Chapter 80: I Truly Am Like a Dog

The following day.

“Sir,” called out Cao Ying, who approached Yang Xuan after he had finished his morning cultivation.

“What is it?” Yang Xuan was growing increasingly accustomed to Old Cao’s shifty, scheming face.

Cao Ying said, “At most, the matter of the illegitimate daughter will only tarnish Qiu Sheng’s reputation. I was thinking… Qiu Sheng once served as the county judicial officer, the one who presides over criminal law in the county. Shouldn’t we look into his affairs?”

Yang Xuan was silent for a long time, and Cao Ying lowered his head slightly.

“All right,” said Yang Xuan at last.

Cao Ying let out a breath of relief and went off to find Old Rogue.

“Is the young master dissatisfied with me?” Old Rogue was squatting in the shade by the wall, enjoying the coolness. He looked up in surprise. “What have you done?”

“Nothing at all!” Cao Ying was utterly confused.

“Then why the guilty conscience?” Old Rogue grinned, relishing his companion’s discomfort.

After court, Qiu Sheng once more walked home alone.

Along the row of stalls in Morality Lane, the vendors’ shouts were as lively as ever. The young woman’s business did not seem as brisk today; she smashed her cleaver onto the chopping block with a thunderous bang. Upon seeing Qiu Sheng, she greeted him cheerfully, “Here for your usual, sir?”

“Yes,” Qiu Sheng replied with a broad smile. “You seem out of sorts today.”

“No, not really.” The butcher girl brought her cleaver down with a thud, weighed the cut, and then said apologetically, “Sir, it’s half a catty more than you asked for.”

Qiu Sheng seemed not to notice how she had slanted the blade inward to add extra weight, and said with a smile, “I have a healthy appetite today—cut it all.”

“Very well.”

With the pork in hand, Qiu Sheng returned home beneath the setting sun.

As soon as he stepped inside, the big dog came bounding up, its tail spinning like a windmill.

“There’s some for you too, don’t worry,” he said.

He divided the pound and a half of pork into two portions: one for the dog, one for himself.

His wife gave a cold snort. “You said you’d manage to be county magistrate before retirement. Any progress?”

“That’s for the prefect to worry about,” Qiu Sheng replied.

“Why is that?” At the mention of government posts, his wife perked up, sidling over and giving the dog a playful swat that made it yelp.

Qiu Sheng slowly ate a slice of pork, took a sip of wine, and smacked his lips. “The prefect longs for a position in the Six Ministries, but after six years governing Wannian County, he’s left a lot of loose ends. If his successor isn’t one of his own, those loose ends could cost him dearly. So tell me, why should I be nervous?”

His wife was delighted by this, gently rubbing the dog’s back. The dog looked up at her, a little nervous.

“Is it so easy?” she asked, still worried.

Qiu Sheng raised his wine jug, and his wife snatched it away to pour him a drink. “Go on, tell me!”

Qiu Sheng smiled. “If I help him tear down his colleagues, and succeed this time, he’s promised I’ll be the next assistant magistrate.”

He spoke with certainty. “He wouldn’t dare go back on his word. Otherwise, he can’t blame me for turning against him in secret.”

…

That night, Cao Ying changed into plain clothes and went out with Old Rogue.

They found themselves outside the home of Xiao Xing, a minor clerk.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door opened, and a woman looked at them in surprise. “Who are you gentlemen looking for?”

“Xiao Xing,” Cao Ying said, standing in front, his mere presence enough to inspire trust in the woman.

“Please come in,” she said, stepping aside.

“It won’t take long—no need to trouble you,” Cao Ying replied with a polite smile.

Xiao Xing came out and, seeing Cao Ying, hurriedly bowed. “Master Cao, what brings you here?”

Cao Ying nodded. “I’ve come to ask you about Qiu Sheng’s corruption.”

Xiao Xing’s face changed. “You’ve got the wrong place!”

He turned to go back inside, trying to close the door.

Cao Ying smiled. “Who was it that took five hundred cash from a convict’s family last year? There are many more such instances. Shall I investigate them one by one?”

Xiao Xing’s face went ashen.

