A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 327 Black Shop
"Hey, hey."

Chief Zhang drew his knife and signaled his men to be on guard.

Actually, he was a little nervous too.

After all these years, this was the first time he had encountered such a vicious and ruthless person.

It was an open declaration that he would kill officials appointed by the imperial court.

Moreover, they acted immediately shortly after the news broke.

I would never have dared to imagine such a thing before.

Zhang Dutou also felt that something was very wrong. The man in front of him was the youngest top scholar in the Song Dynasty. To assassinate him was truly audacious.

However, such a desperado is guilty of a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of their family.

If it's really a fight to the death, it's perfectly normal to drag the head constable down with you.

Therefore, Chief Zhang had no choice but to become nervous.

Many passersby, seeing the constable draw his knife and pose as if to kill, immediately detoured and dared not approach.

Xu Xianchun drew his knife and looked around. He didn't think anyone could hurt Song Xuan.

Song Xuan knocked himself unconscious with a single kick back then; his strength was formidable, but ordinary people simply didn't know it.

Song Xuan never publicized it.

However, it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark.

Perhaps I'll need to carry a shield when I go out in the future; I was careless today.

Song Xuan also realized that he had been careless.

Since Wuyou Cave can even obtain military equipment, they should be able to get their hands on crossbows, which are prohibited by the imperial court.

"When I get back today, I'll go to my father-in-law and get a few shields to take with me, it'll be more convenient."

“What Twelfth Brother said makes sense.”

Li Junyou pulled his attendants to shield him in front of him:
"Cousin, you should stay home as much as possible in this situation. I think someone might be trying to cause trouble."

"After all, you have quite a few enemies in Tokyo."

"It couldn't be me!"

Wang Yufeng quickly distanced himself from the situation.

He then summoned three attendants to surround him and act as human cushions.

He was so close to Song Xuan, but swords have no eyes, so he had to be careful.

The onlookers watched as the constables, brandishing their swords, surrounded and forced the crowd back, even driving away the small vendors nearby.

There was a flurry of discussion as people stepped back, while some even tried to push forward.

Whether they live or die is not important; what's important is being a gossipmonger.

Song Xuan gripped the short hammer in his hand and said:

"Chief Zhang, go and call for reinforcements. I remember County Lieutenant Ban and his gang are working in Tiaojin Alley."

"Yes."

Zhang, being very experienced, ordered someone to accompany him to avoid being ambushed on the way.

"Twelfth Brother, I haven't seen anyone with a bow and arrow."

Wang Baoren, tall and strong, scanned the shops on the second floor facing the street.

On the contrary, because the yamen runners on the street suddenly drew their swords and batons, many people on the second floor occupied the windows to watch the commotion.

"That's good, that's the effect I wanted."

Song Xuan weighed the hammer in his hand:
"It's good that it's close combat. He wanted to take advantage of the dense crowd to ambush me and stab me."

"I have indeed seen this kind of murder method before."

"It turns out that their skills were all honed in Tokyo."

Song Xuan chuckled twice: "My master wasn't lying to me after all."

Li Junyou hid behind a servant's shoulder, watching the excitement on Song Xuan's face.

He showed no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, he was extremely excited as he held the short hammer.

And to say something like that, could it be that he encountered assassins from Tokyo before?
Who is his master?
Li Junyou had heard his uncle Cao Liyong boast about his son-in-law Song Xuan's literary and martial talents at a dinner party.

He thought his uncle was just bragging.

But now, judging from Song Xuan's posture while holding the golden mace, Li Junyou felt it wasn't fake.

Don't let its small size fool you; when this golden mace strikes, it's no joke that it can crack someone's skull open.

For a moment, Li Junyou fell into thought and forgot his fear.

"Could Song Twelve really be a good fighter?"

Wang Gui and others were not present; Wang Bao and Xu Xianchun both took them in after that.

They were unaware of Song Xuan's past.

Among the crowd, some people noticed Song Xuan's alertness.

He lowered his head and disappeared again.

Song Xuan didn't have to wait long before County Lieutenant Ban Feng arrived, panting, with his men.

"My lord."

Ban Feng, panting heavily, supported himself on his knees:
"I am coming."

The group of constables behind them, however, didn't catch their breath.

Song Xuan nodded:
"It's good that you've come. I was being followed today, and someone is looking for an opportunity to retaliate."

