Chapter 0005: The Constable

The stench of wine and meat from the wealthy households, while the bones of the frozen dead lie on the streets, is indeed the most accurate portrayal of this county town at present

"This is the mad dog you mentioned," Yang Ning said with a cold smile. "It must be that Constable Feng!"

The monkey whispered: "Having stayed in this city for a long time, one comes to know that Xiao Yishui is omnipotent in Huize County. I have heard them say that even the county magistrate does not dare to shout at Captain Xiao on ordinary days. This county magistrate has been promoted and left after a few years, yet Captain Xiao has remained in Huize City all this time. I have been in Huize City for six or seven years now, and the current county magistrate is the third one I have encountered, but the captain has always been Xiao Yishui"

It seems that this Chief Xiao is indeed a person of great influence and connections said Yang Ning, touching his nose and smiling faintly

Yang Ning did not withdraw her gaze, still looking at Xiao Yishui. She saw Xiao Yishui adjust his clothing, then scan the street with his eyes, before turning and entering the Shili Xiang Restaurant.

Yang Ning slightly nodded, the monkey's words were indeed similar to what Old Tree Bark said about Fang Laoda, who is truly a bastard that disregards the lives of the beggar gang disciples

Yang Ningqi asked, "Could it be that you were once imprisoned by him?"

"Rushing the cart into Dead Man's Alley?" The monkey steadied itself upon seeing the cart enter the alley and whispered, "Who is in that cart? Hehe, could it be... could it be going to find Mother Flower for some illicit fun?" A lewd expression appeared on its face.

Yang Ning merely smiled faintly and asked, "Who is that Constable Feng? Why is he called Mad Dog?"

"They stripped us of our pants, leaving us bare-bottomed for them to beat us to a pulp." The monkey was both angry and fearful, "Mad Dog and his underlings, those dog-like scum, have never regarded us as human beings...!" He lowered his voice and said, "Beating us is a pretense; treating us like livestock is the reality. Mad Dog has personally beaten three or four people to death...!"

"Boss Fang?" The monkey snorted coldly and said, "Those constables do not treat us as human beings, and Boss Fang has not been much better. For these years, Mad Dog has made us suffer greatly, and Boss Fang hasn't even let out a peep."

Since Master Fang is the leader of the Beggar's Sect in Huize City, he should naturally protect the disciples of the sect. Why then would he send sheep into the tiger's den? Yang Ning scoffed, saying: How can such a person who aids the oppressor still be considered a leader?

Your gaze certainly needs some practice Yang Ning said softly He is the person you both resent the most and fear the most We only just met not long ago

That mad dog uses us to practice. The monkey said resentfully: The yamen's constables always ask Boss Fang to send people for practice, Boss Fang... Boss Fang, that good-for-nothing, dares not confront the yamen. Every once in a while, he sends disciples of the Beggar's Sect to the yamen, handing them over to the mad dog, and each time it is no fewer than twenty people.

The monkey was taken aback, and then opened its mouth, showing a look of astonishment in its eyes, "You... you mean to say... ?"

He was about to walk out of the alley when the monkey reached out and grabbed his sleeve. Yang Ning frowned and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Yang Ning remembered that they had mentioned before that they often came here to meet Xiao Die, but the current Yang Ning was no longer the little Diao Er of the past, and indeed had no impression of meeting Xiao Die here in her mind

Yang Ning saw that the alley was pitch black, the entrance resembling the gaping mouth of a monster, unfathomable in depth

The monkey gritted its teeth and said: "The mad dog was not summoned by me; many people from the Beggar's Sect refer to that scoundrel as a mad dog. That person is the number one constable under Captain Xiao, and it is said that he has followed Captain Xiao for many years, and the two are sworn brothers. " Clenching his fist, he said with resentment: "I was severely harmed by him back in the day."

Yang Ning frowned and said: "Who are they, and why are you so afraid of them?"

No. Yang Ning glanced a few times through the gaps in the crowd on the street before saying: "Why are you so afraid of him? You are just a beggar, not committing any crimes, what is there to fear?"

The monkey was still feeling uneasy when it suddenly heard a clattering sound coming from the street. The two individuals peered out from the alley and followed the sound. By the light of the moon in the night, they could only see a dark figure emerging from the far end of the desolate street, and soon they realized it was a horse-drawn carriage.

The more Yang Ning inquired, the more evident the fear in the monkey's eyes became

Yang Ning thought to herself that previously you had been so arrogant in the land temple, yet now you appear timid and cowardly, truly lacking ambition. However, she was still curious and asked: "You haven't explained why Constable Feng is called 'Mad Dog', and why are you so afraid of them? Have you had contact with them before?"

The horse-drawn carriage arrived at the alley and suddenly came to a stop. By the light of the moon, Yang Ning noticed that the carriage was rather simple, but the horse pulling it was well-fed and long-legged. The driver was dressed in coarse cloth and wore a conical hat, making it difficult to discern the person's features at that moment

The memories of the original owner of this body are not only scarce but also extremely fragmented, as if after the soul took possession of this body, it had devoured or even expelled the memories of the body’s original owner. However, the original owner’s will is resilient, and they have managed to retain some fragments of memory, which emerge at critical moments.

The monkey squatted down at the base of the wall, and Yang Ning had no choice but to squat down as well. The monkey leaned in and whispered, "Boss Fang just follows whatever Xiao Yishui says..." After hesitating for a moment, he continued, "In any case, whatever Xiao Yishui says, Boss Fang listens to. All of us disciples of the Beggar's Sect are now under Xiao Yishui's control."

The monkey also did not turn back and said softly: "Not only do I know them, but there are also not many people in the city who do not know them. You know them too, it's just that you cannot recall them clearly at the moment"

"Practicing with a living person?" Yang Ning was taken aback

The horse-drawn carriage stopped at the entrance of the alley, and for a moment did not proceed further. Instead, the coachman raised his hand to lift his hat slightly, glancing around under the moonlight.

The monkey inched closer to Yang Ning, glancing back furtively. Seeing that the two individuals were not paying attention to this side, it relaxed slightly and lowered its voice, saying: "The taller one is Captain Xiao, and the shorter one is Constable Feng, the mad dog that devours people without spitting out the bones. Do you remember now?"

However, although Constable Feng's actions are extremely ruthless and disregard human life, it is evident that Xiao Yishui and Constable Feng's group truly wield immense power in Huize County

Yang Ning focused and calmed her mind as she scrutinized the groom in the dimly lit alley, and she found that the man's figure was remarkably familiar, causing her to furrow her brow slightly

A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake; this principle is well understood by Yang Ning. The county magistrate is an official appointed by the court, while the constable is a local servant. When the county magistrate is promoted, the constable may not necessarily be replaced.

Although Yang Ning was aware that Boss Fang and Xiao Yishui were close, she did not expect their relationship to be of this nature, and she exclaimed, "Is Xiao Yishui really that formidable?"

"Muleteer?" the monkey asked, "Do you know him?"

Do you recognize them? Those two individuals under the Shili Xiang Restaurant are quite conspicuous. Yang Ning took a glance and immediately knew that they were the ones the monkey referred to

"Is that a carriage?" the monkey whispered, "There aren't many carriages in this city, it's not easy to come across them. During battles, most of the horses in the city are requisitioned, and you can hardly see a few horses in the entire city."

Yang Ning knew that the monkey was afraid, and softly said: "I already know the location, you can return to the earth temple first, no need to follow me." Having such a timid creature accompany him would not only be of no help, but it might even cause trouble later on. Therefore, it was better to act alone.

Before the monkey could regain its senses, Yang Ning had already darted out from the alley, moving swiftly like a cheetah as he crossed the long street. By the time the monkey came to its senses, Yang Ning had vanished into the dark Dead Man's Alley.

The monkey said: "The various constables in Huize City are all under his command." After a pause, he continued in a low voice: "Many people privately say that the constables in Huize City only recognize Captain Xiao. Without Captain Xiao's orders, even the county magistrate cannot mobilize any constable. The county magistrate must yield to Captain Xiao in his actions. Do you think he is formidable? I have also heard that for any major case in Huize City, if Captain Xiao does not intervene, that case will never be solved."

