Chapter 31: Harboring

After Zhao Mengcheng finished speaking, Cao Da watched him, his expression shifting.

“Are you certain of this?” Cao Da asked, struggling with hesitation.

The Wan family represented authority in Shanghe Town. In the past, even the County Magistrate had to defer to them. Although their influence had waned recently, they were still not someone ordinary citizens like them could challenge.

Zhao Mengcheng simply looked at him. “This is the only chance you have to save your sister.”

These words caused the scales in Cao Da’s heart to tip completely. He gritted his teeth and said, “Fine, I will follow your plan.”

Having made up his mind, Cao Da no longer hesitated. “I’ll go handle it right away. If I can save Wu Mei, I will be forever in your debt.”

Cao Da arrived in a hurry and left just as quickly.

Zhao Mengcheng returned to the donkey cart, where the three children were waiting obediently.

“Father, who was that person?” Zhao Chun asked curiously.

Zhao Mengcheng pinched his cheek. “A friend. I’ll introduce you when there’s an opportunity later.”

The donkey cart slowly rolled out of Shanghe Town, but the play White Dragon Saves the Boy was still being performed.

The play, which combined many sensational elements, became an overnight sensation. On the first day alone, it was performed three times. Every show except the first was packed to capacity. By the time the final performance began, the owner had to add more tables and chairs.

Even then, there wasn’t enough seating. The owner had a sudden inspiration and simply sold standing tickets, which were one wen cheaper than the seated ones. The commoners who came to watch the play simply stood with handfuls of melon seeds.

Despite this, tickets remained in short supply.

As the show began, the theater was crowded and noisy. Those lucky enough to buy tickets didn’t mind standing, waiting eagerly for the actors to take the stage.

“Is this play really that good? I had to pull strings just to get a ticket, and it’s the first time I’ve paid money only to have to stand.”

“If it wasn’t good, would there be this many people? This is my third time coming. The plot has so many ups and downs, it’s a rare find.”

“Since you’ve seen it, hurry and tell me what it’s about.”

Amidst the lively chatter, someone suddenly pushed the audience members blocking the door aside. “Make way for the young master.”

Third Young Master Wan swaggered through the door. The owner greeted him personally. “Third Young Master, what wind blew you here today?”

He was secretly lamenting in his heart. This man hadn’t given any advance notice, and all the good seats were already taken. Where was he supposed to find an empty table for Third Young Master Wan now?

“Hurry up and clear out the best seat,” the servant said arrogantly.

The owner offered a fawning smile. “Third Young Master, I have prepared some tea and snacks. Why don’t you go to the elegant private seats on the second floor to watch at your leisure?”

To his surprise, Third Young Master Wan was dissatisfied. He pointed at the seat in the very center and said, “Right there. Tell him to get lost.”

The young man in that seat heard this and his face darkened, but when he saw it was Third Young Master Wan, he restrained his temper.

Little did he know that in Third Young Master Wan’s eyes, this looked like fear, making him even more overbearing.

The owner looked troubled. “That is the son of Assistant Magistrate¹ Bai. You two surely have some acquaintance. Why not share the table?”

Both were sons of officials and were related by marriage, so the owner came up with this suggestion.

Young Master Bai did not want to start a conflict. He stood up and said politely, “Third Young Master, why not come and sit with me?”

Third Young Master Wan sneered. “What kind of distant relative thinks they can just crawl over and claim a connection? Sitting in his seat is giving him face.”

He clearly didn’t care about a son-in-law from a side branch. In his eyes, let alone Young Master Bai, even his father, Assistant Magistrate Bai, would have to bow his head.

Young Master Bai could no longer maintain his composure. He said coldly, “Since ancient times, it has always been first come, first served. You are being a bit too overbearing, Third Young Master.”

“So what if I’m overbearing? Men, throw him out!” Third Young Master Wan snorted.

He had been having a run of bad luck lately and felt very frustrated. His subordinates had mentioned a good play, so he thought he’d come to kill some time, but he hadn’t expected the theater owner to be so tactless.

Seeing that the person occupying the seat was from the Bai family made it worse. They were barely related at all, yet the old man had praised him several times, which made Wan feel slighted. Third Young Master Wan deliberately wanted to humiliate him.

The owner hurriedly tried to persuade him. “Third Young Master, the private rooms upstairs have the best view. Please, do it as a favor to me.”

Third Young Master Wan kicked him aside. “What kind of thing are you? You think you’re worth me giving you face?”

The owner was caught off guard and tumbled over, unable to get up for a moment. People at the surrounding tables quickly moved away.

Young Master Bai stood up, his face ashen. “Wan Wei, don’t go too far.”