“Brothers who came to our rescue in time will each be rewarded with one string of cash upon their return. Those who came out with me today will also receive the same reward.”

"Thank you, sir."

The constable's face immediately lit up with a smile.

It means that by showing off in front of a high-ranking official, one can earn a reward.

This money came too easily. I hope you'll travel more often in the future.

He was protected by his brothers on both sides.

Song Xuan observed for a while but did not find any more suspicious people following him.

"County Commandant Ban, lead the way, we're heading towards Taoran Inn."

"Yes."

Ban Feng instructed Zhang Dutou to lead the way, as he wanted to stay by Song Xuan's side so that he could react quickly if anyone tried to assassinate him.

"My lord, next time we go out, let's bring out our entourage. They'll give way to us."

Hearing Ban Feng's suggestion, Song Xuan shook his head:
“Even the Emperor doesn’t drive away vendors who are occupying the road when he walks on the Imperial Street. How can I be more domineering than the Emperor?”

"But what you said makes sense. Next time we go out, we should just set up a ceremonial procession so that the thugs can see where I am and not get confused about their assassination target."

Ban Feng didn't know how to persuade him.

Is this something a normal person would say?
He could only keep a close watch on everything around him and listen carefully to ensure that no one could get close to Master Song.

"By the way, what's the situation with the illegal construction?"

"They're still demolishing it. They sent someone to bribe the Kaifeng government, and they bribed me too."

Song Xuan nodded:
"Put the money in the public account later. I will give it to you after it is confiscated. This will prevent them from reporting you for embezzlement and bribery in the Kaifeng government office, which would be a pretext to use against you."

"Yes."

Ban Feng was overjoyed.

With one inflow and one outflow, the money is essentially laundered.

What if we give some of the profits to the big boss?
In a place like the county government, you can't survive long if you try to eat all the food yourself.

"My lord, I will definitely go to Tiaojin Hutong more often to supervise them in the future. They are very rich."

Song Xuan did not reprimand Ban Feng for his words and actions; instead, he nodded in agreement.

Wang Yufeng remained hidden behind the crowd, fearing someone might stab him in the head.

"Brother, today is far too dangerous. Do we really have to go?"

Li Junyou, on the other hand, felt much safer.

With Song Xuan's skills, he certainly won't get into trouble easily.

What's there to be afraid of?

Especially since the target wasn't either of them.

However, Li Junyou knew there were some things he couldn't say to Wang Yufeng, so he could only offer words of comfort:
"Since we're already here, let's see how Song Twelve solves the case."

"Can he do it?"

Wang Yufeng expressed his doubts, then immediately shut his mouth.

It wasn't that he looked down on Song Xuan.

Even seasoned officials with years of experience often struggle to solve these kinds of cases.

What's more, it happened just over ten days ago.

Whether it's eyewitnesses or the scene itself, it should have been cleaned up long ago.

Wang Yufeng felt that his father had taught him especially the skills of being an official.

In the future, all you need to do is order your subordinates to do the work for you.

Anyway, they wouldn't dare to cause trouble.

Who told me to be the brother-in-law of the most powerful maternal relative in the Song Dynasty!
"It's all here."

After receiving this answer, Wang Yufeng remained silent.

The assassination attempt he had just suffered had truly made him feel like he was under constant suspicion.

He looked at every person coming towards him as if he wanted to stab them.

The group walked along the road with peace of mind, and were almost at the foot of the city wall.

Taoran Inn then came into view.

Zhang, the head constable, led his men in first and immediately took control of the shopkeeper.

He also sent someone to the backyard to guard the back gate to prevent anyone from escaping.

At that moment, two men dressed in plain clothes were sitting in the shop eating.

The shopkeeper and the waiter were taken into custody by the yamen runners.

Ban Feng immediately brought over a stool and invited Song Xuan to sit down.

He asked directly, "What do you two do?"

"We two sell medicinal herbs."

Song Xuan glanced at them and said, "Tell me your name."

My name is Xia Ping.

"My name is Li Rui."

Song Xuan ignored the shopkeeper and instead looked at the two of them:

"Where is your place of origin?"

"In reply to your question, sir, I am from Puyin County, Qizhou. We are from the same hometown."

Song Xuan nodded.

