Discovering Suspicious Points, Acting Separately
He suddenly had an idea in his mind. He needed more manpower in the capital, so why not take this young man with him? First, he was clever enough, and secondly, if he helped solve the problems in Lujiang County, he would surely be grateful and loyal to him. So he wouldn’t have to worry about loyalty then.
“You’re not wrong,” Yan Ge said directly, “We come from a renowned merchant family in the north. Are you interested in leaving this place and working with me? With your cleverness, being a servant here wouldn’t make the best use of your talents. With proper training, you can become someone remarkable.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him and didn’t object. He seldom interfered with Yan Ge’s business matters.
Yun Fei was taken aback. “Thank you, my lord, for your appreciation. Living by the river is very hard, and I wish I could have the opportunity to leave here. But, I still have unfinished business here. I don’t feel at ease, nor do I want to leave like this.”
“Well, perhaps we can really help you achieve your wish.” Yan Ge said with a mysterious smile.
Yun Fei was startled.
After asking everything he needed to, Yan Ge said, “Let the boat return.”
“Yes,” Yun Fei took two steps forward and then stopped. “Before you two young masters leave the boat, please kick this young one into the river.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged a glance. Even Huangfu Yuchen was starting to appreciate Yun Fei’s cleverness.
“Are you sure?” Yan Ge asked. “The water flows very fast.”
Yun Fei smiled. “Rest assured, young master I grew up by the river, and I’ll be fine.”
After an incense stick, the large boat stopped by the shore.
After Huangfu Yuchen kicked Yun Fei into the water, they disembarked without looking back.
The man from earlier hurriedly walked over. “My Lords…”
“You sure know how to talk, but you talk too much,” Huangfu Yuchen said arrogantly. “So, you won’t receive any reward.”
Sure enough, one shouldn’t provoke the rich. The man wiped the sweat off his forehead as he watched the two men walk away.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen returned to the inn and found Mei Tianzhou drinking tea in the elegant meeting hall, lost in thought.
Yan Jin was playing chess with Sun Jiang.
“Young Master Luo, Madam Luo,” Mei Fu said.
Mei Tianzhou snapped back to reality. “The two young masters have returned.”
Huangfu Yuchen asked, “Did Master Mei find anything?”
Mei Tianzhou nodded. “I’ve noticed a few suspicious points, but I haven’t found any leads yet. Or maybe I’m just overthinking. Do the two young masters have time for lunch? Master Pan has invited me to his mansion and I’d like to take the two of you along. First, you can have a clear observation, and second, I hope to benefit from your sharp eyes and see if we can make any new discoveries.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had already agreed to help him, so they readily accepted. After some discussion, the three of them decided to continue using the Luo family’s identities but added one more identity: Mei Tianzhou’s nephew and his family, who came from a merchant family. They came to Lujiang County for sightseeing.
At noon, Mei Tianzhou, Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and Yan Jin appeared together at the entrance of the county government office. Having a child with them would somewhat lower the other party’s guard.
Pan Longmen and Guan Batian warmly welcomed them into the mansion.
Upon seeing Guan Batian, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen became suspicious. From Guan’s imposing footsteps, they could tell that he possessed martial skills and had profound inner strength. Moreover, he did not possess the slightest hint of scholarly temperament.
As they entered the courtyard, they were surprised by the servants and attendants they encountered along the way; almost all of them were martial artists.
Upon entering the dining hall, everyone greeted each other. Mrs. Pan, Pan Longmen’s son Pan Weijie, and his daughter Pan Youlian all paid their respects to Mei Tianzhou. Mrs. Pan and Pan Youlian withdrew, while Pan Weijie stayed behind to accompany the guests.
Pan Longmen raised his cup and said, “Brother Mei, back then at Qingsong Academy, we used to spend many nights discussing various matters, it was a truly joyous time. I still remember how Brother Mei took care of me back then. I never expected to see Brother Mei again. I must raise a cup in honor of Brother Mei.”
Mei Tianzhou’s hand subtly paused for a moment, then he chuckled and said, “You are now the county magistrate, while I have followed my father’s footsteps in business. It is only right for me to toast to you.”
The two men exchanged smiles and drank together.
