She widened her eyes with anger. “He’s lying! If that were the case, how could my young miss have suffered such humiliation?”
Bai Lixin: “Then tell us, what was the truth back then?”
Ping Er didn’t cry again but didn’t speak either.
She sat there, and kept fiddling with her apron, looking very resistant.
Bai Lixin: “The reason we’re reopening this long-buried suicide case from two years ago is because we’ve found suspicious aspects. We suspect it might be murder. You said you’ve been waiting for us. Now that we’re here, do you still intend to remain silent, just like two years ago?”
After hesitating for a while, Ping Er forcefully nodded, convincing herself to speak. “Okay, I’ll talk.”
“Back then, they didn’t return to the room.”
Zhang Biao: “What do you mean they didn’t return…”
He stopped midway because he realized what Ping Er was saying.
Prince Wang didn’t take Xiao Cui back to the room.
In other words, the assault had happened in plain view of everyone.
Ping Er’s eyes were bloodshot. She bit her lip. “Xiao Cui kept pleading for my help, but I was just a servant, I couldn’t do anything.”
“That prince is a lunatic. Not only does he enjoy tormenting others, but he also enjoys watching others humiliate others.”
“I watched as she was humiliated by the prince, then I watched as my young miss embraces countless men in despair.”
“It was already deep into the night when we left. At that time, my young miss was already weakened, but she insisted on leaving. She was afraid for her life if she stayed any longer.”
“We slipped away while they were drunk. We even left the pipa behind. We supported each other. It was pitch dark, and there was no one on the road. We just got up and run away, stumbling all the way to the bridge.”
“Then my young miss collapsed on the bridge and couldn’t get up anymore. I couldn’t carry her so she asked me to find a sedan chair for her. I hurriedly went to find one for her.”
“But as soon as I left, I heard my young miss scream. I turned around and saw her being pushed into the water. The person wore black clothes and had a black mask on his face. After she fell, he didn’t rush to leave; he seemed to be searching for something. I guess he was looking for me.”
Zhang Biao: “So you hid because of that?”
Ping Er nodded. “Yes, I was terrified. I was afraid that if they found me, they would kill me too. I stayed nearby for a day and a night. I didn’t have much money, and I was hungry and thirsty, so I had no choice but to return to the brothel. As soon as I returned, I heard the news of the official report.”
“I thought it had already been reported, so I felt safe. Xiao Cui could finally be vindicated. The first thing I did after returning was to go to the yamen and explain the situation.”
“But as soon as I arrived at the yamen…” She paused, biting her lip. “I saw the County Magistrate and Master Cao’s guest from that day coming out together. I also heard the County Magistrate respectfully calling out ‘Prince’. Facing such a person, how could I report it?”
“But I had already struck the gong. I was terrified so I blurted out that ‘my miss committed suicide.’ I could tell that the prince was very satisfied with my answer.”
“You were afraid for your life back then, so you gave false testimony. Now, after two years, why are you willing to tell the truth?” Zhang Biao squinted at Ping Er. “Back then, you were afraid to die. Are you not afraid anymore?”
Ping Er lowered her head, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. Then she suddenly looked up at Zhang Biao. “Because you’re Head Constable Zhang!”
Zhang Biao was instantly stunned. “What do you mean?”
Ping Er: “Back then, I lied not just because I was afraid of dying, but I was also afraid of collusion between officials and bandits, incase they twisted my words and made me the scapegoat. For all these years, I’ve never forgotten about clearing my miss’s name. I’ve also learned a lot about the yamen’s affairs. I know you, you’re honest and upright, a true guardian for our town. You never bow to County Magistrate Lin’s influence, you are a genuinely responsible official for us common folk.”
“I believe that if anyone can uncover the truth, it’s you, and you would come to find me.”
Zhang Biao: “If you trust my character, why didn’t you take the initiative to come to me? Why wait for me to come to you?”
“Because…” Ping Er hesitated for a moment. “Because I once overheard that you don’t seem to like courtesans. I was worried that if I actively sought you out, not only would my case not be revisited, but it might also attract the attention of the Prince and County Magistrate Lin. I’m as insignificant as a blade of grass. Even if I suddenly died, no one would notice.”
