Volume One: River City Tune - Chapter 45: Cooperation and Strategy (Part One)

Li Ling met Cao Jin while lying on his stomach on the bed, accompanied by a huffing Li Yue'er who kept glaring fiercely at the old man. As soon as she learned that this smiling old man was from the county yamen, her obedient demeanor instantly did a one-eighty. They were the ones who got her brother hurt; they were all bad guys, humph!

"Please forgive me, old sir. My sister is somewhat lacking in manners." Li Ling, on the other hand, was quite courteous to him and even tried to get up to receive his guest, but was stopped by Cao Jin. "Young Master Li need not do so. You have cane wounds on your back, so it is better to rest."

After the two exchanged some polite pleasantries—leaving Yue'er somewhat bewildered—Li Ling finally got down to business. "I wonder what brings the respected old sir to my humble abode?"

"Haha, old man I am here today for two reasons. The first is to visit you on behalf of the Magistrate himself. After all, it is the responsibility of our county yamen that you suffered. Look, here is a bottle of healing ointment, crafted by an imperial physician of the capital. It is most effective for curing wounds and restoring flesh. You may take it and try." Cao Jin smiled as he withdrew a crystal-clear small bottle from his sleeve and handed it over.

Li Ling exchanged a glance with Yue'er, who then somewhat reluctantly accepted it, gave a slight bow of thanks, and finally softened her attitude a little. Seizing the opportunity, Li Ling said, "Actually, it is this commoner who should thank the Magistrate and the old sir. Had you not appeared in the nick of time, I truly would have been in danger. However, everything I stated in the courtroom was the absolute truth, and I hope the Magistrate will thoroughly investigate the matter to the very end."

"That brings us to the other reason old man I have come here," Cao Jin looked at him with an approving expression. "The Magistrate and I also went to the archive room, and the account books and scrolls piled up there are truly like mountains—just looking at them is terrifying. Yet, Young Master Li, you were able to single-handedly unearth numerous pieces of evidence of Zhuang Hong's embezzlement in such a short time, and even dig up corrupt cases from eighteen years ago. That is truly beyond the capability of ordinary people, and quite admirable.

"However... the testimonies you have submitted so far are still not enough to convict a court-appointed official. Therefore, according to the Magistrate's intention, a more detailed investigation must be conducted. This task requires someone capable and trustworthy enough, and you are the ideal candidate. Young Master Li, the Magistrate places such great trust in you; you must not let him down, nor fail the people of this entire county."

Listening to his earnest words and looking at his expression of affectionate concern for a junior, the corners of Li Ling's mouth curled up into a faint smile. "You flatter me, old sir. This commoner cannot bear such high praise. Besides, I am still the plaintiff after all, and deeply involved in this case. Would it not be highly improper for me to conduct the investigation?"

"What could possibly be improper? As the saying goes, a straight footed person does not fear a crooked shadow. As long as our own consciences are clear, that is all that matters." At this point, the old man's eyes narrowed slightly, and he added, "Or could it be that after experiencing what happened previously, you, Young Master Li, are afraid and no longer dare to uphold justice?"

Using a challenge works better than using force, especially when facing a young man. He felt that this approach would be far more effective than trying to persuade him with lofty principles.

Yet Li Ling's reaction exceeded his expectations. Faced with such remarks, this young man remained entirely unmoved, merely lying there with a half-smile, locking eyes with him as if he had already seen right through everything. This feeling was not particularly pleasant and made Cao Jin slightly nervous, prompting him to blurt out, "Does Young Master Li feel there is something improper about this?"

"There is nothing improper. I simply have a question, though I am unsure if it is proper to ask."

"Speak freely."

"Then I shall offend... Today, the old sir came under the Magistrate's orders to invite me to investigate the accounts. Is it because you currently have no one else available? Or perhaps, within the current county yamen, the Magistrate's orders cannot be enforced at all, and no one is willing to take orders?"

At these words, Cao Jin's body gave a sharp start. His spine straightened involuntarily, and his gaze changed. "You..." He desperately wanted to ask how the other party knew, but the words failed to pass his lips.

Having already guessed what the other wanted to say, Li Ling smiled and said, "It seems the Magistrate's situation is quite precarious indeed, which is why he thought of having me continue the investigation into the accounts." Inwardly, he rolled his eyes; true to being a bureaucrat, the man certainly had a way with words, actually framing a request for his help as an opportunity for his own advancement.

Outwardly, however, he said, "If that is truly the case, this subordinate is quite willing to contribute an effort for the Magistrate and for the elders and folks of Jiangcheng County to eradicate Zhuang Hong!"

***

Cao Jin had originally intended to deny it, but hearing him speak thus, he quickly changed his mind and smiled bitterly. "Young Master Li is truly exceedingly clever, to have perceived the clues. Very well, the situation is just as you say, but compared to the Magistrate's plight, you are indeed in even greater danger. Because once Zhuang Hong cannot be convicted this time, I fear he will henceforth roam free with even greater arrogance, completely seizing absolute power over the county yamen. By then, while the Magistrate will undoubtedly find it difficult to accomplish anything, you—having offended him to this extent—fear what your fate might be..."