Mei Tianzhou glanced at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge nodded slightly, and Mei Tianzhou no longer mentioned the past. Instead, he engaged in a leisurely conversation with Pan Longmen about the scenic spots along the Lu River, even discussing business matters with ease.
Guan Batian had been on guard, suspecting that Pan Longmen might play some tricks. However, at this moment, he completely let his guard down.
During the feast, the guests enjoyed themselves.
After Yan Ge and the others left the county government office, they only engaged in casual conversations unrelated to important matters. Upon returning to the inn, Mei Tianzhou slapped the table and said in a deep voice, “I knew this matter couldn’t be so simple. It is highly likely that Pan Longmen is being coerced to commit these unlawful acts.”
“Has Master Mei confirmed it?” Yan Ge asked.
Mei Tianzhou replied, “Indeed. It is true that Magistrate Pan and I studied together at Qingsong Academy, but Magistrate Pan is two months older than me. I used to call him Brother Pan, not the other way around. At that time, when I mentioned following my father’s footsteps in business, it was a subtle hint that I had received his implication.”
Yan Ge nodded solemnly. “Master Mei’s words are correct. Zirui and I have also discovered many issues within the county yamen. The most suspicious person is that steward. He has martial arts and doesn’t have a scholar’s temperament. If County Magistrate Pan is truly being coerced, it is mostly likely related to this person.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “There is just one thing that doesn’t make sense. There are no traces of coercion or abuse on County Magistrate Pan, his wife, or children. So, how did that Guan Renjie threaten Master Pan? Could it be that Master Pan has some handle that fell into Steward Guan’s hands?”
“That point indeed deserves further consideration,” Mei Tianzhou said. “If Guan Renjie possesses formidable martial skills, then my subordinates are no match for him. I’m afraid I need to trouble the two young masters to attempt to track Master Guan and see if any clues can be found.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Leave this matter to me. Madam, Master Mei, please focus on enjoying your normal activities these next few days.”
“In that case, I am grateful to the two of you,” Mei Tianzhou said.
Yan Ge, Yan Jin, Mei Tianzhou, and Mei Fushun walked slowly along the riverbank.
Yan Ge occasionally glanced at the river, shaking his head. The economic level of Lujiang County was indeed not low, but there was still great potential for development. If he were here, making a fortune would be effortless.
“Why is Madam Luo shaking his head?” Mei Tianzhou asked in confusion.
Yan Ge snapped out of his thoughts. “It’s nothing, Master Mei. From your perspective, is it possible to build a bridge on the Lu River?”
Mei Tianzhou stopped and looked at the river, pondering for a moment. “River Lu’s water level hardly decreases throughout the year, so the possibility of building a stone bridge is extremely low. However, most people in Lujiang have excellent water skills, so it is feasible to construct several suspension bridges. Madam Luo, please take a look. There are many century-old trees on both sides of the river that can be used to connect the two banks with ropes, and wooden planks can be laid on the ropes to facilitate crossing. However, it’s likely that goods still need to be transported by boats across the river.”
An old man fishing nearby overheard their conversation and chuckled, interjecting, “There used to be a suspension bridge over Lu River a year ago.”
Mei Tianzhou showed a puzzled expression. “Why is it no longer there?”
The old man looked around and whispered, “If there’s a bridge, fewer people would take boats, and the boatmen would earn less money. The county magistrate’s tax collection would also decrease. Ah, I’ve got a fish on the hook.”
Mei Tianzhou wanted to inquire further, but the old man only stared at the float, motionless and feigning deafness and muteness.
The group had no choice but to continue walking forward.
Yan Ge leisurely remarked, “Solving the bridge problem only addresses the symptoms and not the root cause. If a bridge is built, nearly two thousand boatmen would lose their livelihoods unless their employment issues can be resolved.”
Mei Tianzhou stared at him without moving.
“Master Mei?” Yan Ge asked with confusion.
Mei Tianzhou said, “I just feel that Madam Luo is not an ordinary person from the martial arts world.”
Yan Ge smiled slightly and evaded the question. “If these boatmen no longer pull boats, what do you think they can do to make a living, Master Mei?”
Mei Tianzhou shook his head. “It’s difficult to say. Most of those who choose to make a living by pulling boats are illiterate commoners who can only support themselves and their families with physical labor. Even if they don’t pull boats, they can only do other physical work.”