It is actually Anguo County, the fiefdom of Emperor Gaozu of Han, where he was enfeoffed as a king. It is also known as "herbs become medicine only when they reach Anguo, and medicines only become fragrant when they pass through Qizhou".

The Medicine King Temple has not yet officially appeared. It was not until the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song that temples were established, but now there is a custom of worshipping it.

"How many days have you been in Tokyo?"

"Three days."

Song Xuan then smiled:

"Be careful when doing business in Tokyo. This place is a shady business, don't you know that?"

"what?"

Xia Ping was shocked and quickly shook his head:
"I was unaware that this was a shady establishment."

"You're lucky you didn't die after living here for three days."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Xia Ping nodded repeatedly:
"My lord, please don't frighten us."

The shopkeeper immediately cried out, "Sir, you've been wronged!"

"My Taoran Inn is by no means a shady business; it belongs to the Shi family."

"The Shi family?"

Song Xuan turned to look at the shopkeeper.

"It belongs to the Shi family."

Li Junyou explained to Song Xuan that it was a shop owned by the Shi family, but managed under a contract.

Song Xuan understood.

The Shi family has too many businesses, so they hire professional managers to make money for them and then share the profits with them.

Song Xuan reached out, and Zhang, the constable, handed him the ledger that had just been seized.

He flipped through the registration form from three days ago and spoke directly:
"Lock them all up for me."

"Yes."

Chief Zhang, along with the constables and yamen runners, locked up everyone in the shop, including the two merchants.

"Innocent! I've been wronged!"

"I beg your mercy, sir."

Those who were locked up all cried out that they were innocent.

Song Xuan glanced at the two merchants who were shouting the loudest:
"Xia Ping, don't blame me for not giving you a chance. You two, speak in your hometown dialect."

"Your local Kaifeng accent is far too heavy. Do you think you can fool me?"

Xia Ping immediately fell silent.

“Zhong Wuliu, come here and listen to them speak Qizhou dialect.”

"Yes."

Zhong Wuliu never expected that the high-ranking official would remember where his hometown was.

He stepped forward with great excitement and spoke:
"Which village in Puyin County are you from?"

Xia Ping was sweating profusely and dared not utter a word.

He gave himself away before he even opened his mouth, and he'll be even more exposed once he does.

Song Xuan pointed to the notebook again:

"They've been here for three days and stayed for three days, but they haven't registered to check in."

"It seems the shopkeeper doesn't take the laws of the Song Dynasty seriously."

The shopkeeper's face was also covered in sweat. He looked up at Song Xuan:

"My lord, it's not that I forgot, it's that I dare not."

"The main reason is that something happened at the shop a few days ago, and I was afraid that no one would come to stay, and that would reduce business, so I did this."

"I...I'm really scared."

Wang Yufeng glanced at the locked-up people; he had just thought they were truly innocent.

Song Xuan wanted to trick them into revealing the truth.

It turned out that everything he said before was a trap.

Wang Yufeng, however, was looking forward to seeing how Song Xuan would resolve the case.

Li Junyou also remained silent.

Because he found that Song Xuan's logic was truly strong.

Not only that, he even knew the hometowns of his own subordinates' yamen runners.

Even if he didn't have a photographic memory like Zhang Fangping, his memory was still excellent.

Li Junyou fanned himself, his thigh growing thicker and thicker, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Song Xuan ignored the shopkeeper's explanation and instead said:

"Chief Zhang, take this jade pendant of mine, ride the donkey from the backyard to the palace gate, and summon Shi Yuansun here to me."

"what?"

Zhang, the head constable, instinctively exclaimed "Ah!" and then took the jade pendant:

"Yes."

Song Xuan flipped to the front and found Wu Xuyao's name:
"Manager Wei, this person only has a check-in record, but there's no signature indicating when they left."

Wei Shao squatted on the ground:
"So that you may know, sir. I don't know what happened either. The waiter asked him if he wanted breakfast, but he didn't say a word."

"It wasn't until the afternoon that I went to let the servants force their way in, only to find the room empty, the beds and bedding neatly arranged, and the oil lamp burned out."

"Only his luggage and goods disappeared. I suspect he ran away to avoid paying the room bill!"

"That donkey could easily stay with you for a month."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Wei Shaou also looked puzzled:

"Yes, I don't understand why he did that either."

