Chapter 6: The Dilapidated Yamen

Most of those entering and exiting the city gate are mountain dwellers, their heads wrapped in white turbans. They carry burdens on their shoulders and baskets on their backs, bustling in and out. At the city gate, two soldiers lazily shelter from the rain in the archway. Two long rifles rest on the ground, covered by a pile of dung left by a passing water buffalo, unbeknownst to the soldiers, who sit on a crooked bench outside the gate, engaged in conversation

"Report to you, my lord, there is none. It is just that the governor has sent another letter urging the collection of these taxes."

Leng Yi looked on with curiosity while his mind wandered aimlessly. The carriage swayed along the main street, and the coachman shouted: "Make way, make way! The county magistrate's carriage is coming! Everyone, clear the way!"

Then a steward said: "I will go summon the chief clerk."

On either side of the main gate, two men in black attire, with swords at their waists, lounged lazily on the blue stone railing. Upon seeing the carriage approach, they hurriedly came forward, bowing and nodding to Leng Yi, saying: "My lord, you have returned? What about your hair?"

Master Dong readily agreed, yet secretly laughed to himself, knowing that if it were to be like this, why bother in the first place. Crying and making a fuss about wanting to become a monk, even cutting off his hair, and now he was worried that his wife would find out and be concerned. Truly, he was young and handled matters inappropriately.

Leng Yi looked at the chief clerk, nodded, and imitated the manner of officials in film and television dramas, speaking in an official tone, "How is it? Has anything happened these days?"

In the afternoon, they arrived at Yinling County

Master Dong said: "What more is there to ask about the master's affairs!"

He spoke while cupping his hands in salute, then turned and returned to his official office to attend to his work

The elderly man approached Leng Yi with somewhat unsteady steps, performed a deep bow, and said: "I humbly welcome the esteemed county magistrate."

Leng Yi was unaware of how the official he was impersonating treated the common people, so he dared not draw too much attention to himself. He merely lowered his head, as if he did not see them, and stepped around the screen wall. Behind it was a large courtyard, with two rows of single-story buildings on either side. Signs reading "Personnel, Household, Rites, Military, Justice, and Works" hung above the doorways, representing the six departments of the government office, responsible for relevant administrative affairs throughout the county. Some clerks were busy inside.

The steward did not understand what Leng Yi meant by calling everyone over, and not wanting to ask further, he agreed and hurried off to summon them.

Master Dong sincerely praised, "A few words from Mr. Dong have enlightened the students."

It seems that this is the courtroom where the county magistrate adjudicates cases. Leng Yi merely glanced around, his face showing no expression. He stepped onto the platform and stood still, turning around to scan the crowd below. He frowned and said, "Why hasn't Captain Wu arrived yet?"

Leng Yi naturally did not recognize any of these people. Observing their obsequious demeanor, he sensed a hint of insincerity, though he could not discern the reason behind it. He carefully committed the appearances of the several officers to memory, adopting an expression of profound indifference. He coldly inquired, "Where is Captain Wu?"

Leng Yi took off his hat and touched his hair, which was chewed up like a dog's. He said: "I am going back. My wife will definitely ask me what happened. Please explain it to her, so she won't worry"

Although Leng Yi was wearing a hat, the short hair at his temples quickly caught people's attention. Even the old registrar, whose eyesight was failing, noticed it and looked at his head in surprise, then cast a doubtful glance at the side where Master Dong was standing. However, Master Dong stood there with a blank expression.

Leng Yi further stated: "However, I do not quite agree with your classification of the suspect as a roaming bandit. Most bandits are criminals wanted by the authorities, many of whom have criminal records with the government, and thus they tend to avoid any dealings with the authorities. Generally, they would not commit crimes within government premises, unless it involves something like a prison break. To commit the crime of rape and murder against a woman, with the skills of a bandit, there are countless places where it could be done. Why would they specifically choose a place like the toilet of a government office? In a case of rape and murder, killing is quick, but the act of violation requires time. A toilet, being a place with constant foot traffic, is certainly not an ideal location for such a crime. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the perpetrator is a bandit."

A steward said: "It should be in the dormitory. Should I go call?"

What one sees in films and dramas are always the officials commanding the way with gongs, exuding an imposing presence. Yet when it comes to his own situation, it has turned into a mere stable hand shouting. Leng Yi found it somewhat amusing and exasperating.

The chief clerk was in his office at hetushu.com when he heard that the county magistrate had arrived, and he hurried out.

Leng Yi saw a withered old man who had come along with the steward, and he estimated that this must be the head clerk.