Yan Ge nodded. “Indeed. Let me think… The complex influence of Lujiang cannot be completely resolved in the short term. Even if I come up with some good ways for these boatmen to earn money, their business is likely to be taken over sooner or later by larger forces.”
Mei Tianzhou looked at Yan Ge’s retreating figure in astonishment, his back filled with contemplation.
Yan Jin raised a finger at him, “Shhh, Papa is thinking about big problems.”
——-
In the evening, Huangfu Yuchen returned to the inn in time for dinner.
“How did it go?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “The Pan Longmen who appeared in the afternoon and the one during dinner are completely different in breathing and gait. I suspect that most of the time, the Pan Longmen people see is Guan Renjie in disguise.”
Mei Tianzhou was greatly surprised. “I can’t believe such a thing!”
Yan Ge said, “People in the martial world have many means. It’s not strange that Master Mei didn’t think of it.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “I still haven’t figured out that Guan Renjie’s true identity. After dinner, I’ll go to the county yamen again.”
Yan Ge said, “I have some matters on hand, so I can’t accompany you. I’ll have someone prepare some food for you. If you get hungry in the evening, you can fill your stomach.”
Mei Tianzhou said, “Thank you for your hard work, Young Master Luo. If there are any errands, feel free to ask Zhao Ying and Qian Xiong to do them. Tomorrow, I’ll take Sun Jiang and Li Jun to visit the common people’s homes and see if we can gather any information.”
After finishing their meal, Mei Tianzhou and the others returned to their respective rooms.
Yan Ge took out packaged roast chicken, meat buns, and beef jerky from his system backpack, stuffing the small backpack full.
Yan Jin chuckled. “Papa, it’s not like Father won’t come back for several days.”
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
“What do you know?” Yan Ge patted the backpack. “It’s hard to endure the night alone, so having something to eat makes it a little better. However, Zirui, remember to move around after eating. Otherwise, you’ll gain weight.”
Huangfu Yuchen looked down at himself. ‘Did I recently gain weight that my baby decided to remind me like this?’
Yan Ge laughed heartily. “I’m just kidding.”
Discovering Suspicious Points, Acting Separately
He suddenly had an idea in his mind. He needed more manpower in the capital, so why not take this young man with him? First, he was clever enough, and secondly, if he helped solve the problems in Lujiang County, he would surely be grateful and loyal to him. So he wouldn’t have to worry about loyalty then.
“You’re not wrong,” Yan Ge said directly, “We come from a renowned merchant family in the north. Are you interested in leaving this place and working with me? With your cleverness, being a servant here wouldn’t make the best use of your talents. With proper training, you can become someone remarkable.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him and didn’t object. He seldom interfered with Yan Ge’s business matters.
Yun Fei was taken aback. “Thank you, my lord, for your appreciation. Living by the river is very hard, and I wish I could have the opportunity to leave here. But, I still have unfinished business here. I don’t feel at ease, nor do I want to leave like this.”
“Well, perhaps we can really help you achieve your wish.” Yan Ge said with a mysterious smile.
Yun Fei was startled.
After asking everything he needed to, Yan Ge said, “Let the boat return.”
“Yes,” Yun Fei took two steps forward and then stopped. “Before you two young masters leave the boat, please kick this young one into the river.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged a glance. Even Huangfu Yuchen was starting to appreciate Yun Fei’s cleverness.
“Are you sure?” Yan Ge asked. “The water flows very fast.”
Yun Fei smiled. “Rest assured, young master I grew up by the river, and I’ll be fine.”
After an incense stick, the large boat stopped by the shore.
After Huangfu Yuchen kicked Yun Fei into the water, they disembarked without looking back.
The man from earlier hurriedly walked over. “My Lords…”
“You sure know how to talk, but you talk too much,” Huangfu Yuchen said arrogantly. “So, you won’t receive any reward.”
Sure enough, one shouldn’t provoke the rich. The man wiped the sweat off his forehead as he watched the two men walk away.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen returned to the inn and found Mei Tianzhou drinking tea in the elegant meeting hall, lost in thought.
Yan Jin was playing chess with Sun Jiang.
“Young Master Luo, Madam Luo,” Mei Fu said.