In that moment, Zhang Biao felt speechless.
While he had looked down on courtesans, here was a seemingly ordinary woman, struggling to survive.
She trusted him so much, yet he took two years to find her, making her endure fear and uncertainty.
Zhang Biao raised his hand and bowed to the woman. “I’m sorry; it’s my negligence! Rest assured, since I’m here now, I’ll protect you thoroughly. I won’t let anyone harm you.”
Ping Er wiped her tears. “Sir, I always knew you could be trusted.”
While they were moved by each other’s words, Bai Lixin glanced around. “Ping Er, did you open this shop after being expelled from the brothel?”
Ping Er nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Bai Lixin asked, “In such a bustling area, opening a shop must have cost a lot of money, right?”
Tears welled up in Ping Er’s eyes. “All the money I have came from Xiao Cui’s generosity. Every time I look at this shop, I feel ashamed. I used the money Xiao Cui gave me to survive. She died, but I couldn’t clear her name.”
Bai Lixin nodded in understanding. “I see. By the way, you mentioned earlier that you sneaked out that day. But Master Cao claims he gave Xiao Cui a lot of money before she left. Did he really give her money?”
“Absolutely not!” Ping Er’s anger flared up at the mention of Master Cao. “We didn’t even take the pipa with us. How could he have given us money? He’s just trying to save face.”
Zhang Biao and Bai Lixin exchanged a glance.
Bai Lixin asked, “Okay, I understand. After you gave false testimony, did anyone approach you? Maybe someone like Master Cao?”
Ping Er shook her head. “No, but I always feel like they might be secretly monitoring me. So I implore you both, when you leave, please don’t say anything after. Just say I stuck to my previous statement, okay?”
Zhang Biao nodded. “Rest assured, until we find the real culprit, I’ll ensure your safety. Tomorrow, I’ll assign two men to protect you here covertly.”
Ping Er felt moved. “You’re so considerate, Head Constable Zhang.”
Zhang Biao: “I should be the one apologizing. I made you live in fear for two years.”
Ping Er smiled through her tears, but then she looked worried. “But the person we’re up against is a high-ranking prince, and Xiao Cui was just a courtesan. Are you really willing to confront those in power for people like us? You might lose your job, or even your life. Is it worth it?”
“I’ve always hoped that someone like you would come find me, but I was also afraid when you did.”
“The case had already been closed. What made you reconsider and reopen it?”
Zhang Biao remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, “Because this case shouldn’t have been closed in the first place. The hasty closure was a mistake, and I can’t let this mistake persist.”
“And…” He paused, turning to Bai Lixin. “The one you should truly be grateful to is him. If he hadn’t discovered the discrepancies while reviewing the old case files, I might never have come to find you.”
“Having us reopen the case might cause more harm than good for you. Our conversation today could disrupt your peace. But rest assured, I will protect you.”
Ping Er nodded earnestly. “I believe in you, Head Constable Zhang!”
After chatting for a while longer, they prepared to leave. Before leaving, Ping Er handed the packaged tofu to Bai Lixin, and the silver coin he had given her earlier.
Bai Lixin said, “Giving us tofu is fine, but why give us the money too? Your business sense seems lacking.”
Ping Er smiled, “Sir, you’re just joking. Since you came all the way here, how could I accept your money? This tofu isn’t worth much either. Take it back, try it, and if you like it, you can come again.”
As she spoke, she extended her arm towards Bai Lixin to give him the package.
Bai Lixin lowered his eyes slightly and noticed a hideous scar hidden under Ping Er’s sleeve on her wrist. He couldn’t help but ask, “How did you get this injury on your wrist?”
Ping Er quickly covered it with her sleeve. “It happened when I had just starting to make tofu. I mishandled it. Thank you for your concern, but women like me often get injured doing their work.”
In the end, Bai Lixin accepted the tofu but not the money. He and Zhang Biao left together.