"But then I heard that a female ghost was coming to claim my life."

"Little man."

"I dare not say more."

"Moreover, the other guests at the inn did not hear any noise and slept soundly all night."

"I suspect this person has been abducted by a female ghost, and I am afraid, so I dare not say anything."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Hearing the shopkeeper's explanation, Song Xuan couldn't help but laugh:
"So female ghosts not only like to absorb men's yang energy, but also like to make new clothes from the finest silks."

"That's interesting."

Song Xuan changed the subject:
"County Commandant Ban, do you find this story interesting?"

"Have."

Upon seeing Song Xuan's expression, Ban Feng immediately changed his tune:
"Funny my ass! You're just trying to fool me!"

“My lord, if you ask me, just take them all back and give them thirty lashes as a warning, and they’ll confess everything.”

"No rush, we should give the Shi family some face after all."

Song Xuan pointed in the direction of the kitchen:

"Go and see if they make things like human flesh buns."

"Yes."

Ban Feng took his men directly to conduct the inspection.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yufeng immediately covered his mouth.

He just felt nauseous.

This is Tokyo, how could anyone be so bold?
Even Li Junyou, who was mentally stronger, was somewhat troubled by Bengbu.

Not to mention the servants, who, despite their trembling legs, did not run out.

With female ghosts appearing and human flesh buns appearing, it's really making things difficult.

"No, no, I would never dare to do such a business."

Wei Shaou said with a bitter expression, "It's truly a misunderstanding. His disappearance has nothing to do with me. I was terrified."

"I hope Your Excellency will understand."

"It doesn't matter whether I wronged you or not."

Song Xuan wasn't in a hurry, and simply said, "I'll wait for Shi Yuansun to arrive so I can talk to him about it."

"I still have to give the Shi family some face."

Wei Shao couldn't stop himself from saying:

"That's it, now that's all explained, all business deals are off, and Master Shi won't let me off the hook."

"My lord, I am truly innocent."

Song Xuan ignored him and instead asked, "Cousin, in your opinion, is he telling the truth or lying?"

"A mixture of truth and falsehood."

Li Junyou sat to the side: "There's definitely a problem, we just don't know how big it is."

"Really?" Song Xuan glanced at the group of people squatting down. "I suspect they're smuggling and deliberately evading taxes."

Xia Ping breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and then said:

"My lord, you are wise. We did not want to pay taxes, which is why we lied."

Song Xuan chuckled: "Now you're confessing? What were you doing all this time?"

"I knew this shopkeeper was suspicious. You two locals pretending to be outsiders, do you really think I can't tell?"

"My lord, we dare not do that. We really just want to make more money."

Xia Ping said with tears streaming down his face:

"The main problem is those corrupt officials who are too greedy for money. Half of the profits have to be handed over to ensure a smooth transaction."

"I do not believe it."

"If you don't believe me, sir, you can ask County Lieutenant Ban. He's been colluding with the local militia to smuggle government salt."

boom.

Xia Ping was kicked and shoved by Ban Feng, who had rushed over: "Bullshit! You dare to frame me? I'll chop you up alive!"

Xia Ping's nose immediately started bleeding when he ate dog poop.

"I'm going to be locked up anyway, sir. If I report County Magistrate Ban, can I atone for my crime through meritorious service?"

Song Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Ban Feng and the local medicine merchant.

“My lord, he is making baseless accusations and slanders.”

Ban Feng hurriedly offered his explanation.

"What people do is seen by Heaven. County Magistrate Ban, do you dare swear to Heaven that you did not collude with others to smuggle government salt?"

Even with a bloody nose, Xia Ping was determined to drag Ban Feng down with him.

"Alright." Song Xuan waved his hand dismissively: "Teacher, do you think I should believe him or you? Why bother arguing with him?"

"When Shi Yuansun arrives, tell him to lock them all up in jail and interrogate them thoroughly."

"Thank you, sir."

After thanking him with clasped hands, Ban Feng kicked Xia Ping several times in a fit of rage.

Song Xuan thought it was normal for his subordinates to have problems.

It's impossible for so many people to be completely clean-living and guarantee that they won't be greedy or take advantage of others, especially in a feudal dynasty.

Having leverage over someone makes it easier to control them.

Sensible subordinates will proactively present their weaknesses to their superiors in order to seek advancement.