Mei Tianzhou snapped back to reality. “The two young masters have returned.”
Huangfu Yuchen asked, “Did Master Mei find anything?”
Mei Tianzhou nodded. “I’ve noticed a few suspicious points, but I haven’t found any leads yet. Or maybe I’m just overthinking. Do the two young masters have time for lunch? Master Pan has invited me to his mansion and I’d like to take the two of you along. First, you can have a clear observation, and second, I hope to benefit from your sharp eyes and see if we can make any new discoveries.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had already agreed to help him, so they readily accepted. After some discussion, the three of them decided to continue using the Luo family’s identities but added one more identity: Mei Tianzhou’s nephew and his family, who came from a merchant family. They came to Lujiang County for sightseeing.
At noon, Mei Tianzhou, Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and Yan Jin appeared together at the entrance of the county government office. Having a child with them would somewhat lower the other party’s guard.
Pan Longmen and Guan Batian warmly welcomed them into the mansion.
Upon seeing Guan Batian, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen became suspicious. From Guan’s imposing footsteps, they could tell that he possessed martial skills and had profound inner strength. Moreover, he did not possess the slightest hint of scholarly temperament.
As they entered the courtyard, they were surprised by the servants and attendants they encountered along the way; almost all of them were martial artists.
Upon entering the dining hall, everyone greeted each other. Mrs. Pan, Pan Longmen’s son Pan Weijie, and his daughter Pan Youlian all paid their respects to Mei Tianzhou. Mrs. Pan and Pan Youlian withdrew, while Pan Weijie stayed behind to accompany the guests.
Pan Longmen raised his cup and said, “Brother Mei, back then at Qingsong Academy, we used to spend many nights discussing various matters, it was a truly joyous time. I still remember how Brother Mei took care of me back then. I never expected to see Brother Mei again. I must raise a cup in honor of Brother Mei.”
Mei Tianzhou’s hand subtly paused for a moment, then he chuckled and said, “You are now the county magistrate, while I have followed my father’s footsteps in business. It is only right for me to toast to you.”
The two men exchanged smiles and drank together.
Mei Tianzhou glanced at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge nodded slightly, and Mei Tianzhou no longer mentioned the past. Instead, he engaged in a leisurely conversation with Pan Longmen about the scenic spots along the Lu River, even discussing business matters with ease.
Guan Batian had been on guard, suspecting that Pan Longmen might play some tricks. However, at this moment, he completely let his guard down.
During the feast, the guests enjoyed themselves.
After Yan Ge and the others left the county government office, they only engaged in casual conversations unrelated to important matters. Upon returning to the inn, Mei Tianzhou slapped the table and said in a deep voice, “I knew this matter couldn’t be so simple. It is highly likely that Pan Longmen is being coerced to commit these unlawful acts.”
“Has Master Mei confirmed it?” Yan Ge asked.
Mei Tianzhou replied, “Indeed. It is true that Magistrate Pan and I studied together at Qingsong Academy, but Magistrate Pan is two months older than me. I used to call him Brother Pan, not the other way around. At that time, when I mentioned following my father’s footsteps in business, it was a subtle hint that I had received his implication.”
Yan Ge nodded solemnly. “Master Mei’s words are correct. Zirui and I have also discovered many issues within the county yamen. The most suspicious person is that steward. He has martial arts and doesn’t have a scholar’s temperament. If County Magistrate Pan is truly being coerced, it is mostly likely related to this person.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “There is just one thing that doesn’t make sense. There are no traces of coercion or abuse on County Magistrate Pan, his wife, or children. So, how did that Guan Renjie threaten Master Pan? Could it be that Master Pan has some handle that fell into Steward Guan’s hands?”
“That point indeed deserves further consideration,” Mei Tianzhou said. “If Guan Renjie possesses formidable martial skills, then my subordinates are no match for him. I’m afraid I need to trouble the two young masters to attempt to track Master Guan and see if any clues can be found.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Leave this matter to me. Madam, Master Mei, please focus on enjoying your normal activities these next few days.”
“In that case, I am grateful to the two of you,” Mei Tianzhou said.
Yan Ge, Yan Jin, Mei Tianzhou, and Mei Fushun walked slowly along the riverbank.
