After a long while, Zhao Baozhu was the first to recover himself. His gaze swept across the faces of the gathered townspeople as he said clearly:
“Thank you all for coming to visit so early in the morning. By rights, I ought to invite everyone inside the yamen for a cup of hot tea, but I only arrived yesterday, and the place still hasn’t been properly tidied. I won’t invite you all in to laugh at the mess.”
The moment those words were spoken, the townspeople were utterly dumbfounded. When had they ever heard such humble and courteous words from a county magistrate? The previous magistrate had behaved like a lapdog in front of the You family, but toward ordinary commoners like them, he always looked down his nose at them, speaking in lofty, pompous phrases and constantly calling them “uncultured rabble” and the like. Thus no one in the county liked him. Though they addressed him respectfully as “County Magistrate” to his face, behind his back they cursed him as a corrupt dog official.
So now, suddenly hearing Zhao Baozhu speak to them in such a gentle and polite manner, the crowd did not even know how to respond. One by one they stood there awkwardly, unable to speak, stealing shy glances at Zhao Baozhu.
Zhao Baozhu, however, did not mind. He took out a string of coins from his robes and handed it to Ah Long.
“Take this. Give everyone ten coins each.”
Ah Long acknowledged him and went down to distribute the money. The townspeople became even more astonished. They had only come to the county office early in the morning to watch the excitement, yet instead of being scolded, they were actually being rewarded with money. At once, endless sounds of thanks rang out, while some thin-skinned people were so embarrassed they refused to accept it.
Zhao Baozhu said loudly: “This is merely a small token from me; please accept it. Since I have taken up the post of magistrate here, your livelihoods are my livelihood. If any of you encounter difficulties in the future, you may come to the county office.”
The moment he said this, the crowd could no longer politely refuse the money. Yet doubt still lingered in their hearts, and they did not dare trust Zhao Baozhu so easily. The new magistrate was beautiful, and he spoke pleasantly enough, but he looked far too young, hardly like someone capable of settling serious matters. Presumably he simply had not yet seen the You family’s power, which was why he made promises so lightly. Such a refined, delicate figure like glass… if real trouble came, he probably would not even have time to cry before being crushed.
Zhao Baozhu saw the hesitation on their faces but did not speak to refute it.
He understood perfectly how deeply rooted the influence of local gentry like the You family was. As the saying went, even a powerful dragon could not suppress the local snake. Much less him, in the eyes of the townspeople, he was probably nothing more than a tiny mud loach.
Still, he was not anxious. After distributing the reward money, he returned into the yamen with Ah Long.
Ah Long had not said anything outside, but the moment they entered, he could not help blurting out: “Old Master, that was another whole string of coins gone. Why reward them? They’re just idle busybodies. There was no need.”
It was not that he was stingy, Ah Long was genuinely worried for Zhao Baozhu. The county office had stood empty for two years. Everything was broken and dilapidated. All the former servants, runners, and accountants had long since dispersed. They lacked both supplies and manpower. Where would the money come from to be so generous?
But Zhao Baozhu merely waved a hand carelessly. “Winning the people’s hearts is what matters most.”
In the end, governance came down to only two words: people’s hearts.
Without the commoners’ trust, even if he truly wished to govern the county well, he would have nowhere to begin. Today’s rewards would not erase all their suspicions, but at least they left behind a favorable impression. If trouble arose in the future, perhaps the people would remember they still had him as magistrate.
As Zhao Baozhu pondered this, he sat back down at his desk and took out paper and brush, quickly listing all the things that needed repairing. Then he handed two taels of silver to Ah Long.
“You know this place better than I do. Go hire some craftsmen and repair these things first.”
On the list he had written: the faded crimson gates outside the yamen, the collapsed corner of the wall, the courtroom plaque hanging half-fallen, along with various tables, chairs, and furnishings.
Ah Long frowned when he saw it and glanced at Zhao Baozhu hesitantly. “Old Master… everything written here is for the front areas. But what about the things in the back?”
Ah Long thought they ought to buy a couple good quilts at least and properly repair the doorsills and beds in the rear courtyard so they could live more comfortably.
But Zhao Baozhu shook his head. “The front must be repaired and arranged first.”
Ever since going to the capital, he had gained a deeper understanding of the old saying: people rely on clothing just as horses rely on saddles.
No matter how well he spoke, if people entered and saw the yamen in such a ruined state, they would inevitably think less of him. Moreover, if his guesses were correct, sooner or later someone would come deliberately to intimidate him. If everything they saw was shabby and broken, he would already appear weaker before a single word was spoken.
Ah Long could not argue with him and eventually took the silver and left.
