Huangfu Yuchen walked over and sat beside him, “Is it not good if I gain a little weight? You’ll find it more comfortable when you hold me.”
Yan Ge automatically moved to the corner.
“Alright,” Yan Ge nodded, “But don’t let your face get fat. It’ll look ugly if your face becomes plump.”
Huangfu Yuchen was speechless. It seemed that he shouldn’t let any part of his body get fat, otherwise he would definitely be abandoned by his beloved.
He kissed Yan Ge’s lips and said, “Alright, I’ll remember. I’m leaving, don’t stay up too late either.”
That night, Huangfu Yuchen stayed on the roof of the county government office. After finishing the food prepared by Yan Ge, he made sure there was nothing suspicious around, took a walk in the yard for a while, and then practiced a set of silent boxing before lying down on the roof for a light sleep.
Yan Ge stayed busy until midnight before finally falling asleep. There was a stack of papers on the table.
After waking up in the morning, he busied himself for more than half an hour before leaving and heading to the blacksmith shop along the riverside street.
Suddenly, a few screams came from the river, and the dozen or so boatmen on the bank panicked and shouted at each other:
“Quick!”
“Pull together! Pull!”
Yan Ge looked up and saw a large boat in the middle of the Lu River slowly tilting to one side. The people on the boat were in a state of panic and ran to the deck. Among them were Yan Jin, Mei Tianzhou, Sun Jiang, and Li Jun. Mei Tianzhou held Yan Jin tightly with one hand and grasped the railing tightly with the other.
With a swift step, Yan Ge walked on the water without a trace. In the blink of an eye, he arrived at the boat. He first held Yan Jin in one hand, and grabbed Mei Tianzhou’s arm with the other, quickly bringing them to the shore and then went back to save Sun Jiang and Li Jun. After five or six trips back and forth, he managed to rescue everyone to the shore before the boat sank.
“Fortunately, Madam Luo was here,” Mei Tianzhou said with lingering fear, “If something happened to Little Jiacheng when he was with me, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself even if I became a ghost,”
“I just happened to be passing by here,” Yan Ge’s sharp eyes scanned the water below. Was it his illusion? When he was shuttling back and forth between the shore and the boat, he vaguely saw several shadows passing under the water. Were they people or just a school of fish?
The rest of the rescued people thanked Yan Ge one after another, and then turned angrily towards the boatmen, questioning them, “What’s the matter with your rotten boat? It’s reckless to carry passengers when the bottom of the boat is decayed!”
“The bottom of the boat is rotten? That’s impossible!” the steward explained, “We are all people who make a living on the river, how could we do such a thing? We inspect our boat and ropes every day before using them. If there were really any problems, we wouldn’t miss them.”
“Then why did the bottom of the boat suddenly take on water?”
The two groups argued fiercely.
A rescued girl calmed down and walked over with her maidservant, bowing deeply to Yan Ge in gratitude, “Thank you, for saving our lives—”
“No need to offer yourself,” Yan Jin poked his head out from behind Yan Ge, showing his teeth, “My Papa is already married!”
Yan Ge turned his head and glared at him, “Jiang!”
The girl blushed with embarrassment, “I didn’t mean that… I just wanted to thank the young master in person…”
Yan Ge tapped Yan Jin’s head with a “thud,” “Children have no filter, please don’t take it to heart, Miss. It was just a small effort on my part, no need to thank me.”
The girl bowed again, along with her maidservant, and quickly walked away.
Yan Jin pouted at Yan Ge and looked tearful, “Papa…”
Mei Tianzhou fell for his trick and hugged him in his arms, “Madam Luo, Little Jiacheng still young, please don’t blame him.”
Yan Jin secretly made a face at Yan Ge in his arms.
Yan Ge looked up at the sky, wanting to ask Mei Tianzhou, ‘Isn’t it your fault that your son is so useless now?’
After they walked a distance, Yan Ge asked, “Master Mei, how did you end up on the boat?”
Mei Tianzhou replied, “The county office is located south of the Lu River. I thought that it would be less likely for that Guan to vigilant if I went to the north side of the river with Yan Jin. I didn’t expect such a thing to happen.”
Yan Ge looked around and said, “I’m afraid it’s not a coincidence. Someone is targeting you. However, I can’t be certain for now. I’ll wait for Zirui to come back and see if he has discovered anything.”
Mei Tianzhou looked astonished and angrily said, “They have such audacity! Do they have no regard for the law?”
Yan Ge glanced at the shops on the street and said, “There is a teahouse over there. You can go and sit there for a while. I’ll finish my business and find you to go back together.”
“Alright.”
………
Guan Batian quietly arrived at the front of a mansion. He lightly knocked on the door, and it was opened.
“Boss.”
“Where is Guan Hu?” Guan Batian didn’t stop and quickly walked into the courtyard.
