Chapter 45: The Two Zhao States Clash

here...Han Mengzhu's face was pale as she spoke, "I was framed by my elder sister and the others. They accused me of stealing from home, and Father believed them. I almost got beaten to death by them...Jiangxia County, Zhao's Residence.

County Magistrate Zhao Kang got up early, washed and dressed, and finished his breakfast. Only then did Zhao Zhongming, the head steward, report, “Master, Zhao Fu貴 from Mount Shan Village has arrived.”

"Oh So early"

Zhao Kang was slightly taken aback: "My cousin knows his place, and wouldn't visit unless it was important. Where is he now"

He's waiting outside. Zhao Zhongming bowed.

Come in!

For a moment, Zhao Fuguai trembled with fear and followed Zhao Zhongming into the Zhao residence.

Upon seeing Zhao Kang, Zhao Fugu hurriedly bowed.

"I have met Master Zhao."

"Cousin, you came to see me so early. Is there something the matter" Zhao Kang asked.

Zhao Fuguai nodded hurriedly: "Something's wrong, something big!"

Last night, Liu Youcai, the landlord of our village, sent several servants to murder Yang Lin!

"What"

Before Zhao Fugui could finish his words, both Zhao Zhongming and Zhao Kang were taken aback.

So, what's the result

Is Yang Lin still alive

The two asked anxiously.

"He's alive, Yang Lin is okay, he just got a fright."

Zhao Kang let out a breath, at the same time somewhat surprised.

How could he still be alive after several people went to kill him at night

It seems that Yang Lin is quite capable after all.

"Are you here to capture the bandits This official will send someone with you back!"

Zhao Kang loved tofu very much, and he loved the people who made it. Therefore, he also highly valued Yang Lin, the one who made the tofu.

Zhao Fugui hurriedly shook his head: "Sir, two of Liu Youcai's slaves died, and one was caught alive. He has already confessed and drawn up a statement."

Here is further evidence, four short knives, and thirty-eight villagers from this village have identified the perpetrator with their fingerprints.

Zhao Fuguai hurriedly took out all the evidence.

Zhao Kang was surprised again.

Yang Lin not only was unharmed, but also knocked out two and captured one alive

"Hurry, bring it up!"

Zhao Kang hurried to examine the evidence. At a glance, he saw that the evidence was complete.

Zhao Kang slammed his fist on the table: "Such a Liu Youcai! He's so bold! To actually hire assassins to kill someone!"

"Sir."

Zhao Fu貴 hurried forward and took out the silver coin from his sleeve, stuffing it into the hand of Steward Zhao Zhongming.

"This is Yang Lin's little thought, please, sir, amidst your busy schedule, uphold justice and punish the villains!"

Zhao Zhongming calmly took the silver, nodding at Zhao Kang.

Zhao Kang's face was grave: "Cousin, rest assured. Our great Great Yan has a vast and clear sky; we will definitely not allow these petty thieves to run rampant!"

"Wait a moment, Cousin. Please follow me to the county office and ascend the hall. I will summon three shifts of court officials and personally lead them to apprehend the murderer in the countryside!"

This matter wasn't within the county magistrate's jurisdiction, but Zhao Kang was willing to handle it for two reasons: first, he received silver, and second, he had a favorable impression of Yang Lin. He planned to take this opportunity to meet the scholar who made tofu.

Zhao Fu貴 was overjoyed and readily agreed.

When they arrived at the county office, Zhao Kang hadn't even had time to submit his paperwork before the burly County Magistrate Zhao Deyi rushed over.

"Well now, Zhao sir, you've called me and my team so early. What's on your mind"

Zhao Deyi asked in a gruff voice. The three shifts of yamen officers were divided into standing, quick, and strong classes.

A stationmaster was the constable that a county magistrate usually employed, meaning those who wielded water and fire clubs and shouted "Wǒ Wēi!"

And quick-class, also known as quick hands, commonly called catcher, was specially responsible for pursuing criminals and apprehending thieves. In their daily lives, they were under the jurisdiction of the county magistrate.

Therefore, although the position of County Magistrate is above that of County Lieutenant, it is a purely civil post and does not usually directly command the fast riders in daily operations.