“I’ll be as overbearing as I want. What can you do about it? Men, hit him! Beat him until he crawls home to his Assistant Magistrate father for help!” Third Young Master Wan laughed loudly.

He was clearly used to being arrogant and didn’t care about the person in front of him at all, nor did he care about being seen.

Young Master Bai also had men with him, and the servants from both sides immediately began to brawl. Young Master Bai himself took a few hits and, sporting a pair of black eyes, cursed, “Just you wait. I won’t let this go.”

“Do you think I’m afraid of you? Go home and cry to your daddy!”

After driving the man away, Third Young Master Wan sat in the center and said coldly, “Start the play. Why hasn’t it started yet?”

The owner was lamenting bitterly in his heart, wondering how his small theater had attracted this great Buddha². He could only steel himself and call the actors onto the stage.

Having been kicked hard, he walked with a limp, which made people feel sympathetic.

Third Young Master Wan’s reputation was so notorious that the surrounding commoners didn’t dare to make a sound, fearing his fists might fall on them. Even after the singing began on stage, the atmosphere below remained tense.

After watching for a while, Third Young Master Wan became impatient. “What kind of rubbish is this? Have her sing the Eighteen Touches³.”

The owner struggled to plead, “Third Young Master, look, all these people came for the White Dragon. This…”

Third Young Master Wan flipped a cup of tea over and cursed, “Hurry up. I don’t have time to listen to your nagging.”

A servant grabbed the owner. “Hurry up and arrange it, or the Third Young Master will lose his temper and you won’t even have a theater anymore.”

The owner’s face was full of misery as he hurried to make the arrangements.

A perfectly good play turned into the vulgar Eighteen Touches. The audience was furious but didn’t dare to speak out.

Third Young Master Wan sat with his legs crossed, listening to the tune. He even made the lead actress come down to serve tea, taking liberties with her quite roughly.

The surrounding commoners couldn’t stand it and began to leave one after another.

Once outside the theater, they couldn’t help but spit and curse. “What a piece of work. He really thinks he’s a local emperor⁴.”

Another person cautioned, “Keep your voice down. You’ll be in trouble if you’re overheard.”

“Does he really dare to beat me to death? The current County Magistrate is no longer a lackey for the Wan family.” The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He lowered his voice and said, “Do you know that White Dragon Saves the Boy is a true story? It’s about how that dog Wan Wei used his power to bully people. He tried to commit murder for money during the flood, but even the heavens couldn’t stand it and sent a divine dragon to save them so the people’s grievances could be heard.”

“It’s only because Lord Huang isn’t here that the dog Wan Wei can be so arrogant.”

“Is this really true?”

“It’s absolutely true. My third aunt’s nephew’s little cousin saw it with their own eyes. The White Dragon descended from the heavens and saved the boy who was being harmed. You just wait, Wan Wei’s day of reckoning is coming.”

“I only hope Lord Huang will stand up for the people and bring the Wan family’s good days to an end.”

“If that really happens, then the heavens have truly opened their eyes.”

Inside the theater, Third Young Master Wan was completely unaware of all this.

Young Master Bai left in a wretched state with his injuries. Feeling deeply humiliated, he turned around and went straight to find Assistant Magistrate Bai.

Assistant Magistrate Bai was also shocked to see him return with injuries and asked repeatedly, “Who was so bold as to hurt you? Tell me quickly, and I will certainly settle the matter for you.”

He had only this one son, who was very studious and had passed the scholar examination early. Naturally, he doted on him exceptionally.

Young Master Bai complained tearfully, “In Shanghe Town, who else would dare to hurt me besides the Wan family?”

“Father, the Bai family and the Wan family are still related by marriage. Mother is a daughter of the Wan family after all, yet that Wan Wei didn’t respect me at all. He insulted me and even laid hands on me.”

He showed his wounds and cried, “It doesn’t matter if I’ve lost face, but by acting this way, he truly has no respect for you, Father. I feel aggrieved on your behalf.”

Assistant Magistrate Bai’s face turned ashen, and he was truly incensed. “He dares to be so arrogant? I’ve been helping him cover up his mess these past few days, yet he treats my child like this.”

Although the Wan family had powerful backing, he had been in the government office all these years and had done plenty of work for them. Yet the Wan family didn’t respect him at all. Resentment began to grow within Assistant Magistrate Bai.

“Father, if we don’t teach him a lesson, how will I have the face to go out in the future?” Young Master Bai cried.

Assistant Magistrate Bai’s face darkened, and he gave a cold laugh. “Fine, fine. Since that’s the case, I can’t be bothered to manage his mess anymore. Let’s see how he handles things when Lord Huang returns.”