“He is accompanying the second madam.”
“Tell him to come to the study immediately.”
“Yes.”
Guan Batian sat in the study for a while, and a tall and sturdy man, even taller than him, walked in with a smile. “Big brother, you’re back.”
Seeing Guan Batian’s serious expression, Guan Hu restrained his smile. “Big brother, what happened that even troubled you?”
Guan Batian said, “Our good days have come to an end.”
“What do you mean?” Guan Hu’s expression tightened.
Guan Batian said, “Yesterday, a man named Mei came to visit Pan Longmen. Although Pan Longmen didn’t play any tricks, the more I thought about it, the more something felt off. This man has a special aura in his words and actions. I’m afraid his purpose is not that simple. I arranged for people to monitor their group, and today I learned that Mei Tianzhou planned to cross the river. I deliberately had someone sabotage the bottom of the boat but then the young man who is said to be Mei’s nephew-in-law saved him. If Mei was just visiting Pan Longmen, why would he have such a powerful expert with him?”
“Do you suspect that they are sent by the county office? Big brother, could you be overthinking?” Guan Hu was somewhat skeptical. “We have our eyes on almost everyone in the Lu River. It’s impossible for anyone to reach Fancheng smoothly.”
Guan Batian waved his hand and said, “After traveling the rivers and lakes for so many years, one should be cautious. It’s because of our cautiousness that our Xiaoyao Gang has come this far. We can’t really confront the court head-on for the sake of money. Besides, we’ve already gained enough benefits in the Lu River this year. It’s time to withdraw when things are still going well.”
“Since that’s the case, big brother, I’ll listen to you,” Guan Hu nodded. “But, big brother, how do you plan to extricate yourself?”
A cunning and sinister expression appeared on Guan Batian’s face. “I have my own plan. We can make good use of Pingwen Gang and Ping’an Gang, the two largest boat gangs in the Lu River. Today, you all pack up your belongings. Tomorrow morning, I will find a way to provoke a conflict between the two gangs. Let them fight to the death, and we will take the opportunity to leave Lujiang County.”
“Understood.”
The next morning, the fight between Pingwen Gang and Ping’an Gang broke out, starting from a clash between thirty boatmen and escalating into a full-blown battle between the two gangs. The members of the gangs were filled with bloodlust, injuring people from other boat gangs and spreading the conflict. Meanwhile, Guan Batian and his men quietly mounted their prepared horses, and galloped away.
Less than two miles on the road, two figures standing side by side in white robes startled Guan Batian. He pulled the reins and urged the horse to run faster, attempting to directly collide with the two people to make way.
Huangfu Yuchen lifted his right leg and directly kicked the left front hoof of the horse.
The horse let out a miserable cry and somersaulted in the air.
Guan Batian was greatly shocked and turned pale. After rolling on the ground, he quickly stood up.
Seeing this, Guan Hu and the others hurriedly pulled the reins to stop the horses. “Whoa!”
Guan Batian put his hands together and said, “I kindly ask the two masters to make way for us. We, the Xiaoyo Gang, will pretend that the previous incident never happened.”
Huangfu Yuchen said in a calm voice, “Guan Batian, your crime of impersonating a high-ranking official of the court is unpardonable. For the past year, you have accepted bribes and imposed illegal taxes, causing unbearable suffering to the people of Lujiang County. Did you think you could escape?”
Guan Batian sneered, “You all are people of the martial world, why are you helping the officials? What benefits has the court given you?”
Yan Ge smiled mischievously and said, “Who told you we are people of the martial world?”
“Madam, there’s no need to waste words with them,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “Disable their acupoints first. Pan Longmen and his men should be arriving soon.”
“Understood.”
“Brothers, attack!” Guan Batian shouted with raised arms.
Huangfu Yuchen swiftly moved behind him, sealing his acupoints, and the others were dealt with similarly.
After a while, everyone was immobilized, and they looked at them with shocked eyes.
Shortly after, Mei Tianzhou and Pan Longmen arrived with government troops and arrested everyone.
Mei Tianzhou let out a sigh of relief. “Finally, it’s resolved.”
“Yes,” Pan Longmen chuckled bitterly, wiping off his sweat. “However, I humbly request guidance from Master Mei. Although I was coerced, I will be held responsible for Guan Batian’s crimes…”
Mei Tianzhou patted his shoulder. “This matter cannot be concealed. As for the current plan, Master Pan, you can only report the facts truthfully. The silver that Guan Batian acquired should mostly be here. Return what should be given to the people, and if there are any discrepancies, you can use a written apology instead. I will also submit a memorial to the capital, pleading for mercy for you, detailing your achievements during your tenure in Lujiang and explaining your difficulties. The wise emperor will surely give you a fair judgment. Although you can’t avoid punishment, your life may be spared.”
Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen, and Huangfu Yuchen nodded slightly.