Everyone here is an official; who doesn't want to advance?

"My lord, no human flesh buns or other pieces of meat were found in the kitchen."

"That's true." Song Xuan nodded.

"With just one set of kitchen utensils, if you make human flesh buns for others, you'll get contaminated yourself, unless they all like to eat them too."

Seeing that Song Xuan trusted Ban Feng so much, Xia Ping quickly said:
"My lord, I have evidence."

“I have evidence, and I want to atone for my crime through good faith.”

Song Xuan didn't even want to listen: "Gag him, stop making such a racket."

"Yes."

After the person left, Song Xuan looked at Li Rui and asked, "Are you two regular customers of the shop?"

"Yes."

"I've never heard of any ghost stories before?"

"I heard."

"Oh?" Song Xuan asked casually.
"Aren't you afraid?"

“I’m not afraid.” Li Rui glanced at Wei Shaou:

"My lord, you may not know this, but there are just too many haunted places in the capital, which is why prices have dropped. I'd be willing to come."

"Because poverty is more terrifying than ghosts."

"Yes, I agree with your point of view."

Song Xuan immediately became interested: "When did this inn become haunted?"

When Li Rui heard Song Xuan agree with him, his eyes lit up.

Who is Song Xuan?
He was a role model among scholars, a great figure who would only appear once every thousand years.

He would agree with his own words as a nobody!

"I feel like I can hear it every now and then."

"A month ago, was it?"

"Have."

"What about a month and a half ago?"

"Have."

As Wei Shaou listened to Song Xuan's words, he glanced at the notebook on the table and his face darkened instantly.

You're brainless; you managed to trick people into saying that.

Wang Yufeng muttered to himself:

"The master doesn't seem interested in investigating cases, but he's very interested in female ghosts. Could he be collecting stories about them?"

"You don't know anything."

Li Junyou didn't want to get involved with Wang Yufeng. This kid seemed quite clever on the surface, but when trouble came up, he revealed his true colors as someone who was really useless.

Where is the brain?

Do I need to be taught?
It's obvious what Song Xuan's real purpose is just by looking at him!

Ban Feng told two men to drag Xia Ping to the backyard and give him a severe beating.

"Do you think that just because you say a few words, the high official will believe you?"

Ban Feng grabbed him by the collar:
"You're asking for it, beat him up."

Xia Ping was beaten to the point of near death:
"So you're all in cahoots."

"What do you think?"

Ban Feng spat at him:
"Otherwise, would Master Song still be on your side?"

"You've lost your mind."

Xia Ping was no longer willing to speak; he felt he had truly lost today.

Anyway, the water can't be muddied, so let it be.

Whether we can survive this ordeal is another matter.

Ban Feng gagged him again before dragging him back like a dead dog.

When Shi Yuansun heard that it was Song Xuan, the magistrate of Kaifeng County, who had sent someone to find him, he was somewhat incredulous.

It wasn't until he saw Song Xuan's jade pendant, which was said to have been given to him by Yan Shu when they first met, that he realized how true it was.

It was originally a bet between him and Song Shou, and Song Shou also gave Zhang Fangping a piece of it.

After leaving the palace gates, Shi Yuansun saw a yamen runner, but without suspicion, he followed him directly to Taoran Inn.

"Scholar Song, why did you come to see me in such a hurry? Is there something important that you need to tell me?"

Shi Yuansun returned the jade pendant to Song Xuan.

Song Xuan hung it back on his waist: "Isn't this your shop?"

"what?"

Shi Yuansun glanced around the shop, then pointed blankly to himself: "Mine?"

Now it was Song Xuan's turn to be surprised, and he looked at the shopkeeper:
“You, surnamed Wei, dare to deceive this official! Guards, give him twenty lashes first.”

"Innocent! I've been wronged!"

Wei Shaou stood up and pointed to the counter: "My contract with the Shi family is in the box. You may take a look."

Zhong Wuliu directly opened the box and placed everything inside on the counter.

"This is it."

Shi Yuansun picked it up and examined it carefully. It was indeed a property of the Shi family, but he really had no recollection of it.

“Scholar Song, this is indeed my signature. My family owns quite a few shops, so I didn’t pay much attention to it.”

Listening to Shi Yuansun's words, Song Xuan was convinced that he really didn't know the exact locations of the shops because he had too many.

