Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

The sky in Chenjun is black.

That intricate, impenetrable black web was deeply entrenched in the fabric of the county. With their meager strength, if they were to relentlessly pursue evidence of corruption, they would likely be swallowed up by this boundless darkness before they could even unravel the clues, leaving no trace of their bodies.

After much deliberation, Xiao He ultimately changed his strategy.

Since we can't eradicate all the wicked, we might as well turn our attention away from the evil and instead sift out the few innocent people who still uphold their principles and the wavering gray-haired individuals in this murky world.

Only by gradually gathering and uniting these scattered forces can they have the resources to stir up a ripple of resistance in the stagnant Chen County.

Once the strategy was decided, the group immediately split up and took action.

Liu Bang, along with Lu Wan and Fan Kuai, plunged into the group of local ruffians, offering them fine wine and meat, and engaging in drunken banter to uncover the secrets, corrupt practices, and sordid dealings of the officials in the counties under Chen Commandery.

He kept a record of every single case: which county magistrate was outwardly honest but secretly accepted bribes, which county lieutenant shared the spoils with bandits, and which clerk helped suppress cases. He would secretly bring them back at night to compile the information.

But every time he returned, his travel-worn, hurried appearance, rushing back as soon as he left the message, always made Cao Shen feel a pang of emotion.

"These three brothers, Liu Ji, are truly righteous and loyal; it's truly a shame they've been wronged!"

He watched Liu Bang's departing figure and sighed sincerely.

In Cao Shen's conventional thinking, Xiao He's friends, even if they were a bit enthusiastic and down-to-earth, were definitely gentlemen and upright men.

But for the sake of the people of Chenjun, for those who had nowhere to seek justice, they were willing to sully themselves, associating with local ruffians and scoundrels every day, smiling and drinking with them, trying to extract information—what a spirit of sacrifice that endured humiliation and hardship!

Xiao He: "..."

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

He recalled passing by that tavern yesterday and seeing Liu Bang, with his legs crossed, one arm around Lai Laoliu's shoulder, the other slapping the table, his face red and neck thick as he played a drinking game with someone.

What a load of rubbish! He's living the high life!

These three people have all gained a lot of weight since they first arrived in Chen County.

Xiao He was worried that once the Chen Commandery matter was over, Liu Bang and the others would feel lost and depressed for a long time, and might not be able to get their free spirits back.

But... let's not expose it.

Recently, Cao, the prison clerk who has always been upright, honest, and fair in handling official business, and who has made his name solely by his ability to solve cases, seems to have experienced a subtle and absurd shift in his worldview, which has been firmly established for decades, ever since he started playing the role of a spoiled brat and a coward.

The former Cao Shen was upright and prudent, disdaining any pretense or hypocrisy; now, however, he comes to him with a serious expression, asking how to disguise himself as a lecher without being exposed for not being frivolous enough.

That sincere expression, if it weren't for the absurdity of what he was saying, would have made him seem like he was seeking advice on a profound subject of governance.

Xiao He didn't remember what he said at the time, only that he was dazed as he watched the man leave with a satisfied expression.

Has he made disguising himself as various despicable characters a mandatory course in his criminal trial and thief-catching business?

Xiao He sighed and shook his head, unsure whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.

At least for now, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

He and Cao Shen were responsible for organizing and analyzing the news of Liu Bang's return, writing down the names of those who were suitable, and then secretly investigating the time under their jurisdiction.

However, both of them had long served in the government, and their dignified and solemn demeanor was deeply ingrained, so even when they changed into plain clothes, they could not hide their conspicuousness.

The reason he was able to move through the streets and alleys so smoothly and conduct his covert investigation was entirely due to the absurd name that Liu Bang had made up in a moment of desperation.

Local thugs are the most well-informed, and they had already spread that story far and wide.

Along the way, Xiao He and his companion endured a lot of ridicule and disdain, and were often teased and mocked. However, no one dared to rashly tie up people or take them to the government to claim credit or rewards.

On only one occasion, when faced with another envious thug taunting them in the street, spitting and verbally abusing them, Xiao He, as always, skillfully put on a stern face, feigning anger and cowardice, and uttered his usual platitude: "You wait, sooner or later you'll tell my sister everything that happened today!"

Immediately afterwards, he habitually grabbed Cao Can, who was bowing his head and feigning panic, intending to get away as soon as possible.

But then they heard Cao Can shout from behind, his voice exceptionally loud, confident, and even arrogant:

"You all better remember this! I'll tell my sister later, and she'll make sure none of you get away with this!"

Xiao He stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, the veins on his forehead throbbing visibly.

It seems that he inadvertently opened an incredible door for Cao Shen.

Fortunately, as the list grew longer and longer, and items were crossed off one by one, their investigation was finally nearing its end.

At night, the group gathered again in the cramped inn, watching Xiao He pick up his pen and cross out one name after another.

Looking at the few names remaining, Lu Wan finally couldn't hold back any longer and leaned forward: "Clerk Xiao, it's one thing that the one with unclear background was crossed out, but why did you have to cross this one out too?"

"Chen Zhuo, the magistrate of Yangcheng County, has a clear resume and a good reputation. We've personally visited his jurisdiction, and everyone we asked spoke highly of him. So what's wrong with him?"

"It is precisely because it is too clean that it must be crossed out." Xiao He's expression was calm, his tone carrying a hint of worldly-wise detachment: "Chen Commandery is inherently a stagnant, muddy pool; how could a pristine spring suddenly appear out of nowhere?"

"I fear that this seemingly clear spring is actually bait laid by someone with ulterior motives, waiting for us fish to dive in so they can catch us all in one fell swoop, so..."

Before he could finish speaking, Fan Kuai, who had been guarding the door, suddenly sharpened his eyes and his murderous aura tightened.

"Who?!"

With a low shout, he suddenly placed his large hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist, and with a flick of his wrist, the long sword was half-drawn from its sheath with a clang, its cold light flashing. Before anyone could react, he kicked open the wooden door and rushed out.

The expressions of the people in the room changed drastically, and they all stood up.

A figure in black was seen darting across the corridor. As if discovered, the figure was about to flee when, upon reaching the corner, it threw a hidden weapon straight at Fan Kuai's face.

Fan Kuai snorted coldly, turned his head to avoid it, and the hidden weapon fell to the ground with a "thud," rolling a few times. He didn't care and strode to chase after it.

"Wait! Don't chase after them!"

Upon recognizing Liu Bang's voice, Fan Kuai paused, stopped, and turned around.

Liu Bang's gaze was already fixed on his feet. He took a few steps forward, bent down, and picked up the "hidden weapon"—a bamboo tube, about the thickness of a thumb, sealed with wax.

He pulled out the stopper, poured out a roll of thin paper, unfolded it, and his expression changed slightly. He quickly returned to the house and handed the paper to Xiao He.

The note contained only one line of text: "Abandoned kiln in the south of the city. Tomorrow at midnight, if you wish to see the truth, come quickly."

------

I know you're all eager, don't worry, there's an extra chapter today!

But I still have to wait until midnight, boohoo~ My sleep schedule adjustment was a complete failure. Don't follow my example, everyone. Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy. We can watch it together tomorrow morning (*＾-＾*)