…
After leaving Ping Er’s tofu shop, Zhang Biao checked the sky. “Sir, it’s already noon. Shall we return to the yamen?”
Bai Lixin nodded. “Yes, let’s go.”
The yamen had a cook but Zhang Biao said County Magistrate Lin usually went home for lunch, unless there was an urgent case that kept him at the yamen.
Seeing Bai Lixin and Zhang Biao returning together, the young constable immediately approached. “Boss, I’ve already given the drawing to the painter. We’ll have thirty of them by this afternoon. Once we have the paintings, we can start searching the entire city.”
Zhang Biao laughed heartily. “Well done! You’re truly the cubs I’ve trained.”
Bai Lixin: “When will you send someone to protect Ping Er?”
Zhang Biao: “This afternoon. Is there something wrong?”
Bai Lixin: “No, just reminding you not to forget.”
Zhang Biao patted his chest. “Rest assured, I won’t forget something this important.”
The observant young constable noticed the tofu Zhang Biao was holding. “Wow, Boss, why are you so kind today? You bought us soy milk and fried dough sticks in the morning and now tofu.”
Zhang Biao: “Hey hey, I didn’t buy this tofu. It was bought by Master Bai Lixin here. He said it’s good for the brain. You guys can finish it all; it’s his goodwill.”
“What? Sir bought it?” The several constables who were playing cards nearby were instantly intrigued.
The constables gathered closer. “Since sir bought it, not to mention tofu, I’d lick the plate clean for him.”
“Plate? Are you even qualified to lick plates? Let me tell you, you can only watch me eat. Sir bought the tofu for brain-boosting purposes. After I eat it, even if I can’t be as intelligent as sir, having half… no, one-tenth… no, one-thousandth of his intelligence is enough!”
“I was first to set my eyes tofu. Let’s see who dares to compete with me!”
“Enough, enough!” Zhang Biao waved his hand irritably. “Stop embarrassing me here. There’s plenty of tofu for all of you. Go practice in the courtyard. I can’t stand seeing you all idling around.”
The constables howled when they heard this and reluctantly moved to the courtyard.
Seeing everyone leave, Zhang Biao turned to Bai Lixin with a smile. “Sir, please don’t mind. They like you, that’s why they behave this way. They’re a bunch of rough men, not good with sweet talk and are can only use clumsy methods like this to get close to you.”
“When I came this morning, they immediately approached me, asking about your situation. They heard about your heroic deeds at the gambling den yesterday. Now, they’re treating you like a god.”
Bai Lixin looked at the sweating men practicing in the courtyard and chuckled. “I just played one round, it’s being exaggerated.”
Zhang Biao: “Exactly because you played only one round, it’s even more incredible. Just one round and you overturned the entire gambling den, even forcing the proprietress to ganti-gambling. There’s no one else in the world as extraordinary as you.”
———————————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Humph, this kid has some insight, recognizing the greatness of our God Xin. Let me tell you, with God Xin’s aura, he will be a heartthrob wherever he goes. He could have had countless admirers, but he chose to hang himself on one tree. Sigh, God Xin, I pity you.]
[Stop pitying God Xin; you better mourn for yourself first. If the big boss catch wind of what you said backstage, you’re probably as good as dead. Daring to openly incite God Xin to infidelity? Hehehe.]
[Yes, stop feeling sorry for God Xin. You better mourn for your own fate.]
[I’m innocent, I swear, I didn’t say anything bad about the big boss. I was just using exaggerated rhetoric to praise God Xin.]
[Exaggeration? I don’t think your earlier praise was exaggerated at all; it was very accurate.]
[I haven’t seen the big boss all day, I really want to see him again. The impact on me last night was too great. I really want to know why the big boss’s lip had a cut . Wasn’t it supposed to be his shoulder that was injured? How did it end up being his mouth?]
[Oh, look at this little green tea who knows everything, are you trying to imitate God Xin’s style? Your sarcastic tone is just like his.]
[When it comes to sarcasm, who can do it better than this sister?]
[ All of you are God Xin’s good disciples. Please don’t argue, sisters. Let’s maintain harmony.]
