The Sorrowmender

Chapter 17 – Go to the yamen

Although Frostsky City is not a peaceful place, and deaths are common, when someone dies publicly, a formal process must still be followed.

Constable Zhang was called by Little Wuyou to examine the scene, conduct a brief inquiry, and make a record.

"Mister, since someone has died here at the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries, I must trouble you to accompany me to the yamen to explain the situation."

Xu Qingzhou, not wanting to make things difficult for others, agreed.

"As a member of Frostsky City, I naturally should cooperate with Constable Zhang's work. I'll go with you now."

Constable Zhang repeatedly bowed, his eyes full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Mister, thank you. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"It's no trouble, no trouble at all."

After reassuring Little Wuyou and instructing her to report to school as usual, Xu Qingzhou followed Constable Zhang to the yamen.

By this time, a crowd had already gathered outside. Seeing Xu Qingzhou being escorted out by the constable, they instinctively made way for him.

Each person was filled with worry and curiosity.

Not long after Xu Qingzhou left, two more constables appeared carrying a stretcher, covered with a white cloth, with a blood-stained hand hanging off the side.

The onlookers, upon seeing this, naturally understood that someone had died.

"Look, someone actually died."

"What happened? How did someone end up dead?"

"I heard Mister Forgetting Worries killed someone, it's a big deal."

"Who would have thought, Mister Forgetting Worries, who seemed so refined, would dare to kill."

"That's nonsense, let's go, let's head to the yamen to see what's really going on."

As the crowd dispersed with the constables, Little Wuyou was no longer in the mood to attend school.

Her eyes were filled with worry, but she dared not disobey her master's words. Torn between choices, she finally gritted her teeth and ran off.

The news of Mister Forgetting Worries killing someone and being taken away by the constables quickly spread from the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries to the Wang Family Diner.

Upon hearing that someone had died at the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries, those who had been waiting were shocked, each more astonished than the last.

Especially Wang Dong'er, who rushed out from the kitchen with a cleaver, grabbing the messenger by the collar.

"Say it again, what happened to Mister Forgetting Worries?"

"Mister Forgetting Worries killed someone and was taken to the yamen by Constable Zhang."

"How is that possible?"

"Lady Boss, even if you gave me ten times the courage, I wouldn't dare make up stories about the Mister."

"Move aside."

Pushing the messenger aside, Wang Dong'er hurried to the yamen.

The remaining onlookers also stood up, "Let's go, we should take a look too."

"Good idea, let's go together."

"Big news, big news, someone died at the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries, and the Mister was taken by Constable Zhang!"

Children ran through the streets, shouting loudly.

Passersby stopped in their tracks.

"What? Mister Forgetting Worries killed someone? Taken away by Constable Zhang?"

"What? Mister Forgetting Worries killed someone? Locked up in jail?"

"What? Mister Forgetting Worries killed someone? Going to be executed?"

What is a rumor, but a tale that spreads by word of mouth in an era of limited communication.

Though it spreads quickly, as it passes from one person to another, it becomes a completely new version.

A dog dies on one street, and by the next corner, it becomes the celestial hound of the Erlang God.

Such is the nature of rumors.

Exaggeration and speculation are common.

Xu Qingzhou, being quite renowned in Frostsky City, soon had everyone talking about his alleged murder, though the story had changed.

Clearly, he was invited to leave, yet people claimed he was being executed at noon.

If Xu Qingzhou knew, he would probably call it absurd.

The County Magistrate of the southern part of the city had risen early, in a good mood.

He was leisurely walking his dog and playing with birds, but was forced to hold court due to Xu Qingzhou's alleged murder, ruining his mood.

He knew of Mister Forgetting Worries' reputation, a well-known figure in Frostsky City.

With such a person involved, and it being a murder case, he dared not be negligent.

Donning his official attire, he headed to the court.

"Really, scholars have always been restless, causing such a commotion early in the morning, ruining my mood."

"Is Mister Forgetting Worries here yet?"

"Yes, my lord, he is waiting in the court," the Legal Advisor replied respectfully.

"Alright, take me there."

Before he could take a few steps, a yamen runner rushed over.

Already in a foul mood, the County Magistrate, with nowhere to vent his anger, scolded the runner.

"Why are you in such a hurry, what kind of conduct is this?"

"Forgive me, my lord, I know my mistake."

The County Magistrate flicked his official robe, glaring, "Speak, what is it?"

"My lord, Lord Li from the southern city sent a message, saying Xu Qingzhou is his close friend. He doesn't believe Mister Forgetting Worries would kill someone and asks that the County Magistrate thoroughly investigate to avoid wronging Mister Forgetting Worries."

Hearing the report, the County Magistrate's eyebrows twitched in surprise.

"Is it the military envoy Lord Li?"

"Yes, my lord."

The County Magistrate understood, waving his sleeve, "You may go."

The County Magistrate wasn't foolish; the message implied protecting Xu Qingzhou. He hadn't expected Xu Qingzhou to have connections with military officials.

"It seems Mister Forgetting Worries has someone backing him."

The Legal Advisor, observing the situation, bowed and said:

"My lord, I suggest we downplay this matter. Let me handle it in court, what do you think?"

"As you wish," the County Magistrate waved his hand in agreement.

"Please, my lord!"

After all, it's just a death, not worth offending others.

In officialdom, it's best to avoid unnecessary trouble. Those who understand the times can keep their positions.

But before he could take a few steps, another yamen runner blocked his path.

"What now?"

"My lord, the Legal Advisor of the Prefect sent a letter, please have a look."

Hearing it was from his superior, the County Magistrate dared not delay, accepting it with both hands and reading it.

As he unfolded the letter, it contained only a few words.

[Mister Forgetting Worries must not be harmed, offended, or falsely accused. Ensure a thorough investigation to clear his name.]

Such a simple line made the County Magistrate tremble, his palms sweating despite the early spring chill.

The case hadn't even been tried, yet there was talk of clearing his name. It was clear he was not to convict under any circumstances.

"How does Xu Qingzhou know the Prefect?"

The Legal Advisor replied, "I heard the Prefect's mother's ailment was cured by Mister Forgetting Worries."

"Hiss—there's even this connection."

The County Magistrate was shocked; the grace of saving a mother is a heavy debt.

"My lord, don't panic. Since the Prefect has given us the answer, we should follow it."

"Yes, yes, let's hurry and avoid any mistakes."

He now only wanted to quickly send Xu Qingzhou out of the southern city's yamen, unable to bear any mishaps.

"Report! My lord, General Wang sent a letter."

The County Magistrate nearly stumbled.

"Another one—"