“Husband, invite our guests in,” called his wife from inside.

Xiao Xing’s expression turned pleading. “I beg you, please.”

He felt a chill run down his spine and, glancing back, realized that Old Rogue had somehow slipped into the house and now reappeared behind him.

“Three children and your wife are waiting for you to eat,” Old Rogue sneered cunningly. “Would you rather dine in prison?”

Xiao Xing collapsed at once. “I’ll tell you everything!”

Later that night, the two of them returned.

“You’re quite skilled at these things?” Cao Ying asked.

“I could slip into your bedroom next time,” Old Rogue replied threateningly.

Cao Ying laughed it off. “Whose tomb are you planning to rob next?”

Old Rogue immediately fell silent and sullen.

Back home, Cao Ying went to make his report.

Yang Xuan looked up and asked, “Tomorrow should be a fine day, don’t you think?”

“Certainly.”

The next day, Yang Xuan rose early and changed into new clothes.

Yi Niang tugged at his sleeves, smiling with joy. “In a few years, young master, you’ll be ready for marriage.”

Wang Lao’er asked, “Yi Niang, will there be meat at the wedding feast?”

Old Rogue grinned wickedly, “There’ll be beautiful meat, that’s for sure.”

“Don’t teach him such nonsense,” Yi Niang scolded, glaring at him.

They headed out.

Master Xie was waiting outside the door. He turned and said, “Young Magistrate Yang, could you help me set the door in place?”

The Xie family’s great door had come off its hinges, and Master Xie couldn’t manage it alone.

“I’ll do it,” Wang Lao’er stepped forward.

Yang Xuan tried to intervene, but Wang Lao’er had already struck.

Bang!

“It’s done!” Master Xie saw the hinge slip into place and was overjoyed. “You’re a good lad, Lao’er. Surely you’ll have a bright future and beautiful… beautiful… beautiful…”

The group moved slowly along the familiar streets.

Wang Lao’er asked, “Beautiful what?”

Cao Ying pointed at his horse.

“Old fool!” Old Rogue, ascetic for years, spat disdainfully.

Cao Ying said to Wang Lao’er with satisfaction, “You’re helping your neighbors now, Lao’er. See how clever you’re becoming.”

Rarely praised, Wang Lao’er was overjoyed, sidled up to Yang Xuan, and looked at him expectantly, hoping for more kind words.

Yang Xuan said gently, “Lao’er, you’re making real progress.”

Crash!

A loud noise came from behind.

Everyone turned.

Master Xie stood beside the great door, wide-eyed and speechless.

He looked down in disbelief at his right hand, as if it possessed some strange power.

The Xie family’s great door now lay in splinters at his feet.

Passing by the noodle shop, Wang Shun was outside and bowed to Yang Xuan.

“Sir, have you considered taking her as a maid?” Cao Ying suggested.

Old Rogue shook his head. “If our young master is to take anyone, it should be Han Ying. Wang Shun…”

Cao Ying nodded. “If even you have no interest, no wonder the young master is unmoved.”

Old Rogue licked his lips. “I’ve gone years without, and now every woman looks beautiful to me.”

Wang Shun hurried over, eager-eyed.

Yang Xuan asked about her business, and, hearing it was going well, nodded and moved on.

Old Rogue lingered behind, rolling his eyes, pretending to be possessed by a fortune-teller. “You’ve got trouble in your fate.”

Wang Shun looked surprised. “What trouble?”

“I’m good at reading bones—let me feel yours…”

Wang Shun rolled her eyes. “Read your own bones.”

At the county office, Yang Xuan first went to Huang Wenzun’s study.

Six county officers were gathered. Huang Wenzun arrived late.

“Greetings, Magistrate.”

All bowed.

Huang Wenzun took his seat and cleared his throat. “Any business to report?”

Qiu Sheng raised his head. “Magistrate, there have been quite a few cases lately in Wannian County, causing much unrest.”

He was handing Huang Wenzun a blade.

Huang Wenzun stroked his beard. “Within ten days, I want to see Wannian County bright and clear under heaven.”

A stab in return.

Their coordination was flawless.

Yang Xuan said, “Most incidents are brawls.”