She widened her eyes with anger. “He’s lying! If that were the case, how could my young miss have suffered such humiliation?”
Bai Lixin: “Then tell us, what was the truth back then?”
Ping Er didn’t cry again but didn’t speak either.
She sat there, and kept fiddling with her apron, looking very resistant.
Bai Lixin: “The reason we’re reopening this long-buried suicide case from two years ago is because we’ve found suspicious aspects. We suspect it might be murder. You said you’ve been waiting for us. Now that we’re here, do you still intend to remain silent, just like two years ago?”
After hesitating for a while, Ping Er forcefully nodded, convincing herself to speak. “Okay, I’ll talk.”
“Back then, they didn’t return to the room.”
Zhang Biao: “What do you mean they didn’t return…”
He stopped midway because he realized what Ping Er was saying.
Prince Wang didn’t take Xiao Cui back to the room.
In other words, the assault had happened in plain view of everyone.
Ping Er’s eyes were bloodshot. She bit her lip. “Xiao Cui kept pleading for my help, but I was just a servant, I couldn’t do anything.”
“That prince is a lunatic. Not only does he enjoy tormenting others, but he also enjoys watching others humiliate others.”
“I watched as she was humiliated by the prince, then I watched as my young miss embraces countless men in despair.”
“It was already deep into the night when we left. At that time, my young miss was already weakened, but she insisted on leaving. She was afraid for her life if she stayed any longer.”
“We slipped away while they were drunk. We even left the pipa behind. We supported each other. It was pitch dark, and there was no one on the road. We just got up and run away, stumbling all the way to the bridge.”
“Then my young miss collapsed on the bridge and couldn’t get up anymore. I couldn’t carry her so she asked me to find a sedan chair for her. I hurriedly went to find one for her.”
“But as soon as I left, I heard my young miss scream. I turned around and saw her being pushed into the water. The person wore black clothes and had a black mask on his face. After she fell, he didn’t rush to leave; he seemed to be searching for something. I guess he was looking for me.”
Zhang Biao: “So you hid because of that?”
Ping Er nodded. “Yes, I was terrified. I was afraid that if they found me, they would kill me too. I stayed nearby for a day and a night. I didn’t have much money, and I was hungry and thirsty, so I had no choice but to return to the brothel. As soon as I returned, I heard the news of the official report.”
“I thought it had already been reported, so I felt safe. Xiao Cui could finally be vindicated. The first thing I did after returning was to go to the yamen and explain the situation.”
“But as soon as I arrived at the yamen…” She paused, biting her lip. “I saw the County Magistrate and Master Cao’s guest from that day coming out together. I also heard the County Magistrate respectfully calling out ‘Prince’. Facing such a person, how could I report it?”
“But I had already struck the gong. I was terrified so I blurted out that ‘my miss committed suicide.’ I could tell that the prince was very satisfied with my answer.”
“You were afraid for your life back then, so you gave false testimony. Now, after two years, why are you willing to tell the truth?” Zhang Biao squinted at Ping Er. “Back then, you were afraid to die. Are you not afraid anymore?”
Ping Er lowered her head, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. Then she suddenly looked up at Zhang Biao. “Because you’re Head Constable Zhang!”
Zhang Biao was instantly stunned. “What do you mean?”
Ping Er: “Back then, I lied not just because I was afraid of dying, but I was also afraid of collusion between officials and bandits, incase they twisted my words and made me the scapegoat. For all these years, I’ve never forgotten about clearing my miss’s name. I’ve also learned a lot about the yamen’s affairs. I know you, you’re honest and upright, a true guardian for our town. You never bow to County Magistrate Lin’s influence, you are a genuinely responsible official for us common folk.”
“I believe that if anyone can uncover the truth, it’s you, and you would come to find me.”
Zhang Biao: “If you trust my character, why didn’t you take the initiative to come to me? Why wait for me to come to you?”
“Because…” Ping Er hesitated for a moment. “Because I once overheard that you don’t seem to like courtesans. I was worried that if I actively sought you out, not only would my case not be revisited, but it might also attract the attention of the Prince and County Magistrate Lin. I’m as insignificant as a blade of grass. Even if I suddenly died, no one would notice.”
