Chapter 13: Arriving Once More at the County Office

The Liu family’s yard was enclosed by withered wooden branches about a meter long. They offered no real shelter from prying eyes, so whether someone outside looked in or someone inside looked out, everything was laid bare—there were no secrets here.

When Huang Shan arrived at the Liu family’s gate with his subordinates, Liu Yitiao stepped forward together with his father, Liu Laoshi, to greet them.

Huang Shan, recently promoted from deputy to chief, wore a ruddy complexion and seemed to be in excellent spirits. Liu Yitiao cupped his hands in greeting and said, “Head Constable Huang, what brings you to our humble home today? Please, come in!”

Huang Shan nodded slightly at Liu Yitiao without replying, then led his men to inspect the ox shed in the Liu family’s yard. Pointing at the still bellowing calf, he said, “Liu Yitiao, you really know how to stir up trouble. Yesterday you fought someone, and today you’re tormenting the plowing ox? Well, come with me!”

“My lord! My lord! I was the one who struck the ox and pierced its nose, not the boy. If someone must be arrested, take me! Please, don’t take the child!” Liu Laoshi shielded Liu Yitiao behind him, speaking anxiously to Huang Shan.

“So you’re Liu Laoshi? Liu Yitiao’s father?” Huang Shan looked Liu Laoshi up and down, his tone laced with something strange. “You’ve raised quite a son.”

“But that won’t help. Someone saw Liu Yitiao beating the ox to death with a wooden stick. He must come with me to the county office—Lord Wang is waiting to interrogate him.”

“But, my lord! Our ox isn’t dead, look—it’s still alive! You can’t arrest my son!” Liu Laoshi grew agitated, regretting that he hadn’t handled the ox himself.

“Father,” Liu Yitiao’s calm voice cut in, soothing Liu Laoshi’s panic. “I’ll go with them and be back soon. Nothing will happen, trust me.”

There was something reassuring about the steadiness in Liu Yitiao’s voice, something that made people instinctively trust and rely on him. Liu Laoshi’s fear eased as he looked at his son. “Yitiao, harming a plowing ox is a grave crime. You could be jailed for it. If you go with them, will you really come back?”

With an easy, confident smile, Liu Yitiao replied, “Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be back before dinner.”

Huang Shan glanced at Liu Yitiao with surprise. In his years of service, he had never seen someone so unfazed. When they arrested him yesterday, he’d said something similar—and not only was he found innocent after seriously injuring a tax official, but he’d even managed to bring down Chief Constable Wang Kui. There had been a string of unlikely coincidences, but to weave them together so deftly was a skill in itself.

Liu Yitiao’s smile further calmed his father, who said, “Really? Maybe I should go with you, just in case something happens.”

“Father, it makes no difference if one or two of us go. Better you stay home—Mother and Xiaohui need you. If you left too, they’d only worry more.”

“But—”

“Enough, enough, you two,” Huang Shan interrupted impatiently. “Lord Wang ordered that only Liu Yitiao be taken. If both of you insist on coming, my men won’t be serving you.” He turned to his subordinates: “Put the chains on Liu Yitiao! Bring the ox, too!”

With a cheerful grin, Liu Yitiao stretched out his neck and allowed the constables to fasten the iron chains around him. He said to Huang Shan, “Let’s be on our way. I need to get back for dinner.”

Few could joke so lightly with the yamen’s iron chains on their shoulders; Huang Shan couldn’t help but feel a trace of admiration. He cupped his hands to Liu Yitiao and said, “Forgive me, brother.” Then, raising his voice, he ordered, “Take him away!”

Despite the heavy iron chains weighing him down, Liu Yitiao walked out the gate as if nothing was amiss, light and easy. The constables exchanged glances of secret admiration—no wonder he’d nearly beaten Wang Shuai to death with a single punch; he was truly strong.

Liu Laoshi watched anxiously from behind but could do nothing. Remembering Yang Bofang, who’d visited the house for drinks just yesterday, he thought perhaps Yang might have a solution. After giving a few hurried instructions at home, he hurried off toward Yang Bofang’s residence in Sanyuan County.

“Huang Constable!” When they had walked some distance and no one else was around, Liu Yitiao called out to Huang Shan, “Chief Huang, we’ve come this far—shouldn’t you take off these chains? My companions’ legs are about to give out.”

Huang Shan stopped and turned, his face breaking into a broad smile. He signaled for his men to remove the chains and laughed, “How did you see through it, Liu? Did I give something away?”

Rubbing his sore neck and flexing his limbs, Liu Yitiao smiled, “For the Chief Constable himself to come in person—wasn’t that the biggest clue? For minor cases like this, would the chief usually bother to fetch someone himself?”

“Ah?” Huang Shan was momentarily taken aback, then burst out laughing. “You really are sharp, Liu. I’m impressed!”

Liu Yitiao didn’t reply to the praise. When Huang Shan finished laughing, he continued, “For you to come so quickly, Chief Huang, I suspect it’s not just about our little yellow ox, is it?”

Huang Shan raised an eyebrow, eyeing Liu Yitiao intently. “Liu, you’re very perceptive. I came today not only because of the calf, but also to thank you. Driving out Wang Kui was something I’d long wished for. I owe you my gratitude!”

“Oh?” Liu Yitiao replied, “So that’s how it is. I thought you’d come on Wang Kui’s behalf. Seems I misjudged.”

“Hm?” Huang Shan’s brow furrowed again, his gaze sharpening. “Why do you say that? Did Wang Kui come looking for you?”

“Not trouble, exactly. Wang Kui wouldn’t dare now. I just assumed he’d reported our yellow ox incident, but perhaps I was wrong. The people of our great Tang are quite upright after all. The Emperor truly is wise.”

Huang Shan was momentarily thrown by Liu Yitiao’s meandering words, but he caught the underlying meaning—Liu Yitiao had seen through his real reason for coming. He replied perfunctorily, “Indeed, the Emperor is wise and admirable!”

“Indeed,” Liu Yitiao said pointedly, “I hear Lord Wang was sent by the Emperor himself to learn about the people and gain experience as an official. Who knows—he might be summoned back and entrusted with greater responsibilities at any time.”

Huang Shan’s eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply to Liu Yitiao. “I’ll remember your kindness today!”

Liu Yitiao stepped aside, saying, “You flatter me, Chief Huang. I’ve done nothing for you. Let’s hurry—Lord Wang must be getting impatient.”

Seeing Liu Yitiao’s response, Huang Shan pressed no further; some things were best left unspoken. He cupped his hands to Liu Yitiao, “After you, brother.”