“Outrageous!” Qiu Sheng shouted. “This is Chang’an, under the Son of Heaven! How can there be such disorder?”

Yang Xuan returned to his office.

Cao Ying entered.

Old Rogue entered.

Yang Xuan nodded. “Invite Qiu Sheng in.”

Qiu Sheng thought Yang Xuan was about to yield and delayed nearly the time of one incense stick before finally arriving.

As soon as he entered, he sneered, “What is it?”

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Yang Xuan replied.

Yang Xuan lifted his teacup and took a sip.

Qiu Sheng noticed he hadn’t asked anyone to make tea for him.

Yang Xuan smiled. “When I first arrived in Wannian County, you targeted me immediately. I was puzzled at first, but later I understood—it was because I came from the Imperial Academy. That means you must be from the other camp. Since our positions are opposed, I have nothing to say.”

Qiu Sheng’s face was cold. “Did you call me here just to say this?”

“In a hurry? Where to?” Yang Xuan picked up a stack of papers from the desk. “I could have let it go once or twice, but this business of constant slander and backstabbing—clearly, you want me destroyed.”

Qiu Sheng burst into mocking laughter. “Have you gone mad?”

“I called you here just to tell you—I’ve tolerated you long enough!” Yang Xuan’s gaze was steady. “When endurance reaches its limit, there’s no need to endure anymore.”

He flicked his wrist, sending the stack of papers drifting toward Qiu Sheng.

“You wretched dog, spouting nonsense!” Qiu Sheng cursed, turning to leave. “Just wait for the magistrate to deal with you—you… what’s this?”

A sheet of paper fluttered to his feet.

Qiu Sheng rubbed his eyes, then slowly bent to pick it up.

His hand trembled.

“You…”

Qiu Sheng turned back, his cheeks quivering. “What do you want?”

“What can you offer me?”

He wanted leverage on Huang Wenzun, but unless Qiu Sheng brought it up himself, asking for it was taboo in officialdom.

Qiu Sheng swayed, then slowly straightened.

“I can’t give it to you.”

He turned away, staggering.

“If I give it to you, my whole family will never know peace.”

He mounted his horse and rode to Morality Lane.

“Fresh pork! Delicious fresh pork!”

The butcher girl waved away the flies from her wares and, seeing Qiu Sheng, greeted him with delight. “Sir, you’re early today. Here to buy meat?”

“Yes,” Qiu Sheng replied with a smile. “Half a pound, please.”

“So little?” She glanced at him, then began cutting.

“How are your foster parents treating you now?” asked Qiu Sheng.

She sighed. “It was bad at first, but then it got better—much better. They let me keep all the money I make selling pork.”

Qiu Sheng was genuinely pleased. “Have you met the man you’re to marry?”

“I have. I was just curious why my foster mother chose such a capable man for me. We’re getting married next month.”

There was a look of yearning in her eyes as she quickly wrapped up the meat and collected the payment.

“That’s good,” Qiu Sheng said, taking the meat wrapped in oiled paper and handing her a slip of paper.

“I can’t read,” she shook her head.

“Take it anyway,” Qiu Sheng smiled. “After you’re married, take this to the Chen family pawnshop in the East Market—they’ll give you something. Keep it safe, and don’t tell your husband.”

“All right!” she replied.

Suddenly, Qiu Sheng stepped forward. “Don’t move.”

The girl froze.

Qiu Sheng reached over and brushed the top of her head.

“There was a fly,” he said, then looked at her one last time, mounted his horse, and rode away.

She patted her head, curious, glanced at the slip of paper, and put it away, muttering, “What a strange man.”

Qiu Sheng returned to his office.

“Tell them not to disturb me,” he instructed.

He looped a rope over a beam.

Climbed, with difficulty, onto the stool.

“Only half a pound of meat today, so that in the future, when you no longer see me as a customer, you won’t be disappointed.”

“I only gave you that money now because I feared your foster parents’ greed.”

He placed the noose around his neck.

A final glance at the office.

A final glance at this world.

“In the end, I really am just a dog!”

Bang!

The stool was kicked over.

His legs swung back and forth.

Gradually, they stilled.