In that moment, Zhang Biao felt speechless.
While he had looked down on courtesans, here was a seemingly ordinary woman, struggling to survive.
She trusted him so much, yet he took two years to find her, making her endure fear and uncertainty.
Zhang Biao raised his hand and bowed to the woman. “I’m sorry; it’s my negligence! Rest assured, since I’m here now, I’ll protect you thoroughly. I won’t let anyone harm you.”
Ping Er wiped her tears. “Sir, I always knew you could be trusted.”
While they were moved by each other’s words, Bai Lixin glanced around. “Ping Er, did you open this shop after being expelled from the brothel?”
Ping Er nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Bai Lixin asked, “In such a bustling area, opening a shop must have cost a lot of money, right?”
Tears welled up in Ping Er’s eyes. “All the money I have came from Xiao Cui’s generosity. Every time I look at this shop, I feel ashamed. I used the money Xiao Cui gave me to survive. She died, but I couldn’t clear her name.”
Bai Lixin nodded in understanding. “I see. By the way, you mentioned earlier that you sneaked out that day. But Master Cao claims he gave Xiao Cui a lot of money before she left. Did he really give her money?”
“Absolutely not!” Ping Er’s anger flared up at the mention of Master Cao. “We didn’t even take the pipa with us. How could he have given us money? He’s just trying to save face.”
Zhang Biao and Bai Lixin exchanged a glance.
Bai Lixin asked, “Okay, I understand. After you gave false testimony, did anyone approach you? Maybe someone like Master Cao?”
Ping Er shook her head. “No, but I always feel like they might be secretly monitoring me. So I implore you both, when you leave, please don’t say anything after. Just say I stuck to my previous statement, okay?”
Zhang Biao nodded. “Rest assured, until we find the real culprit, I’ll ensure your safety. Tomorrow, I’ll assign two men to protect you here covertly.”
Ping Er felt moved. “You’re so considerate, Head Constable Zhang.”
Zhang Biao: “I should be the one apologizing. I made you live in fear for two years.”
Ping Er smiled through her tears, but then she looked worried. “But the person we’re up against is a high-ranking prince, and Xiao Cui was just a courtesan. Are you really willing to confront those in power for people like us? You might lose your job, or even your life. Is it worth it?”
“I’ve always hoped that someone like you would come find me, but I was also afraid when you did.”
“The case had already been closed. What made you reconsider and reopen it?”
Zhang Biao remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, “Because this case shouldn’t have been closed in the first place. The hasty closure was a mistake, and I can’t let this mistake persist.”
“And…” He paused, turning to Bai Lixin. “The one you should truly be grateful to is him. If he hadn’t discovered the discrepancies while reviewing the old case files, I might never have come to find you.”
“Having us reopen the case might cause more harm than good for you. Our conversation today could disrupt your peace. But rest assured, I will protect you.”
Ping Er nodded earnestly. “I believe in you, Head Constable Zhang!”
After chatting for a while longer, they prepared to leave. Before leaving, Ping Er handed the packaged tofu to Bai Lixin, and the silver coin he had given her earlier.
Bai Lixin said, “Giving us tofu is fine, but why give us the money too? Your business sense seems lacking.”
Ping Er smiled, “Sir, you’re just joking. Since you came all the way here, how could I accept your money? This tofu isn’t worth much either. Take it back, try it, and if you like it, you can come again.”
As she spoke, she extended her arm towards Bai Lixin to give him the package.
Bai Lixin lowered his eyes slightly and noticed a hideous scar hidden under Ping Er’s sleeve on her wrist. He couldn’t help but ask, “How did you get this injury on your wrist?”
Ping Er quickly covered it with her sleeve. “It happened when I had just starting to make tofu. I mishandled it. Thank you for your concern, but women like me often get injured doing their work.”
In the end, Bai Lixin accepted the tofu but not the money. He and Zhang Biao left together.