Master and servant worked together with the craftsmen, hammering and repairing all over the yamen courtyard. It took several days before the county office finally began to look presentable. At the same time, Zhao Baozhu busied himself inventorying the granary and supplies. He worked from the moment he opened his eyes until late into the night, collapsing asleep the instant his head touched the pillow. Only after several days did he finally find time to sit down again and properly read Ye Jinghua’s letter.
Yet he had not read even two pages when loud banging suddenly sounded from the front gates.
“What terrible timing,” Ah Long grumbled unhappily. “Not early, not late, just when lunch has been laid out.”
“Nonsense.” Zhao Baozhu set the letter down and glared at him. “You’re not allowed to say such things again. Come with me to the front.”
Ah Long immediately shut his mouth sheepishly and went to open the gate. A few breaths later he returned, followed by two broad, sturdy men. The pair wore short jackets and coarse cloth trousers. Both were heavily built, thick-waisted, with fierce-looking faces that made them seem rather intimidating.
Following Ah Long into the yamen, they looked up and saw a young official in dark green robes seated in the hall. His face was pale as jade, a black gauze official cap upon his head. One hand rested lightly beside the magistrate’s striking block, while behind him hung a newly repaired plaque bearing the four bold characters: “A Bright Mirror Hangs High.”
At that moment, he sat there gazing down at them.
The instant the two men saw this scene, their hearts jolted.
Earlier, when the reward money had been distributed, they had not been present. They had only heard from neighbors and relatives that the new magistrate was extremely handsome and seemed soft-hearted and kind, so they had come hoping to try their luck.
Yet now that they were truly standing before him, the imposing aura around Zhao Baozhu immediately suppressed them.
They had not even clearly seen his face before hurriedly dropping to their knees and kowtowing. “Tao Zhang / Tao Rui greet the magistrate.”
Their foreheads pressed against the cold stone floor. After less than a breath’s time, they heard a clear, pleasant voice from above. “Please rise.”
Only then did Tao Zhang and Tao Rui slowly stand. The two burly men both kept their heads lowered, shoulders hunched inward, not daring to look at Zhao Baozhu’s face.
Even Ah Long was startled.
Only now, seeing Zhao Baozhu seated properly in full official attire upon the high seat, did Ah Long finally understand what Zhao Baozhu had meant before. Sitting beneath the newly repaired plaque, back straight, wearing his official cap and robe, Zhao Baozhu truly carried a trace of official authority. Even Ah Long, standing below the hall, felt somewhat constrained. Quietly edging closer to the Tao brothers, he whispered: “If you have something you want to ask the magistrate for, hurry and say it.”
The brothers exchanged glances, hesitating awkwardly.
They had only come because they were truly desperate and had heard the new magistrate was young and gentle, hoping to try their luck. Yet now that they stood before the real person, Zhao Baozhu’s presence had completely overwhelmed them. After all, he was a true official who had passed the imperial examinations properly. If they voiced their matter aloud, it might only sully the ears of someone so noble.
Zhao Baozhu could see their hesitation. Though he maintained a calm expression on his face, beneath the desk he secretly clenched the folds of his robe nervously.
This was the first time since taking office that commoners had come seeking his help, he absolutely could not mess it up!
Softening his voice, he said: “Don’t be afraid. Whatever it is, just speak freely. I will certainly help you.”
The Tao brothers fell silent for a moment. Finally, the elder brother, Tao Zhang, gritted his teeth, steeled himself, and with a thump knelt back down. “Old Master Magistrate!”
His fierce-looking face became even more terrifying from nervousness. Staring at Zhao Baozhu with huge copper-bell eyes, he spoke in a booming voice: “M-my brother and I came because we wanted to ask… whether we could borrow Magistrate’s big black horse.”
Zhao Baozhu had initially become tense from the man’s solemn expression. Only after hearing the request did he relax. “So that’s all it is.” He smiled faintly. “Take it and use it as you please.”
Though he still had not properly arranged his own sleeping quarters, he had already cleaned out the stable first. Over the past few days he had bought Molin the finest feed, fattening the horse up nicely. Lending it to the townspeople for use would do it good, let the horse stretch its legs a little.
The Tao brothers clearly had not expected Zhao Baozhu to agree so readily and stood there stunned.
Turning his head, Zhao Baozhu said to Ah Long: “Ah Long, quickly help them up. And bring Molin over as well.”
Ah Long acknowledged him and moved to help them up, but Tao Zhang did not rise. Instead, Tao Rui also dropped to his knees with a thump. The two brothers kowtowed together toward Zhao Baozhu and said: “Lord does not know—”
Tao Zhang knocked his forehead solidly against the ground, then straightened up. It seemed as though he had something difficult to say, and only after a long pause did he force the words out: “The horse we wish to borrow… is actually for transporting coffins.”
