Chapter 39: Jointly Calculating High Yamen

Chapter 39

A few days had passed since Pang Dashan had trespassed into a civilian's home. Jiang Sheng was still upset about her eldest brother getting injured, so she was no longer being nice and affectionate towards Pang Dashan. She had even stopped calling him "Big Brother Pang".

Pang Dashan was at a loss and acted like a child who had done something wrong, repeatedly asking Jiang Sheng, "Jiang Sheng, are you mad at me? Why are you unhappy?"

Jiang Sheng fidgeted with her sleeves.

She didn't know Pang Dashan could be so shameless. He had clearly colluded with the county magistrate's clerks to do that horrible thing, yet now he was asking her over and over why she was upset.

Did he really not know why?

But Fifth Brother had said not to turn against Pang Dashan for now, so Jiang Sheng could only suppress her disgust and reluctantly said, "I'm not angry, Big Brother Pang. I was just bullied by someone, so I'm a little down."

Was she bullied by the county magistrate's clerks?

Pang Dashan wanted to ask, but couldn't get the words out. He hesitated several times but stopped himself from speaking.

Jiang Sheng recalled Elder Brother Chang's instructions and forced a smile, "But it's alright. Second Brother will be going to Yunshui County to buy vegetables soon, and then we'll be able to earn money again to buy new things."

"Is that so?" Pang Dashan was startled. "When is he going?"

Jiang Sheng acted innocent and naive. "He's leaving tomorrow."

She counted on her fingers, "It's a long journey to Yunshui County. Even taking a donkey cart, it'll take three or four days to get there. Second Brother said he has to set off early so he can come back sooner. Maybe he can even make it back in time for the Lantern Festival."

Pang Dashan seemed lost in thought. "Are you all going too?"

"No," Jiang Sheng shook her head. "Second Brother said he can handle it alone now that he knows how to drive a donkey cart. More people will just take up space."

Pang Dashan looked relieved for a moment.

But soon he struggled with something, as if debating something.

Luckily Jiang Sheng had her head lowered and didn't notice. She prattled on, "I wonder what nice things Second Brother will bring back for me this time. I hope there's tasty food and fun stuff. But most importantly, I just want him to come back safe and sound."

Pang Dashan was startled and slowly lowered his head.

Time flew by.

The next day...

Jiang Sheng stood at the dilapidated temple gates, waving goodbye to Zheng Ruqian heading off into the distance.

"Second Brother, come back soon!" Cupping her hands around her mouth, she called out, "You must bring back tasty food for me!"

She kept watching until the donkey cart and Zheng Ruqian's figure disappeared from sight.

Jiang Sheng then turned to Elder Brother Chang. "Fifth Brother, will the county magistrate's clerks really send people after us?"

Chang was very certain. "They will."

After just being humiliated at the dilapidated temple, the county magistrate's clerks definitely wouldn't be able to restrain themselves.

"What if Pang Dashan didn't tell them about this?" Jiang Sheng still held a thread of hope.

"Pang Dashan, have you lost your mind?" said the one pinning down Zheng Ruqian, baffled. "What are you doing? Looking to die at a time like this?"

The county clerk was even more furious. "Get lost!"

They kicked Pang Dashan aside and again raised the wooden rod, aiming at Zheng Ruqian's thigh.

Without warning, Pang Dashan charged forward once more. Clutching Zheng Ruqian tightly, he desperately pleaded for mercy, "Sir, please spare him! Please spare him! He's just a child. If you break his legs he'll be finished. Please spare him!"

The two were even more incensed now. Lifting the rod, they rained blows on Pang Dashan, showing no restraint even as he writhed and screamed pitifully on the ground.

"Damn you, you're just a dog to me. I say a couple words and you think you're human now?"

"Dare to obstruct us? We'll beat you to death first!"

The rod fell swiftly and ruthlessly like a storm.

Hidden in the shadows, Fang Heng could stand it no longer. Drawing out his staff, he charged forward, blocking and chopping.

He employed all he had learned, landing blow after damaging blow, each strike vicious to the extreme. Soon the two men were howling and had no power to retaliate.

"Who, who is it?" The county clerk wanted to see who it was.

But Fang Heng didn't give them that chance. With a staff to each head, the two vicious thugs crumpled limply to the ground.

The noisy small path became quiet again.

Jiang Sheng rushed over with her brothers in tow.

Zheng Ruqian got up from the ground, looking at the passed out Pang Dashan with complex emotions.

He was clearly in league with the county magistrate's clerks. He had harmed the six siblings repeatedly. He had already become the villain. So why did he still leap forth at the critical moment?

With the dumbest method, at the most inappropriate time, he had turned traitor. Now his arm was broken and his body covered in injuries.

It left one with no choice but helpless sighs.

"What should we do with Pang Dashan?" Jiang Sheng was also conflicted. "He took so many blows for Second Brother after all."

Although Fang Heng had already been prepared to jump out at that time.

But Pang Dashan had shielded him. That couldn't be denied.

After pondering for a while, Xu Mo said, "Let's carry him onto the carriage. Little Fourth, help set his arm first."

Wen Zhiyun acknowledged and took the small medicine chest off the rented donkey cart. Climbing into the carriage, he began treating Pang Dashan's injuries.

Xu Mo and Chang, meanwhile, coldly watched the two passed out county clerks.

In Xieyang County, the county magistrate's clerks could act with impunity under his protection.

But not in Xieyang County. In another county town, especially one known for fairness and integrity, things would be different.

"Let's go, to Yunshui County."