped himself twice and, facing Leng Yi, clasped his hands in salute, saying: "I acknowledge my wrongdoing. It was only because the master owes too much in rent and food expenses, and seeing our manager sighing all day, I spoke out of turn in a moment of impulsiveness. I have offended you, esteemed master, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness."