Chapter 1: The Corpse of the Woman in the River

Early spring of the 20th year of the Republic of China

In the ancient city of Longcheng, at the Qingstone Beach ferry on the Huanglong River, a noisy crowd gathered to watch the commotion. A dilapidated, oarless ferryboat lay stranded on the shore, and what drew attention was the sight of a naked female corpse lying on the boat

The aide, Xiao Heizi, swaggered over, and upon seeing Xiao Heizi, the police captain was momentarily stunned as if struck by electricity. He quickly forced a flattering smile and began to scan the surroundings. When his gaze landed on the young officer by the ferry, he hurriedly stepped forward, stood at attention, and with a forced smile said: "How could I dare trouble you, Officer Yang, to personally handle this sordid case"

The old boatman suddenly exclaimed: "Quick, look! The plum blossom branches on the back of this corpse, this... this is the map of the Longcheng waters, isn't it? I didn't notice it up close, but from a distance, here..."

People pointed and whispered, while the bold approached to see what was happening

The garrison near the Qingstone Beach rushed over upon hearing the news, shouting to disperse the crowd: "Step back!" while escorting a young and handsome officer towards the dilapidated boat carrying the female corpse

This is not some girl from a brothel, strangled by a client and discarded in the Yellow Dragon River, is it? Looking at this broken boat, it seems to be one of those flower boats from Xinghua Alley or Xianggu Hall, just without the canopy.

What is the background of that leader? He is so young, fair-skinned, and handsome, resembling a young opera performer, yet so many people are bowing and scraping to him. The sailors watched the departing convoy, discussing and expressing their astonishment.

Step aside, step aside! Where is the corpse?

A single sentence seemed to resonate, prompting the police and civilians investigating the damaged boat and surveying the river to engage in conversation.

The police officer tugged at the brim of his hat and scolded: "In this day and age, what is it that wealthy young men cannot indulge in? Why must they come to the army and meddle in our investigations?"

"It doesn't seem like a robbery. The gold chain around the neck is still there, and a pair of gold earrings is worth quite a bit," the young officer confidently analyzed

"Do not speak carelessly, or you might find yourself in a big prison!" The old boatman rebuked the anxious sailors and the books behind him.

The female corpse lay face down on the deck, her pale and delicate skin from her back to her hips adorned with a tree of budding and blooming plum blossoms. The body had lost its color, which further accentuated the vibrant hues of the unique plum blossom tattoo.

"Stop the nonsense, bring the body, and we will talk at your police station first." The young officer got into the car under the protection of the military and sped away, raising a cloud of dust.

The onlookers gathered in increasing numbers, engaging in animated discussions, their expressions filled with anxiety

"Young Master, no... Team Leader, be careful!" The adjutant jumped in front of the young team leader, grinning as he said: "It's still better for Xiao Heizi to examine the corpse; don't let the stench of death foul my eyes."

Having said that, he turned around and glared at the old boatman, saying: "Alarmist! Be careful or you might end up in a big prison!"

Step aside! Step aside!

This broken boat drifted down from the upper reaches of the Huanglong River. Just as dawn was breaking, I saw this boat spinning in the center of the river, drifting back and forth. I wondered whose boat had not been tied properly, as the spring thaw had melted the ice, and the swift current had swept it down. But when I paddled over to take a look, my goodness! There was a dead person on the boat. Young officer, we didn't dare to touch anything; we hurried to the military and the police station in the city to call for help.

Once again, a commotion approached from afar, as a group of police officers clad in "black dog skin" pushed through the crowd, cursing as they shouted at the military: "Which unit are you from? Investigating cases is the responsibility of our police department"

With the death of our "Dragon City King" Yang Dashuai, it has only been a few years since Yang Shaoshuai took over. Dragon City is now plagued by floods and famine, and the neighboring ravine has seen the arrival of the Red Bandits. Not long after the death of General Hu in Northeast China at the hands of the Japanese, General Hu Ziqing took office, and after just changing the flag, the Russians attacked him while the Japanese eyed him covetously. The weasel only picks the sick ducks to bite. Now, the major military and national affairs are entrusted to a group of children, young and reckless, with unsteady blood. This great ship of China relies on them to steer and set sail; can the common people on board not feel anxious and fearful?

The young officer commanded the subordinate known as Xiao Heizi, saying: "Cover it up! Quickly cover it and take it away!"

I have heard that there are bandits causing trouble in the Luanshan Mountains upstream of the river. Is it the bandits who are responsible for this

Little Officer, the old man has been rowing boats on the Huanglong River for a lifetime and cannot be mistaken; this plum blossom...

The sensational discovery immediately caused an uproar

What is this? I have heard that in the Northwest, the Ma family army has an eight-year-old child serving as a division commander; in Sichuan, the Liu family army has a five-year-old child with a military rank. They are fortunate in their reincarnation, unlike us who toil and struggle just to earn a meal.

It is unknown who made the incisive remark akin to painting a dragon with a touch of brilliance: "These young masters, born with gold and jade in their mouths, are just like the character 'Master Bao' from the play. With a mere gesture, the riches and honors of the world come to them; with a lift of their foot, the unpleasant things are cast away. Others see them as young prodigies, arrogant and overbearing; they themselves believe that this is how the world should be."

Pushing aside the small soldiers blocking his way, the old boatman leaned forward as if he had discovered a great secret and pointed out, "Here, this main trunk of the map is the Yellow River, and these branches represent the three tributaries of the treacherous rapids near Luanyun Duh. This large branch is the bluestone beach beneath our feet. Ah, even the three bends of Kupu have been drawn out."

The commander, referred to as the "Little Officer," was indeed young; his delicate features seemed incongruous with his rank. A hint of fuzz was visible on his thin lips, and his gloved index finger casually lifted the wide brim of his military hat, revealing bright eyes framed by long eyelashes, glinting with a cold light. Beneath a black velvet cloak, he wore a neatly tailored military uniform, yet it could not conceal the arrogance of youth. A trace of a proud smile flickered at the corner of his mouth as he strode directly towards the female corpse and the wrecked ship. With a casual motion, he draped the cloak around his wrist and squatted beside the body to examine it closely.

The remaining police officers clearing the scene dispersed the crowd that was taking photos at the site

Hey! It's not a matter of being short-sighted; that's Commander Yang Hanwei. He is the provincial chairman of Longcheng, the imposing Commander Yang, the younger brother of the Young Marshal Yang Hancheng. The 'Little Prince' of Longcheng, who would dare to provoke him? You can't tell, can you? He is only sixteen this year