He and Zhao Deyi, one civil and the other military, assisted the county magistrate. The two disagreed, which was a delight to the old magistrate.

But now, Zhao Deyi suddenly came out, Zhao Kang felt that something was wrong!

Zhao Kang said, "People from the village near the mountains came to report that last night someone hired a murderer and now there is a death. This official will personally lead people to hunt down the thieves and apprehend the culprit!"

"Hmph." Zhao Deyi smiled coldly and waved his hand. "A mere matter of catching thieves, why would it be necessary to trouble County Magistrate Zhao As the county lieutenant, I am duty-bound to protect the people. This small matter, I can handle it myself with my men! There's no need to trouble you, Master Zhao."

While Zhao Deyi's words were polite, the subtext was telling Zhao Kang: I'm in charge of this!

Zhao Kang wasn't someone to be trifled with either. He calmly replied, "Since this case is already under my jurisdiction, I intend to see it through to the end. Please don't trouble yourself, Zhao."

Zhao Deyi chuckled and leaned close to Zhao Kang, whispering, "I hear that Yang isn't dead, but has actually killed two servants of the Liu family. Sir Zhao, do you think Yang Lin might have committed murder first and then falsely accused Liu Youcai"

Saying that, he proudly raised an eyebrow at Zhao Kang.

Zhao Kang's heart filled with rage.

Although he takes money, he has a bottom line! He would never say black is white.

And since Zhao Deyi knew about this and was determined to get involved, he must have taken money from the Liu family!

If this matter were truly handed over to Zhao Deyi, not only would he fail to punish the Liu family, but he might even turn the tables and accuse others instead.

"Zhao, sir!" Zhao Kang said coldly, "Could it be that I'm no longer in charge of this case"

"Well," Zhao Deyi sneered. "Lord Zhao, of course, can intervene, but this is within my purview as an official. If I handle it poorly, then please, Lord Zhao, do offer your guidance. Otherwise, there's no need for you to worry about it."

"If this official weren't obligated to intervene, huh" Zhao Kang coldly retorted.

"Well, then, let the esteemed County Magistrate decide," Zhao Deyi sneered.

Xian zun, that is to say, the county magistrate.

Zhao Kang's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Today Zhao Deyi is so adamant. Could it be that even the County Magistrate has been bribed

If that's really the case, then even if I wanted to help Yang Lin, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to.

After a moment, the two arrived at the back hall and met with County Magistrate Jiang He, Wu Yong.

Wu Yong was over forty years old when he passed the imperial examination. He donated a position as magistrate of Jianghe County, and now, three years later, he has grown fat and complacent.

After hearing the two explain the ins and outs of the situation, Wu Yong furrowed his brows and looked at the clerk beside him.

The master shook his head slightly, meaning that no one had sent any silver.

Wu Yong's face instantly fell.

Seeing Zhao Kang and Zhao Deyi arguing over this, he concluded that both of them had taken bribes.

The result was that no one showed respect to oneself!

"Humph, since it's a murder case, we have to investigate it thoroughly!"

"You two needn't argue anymore. Let everything proceed according to protocol. Zhao Deyi will go after the criminal, and as County Magistrate Zhao Kang, you should not meddle. This official is tired, all of you, please withdraw."

Since there was no filial piety, Wu Yong was too lazy to bother with this mess.

Hearing this, the two of them had no choice but to retreat.

After leaving the hall, Zhao Deyi said triumphantly: "County magistrate, you can rest assured that this case will be handled properly by me. There is no need for you to interfere again, hahaha!"

Zhao Fugui, who had been anxiously waiting outside, saw Zhao Kang come out and immediately rushed to greet him.

"How are you, sir"

Zhaokang frowned and shook his head: "Things are not good. Zhao Deyi snatched the job and will leave with people for Kaoshan Village immediately! You should go back and tell Yang Lin quickly. Zhao Deyi is greedy and unscrupulous, he's involved in both black and white affairs, so he must be careful!"

"...blackmailed..."

Let him make concessions, it's better to lose money than to suffer misfortune!t the mountains. We came out here to make money, so don't cause any trouble!""Without my command, who dares to cause trouble... Don't blame Tiger Brother for not treating him as a brother!"That evenin...