Chapter Four: Punishing the Bully (Part 2)

“Make way! Make way!” A loud shout pierced the air as five constables in official uniforms hurried over, gripping their five-foot batons.

The leader was a burly man with a dark, purplish face. Yang Bofang recognized him—his name was Huang Shan. He had practiced martial arts for a few years and was well-regarded for his conduct and connections, making him quite influential in Sanyuan County. Yet he had always been overshadowed by Wang Kui and remained a deputy constable.

“Constable Huang, you’re here!” Noticing Liu Yitiao hadn’t moved, Yang Bofang stepped forward with a clasped salute and said, “Constable Huang, my nephew was reckless and caused some trouble here. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Oh, so it’s Brother Yang.” Huang Shan returned the salute, his eyes scanning Liu Yitiao, who still stood tall, and Wang Shuai, who lay sprawled on the ground after being struck. With a stern expression, he asked, “Is he dead? If so, I must handle this matter impartially.”

Yang Bofang forced a smile. “You overstate, Constable Huang. With you here, my nephew wouldn’t dare cause a death, no matter how bold he is. He just used too much force and fainted, that’s all.”

Huang Shan’s expression softened. “As long as there’s no fatality, that’s good. I’ll take them back for now—everything will wait till Magistrate Wang investigates. What do you think, Brother Yang?”

“Of course, of course. But in the yamen, I hope you’ll look after him.” As he spoke, Yang Bofang slipped some silver discreetly into Huang Shan’s hand.

“Easily done. With your favor, Brother Yang, nothing will happen to him before Magistrate Wang questions him. You can rest assured.” Huang Shan accepted the silver without a change in expression, signaling his agreement.

He then ordered his four subordinates, “Take both of them back! And gather all evidence and witnesses. Bring them all.”

He saluted Yang Bofang again and said, “Brother Yang, duty calls. I must take my leave.”

“Safe journey, Constable Huang. I’ll leave my nephew in your care.” Yang Bofang bowed with a smile, seeing them off.

Liu Yitiao had watched everything unfold. As he passed by Yang Bofang with the constables, he bowed deeply and said, “Thank you, Uncle Yang, for your trouble today. I am much obliged.”

Yang Bofang looked at Liu Yitiao for a long moment. “Yitiao, I don’t know what plans you have, but this is as much as I can do for you. The rest is up to you—take care.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ll be fine. Please don’t tell my family about this just yet; with any luck, I’ll be home tonight. I’ll visit you then to express my gratitude properly. I’ll take my leave now,” Liu Yitiao replied with confidence.

Home tonight? Yang Bofang stared at him in puzzlement. How could Liu Yitiao be so assured, after wounding a constable—a serious crime? He didn’t seem worried at all.

“Alright, Brother Yang, you needn’t see us off any further. We must get back,” Huang Shan urged, gesturing for his men to move.

“Farewell, Constable Huang, farewell.” Yang Bofang smiled and watched them go, standing lost in thought.

Once they’d left the market, Huang Shan’s ever-present smile faded into a cold sneer. “You’re bold, young man, laying hands on the head constable’s son. Did you not consider the consequences?”

Liu Yitiao’s expression did not change. He glanced at Huang Shan and replied with a faint smile, “You overstate it, Constable Huang. It’s not boldness, but that Wang Shuai went too far. Relying on his father’s power, he abuses his position, extorts illegal taxes, and robs the people. I had no choice but to teach him a small lesson. If Magistrate Wang learns of it, I trust he’ll act justly. Don’t you agree, Constable Huang?”

Huang Shan’s face shifted, his gaze lingering on Liu Yitiao with a hint of intrigue. He clapped Liu Yitiao on the shoulder and said with a smile, “You’re absolutely right, young man. Magistrate Wang is known for his fairness—he’ll do right by you.”

Hearing this, Liu Yitiao felt reassured. So, Huang Shan truly bore no love for Wang Kui.

He said, “I’ll still be counting on your help, Constable Huang. After all, I struck Wang Kui’s son; Wang Kui will not let it rest. I fear he’ll try to bend the law at the yamen to my detriment. Please, look after me and make sure no injustice occurs.”

Huang Shan’s eyes narrowed, his estimation of Liu Yitiao rising. He replied warmly, “Fear not. As a constable, I won’t allow any such injustice. Once we’re in the yamen, you’ll be safe under my watch—no one will lay a finger on you.”

“Thank you, Constable Huang! Sanyuan County is fortunate to have a detective like you,” Liu Yitiao offered his flattery at just the right moment.

Huang Shan accepted it with pleasure. “You flatter me, but it’s simply my duty.”

“For the sake of justice, I will report everything truthfully to Magistrate Wang and expose the crimes of Wang Kui and his son!” Liu Yitiao declared, feigning the righteous indignation of a young firebrand, determined to stand against the Wang family.

“That’s your affair—I won’t interfere. But if what you say is true, I believe Magistrate Wang will see that justice is done, for you and for the people of Sanyuan,” Huang Shan replied with a smile, making it clear he wanted no part in their conflict.

Old fox! Liu Yitiao cursed inwardly. Outwardly, he smiled politely and said, “Of course. You’re only responsible for escorting me; the rest is up to Magistrate Wang.”

Huang Shan nodded in satisfaction. In his eyes, Liu Yitiao was shrewd, saying just what needed to be said without him having to hint or arrange anything further. Yes, this young man has promise.

Upon arriving at the yamen, Huang Shan instructed the constable in charge, “Escort Liu Yitiao to Cell Three. Guard him well—no one is to see him before the magistrate questions him. Go!”

“Yes, sir. You can count on me.” Clearly, this man was part of Huang Shan’s circle.

“Thank you, Constable Huang. I’ll see you in the court hall,” Liu Yitiao said with a bow, following the constable into the prison at the back of the yamen.

Once Liu Yitiao and the others were gone, Huang Shan rubbed his hands together in excitement. After all these years, was this day finally at hand?

Outside, Wang Kui was still weeping bitterly for his son. A cold smile flashed across Huang Shan’s face as he turned decisively and strode into the inner hall to report to Magistrate Wang.