"Row."

Song Xuan nodded: "I invited you here to confirm whether this is your shop."

"So that no one uses your Shi family's name to run a shady business and tarnish your ancestors' reputation."

"A rip-off shop?"

Shi Yuansun's voice has changed:
"Scholar Song, tell me quickly, how exactly did you rip people off?"

"Murder and robbery."

"what?"

Shi Yuansun had assumed it was the kind of place that overcharged and ripped people off.

Little did I know it was a real rip-off!
"really?"

Song Xuan pointed to the ledger beside him: "Why would I lie to you?"

"This shop's accounting records show that 29 out-of-town merchants stayed there this year, but none of them have registered to leave."

"The missing persons were all out-of-town merchants carrying valuable goods; their bodies and belongings were looted."

"Taoran Inn is located in a remote area and has regular customers, unlike ordinary inns."

Shi Yuansun carefully flipped through the notebook.

The inn system in the Song Dynasty was very well-established; otherwise, agents wouldn't have existed.

People always say that Yuelai Inn is everywhere, but there really was a chain of inns in the Song Dynasty.

There are several Yuelai Inns in Tokyo alone, all vying for customers.

"The top scholar of the Song Dynasty," Shi Yuansun said, raising his head.

“I think you’re right, but it’s just speculation, not evidence. We need to see the person, whether alive or dead.”

“Manager Wei Shaoou, if you confess voluntarily, I’ll consider it a voluntary surrender.”

Song Xuan fiddled with the golden mace:
"If I find out, you'll probably be executed by slow slicing."

"This punishment is quite rare; it requires special approval from the government."

"In all the years since the founding of the Song Dynasty, it was during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong that he was sentenced to death by slow slicing for arson committed by a palace maid."

Wei Shaou shook his head repeatedly: "My lord, please don't scare me, it's really nothing like that."

"If it were just one missing person, I might still believe the ghost story about a female ghost taking lives and sucking the yang energy of men. But there are twenty-nine people, and they're from this year. Did you throw away all the records from previous years?"

Song Xuan tapped the shackles lightly with his golden mace: "Do you think I'd believe your nonsense?"

“You have truly wronged me, sir. Even if I were to go to the Prefect of Kaifeng, I would say the same thing.”

"Okay, everyone chooses their own path in life, and what others say is irrelevant."

Song Xuan stopped paying attention and said, "Search it and see if there are any passages inside the walls or underground."

"How could they have drugged and taken people away without alerting anyone else? How could they not have used a tunnel?"

"Besides, it's not far from the city wall, so we should be able to find it eventually."

Song Xuan then went behind the counter, took out the box containing the money, opened it, and showed it to the many yamen runners:
"Whoever finds a clue the fastest today will receive this money."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, the constables and yamen runners immediately began searching, wishing they could dig three feet into the ground.

Shi Yuansun was also somewhat taken aback; he truly hadn't expected to get involved.

Song Xuan wasn't in a hurry. Anyway, these stolen goods hadn't been recorded in the accounts, so dividing them up was fine.

"Isn't it inappropriate for you to do this, sir?"

Wei Shaou remained calm and said, "This is all my money. Even if you beat the drum to appeal, I will have a reason."

"Looks like you're quite confident." Song Xuan pulled out his old notebook again and started flipping through it.

"Besides, I'm using your money to do things for you and clear your name. You should thank me."

"I should thank you?"

Wei Shaou wondered how Song Xuan could say something so shameless.

You were the top scholar of the Song Dynasty!
To be the top scholar who passed all three levels of the imperial examinations is simply too shameless.

Wang Yufeng was also dumbfounded: "Brother, can things be done like this?"

"Yes, I've learned something."

Li Junyou quickly responded.

Wang Yufeng's eyes were full of confusion.

Song Xuan mobilized the constables and yamen runners to search through the chests and cabinets, while Wang Bao and Xu Xianchun kept an eye on the locked-up people.

Wang Yufeng and Li Junyou's entourage.

Shi Yuansun did not bring any attendants; he simply sat there waiting for news.

As for the victim who filed the report, he was already leaning against the counter, silently grieving and shedding tears.

"Master Song, why do you have to be so serious about your work?"

"Manager Wei, blame yourself for not being meticulous enough in your work."