Young Master Bai only left after receiving a definite promise. Upon returning, he looked in the mirror and became even more enraged at the sight of his wounds.

“That damned Wan Wei. I will settle the score for today’s humiliation sooner or later.”

Seeing this, a servant said in a low voice, “Why be angry, Young Master? I see that Third Young Master Wan’s downfall is imminent, and he doesn’t even know it.”

“Oh? Why do you say that?” Young Master Bai knew in his heart that as long as the Wan family didn’t fall, even if his father stopped helping, that matter wouldn’t hurt Wan Wei in the slightest.

The servant stepped forward and said, “Does the Young Master know what White Dragon Saves the Boy is about?”

“A story about the powerful oppressing the commoners, the White Dragon descending to save people, and the powerful being severely punished,” Young Master Bai understood to some extent.

The servant said, “Young Master, there is something you do not know. The story of the White Dragon saving the boy is a true event. The powerful person who oppressed the commoners was none other than Third Young Master Wan. He took a liking to the Tofu Secret Recipe and tried to buy it several times without success. Consequently, he sent his servants to kidnap the young son of a law-abiding citizen as blackmail. After being discovered, they threw the child into the floodwaters.”

“Is this true?” Young Master Bai asked in shock.

The servant nodded. “It is absolutely certain. The culprit was caught on the spot and thrown into the dungeon. Both the witnesses and the physical evidence are all present.”

“So that is how it is…” Young Master Bai narrowed his eyes, though his expression soon turned to disappointment. “Even if he truly orchestrated it, what could be done? Wan Wei can easily shirk all responsibility, simply claiming the servants acted on their own initiative.”

“At most, they will be fined some money. After staying at home for a few days, he will be able to come out and flaunt his power again. It is truly detestable.”

But the servant continued, “Young Master, you only know half of it. Rumors in the streets say the culprit kidnapped the child because the boy was exceptionally good-looking, and they had other intentions for him.”

“They say that all the children who have gone missing in Shanghe Town recently were stolen by the Wan Family.”

Young Master Bai’s spirits rose. He began to pace around the room, realizing this was a good opportunity to topple Wan Wei.

Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes. “Since that is the case, this young master shall eliminate this evil for the people.”

“You will do this and that. Do you understand?” Young Master Bai instructed.

The servant nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Outside the County Yamen, the gathered commoners had not yet dispersed.

Cao Da walked in the middle of the crowd, stopping from time to time to whisper a few words to someone. Without exception, those who heard him were first shocked and then fearful, yet they could not suppress the hope in their eyes.

Those who could still come to the County Yamen to seek an explanation were all people who deeply loved their daughters and could not bear to give up.

Even if there was only a sliver of hope, they were unwilling to let go.

“Big Brother Cao, is what you said true? My daughter was not taken by traffickers, but by the Wan Family…” a man asked urgently in a low voice.

Cao Da only said, “Where there is smoke, there is fire. Even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, we must try for the sake of the children.”

The man gritted his teeth. “Whatever needs to be done, we will listen to you.”

Cao Da said coldly, “Since the people are in the Wan Family residence, then we shall block their front gate and force them to hand over the children.”

“What!”

Upon hearing that they were going to confront the Wan Family directly, the people around them felt some trepidation. “But that is the Wan Family. What if the news is false?”

“I fear that before we get the people back, we will all end up in the great prison ourselves.”

But Cao Da said, “The law does not punish the masses⁵. We have so many people, what can they do to us? They cannot possibly throw us all into the great prison. Can the dungeon of Shanghe Town even hold this many people?”

“Furthermore, knowing there is hope of saving the children, are you really going to give up now? If we let this chance go, we might never find our children for the rest of our lives.”

Looking at the group of people before them, their inner fear diminished slightly, and they summoned their courage.

The group walked aggressively toward the Wan residence.

Cao Er grabbed his older brother and asked in a low voice, “Are you really sure about this? Once things start getting rowdy, it will be very hard to settle.”

“Second Brother, I trust that person,” Cao Da replied.

Cao Er knew his older brother was not someone who acted without reason. For the sake of Wu Mei’s life, they would not hesitate even if it meant offending the Wan Family.

The crowd marched toward the Wan residence in a grand manner. It was only when the front gate was completely blocked that the Wan Family realized something was wrong.

The servants did not dare to hide the matter and hurriedly reported it to the Wan Family Head.

Upon hearing this, the Wan Family Head cursed, “How insolent! A group of peasants actually dares to block the gate of my Wan Family. Do they really think that because my Wan Family has declined, I have no way to deal with them?”