This was the truth; Li Ling stepping in now was not only helping others but also helping himself. Therefore, he immediately replied, "What the old sir says is true, so I cannot shirk this responsibility. However, before I agree, I have one more request."

Seeing him nod, a wave of joy washed over Cao Jin, and he quickly urged, "Speak. As long as your request does not violate the law, the Magistrate will surely satisfy it."

"I simply wish to see the Magistrate once more and have a face-to-face, in-depth discussion with him," Li Ling stated his demand.

"That is easily done; old man I can promise you that. How about this: early tomorrow morning, you go to the county yamen, and the Magistrate will naturally meet with you."

Glancing at the sky outside, Li Ling replied, "There is no time to lose. I believe we should go right now. The matter is urgent, after all, lest any prolonged delay breeds complications."

"Very well, but your health..."

"They are merely flesh wounds, and the medicine has already been applied. As long as I don't bump them, it will be fine." With these words, Li Ling pressed his hands firmly against the bed and pushed himself up into a sitting position. This startled Yue'er, who hurried forward to support him. "Brother, your injuries aren't healed yet. How can you go out at a time like this?"

As he exerted force, a burning pain truly flared across his back, but Li Ling endured it without crying out. While putting on his shoes, he said to the worried Yue'er, "I'm not going out to shoulder heavy loads; I'm just making a trip to the county yamen, nothing will happen. Look, I've been lying on the bed for half a day, I need to stretch a bit anyway."

"But..." Yue'er still wanted to persuade him otherwise, but Li Ling interrupted her by patting her head. "Be a good girl. I'll go and be right back. Just stay home, set your mind at ease, and prepare some food. Let's have something light today—I want radish soup."

Reluctantly yielding to her brother, the little girl could only give a soft response and watched with lingering anxiety as he and that hateful old man walked out the door together.

When Li Ling and his companion arrived at the county yamen, the place remained as desolate as ever, without even a gate guard in sight—truly a disgraceful state of affairs. Yet this was also beneficial; at least Li Ling could enter the second hall without the slightest hindrance. Remembering the previous two times he had come to the yamen, the contrast was truly vast.

Just as the two of them entered the yamen, a man in the opposite tea shed swiftly stood up, muttered, "What is this brat here for again?" and hurried away.

The second hall of the county yamen remained quiet and sparsely populated. Wei Liang sat solemnly behind the official desk, looking deeply preoccupied. It was not until Cao Jin requested an audience outside the door that he snapped back from his thoughts. Upon seeing Li Ling as well, a smile finally graced his face. "Come in and speak."

Looking at the young magistrate before him, Li Ling inwardly complained once more, *Big brother, you're an official relying on pure talent, do you have to be so overpowered and ridiculously handsome as well? Can good looks be eaten as a meal? You even pull that brooding, Tony Leung-esque expression—have you no shame?*

While thinking such things, etiquette could not be neglected, and he respectfully bowed in greeting once more. This further improved Wei Liang's impression of him, and he waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Have a seat and speak."

***

Cao Jin was unceremonious, taking a seat on the chair to the left, but Li Ling merely walked over to the right and stood still. This left the magistrate quite puzzled. "Why aren't you sitting? You needn't be so nervous."

"Ah, please forgive this commoner, Magistrate, but I have injuries on my buttocks and back and truly dare not sit," Li Ling said with a bitter grimace. Having been lying on his stomach all this time, how could he possibly sit?

"Ah, that is my oversight; I quite forgot about that. Then you may stand and speak." Wei Liang smiled, his tension easing somewhat. "Since you have come to see me, you must have agreed to help us investigate the accounts?"

"Naturally, this commoner considers it his bounden duty," Li Ling replied with a cupped-fist salute.

"That is best. However... investigating the accounts in the archive room all by yourself this time will be no light task. Do you have any requests?"

Li Ling shook his head. "Investigating accounts certainly poses no difficulty for me, but this commoner does have one question for the Magistrate, and I hope you will not take offense."

"Although I am merely a seventh-rank magistrate, I am not so narrow-minded as to be angered by a few words from you. Speak. Even if you are wrong, it matters not."

Li Ling glanced at the other man, realizing his words were genuine, and felt an even greater surge of goodwill toward Magistrate Wei. To possess such poise at such a young age—no wonder he managed to become the ruler of a county.

With a slight smile, Li Ling began: "Magistrate, actually, bringing all the related corruption to absolute light is not a difficult task. What worries me, however, is whether—even if we truly uncover all of this—we can successfully convict Zhuang Hong and the others? Given his overriding authority in the county yamen today, does the Magistrate truly believe that having evidence alone will be enough to overthrow him?"

Both men present were momentarily stunned, and Wei Liang almost blurted out, "Bro, that hits right where it hurts!"—if he had known such a phrase. Then, the expressions of the two men shifted through various shades of emotion: anger, helplessness, which ultimately dissolved into a long sigh.

It was Cao Jin who finally discerned the underlying meaning. "Does Young Master Li have a better strategy? Why not share it with us?"

As those words left his mouth, the magistrate also locked his gaze firmly onto Li Ling, waiting for him to provide the answer...