The man in the crimson robe clasped his hands toward the gathered citizens and spoke in a loud, clear voice.
“I am Hai, personally appointed by His Majesty as the new Prefect of Yue Zhou, and I am en route to assume my post. Two days ago, I passed through this county and intended to stay at this temple for a night, only to be met with such a heinous crime. Since this county falls under Yue Zhou’s jurisdiction, I cannot shirk responsibility. I vow to investigate this matter thoroughly. Anyone with information may come forward—if verified, a substantial reward will be given!”
The new prefect? Hong Ning thought to herself.
Ordinary officials always notify their subordinates in advance so they can be welcomed with lavish meals and accommodations. Yet this one chose to stay at an out-of-town temple instead. On the surface, he seems upright, but who knows? In these times, how many officials are truly good ones? He might just be putting on a grand display, all thunder and no rain, eager to build himself a reputation…
Nearby, two people murmured to each other in hushed voices.
“Hah! That man flaunted his wealth, acted lawlessly, and threw his weight around just because his brother-in-law is the county magistrate. Now he dies in a temple of the Buddha—if that’s not divine retribution, I don’t know what is! It’d be best if the case remains unsolved.”
“Shh, don’t get the monks involved in trouble!”
“A man like Zheng Ke would never stay in a place like this. He must have found out that the new prefect was passing through and came with his brother-in-law to curry favor. Who knows how much silver he offered up?”
“That may not be the case. I’ve heard that Lord Hai had a reputation as an honest and upright official when he served in Ming Zhou,” a voice interjected.
The two men only sneered in response.
The victim was the county magistrate’s brother-in-law—who would want to get involved in such murky waters? Besides, the death of a tyrant like Zheng Ke was something the common folk would only celebrate. Even if someone had clues about the case, they wouldn’t come forward to help catch the killer. Soon, the crowd began to disperse.
Hong Ning lowered her voice. “What should we do?”
Bai Ling remained silent.
Zheng Ke might have deserved his fate, but there was no guarantee that the culprit wouldn’t target others next. Seeing that Prefect Hai was about to turn and enter the temple, Hong Ning decided to take a gamble. Stepping forward quickly, she called out loudly,
“Master Abbot, my senior brother and I are passing through this area and would like to stay at the temple for a few days. Would you be so kind as to grant us this favor?”
Everyone turned to look at her.
The abbot didn’t dare make such a decision on his own and instead looked to Lord Hai for guidance.
Magistrate Tao Zhi Xian immediately snapped, “Insolence! The prefect is here—how dare you commoners request to stay?”
This Magistrate Tao certainly enjoys throwing his weight around. Hong Ning, however, kept her gaze on Lord Hai and said,
“I’ve long heard that Lord Hai treats the people like his own children. It is only with that trust in mind that I dared to make this request. If I have overstepped, I ask for your forgiveness.” Let’s see if you’re truly righteous, or just one of them.
Lord Hai’s expression remained kind as he replied, “A murder has just occurred here, and you still wish to stay…”
Hong Ning immediately interrupted, “There’s a saying: ‘A clear conscience fears no ghosts knocking at the door.’ My senior brother and I have never done harm, nor have we bullied others with power—who would want to harm us for no reason?”
Lord Hai paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.
Even Magistrate Tao sensed something was amiss, but with Lord Hai present, he didn’t dare lose his temper.
Hong Ning continued, “You, Lord Hai, are an esteemed official of the imperial court, yet you yourself are not afraid. What reason do we have to fear?”
A flicker of appreciation appeared in Lord Hai’s eyes, but he still shook his head. “You two are young—you should value your lives. Find another place to stay.”
Hong Ning didn’t back down. “To tell you the truth, Lord Hai, we are cultivators. It is often said that monks and Daoists belong to the same path—there is no place more suitable for us than here.” She paused, then added with a knowing smile, “Perhaps I might even have a way to capture the murderer.”
As expected, Lord Hai’s eyes lit up, and he hesitated.
Magistrate Tao couldn’t hold back any longer and scoffed, “You two are just kids—what ability do you have to catch a murderer? This is nonsense!”
Hong Ning lowered her gaze slightly. “One only knows their ability after they put it to use. Just now, I heard someone say that Magistrate Tao himself passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty. Was that not a great achievement at a young age?”
Magistrate Tao Zhi Xian, caught in a dilemma, could neither agree nor refute her words. He merely let out a dismissive snort. “You certainly have a sharp tongue.”
Lord Hai chuckled and turned to the abbot beside him. “Are there any vacant guest rooms?”
The abbot replied, “There are still a few available.”
Lord Hai said, “Since these two have such courage, let them stay.”
So he really is a good official. Hong Ning bowed in gratitude and quickly pulled Bai Ling inside.
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