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice as he looked at the worn-out notebook:
"If you kill that old man in front of me and prevent him from reporting it, then I won't know anything about it, right?"

"As the saying goes, if the people don't report it, the officials won't investigate."

"You're still not ruthless enough."

"Am I not ruthless enough?"

Wei Shaou couldn't understand what Song Xuan was thinking.

“Yes.” Song Xuan pulled out another notebook:

"Goodness, you must have ripped off quite a few people last year."

"Has no one come to Tokyo to look for someone?"

Wei Shaou shook his head again and said, "I really don't understand what Master Song is saying."

"How long do you think you can keep up this stubbornness?"

Song Xuan continued flipping through the notebook:

"After working for so many years without any problems, you've become complacent. The worst thing you can do in your line of work is to be careless and always try to get by. In the end, you'll only be the one who gets messed up."

Wei Shaou's eyes showed suspicion. He felt that Song Xuan's words were neither those of a newly appointed top scholar nor those of an official.

In the past, how could officials speak so calmly and rationally to "criminals"?

"Master Song, are you truly here to seek evidence?"

"Of course."

Song Xuan put down his notebook and picked up the short hammer:

"I am very particular about evidence when handling cases, and I will never wrong you."

Song Xuan sat back down: "You don't need to talk to me on purpose and distract others. You can't escape."

Wei Shaou was startled again; he did indeed have this idea.

The inn was huge, but the space was so small that it took a long time to search.

A large crowd had gathered outside to watch the spectacle.

Song Xuan immediately ordered his men to close the windows and told Wang Bao to drive them away and get out of there.

Anyone who came any closer was tied up, considered an accomplice, and imprisoned together in the county jail.

After Wang Bao finished speaking, a ruffian laughed in disbelief and was knocked down with a single punch.

Upon seeing this, his companion immediately shouted and started hitting him.

He was knocked down again with a single punch.

"Young people just love to sleep." Wang Bao sneered.
"Anyone who dares to disobey Master Song's orders is an accomplice of this shady inn!"

After being forced to drink the penalty cup instead of the polite toast, the onlookers in Tokyo were clearly intimidated, and the whole group retreated more than three zhang away.

Wang Bao then tied up the two rascals who had fallen asleep, dragged them into the inn, and left them aside to continue sleeping.

Song Xuan looked at Wei Shaou:
"Manager Wei, there's no one outside who can meet you unless they're incredibly audacious enough to break you out of prison."

"Do you think you're so valuable that you'd send your accomplices to break someone out of prison?"

Wei Shao's hands were locked, and his head was also unable to move:
“Master Song, you actually have no evidence, which is why you have repeatedly provoked me with your words.”

"Hey." Song Xuan quickly waved his hand:
"I am simply stating the facts and have no intention of provoking you. I am merely trying to persuade you to give up your resistance and seek leniency. Changing the punishment from slow slicing to beheading is much easier."

Wei Shaou's gaze towards Song Xuan became somewhat strange.

"Don't stare at me like that." Song Xuan pointed to the person lying on the ground:

"You should think about whether they will betray you and reveal everything when you go back to prison."

“I have already laid a trap around the perimeter, as you should know, my father-in-law. I specifically asked the Imperial Guards to help with the ambush, otherwise would I have entered your den of thieves?”

"Hahaha."

Shi Yuansun laughed loudly, "So that's how it is. I was a little surprised by the mobilization of the Imperial Guards today."

With Shi Yuansun's words, Wei Shaou narrowed his eyes and looked at the waiters, cooks, and two customers who were also locked up.

"Sir Song, please don't always wrong people."

"There are enough prisons in Kaifeng County. I will separate you and there will be no chance for you to collude."

Song Xuan looked at the golden mace in his hand: "However, to avoid being exposed, I think you'll be shot dead on the way."

"Since there's no chance to save you anyway, I might as well kill you once and for all."

"After all, you all know the principle that only the dead can keep secrets."

Song Xuan's words struck them like a heavy hammer blow.

If they cannot be rescued, wouldn't it be easy to kill them and cut off the imperial court's investigation to keep the secret?
"Don't listen to Song Xuan's nonsense."

Wei Shao quickly said, "We are legitimate business people who run a business. How could anyone possibly ambush us on the way?"

"It's alright, there's no need to go back to the prison. If someone reports it, I'll just get him pardoned."