Yan Ge walked up to Mei Tianzhou and Pan Longmen. “Master Mei’s words are reasonable. Master Pan, there’s no need to be too pessimistic. From what I know, you still have a year left in your term. If you can further develop Lujiang County within this year, perhaps you can redeem your crimes.”
Pan Longmen’s eyes lit up. “Madam Luo’s words are enlightening. I know what I need to do now. Thank you!”
Mei Tianzhou said, “Take these people back and publicly interrogate them to provide an explanation to the people of Lujiang County. It should at least alleviate their grievances from this past year.”
Pan Longmen nodded in agreement. “Master Mei’s words are reasonable. I will do as instructed.”
Back at the county, the yamen officials beat the gongs and drums, and announced that the Xiaoyo Gang had impersonated the County magistrate, and that the true county magistrate will try the case at the execution ground. The entire Lujiang County was in an uproar, and the execution ground was crowded with curious onlookers.
Mei Tianzhou displayed the gold and silver treasures, including weapons, masks, and other items confiscated from the members of the Xiaoyao Gang. It was a solid proof of Guan Batian and others’ crimes, and they were publicly beheaded.
“It is true that County Magistrate Pan was impersonated, but it still constitutes a dereliction of duty. However, this case is unique. This official will immediately submit a petition to the capital for the Emperor’s judgment. Before the Imperial decree arrives, County Magistrate Pan is still temporarily in charge of Lujiang affairs, while the county executive and the registrar will supervise him.”
“Yes!”
After publicly beheading Guan Batian and Guan Hu, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen followed Pan Longmen back to the county yamen.
Mei Tianzhou asked with concern, “Magistrate Pan, what are your plans for the next steps?”
Pan Longmen replied, “During this past year, I have been under house arrest and pondered many things. The first thing is to build a suspension bridge to resolve the difficulties of travel between the two banks. Additionally, I will reorganize the boatmen’s guild. The boatmen’s treatment is too poor, and we need to find ways to improve their living conditions. The second is to develop the local fishing industry. The locals can catch fish either for their own consumption or to sell to others in the county. We can process the fish and sell them to areas in the north where fish is scarce.”
Mei Tianzhou nodded approvingly. “There is one issue, though. As Madam Luo mentioned, if a suspension bridge is built on the Lu River, many boatmen will lose their jobs. This point cannot be ignored.”
Pan Longmen nodded. “Master Mei and Madam Luo have valid concerns. However, we cannot give up the suspension bridge because of this.”
Yan Ge stood up. “The two Lords have important matters to discuss, so we won’t disturb you. We’ll take our leave.”
“Very well, please.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen left the county yamen and strolled leisurely towards the inn, enjoying the breeze.
“From the look on your face, I can tell you have another brilliant idea, baby,” Huangfu Yuchen said. He understood Yan Ge very well; even if he just blinked, he could tell what he was thinking.
Yan Ge reached out and said, “I’ve decided that every time I come up with a good idea, I’ll ask you for one thousand taels.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded readily, “It’s only a fraction of your 200,000 taels anyway.”
Yan Ge slapped his buttocks in annoyance.
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled lightly, pulled him close by the waist, and playfully bit his lips as punishment.
“Baby, tell me, what did you think of?”
“The answer will be revealed in two days,” Yan Ge pushed him away, and briskly walked away with hands behind his back. “Ah, I’ve realized I’m truly a genius. I’ve come up with such a great idea.”
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled and caught up with him, praising, “Yes, no one can compare to you in terms of intelligence.”
Two days later, Yan Ge mysteriously led Huangfu Yuchen, Mei Tianzhou, Pan Longmen, and others to the riverside.
Zhao Ying and Qian Xiong had arrived earlier, and beside them stood a big object covered in cloth, unknown to the spectators. Many people wanted to uncover the red cloth to find out what it was, but Zhao Ying and Qian Xiong dismissed them.
Mei Tianzhou and Pan Longmen noticed the complex expressions on Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen’s faces. They exchanged a curious glance with each other and grew even more intrigued.
Yan Ge patted Huangfu Yuchen’s shoulder. “Zirui, go and uncover the red cloth.”
Pan Longmen looked at Mei Tianzhou. It was only proper for the Magistrate to personally handle this matter.
Mei Tianzhou remained calm. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen didn’t care about his identity at all. He had understood this since the first day he met them.
Huangfu Yuchen pulled back the red cloth and raised an eyebrow at the object in front of them.
“Baby, what is this?”
A thick log was horizontally placed between two large trees, with large iron nails securing both ends to the trees. Below the log hung a circular iron wheel with grooves, and a rope as thick as a fiber was wrapped around the grooves, with another iron wheel hanging from the rope.
If there was someone from the modern world, they would recognize this as a pulley system consisting of a fixed pulley and a movable pulley, allowing for effortless lifting.