…
After leaving Ping Er’s tofu shop, Zhang Biao checked the sky. “Sir, it’s already noon. Shall we return to the yamen?”
Bai Lixin nodded. “Yes, let’s go.”
The yamen had a cook but Zhang Biao said County Magistrate Lin usually went home for lunch, unless there was an urgent case that kept him at the yamen.
Seeing Bai Lixin and Zhang Biao returning together, the young constable immediately approached. “Boss, I’ve already given the drawing to the painter. We’ll have thirty of them by this afternoon. Once we have the paintings, we can start searching the entire city.”
Zhang Biao laughed heartily. “Well done! You’re truly the cubs I’ve trained.”
Bai Lixin: “When will you send someone to protect Ping Er?”
Zhang Biao: “This afternoon. Is there something wrong?”
Bai Lixin: “No, just reminding you not to forget.”
Zhang Biao patted his chest. “Rest assured, I won’t forget something this important.”
The observant young constable noticed the tofu Zhang Biao was holding. “Wow, Boss, why are you so kind today? You bought us soy milk and fried dough sticks in the morning and now tofu.”
Zhang Biao: “Hey hey, I didn’t buy this tofu. It was bought by Master Bai Lixin here. He said it’s good for the brain. You guys can finish it all; it’s his goodwill.”
“What? Sir bought it?” The several constables who were playing cards nearby were instantly intrigued.
The constables gathered closer. “Since sir bought it, not to mention tofu, I’d lick the plate clean for him.”
“Plate? Are you even qualified to lick plates? Let me tell you, you can only watch me eat. Sir bought the tofu for brain-boosting purposes. After I eat it, even if I can’t be as intelligent as sir, having half… no, one-tenth… no, one-thousandth of his intelligence is enough!”
“I was first to set my eyes tofu. Let’s see who dares to compete with me!”
“Enough, enough!” Zhang Biao waved his hand irritably. “Stop embarrassing me here. There’s plenty of tofu for all of you. Go practice in the courtyard. I can’t stand seeing you all idling around.”
The constables howled when they heard this and reluctantly moved to the courtyard.
Seeing everyone leave, Zhang Biao turned to Bai Lixin with a smile. “Sir, please don’t mind. They like you, that’s why they behave this way. They’re a bunch of rough men, not good with sweet talk and are can only use clumsy methods like this to get close to you.”
“When I came this morning, they immediately approached me, asking about your situation. They heard about your heroic deeds at the gambling den yesterday. Now, they’re treating you like a god.”
Bai Lixin looked at the sweating men practicing in the courtyard and chuckled. “I just played one round, it’s being exaggerated.”
Zhang Biao: “Exactly because you played only one round, it’s even more incredible. Just one round and you overturned the entire gambling den, even forcing the proprietress to ganti-gambling. There’s no one else in the world as extraordinary as you.”
———————————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Humph, this kid has some insight, recognizing the greatness of our God Xin. Let me tell you, with God Xin’s aura, he will be a heartthrob wherever he goes. He could have had countless admirers, but he chose to hang himself on one tree. Sigh, God Xin, I pity you.]
[Stop pitying God Xin; you better mourn for yourself first. If the big boss catch wind of what you said backstage, you’re probably as good as dead. Daring to openly incite God Xin to infidelity? Hehehe.]
[Yes, stop feeling sorry for God Xin. You better mourn for your own fate.]
[I’m innocent, I swear, I didn’t say anything bad about the big boss. I was just using exaggerated rhetoric to praise God Xin.]
[Exaggeration? I don’t think your earlier praise was exaggerated at all; it was very accurate.]
[I haven’t seen the big boss all day, I really want to see him again. The impact on me last night was too great. I really want to know why the big boss’s lip had a cut . Wasn’t it supposed to be his shoulder that was injured? How did it end up being his mouth?]
[Oh, look at this little green tea who knows everything, are you trying to imitate God Xin’s style? Your sarcastic tone is just like his.]
[When it comes to sarcasm, who can do it better than this sister?]
[ All of you are God Xin’s good disciples. Please don’t argue, sisters. Let’s maintain harmony.]
