Volume 1, Chapter 36: The Curiosity of the Shadow

He was well aware that Ying possessed some martial arts skills. As for exactly how proficient she was, or whether she could handle these men, he had no idea.

However, it would be even better if she couldn't; it would provide a perfect opportunity for these bailiffs to teach her a harsh lesson. If things went south, at worst, he would just go along with these bailiffs to the county magistrate's office!

He feared the criminal underworld, but he was far less intimidated by an official government institution like the county office. A *Juren* scholar held the privilege of immunity from trial, let alone detention. Even if he had committed murder, the local magistrate would have no authority to punish him; that would require an official decree from the imperial court.

Watching Fan Xiu act so brazenly secure in his position, Ying truly felt the urge to run him through with her sword. Did this man really take her for nothing more than a hired thug?

However, if Fan Xiu were to be injured, she would have no way to answer to the Empress. With a sigh, she stepped forward and stood in front of him.

At that same moment, the four bailiffs who had been charging toward them arrived, their faces twisted with malice.

*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*

*Ah... ah... ah... ah...*

Following four dull thuds and cries of agony, all four bailiffs were sent sprawling to the ground, where they lay wailing in pain.

"What the hell!"

Behind her, Fan Xiu’s mouth hung open as wide as an egg, his eyes filled with disbelief. Was 'Liu Yue' really this skilled? Those were bailiffs! Even if they weren't martial arts experts, they underwent regular training; ordinary people were simply no match for them. Yet, these men hadn't even managed to touch a thread of her clothing before being completely laid out.

Fan Xiu swallowed hard and silently took two steps back. He made a mental note then and there: he must never provoke this woman!

The commotion had attracted the attention of passersby, who looked on with astonishment. In all of Zhiyuan County, who dared to lay a hand on the bailiffs?

"What’s going on here!"

A cold voice rang out from the periphery. Moments later, a dozen more bailiffs marched in, led by their head constable.

Fan Xiu’s face lit up when he saw the man. He had just seen him at the county office that morning while reporting to Magistrate Liu Zhengjun. Fan Xiu only knew the man's surname was Xing.

"Head Constable Xing!"

The beaten bailiffs, upon seeing their superior, acted as if they had found their backbone. "Head Constable Xing, hurry and arrest them! They actually hit us!" the leader shouted.

Another bailiff, his face sporting a clear palm print, clutched his cheek and added, "Look at my face! One slap was all it took!" They wailed their grievances to the head constable.

Fan Xiu reached out his hands and said with a smile, "Old Xing, arrest me, then."

***

Head Constable Xing glanced at the men, then at Fan Xiu. Then—*slap!* He landed a heavy strike across the face of the bailiff who had been nursing the palm print.

"Have you all gone blind? You dare try to arrest a *Juren* scholar like Master Fan!" Xing roared. He then kicked another bailiff to the ground.

"Huh?" The previously arrogant bailiffs were instantly stunned. The onlookers also stared at Fan Xiu in shock. Could this man, pulling a donkey cart and wearing tattered clothes, really be a *Juren*? The world knew of poor, ragged scholars, but how could there be such a pathetic-looking *Juren*?

At this moment, Head Constable Xing approached Fan Xiu, cupping his hands in a deep, apologetic bow. "I am Xing Zifeng, greetings to Master Fan!"

Fan Xiu was a *Juren* whom even the Magistrate treated with courtesy! Though Xing was a head constable, he was still just a bailiff—not an official of the imperial court, lacking any rank, and belonging to the lowest class of government servants. Fan Xiu, despite only holding the *Juren* title, was a candidate for officialdom. If he wished, he could serve as an eighth-rank assistant magistrate; those with connections could become seventh-rank magistrates, and the lucky ones might even reach the fourth rank as a prefect. That was why even the Magistrate treated him with such respect.

Fan Xiu folded his arms. "I wouldn't dare. If I hadn't brought a protector along, I fear I would have been dragged off to your dungeon by your men!"

Xing Zifeng wiped cold sweat from his brow. "It was my subordinates' ignorance. I hope the Master will not hold a grudge against such small-minded men."

"No matter," Fan Xiu said with a light laugh. "Since you've put it that way, Old Xing, I must give you face. Besides, they didn't recognize me, which is understandable. But I don't want to see this happen again!"

Xing Zifeng bowed hastily. "Rest assured, Master Fan. Once we return, I will inform them that such mistakes will absolutely not be tolerated!"

"Good." Fan Xiu nodded. "Then I’ll leave it to you! It’s noon, and you must be tired, Head Constable. Come, let me take you to Zhiwei Pavilion for a couple of drinks."

"No, no, I still have official duties," Xing declined hurriedly.

"It's fine," Fan Xiu said, hooking his arm around the constable's shoulder with a laugh. "Going to Zhiwei Pavilion is part of the duty, too." He looked at the other bailiffs and asked, "Isn't that right?"

There was an old saying: "The local officials are better than the high ones." To thrive in Zhiyuan County, one had to maintain good relations with these men on the ground. Magistrate Liu held high status, but he couldn't use the Magistrate’s authority forever, and the Magistrate himself wouldn't appreciate it. While Xing Zifeng was technically a low-level servant, he held real power and oversaw many of the county's daily affairs. If Fan Xiu used the Magistrate to suppress him too often, Xing would eventually harbor resentment or resort to underhanded tactics. The best strategy was to use the Magistrate’s reputation as a shield while building a genuine rapport with the constable.

***

With Head Constable Xing on his side, many things would be much easier!

"Yes, yes, of course," the bailiffs bowed and scraped.

Xing Zifeng cupped his hands awkwardly. "In that case, I shall accept your invitation." He still looked quite tense, likely unable to gauge what Fan Xiu’s true intentions were. Seeing this, Fan Xiu was amused. This was exactly the effect he wanted! To be on good terms with the constable without being looked down upon, avoiding being extorted while maintaining a respectful, friendly distance.

With his arm around the constable, Fan Xiu chatted and laughed as they walked toward Zhiwei Pavilion. Following behind, Ying looked at the pair with deep suspicion. Why would a *Juren* be so polite to a low-level servant? Wasn't it beneath his dignity? If it were her, she would never show courtesy to anyone other than the Empress! Anyone who crossed her would be arrested, or if necessary, killed. She would never act like Fan Xiu, being so deferential to a mere head constable.

Upon arriving at Zhiwei Pavilion, Fan Xiu dropped off the *liangpi* (cold noodles) at the kitchen, ordered a few side dishes and a pot of wine, and then led Head Constable Xing to the front hall. Business was much better today than yesterday; both the first and second floors were nearly full. The line for the 'Zhuangyuan Fragrance' incense outside was also incredibly long. Yesterday’s supply hadn't been enough, leaving many empty-handed, so today, people had started lining up early.

In a corner on the second floor, Ying sat opposite Fan Xiu. Head Constable Xing glanced at her and asked Fan Xiu in a puzzled tone, "Master Fan, this young lady is..."

"Haha," Fan Xiu poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward the constable, smiling. "Old Xing, are you investigating me?"

"I wouldn't dare!" Xing laughed nervously. "I was just asking out of habit."

Fan Xiu smiled. "She is a distant cousin of mine, here to visit relatives."

Xing nodded. "I see. Zhiyuan County has been restless lately with thieves about. I’ll make sure to notify my men when I return so you won't face any trouble in the city."

Fan Xiu’s interest was piqued. "Head Constable," he asked curiously, "I’ve noticed you all seem to be searching for something. Could you tell me about it? Has something happened?"