Chapter 40: Gao Yamen’s End

Chapter 40

Tying two people onto a donkey cart created a new dilemma.

In Xü Mò and Cháng Yàn's plan, Zhèng Rúqián would drive a donkey cart to lure the snake out of its hole, while Fāng Héng would rent another donkey cart to follow behind.

That left one carriage with no one to drive it.

Jiāng Shēng was eager to try, but her brothers held her back firmly.

None of them wanted to see their little sister flipping a carriage into a ditch, especially in the dead of winter.

"Let's tie the old donkey here," Xǔ Mò suggested.

The rented donkey cart had to be returned, while the carriage was more valuable.

Zhèng Rúqián stroked the old donkey's head, reluctant but agreeing this was the best option.

The group left the old donkey behind with enough food and water, afraid to hobble it in case it became distressed.

Then they hurried towards Yúnshuǐ County.

Rushing day and night, they reached the county town in just two days.

Halfway there, Páng Dàshān woke up. Without Jiāng Shēng saying anything, he spoke remorsefully, "I'm sorry, it's my fault."

Jiāng Shēng was silent for a moment. "Big brother Dàshān, will you testify for us?"

Eldest brother was right.

Someone who could be used by the enemy could also be used for their benefit.

Finally they arrived at the Yúnshuǐ County yamen.

Zhèng Rúqián knelt outside the gates as soon as he dismounted, and began beating a drum demanding justice.

Before long, the magistrate of Yúnshuǐ County ascended the hall to investigate.

Zhèng Rúqián kowtowed to the ground, tearfully recounting how he had been ambushed and robbed on the road, and even beaten.

He did not exaggerate or conceal Gāo Yàyí's identity as a yamen runner.

Instead, in front of the villagers and people of Yúnshuǐ County, he declared in a ringing voice, "This man is a yamen runner from Xiéyáng County. Relying on his status, he has long oppressed commoners. Moreover, he roams the roads between counties to rob travelers. As a commoner with no recourse, I can only plead to the Imperial Magistrate of Yúnshuǐ County to restore peace and order for us common folk." Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com

The incident occurred between the two counties, so Yúnshuǐ County's magistrate had jurisdiction.

Pointing out Gāo Yàyí's identity as a yamen runner was because this magistrate had a strong hatred for corrupt officials who abused their power.

Sure enough, after Zhèng Rúqián kowtowed three times, the Yúnshuǐ magistrate spoke.

"Since you've entered Yúnshuǐ County, I will get to the bottom of this matter. Officers, give two hundred heavy strokes of the rod to whoever refuses to tell the truth. When the truth comes out, the beating will stop."

The magistrate's intent was for everyone present to be beaten, including the plaintiff Zhèng Rúqián.

After hearing his words, the Yúnshuǐ magistrate was not scared. Rather, he rolled up his sleeves and declared, "Let him come! If I fear him, I'll give him my head!"

"Officers, clear the hall!"

With a bang of the gavel, the doors of the Yúnshuǐ yamen slowly closed.

Jiāng Shēng stood in the street outside the yamen gates, still somewhat in disbelief.

"Gāo Yàyí was dealt with, just like that?" She couldn't believe that a group of children like them could take down such a powerful adult using wisdom and strength.

"The key wasn't us," said Xǔ Mò heavily. "It was Yúnshuǐ County having an upright magistrate."

If officials protected each other, no scheme could have toppled Gāo Yàyí.

Luckily, there were still just officials in the world.

They stretched out their not yet full-grown wings, protecting all the people under their jurisdiction.

"Then does this count as eliminating evil on behalf of the people?" Wēn Zhīyǔn suddenly spoke up.

The siblings' spirits were instantly lifted. A sense of pride rushed from the soles of their feet straight to the crowns of their heads.

Zhèng Rúqián happily suggested, "Since we have two carts in Yúnshuǐ, we should buy more vegetables to bring back."

"And some tasty snacks and fun stuff too!" Jiāng Shēng chattered excitedly.

Cháng Yàn smiled and took out the gold ornaments Páng Dàshān had discarded in the dilapidated temple. "That's right, we can use this money."

The six siblings cheered and jumped up happily.

Páng Dàshān followed behind, a smile also tugging at his lips.

Jiāng Shēng suddenly turned back. "Big brother Dàshān is injured. What treats do you want?"

Páng Dàshān shook his head vigorously.

He didn't want anything. He had already gotten what he wanted.

"Oh, there are candied haws up ahead." Jiāng Shēng dashed forward. "Shopkeeper, seven please!"

Lively Zhèng Rúqián dragged Fāng Héng forward, pulling Wēn Zhīyǔn along too.

Páng Dàshān hesitated before following.

Only Xǔ Mò and Cháng Yàn remained.

After confirming the distance between them, Xǔ Mò's tone became serious again. "With Gāo Yàyí's relationship to the Xiéyáng magistrate, they likely won't let us off easily."

"What's there to fear?" Cháng Yàn smiled gently. "We have someone protecting us too."

"Who?"

"You guess."