BXBX NOVEL Chapter 161 - 161: I Wish to Join the Sect, Do You Have Any Thoughts?
Qingxian City, County Yamen.
“Looks like there’s still quite a bit of silver in our yamen’s accounts,” Lu Xuan commented, browsing through the ledger.
The former magistrate, though corrupt, had never delayed the staff’s wages. He wasn’t particularly concerned about the “small money” in the treasury.
“Li Ming,” Lu Xuan called out.
“Present,” Li Ming responded.
“How are the refugees from Qinghe County doing now?” Lu Xuan inquired.
“Reporting to you, sir,” Li Ming replied, “Those with money have bought homes and settled down in the western part of the city. Those without funds are living together in makeshift shelters, with some looking for work and others resorting to begging.”
“Go to the treasury and take out some silver,” Lu Xuan ordered, handing him the account book. “Set up a porridge stall in the western city tomorrow and announce that the yamen is providing porridge to aid the refugees.”
“Yes, sir,” Li Ming acknowledged.
He was about to leave to prepare when Lu Xuan added, “For the first porridge distribution, don’t prepare too much… Have someone literate take down the names, places of origin, ages, and current residences of those who come for porridge. Also, make special note of those who are physically robust and keep a record.”
“Understood, sir!” Li Ming affirmed and left the yamen.
Lu Xuan had other tasks for Lu Ping, who was out on duty.
Now, the yamen was left with just Lu Xuan and Cheng Lingzhu, the two in charge.
“What should we do next?” Cheng Lingzhu asked.
“Of course, what a county magistrate should do,” Lu Xuan replied with a smile, picking up a dossier from the table.
Several cases had piled up over the past few days, and there was a stack of complaint papers on the table. He had plans in mind and had already made many preparations, just waiting for the right opportunity.
“Let me see,” Lu Xuan picked up a complaint paper, “A case of a wife accusing her husband of not paying public grain… Yes, this one.”
Qingxian City, County Yamen, afternoon.
“Lu Ping, how’s the investigation I assigned to you progressing?” Lu Xuan asked.
“I… I’m incapable…” Ru Ping looked ashamed. “I haven’t… Managed to uncover anything.”
“Don’t blame yourself. The Black Lotus Sect has been operating covertly in the
Great Kang Dynasty for over a hundred years, only emerging during uprisings. It’s natural that their actions are secretive,” Lu Xuan reassured him. “It’s extremely difficult to grasp the whole city’s situation in just one day.”
Lu Xuan had tasked Lu Ping with investigating if there were any Black Lotus Sect infiltrators in the city. Given that the neighboring Qinghe County was already troubled by the sect and Qingxian City was even more prosperous, it was likely not spared.
After all, the Qingxian Society, which wasn’t very “popular” among the people, had been extorting the public for years, relying on the muscle of the three major families and the people’s fear of the Qingxian.
Lu Ping bowed deeply: “Please g-give m-me… A few more days, I-I will definitely…”
“No need,” Lu Xuan shook his head. “I already have a lead on this… I have another task for you. Keep an eye on Qin Fu these next few days. Note down who she meets and where she goes, and report back to me.”
“Understood, sir!” Lu Ping acknowledged.
After he left, Lu Xuan picked up the complaint paper on the table: “This case is quite interesting.”
He flicked the paper a few times: “Tang MO, a wealthy merchant in the eastern city, has been frequenting brothels every night for the past two months, completely neglecting his wife… She’s quite upset about it and has taken him to court.”
“Could it be that they had a fight and Tang MO is giving his wife the cold shoulder?” Cheng Lingzhu speculated.
“No, they were fine until two months ago. According to the complaint, which was orally recounted by Tang Mo’s wife, they hadn’t quarreled,” Lu Xuan refuted.
“Could it be that his wife has lost her charm, driving Tang MO to seek… fresher experiences outside?” Cheng Lingzhu guessed.
“In two months, he could have visited every brothel in the city three times. If he really had a favorite there, he could have married her directly under the Great Kang Dynasty’s law. As for losing charm… Tang Mo’s wife is only thirty this year and is not unattractive. He even has several concubines. The complaint states that her husband suddenly became indifferent, showing no interest not only in her but also in his concubines, ” Lu Xuan explained, then added, “Despite spending a lot at the brothels, his wife found more silver hidden in his study than what he took from home.”
“Going to brothels not only without spending but also making a profit…” Cheng Lingzhu made a face. “This person couldn’t be supplementing his family’s income by doing… Well, that kind of work?”
Qingxian City had well-developed infrastructure, even boasting an alley of ‘male companions’ known for their delicate looks and soft bodies.
“Perhaps?” Lu Xuan chuckled.
He stretched lazily before adding, “But I suspect that his punctual, relentless nightly outings might be for attending some sort of gathering.”
“The Black Lotus Sect?” Cheng Lingzhu was quick to catch on.
“Very likely,” Lu Xuan nodded.
When a man loses interest in women, either he’s incapable, or he’s found something more intriguing.
“Tonight, let’s stake out near Tang’s house and see what this Tang MO is really up to..”