His first suspicion fell on someone working behind the scenes, specifically Magistrate Huang. “Could it be that he fears the Wan Family’s power is too great and is intentionally making things difficult for me?”

“Have you found out what that group wants?”

The servant lowered his head. “They say the Wan Family kidnapped their daughters and sisters and hid them. They want us to hand the people over.”

“Nonsense,” the Wan Family Head sneered. “What would the Wan Family want with their daughters and sisters? Go and invite Assistant Magistrate Bai to bring some men over and disperse this crowd.”

The servant hurried to comply.

The more the Wan Family Head thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. He knitted his brows and called for the Butler. “Have we purchased any maids today?”

“No,” the Butler said, then paused as he remembered something, his expression hesitant.

The Wan Family Head immediately noticed. “If there is something, speak plainly.”

The Butler lowered his head. “I recall one thing. A few days ago, a woman from the countryside suddenly came to the door, saying she wanted to find Manager Ma to sell her daughter.”

The Wan Family Head’s expression turned cold. “Such a thing happened? Why did you not say so earlier?”

“After I found out, I also asked Manager Ma, but Manager Ma flatly denied it. He is one of the third son’s people, so it was not convenient for me to interfere too much.”

Thinking of the most disobedient third son in the family, the Wan Family Head’s expression darkened further. “Where is the third son?”

“He went out to watch a play,” the Butler hurriedly answered.

The Wan Family Head said angrily, “What time is it, and he is still out watching a play? Go and call him back.”

He also barked an order, “Seize Manager Ma. I will interrogate him personally.”

Manager Ma was currently worrying about the matter of purchasing maids. It was truly difficult to find ones with exceptional looks. Zhao Xin, whom he had high hopes for and who had come to the door voluntarily, turned out to have only mediocre beauty.

Because of this, the Young Master had frequently blamed him for being incompetent. If this continued, his job would be at risk.

Manager Ma remembered several families in the city with daughters who were quite good-looking, but their families were wealthy and would definitely never sell their daughters. He struggled with the thought for a moment.

Perhaps he could take a big risk, kidnap the people directly, and send them to Fengzhou. By then, even if someone turned Shanghe Town upside down, they would not find anyone.

Before Manager Ma could act on his thoughts, the Head Butler burst into the room with several men.

“Take him away.”

Manager Ma shouted repeatedly, “I am one of the Third Young Master’s people! You cannot handle me as you please!”

“It is not I who wants to deal with you, but the Master who has questions for you,” the Head Butler sneered.

Manager Ma thought to himself that things were looking bad. He was soon pushed before the Wan Family Head.

The Wan Family Head’s gaze was icy. “I ask you, have you ever touched the daughters of respectable families in this town?”

Manager Ma knew the matter had been exposed. His lips trembled, and he could not speak.

Seeing his expression, the Wan Family Head knew the truth. He stepped forward and delivered a kick. “You scoundrel! How many times have I told you to act with caution? You actually dared to kidnap law-abiding citizens!”

Manager Ma was kicked until his face was bloody. He did not dare to wipe it as he knelt and begged for mercy. “Master, it was the third son’s order. The main house said they wanted beautiful maids, so the third son had me look for them.”

“Most were purchased, but there were a few whose families refused. I was momentarily confused and gave in to evil thoughts.”

The Wan Family Head sneered, “Bastard! Does he not know that kidnapping law-abiding citizens is a capital offense⁶?”

“Where is the third son? Why has he not returned?”

The manager hurriedly said, “He is already on his way.”

The Wan Family Head was extremely annoyed. “How many? How many did you kidnap?”

Manager Ma was in a panic and no longer dared to hide anything. “Six. Only those six girls were kidnapped.”

“Where are they?”

“Hidden in a residence in East City. I sent people to guard them. They definitely haven’t been discovered.”

The Wan Family Head sneered. “I fear someone has already discovered this and is now using it as a pretext to move against my Wan Family.”

Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? The third son had only touched a few young girls, yet that crowd actually dared to block the Wan Family’s gate.

He turned the thumb ring on his finger and narrowed his eyes. “Go and deliver a message personally. Tell the third son not to come home yet. Have him go and dispose of those people first.”

“Remember, it must be handled cleanly. Not a single shred of evidence can be left behind.”

The coldness revealed in his voice was terrifying. Manager Ma knew exactly what he meant and left with his face covered in blood.

The Wan Family Head’s anger had not subsided. The Head Butler lowered his head and asked, “Master, what about those people outside?”

The Wan Family Head knitted his brows. “Is there any word from Bai Feng?”

The Head Butler hurriedly said, “The messenger said Assistant Magistrate Bai was not at the County Yamen and could not be found.”