The monkey looked up and saw that Xiao Yishui and the other person were no longer in front of the Ten-Mile Fragrance Gate, and only then did it let out a long sigh, saying: "That really scared me to death."

In the monkey's perspective, it was said: "I heard them say that although Mother Flower is not young, she takes good care of herself. Her skin is fair and tender, and one could almost squeeze water from it. Moreover, she is quite flirtatious. If only one could peel her like a young lamb and enjoy a night with her...!" Suddenly noticing Yang Ning's indifferent expression and the peculiar look she was giving him, he immediately stopped speaking, chuckled awkwardly a couple of times, and felt somewhat embarrassed

"That is Dead Man's Alley." The monkey pointed across the street at the alley entrance, where two alleyways faced each other, separated only by a desolate street in between

Although he had never seen it, he knew that the wooden board used by ancient yamen runners was no trivial matter; if they were to be ruthless, a few dozen strikes could take a life.

Upon mentioning that Constable Feng, a look of panic appeared on the monkey's face. It lowered its head and asked in a soft voice, "Is he watching us?"

Yang Ning had no impression of these two individuals in his mind

Yang Ning waited until there were not many pedestrians on the street before following the small alley mentioned by the monkey to reach the alley entrance

"Captain Xiao ... ... !" Yang Ningwei pondered for a moment, "Is it the one called Xiao Yishui? I have heard that Boss Fang has a very good relationship with him"

Yang Ning thought to himself that trusting you would be foolish, yet he still smiled and said: "It would be worse with too many people. I will go alone and see if I can meet Xiao Die. Xiao Die saved my life, and I must thank her."

They have all left. Yang Ning then patted the monkey on the shoulder

The monkey quietly asked, "Mother Flower's residence is surrounded by high walls. We, as mere mortals, cannot even approach it, let alone enter. Do you... do you remember how you used to meet Little Butterfly?"

"Boss Diao, are we really going?" The monkey's gaze showed a hint of fear, "How about... how about we wait a little longer?"

Yang Ning understood that during times of chaos and turmoil, the death of a few beggars was a matter of little significance. Moreover, since the perpetrators were officials and their subordinates, there was truly no place to seek redress.

As night deepens, the crowd on the streets gradually diminishes; after all, this is merely a small county town. By the hour of the pig, pedestrians on the streets are already quite sparse, and many shops have closed for the night.

However, for a consecutive number of county magistrates, Xiao Yishui is able to firmly hold the position of the chief constable, which is no ordinary ability

Yang Ning could not help but stare over there, noticing that Constable Feng had finished speaking. However, Xiao Yishui leaned in and whispered a couple of words into Constable Feng's ear, then patted him on the shoulder. Constable Feng cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards Xiao Yishui, and then turned to walk down the street, hurrying away

Although this street is paved with bluestone, the small county town has quite uneven bluestone paths. When a cart passes by, the sound of the wheels rolling over the bluestone is quite distinct.

The coachman glanced around a few times before shaking the reins, and the steed turned towards the alley of the dead. The coachman called out softly, and the carriage entered the alley of the dead, quickly engulfed by the darkness of the narrow passage.

Yang Ning thought to himself that this fellow must not have touched a woman for many years, which is why he is so lewd and indulging in fantasies. He did not pay attention to these thoughts and quietly asked, "I am not sure who is in the carriage, but didn't you notice who the coachman is?"

The sky has completely darkened, the moon rises at the edge of the sky, and the lights of the inns and taverns have all been lit. If one were to merely gaze at the brightly lit street and hear the joyful laughter emanating from those taverns and tea houses, it would be hard to imagine that in this city there are countless refugees and common people enduring hunger and hardship.

The sound of the carriage wheels echoed as it quickly approached. The two individuals pressed their backs against the inner wall of the alley, which was shrouded in darkness. The walls on either side were extremely high, making it difficult for the moonlight to penetrate. Thus, the two were enveloped in the dimness, making it hard for anyone to notice them

Ah? The monkey scratched the back of its head, feeling somewhat awkward. "Boss Diao, I... I am not afraid, I am just... just worried about you"

Yang Ning glanced at him and asked lightly, "Are you saying that person is going to find Madame Hua?"