Yan Ge occasionally glanced at the river, shaking his head. The economic level of Lujiang County was indeed not low, but there was still great potential for development. If he were here, making a fortune would be effortless.
“Why is Madam Luo shaking his head?” Mei Tianzhou asked in confusion.
Yan Ge snapped out of his thoughts. “It’s nothing, Master Mei. From your perspective, is it possible to build a bridge on the Lu River?”
Mei Tianzhou stopped and looked at the river, pondering for a moment. “River Lu’s water level hardly decreases throughout the year, so the possibility of building a stone bridge is extremely low. However, most people in Lujiang have excellent water skills, so it is feasible to construct several suspension bridges. Madam Luo, please take a look. There are many century-old trees on both sides of the river that can be used to connect the two banks with ropes, and wooden planks can be laid on the ropes to facilitate crossing. However, it’s likely that goods still need to be transported by boats across the river.”
An old man fishing nearby overheard their conversation and chuckled, interjecting, “There used to be a suspension bridge over Lu River a year ago.”
Mei Tianzhou showed a puzzled expression. “Why is it no longer there?”
The old man looked around and whispered, “If there’s a bridge, fewer people would take boats, and the boatmen would earn less money. The county magistrate’s tax collection would also decrease. Ah, I’ve got a fish on the hook.”
Mei Tianzhou wanted to inquire further, but the old man only stared at the float, motionless and feigning deafness and muteness.
The group had no choice but to continue walking forward.
Yan Ge leisurely remarked, “Solving the bridge problem only addresses the symptoms and not the root cause. If a bridge is built, nearly two thousand boatmen would lose their livelihoods unless their employment issues can be resolved.”
Mei Tianzhou stared at him without moving.
“Master Mei?” Yan Ge asked with confusion.
Mei Tianzhou said, “I just feel that Madam Luo is not an ordinary person from the martial arts world.”
Yan Ge smiled slightly and evaded the question. “If these boatmen no longer pull boats, what do you think they can do to make a living, Master Mei?”
Mei Tianzhou shook his head. “It’s difficult to say. Most of those who choose to make a living by pulling boats are illiterate commoners who can only support themselves and their families with physical labor. Even if they don’t pull boats, they can only do other physical work.”
Yan Ge nodded. “Indeed. Let me think… The complex influence of Lujiang cannot be completely resolved in the short term. Even if I come up with some good ways for these boatmen to earn money, their business is likely to be taken over sooner or later by larger forces.”
Mei Tianzhou looked at Yan Ge’s retreating figure in astonishment, his back filled with contemplation.
Yan Jin raised a finger at him, “Shhh, Papa is thinking about big problems.”
——-
In the evening, Huangfu Yuchen returned to the inn in time for dinner.
“How did it go?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “The Pan Longmen who appeared in the afternoon and the one during dinner are completely different in breathing and gait. I suspect that most of the time, the Pan Longmen people see is Guan Renjie in disguise.”
Mei Tianzhou was greatly surprised. “I can’t believe such a thing!”
Yan Ge said, “People in the martial world have many means. It’s not strange that Master Mei didn’t think of it.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “I still haven’t figured out that Guan Renjie’s true identity. After dinner, I’ll go to the county yamen again.”
Yan Ge said, “I have some matters on hand, so I can’t accompany you. I’ll have someone prepare some food for you. If you get hungry in the evening, you can fill your stomach.”
Mei Tianzhou said, “Thank you for your hard work, Young Master Luo. If there are any errands, feel free to ask Zhao Ying and Qian Xiong to do them. Tomorrow, I’ll take Sun Jiang and Li Jun to visit the common people’s homes and see if we can gather any information.”
After finishing their meal, Mei Tianzhou and the others returned to their respective rooms.
Yan Ge took out packaged roast chicken, meat buns, and beef jerky from his system backpack, stuffing the small backpack full.
Yan Jin chuckled. “Papa, it’s not like Father won’t come back for several days.”
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
“What do you know?” Yan Ge patted the backpack. “It’s hard to endure the night alone, so having something to eat makes it a little better. However, Zirui, remember to move around after eating. Otherwise, you’ll gain weight.”
Huangfu Yuchen looked down at himself. ‘Did I recently gain weight that my baby decided to remind me like this?’
Yan Ge laughed heartily. “I’m just kidding.”