“How convenient that he is ‘not at the County Yamen,'” the Wan Family Head sneered. “I see his wings have grown strong. Seeing that my Wan Family is about to lose power, he is in a hurry to find a new master.”

“Master, do you mean Magistrate Huang is the mastermind?”

The Wan Family Head sneered. “Besides him, who else in Shanghe Town would dare to challenge the Wan Family?”

“That man named Huang has opposed me at every turn since he arrived in Shanghe Town. This time, I fear he has been prepared for a long while.”

The Wan Family Head was certain that Magistrate Huang had set a trap. He became even more vigilant, determined to dispose of the evidence thoroughly. That way, even if Lord Huang intended to make things difficult, he would be helpless without evidence.

What he did not know was that at this moment, Monkey Face was still being held in the dungeon.

Monkey Face had been severely beaten by the Cao Family. Although he had gritted his teeth and refused to speak, he was already terrified to his core.

At this moment, he still held a sliver of hope for Third Young Master Wan, expecting him to get him out.

In the gloom of the dungeon where day and night were indistinguishable, Monkey Face curled up in a pile of flea-ridden straw to lick his wounds.

Suddenly, he heard the jailers drinking and talking.

“Have you heard? The missing children have been found.”

“They were found? How could kidnapped children be found? Where were they found?”

“You definitely won’t believe it. The people were found at the Wan residence.”

“The Wan Family? Could it be the Wan Family stole the children? To think the Wan Family would do such a thing.”

“Isn’t that the truth? Lord Huang is furious this time and said there must be severe punishment.”

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t end with only a few small fry being punished.”

“Speaking of small fry, don’t we have one locked up right here? When the parents came to ask, he refused to say a word. Now that the people have been found, I’d say his life is just about over.”

“Third Young Master Wan already said it was these servants acting on their own initiative and had nothing to do with him. If anyone is getting beheaded, he’ll be first in line.”

Monkey Face shuddered. “No, it wasn’t me! Third Young Master Wan was the one who ordered the children to be kidnapped.”

The head jailer picked his ear. “What nonsense are you spouting? Do you have any evidence?”

Monkey Face fell silent.

The jailer sneered. “If you don’t have evidence, shut up. You’re at death’s door and still trying to drag down a young master of the Wan family? Don’t think a few empty words can pull someone into the mud with you. You might as well just wait for your execution at the vegetable market⁷.”

Another guard added even more dramatically, “I’ve heard that steamed buns dipped in human blood⁸ can cure a hundred diseases. When the time comes, I’ll go get a few to taste. Though, this guy’s heart is so rotten, I wonder if his blood will be black.”

Monkey Face suddenly shouted, “I know where the children are! They’re being kept in a house in East City by Third Young Master Wan. I can take you there!”

“But you have to tell Lord Huang that I was just a servant following orders. If anyone is to be beheaded, it should be his head first!”

The jailers exchanged looks and smiled.

On the other side, Manager Ma had barely stepped out the door when he was spotted.

Cao Da gave a meaningful look and followed him with his younger brother.

Soon, Cao Da saw Manager Ma find Third Young Master Wan, who had been summoned back from the theater. After a few whispered words, Third Young Master Wan became frantic. “Let’s go, to East City.”

The two followed the carriage and soon entered the East City area. However, the alleys here were a complex maze. They didn’t dare get too close for fear of alerting their target, and after a few turns, they actually lost them.

“Big Brother, what do we do now?” Cao Er asked anxiously.

Cao Da was also filled with regret. “I should have stayed closer if I’d known.”

Just then, Cao Da spotted someone who shouldn’t have been there.

Zhao Mengcheng without a word, made a gesture for them to follow.

Cao Da hurried to catch up and whispered, “Brother Zhao, what are you doing here?”

“I bribed the head jailer, and Monkey Face has already confessed. The people are being held in a private residence in East City, though he didn’t know the exact location,” Zhao Mengcheng said.

Cao Da felt regretful that he hadn’t thought of that move himself.

Cao Er looked Zhao Mengcheng over curiously. He had expected someone who could come up with such a plan to be a formidable character, but Zhao Mengcheng appeared refined and gentle, looking like a mild-tempered scholar.

Cao Da glared at his brother, telling him not to be so rude.

Zhao Mengcheng didn’t mind. He had waited for this moment for too long, and his entire focus was on Third Young Master Bai and his servant.

Third Young Master Bai and his servant were extremely cautious, constantly checking if anyone was following them. If not for Zhao Mengcheng’s own cheats, they likely would have been discovered halfway there.

Finally, Zhao Mengcheng found the residence.

Translator’s Notes