Leng Yi dismounted from the carriage, not glancing around, ensuring that he revealed no signs of weakness. After all, there would be plenty of time to observe later. He stepped through the main gate, where there was a screen wall adorned with various notices and documents. A few common folk in coarse cloth were there, some copying text from the papers. Upon seeing the county magistrate arrive, they quickly bowed and stepped aside.

While at the inn, Leng Yi had already learned that their yamen was not large, with only two officials appointed by the court: one was the county magistrate, and the other was the chief clerk. This chief clerk, named Qiu Hong, was an old scholar resembling a pedantic Confucian.

These words immediately brought a smile to Qiu Hong, the chief clerk, who quickly bowed and said, "I am flattered; I shall take my leave now."

The carriage came to a stop at a dilapidated gate. Leng Yi lifted the curtain and took a glance, only to see an old peach wood plaque hanging above the gate, inscribed in clerical script with "Yinling County Yamen." A few steps of bluestone stairs, which must be quite ancient, were polished to a shine, and the frequently trodden areas had become somewhat concave.

Upon descending the mountain, one encounters an uneven riverbank, and further ahead lies the city gate tower

Upon seeing Leng Yi and his companions' carriage approaching, two soldiers recognized it as the county magistrate's vehicle. They quickly stood up and remembered their long spears, intending to fetch them. It was only then that they noticed the presence of cow dung on top. Cursing under their breath, they grumbled as they picked it up, shaking off the dung without regard for the smell, resting it on their shoulders, their backs straightened upright.

Several attendants hurriedly bowed and said: "No, nothing is the matter."

Well, understood. I will look into that murder case; you can go about your business! We cannot focus solely on the case, as there are many other matters to attend to. I appreciate your hard work.

As the carriage enters the city, most of the houses appear quite dilapidated, with the occasional sighting of one or two grand mansions. It is reassuring to see that the city is home to many trees, some of which are as thick as a person's embrace. Like large umbrellas, they can easily shade the rooftops of several houses at once

A row of street-facing windows, propped up by a bamboo pole, could fall at any moment, crashing down on the head of some passing gentleman. Thus, yet another tale reminiscent of Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian unfolds

The person in charge of each room, known as the steward, quickly came out to greet Leng Yi as he entered through the open door, bowing and nodding in acknowledgment, expressing their appreciation for his hard work. The clerks who were able to step away also followed suit.

Leng Yi said: "I will personally investigate this case, meticulously analyze every clue, uncover every detail, and strive to solve the case as soon as possible"

Master Dong was very pleased and smiled broadly.

Leng Yi saw that the direction he was heading was a small door next to the main entrance. It seemed that this was where the constables resided. He casually asked, "Has there been anything unusual during the few days I was away"

The streets are lined with long strips of bluestone slabs, though they are not arranged as neatly as in a book. In some areas, the stones are already damaged or incomplete, while others have either sunk or buckled. The houses on both sides of the street are mostly two-story wooden structures facing the street, with shops on the ground floor, where door panels are supported by two long benches. Goods are displayed on top, and clothing for sale hangs on the walls. The back and upper floors serve as residences. The houses on both sides of the street are mostly two-story wooden structures facing the street, with shops on the ground floor, where door panels are supported by two long benches. Goods are displayed on top, and clothing for sale hangs on the walls. The back and upper floors serve as residences.

Leng Yi said: "You are correct that the murderer is audacious and reckless; I fully agree with that."

Yes, yes! The servant did not dare to ask further and hurriedly took the luggage of the coachman, Leng Yi, and the secretary.

Leng Yi walked forward slowly with his hands behind his back, glancing around with the corners of his eyes. In front of him was a grand hall, featuring several stone steps and a long platform. To the right of the hall stood a large drum, which appeared to be the legendary drum for calling out grievances. Inside the hall, wooden racks on both sides were adorned with water and fire sticks, along with various torture instruments. In the center of the hall was a warm pavilion, where a legal document was prominently displayed, accompanied by a token and a writing tube, along with the Four Treasures of the Study, and behind it was a painting of the sea and the red sun.

Master Dong praised again: "With the esteemed official personally solving the case, success is surely within reach"

As the path winds and turns, upon seeing the county town, it is situated halfway up the mountain, allowing a view over the entire town. From a distance, the county town appears small, and its city walls are quite dilapidated. However, there are several roads leading into the town. Additionally, a serene little river meanders through the town, passing right by it. Judging by the roads, this place still serves as a regional hub for both land and water transportation

Leng Yi lifted the car curtain and looked, slowly nodding in acknowledgment

Well, everyone has been called here