Song Xuan glanced at the suspects:
"There's only one spot available. Whoever has changed their mind, let me know."

"After all, when it comes to murder, every one of you has blood on your hands."

After Song Xuan finished speaking, no one spoke.

Perhaps they still want to fight to the bitter end, or perhaps they still want to uphold their loyalty.

Even Wei Shaou kept his mouth shut, refusing to respond to Song Xuan's challenge.

"My lord, these are the ledgers we found."

Song Xuan took a look and told him to continue searching, saying that he might make some money if he was lucky.

After thanking them, the constables went to the backyard to investigate.

Now even the donkey pen is being targeted.

"Yo."

Song Xuan looked at the ledger and exclaimed, "Oh my!"

Wei Shaou was very annoyed by Song Xuan. Why was he not playing by the rules?
Especially in away games where Song Xuan had the advantage, Wei Shaoou had no autonomy to counterattack.

Shi Yuansun was quite happy to watch Song Xuan solve the case: "Scholar Song, why are you so amazed!"

"So what I caught today was just a small fry."

Song Xuan continued flipping through the account books:

“You ran a shady business, killing people and disposing of corpses, and providing a lot of stolen goods. You did all the hard, tiring, and risky work.”

"So, all of you can only get 20% of the profits after deducting the auction commission?"

"Isn't this just being a sucker?"

"What?!" Shi Yuansun couldn't sit still any longer: "Scholar Song, is this really a rip-off?"

"of course."

Shi Yuansun was even more astonished:
“The contract I signed with him only pays 60%, not 20/80. He’s idiot. He’s not doing legitimate business. He’s doing this risk-free business with no capital.

Wei Shaou just kept repeating:

"This isn't my ledger. Who put it under my bed?"

"This is a false accusation against me."

"This is a frame-up."

"I want to beat the drum to appeal to the emperor!"

"Don't play dumb, and don't tell me someone left the ledger under your bed." Song Xuan chuckled. "Did you put it there?"

The shop assistant quickly explained, "Sir, I didn't know there was an account book. I'm illiterate."

"That's you."

"I'm illiterate," the waiter added.

Song Xuan stopped pressing for who it was:

"Look at you all, it turns out you bunch of poor bastards only got 20%."

"But that's only if you have plenty of money. If the sheep isn't fat, you won't make a move."

"Manager Wei, take another look at this ledger. You didn't even bother to hide it properly. It's just in a secret compartment under the bed. These experienced constables can find it with a single flip."

Song Xuan handed the account book to Shi Yuansun, then looked at Wei Shaou and said:

"Is this person codenamed 'Cave Master' the Cave Master of Worry-Free Cave?"

Wei Shao remained silent, while Shi Yuansun froze, instinctively asking:

"Worry-Free Cave?"

"How could my shop be associated with Wuyou Cave?"

Li Junyou quickly took the ledger and examined it carefully:

“Cousin, so they call fat sheep ‘fresh goods’? They take away the stolen goods at fixed times.”

"The donkey wasn't taken away; it's probably going to be used to transport stolen goods in the future."

"Indeed, this organization has been operating smoothly for several years."

Song Xuan casually pointed to the book above: "I'm too lazy to look through it. They've killed quite a few people."

"I just have a question: how much money do you usually get?"

Hearing Song Xuan's question, Li Rui said dejectedly, "Not much, just one string of cash."

"you."

Wei Shaou immediately stared at him, thinking, "What an idiot!"

They say whatever comes to mind and don't keep their mouths shut.

Song Xuan flipped through the ledger again:

"How could that be? The ledger shows that you all split it equally!"

"impossible!"

Li Rui stared wide-eyed: "Look at my clothes! I haven't dared to buy new ones in three years. How can I possibly make that much money!"

"How can these ledgers be falsified?"

Song Xuan looked at Wei Shaou: "Could it be that you embezzled all the money that belongs to the brothers and then made up false accounts to divide the money among them?"

"Bullshit! You're framing me! I, Wei Shaou, would never do such a thing."

Wei Shaou never expected that Song Xuan would target money.

Which person managing money can be 100% certain that they won't embezzle, especially when there's little oversight?
Song Xuan shouted, "Wu Liu, go tell the brothers to search Manager Wei's treasury. I'll give him ten percent of it."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)