Zhao Baozhu froze at those words.
The brothers cautiously raised their eyes. Seeing only surprise on Zhao Baozhu’s face and not the slightest disgust, they continued: “Such an unlucky matter truly ought not trouble the magistrate. But our eldest brother’s family of three all died tragically, and the funeral procession will leave in three days. We searched the entire city and could not borrow any cart or horse. We truly had no other choice before coming to ask the magistrate.”
Only then did Zhao Baozhu understand. He frowned slightly.
A family of three dead meant three coffins. No wonder the Tao brothers had come to borrow Molin. Without a horse to pull the load, such a funeral procession would be impossible.
After thinking for a moment, he looked up and said solemnly: “You must never call it an unlucky matter. Since it is your elder brother’s funeral, it should be treated with even greater care and respect. How about this, you may borrow both the horse and the cart together. Remove the canopy from the cart, and the coffins can be placed there.”
The Tao brothers had not expected him to agree without even the slightest hesitation, much less speak so thoughtfully. They were stunned.
After a long moment, Tao Zhang’s eyes filled with tears as he asked with trembling lips: “M-Magistrate, do you truly mean this? Such matters… you do not find them taboo?”
Zhao Baozhu answered seriously: “What is there to avoid? When I speak, naturally I mean it.”
The Tao brothers exchanged a look, both seeing wild joy in each other’s eyes. They immediately began kowtowing frantically again. “Thank you for your great kindness, Old Master Magistrate! Thank you for your great kindness!”
The two men were built like iron towers, and even their kowtowing sounded like hammering metal. Zhao Baozhu’s teeth ached just listening to it, and he hurriedly told Ah Long to help them up.
Standing together, the brothers looked like a pair of walls, yet both hunched their shoulders as they wiped tears from their eyes in gratitude. The sight was oddly amusing.
Helplessly, Zhao Baozhu said: “That’s enough, stop crying. It was only a small favor. The two of you are older than I am, so stop calling me ‘Old Master Magistrate.’”
The Tao brothers looked up at him.
This magistrate truly was very young, he looked not even fully grown yet. Calling him “Old Master Magistrate” over and over did indeed make him sound older than he was.
After thinking for a moment, they asked:
“May we ask your honorable surname?”
Ah Long answered for him: “Our magistrate’s surname is Zhao.”
Tao Zhang immediately said: “Then we’ll call you Young Lord Zhao!”
Zhao Baozhu thought that sounded fine as well. Having elders constantly call him “Magistrate” made him feel as though it shortened his lifespan. So he agreed.
The Tao brothers smiled, then promptly knelt again to kowtow.
“Tao Zhang / Tao Rui thank Young Lord Zhao.”
Zhao Baozhu quickly told them to rise.
“Get up already. A man’s knees are worth gold, why are you kneeling every other moment?”
After they stood, Zhao Baozhu leaned slightly sideways, his gaze settling on their faces as he narrowed his eyes. “You said your elder brother’s entire family suffered disaster. What kind of disaster was it?”
When he had first heard them speak earlier, Zhao Baozhu had already sensed something strange. One person dying and being buried was ordinary enough, but an entire family of three dying together, and the strange expressions on the brothers’ faces while speaking, made the matter difficult to ignore.
Sure enough, the moment Zhao Baozhu asked, both Tao Zhang and Tao Rui stiffened simultaneously. They stammered for a long while without speaking.
Observing them carefully, Zhao Baozhu noticed a trace of worry and restraint on Tao Zhang’s face, as though he feared something, while Tao Rui’s expression held suppressed indignation.
Zhao Baozhu’s eyes darkened. “If there are hidden circumstances, just speak plainly. I’ve only just arrived here, so I cannot guarantee I can immediately seek justice for you. But today, what is said between us will never leave this room.”
The instant he spoke those words, the Tao brothers looked up sharply, deeply shaken.
For Zhao Baozhu to say such a thing meant he already understood something about Wuya County’s situation. More importantly, he was willing to keep their confidence rather than immediately reporting it elsewhere to curry favor.
To the Tao brothers, that alone was already a declaration of stance.
Combined with how readily Zhao Baozhu had lent them the cart and horse, it showed his character was upright. At the very least, he seemed worth gambling on.
Tao Rui glanced at his brother, gritted his teeth, and suddenly dropped to his knees again. “To tell Young Lord Zhao the truth, my elder brother’s family suffered this calamity entirely because of that dog-thief You clan!”
The shout burst from Tao Rui’s throat. Tao Zhang had wanted to stop him, but it was too late. He could only kneel alongside him.
The moment Zhao Baozhu heard it truly was the You family again, his face darkened further. “Continue.”
Tao Rui burned with righteous fury. Thinking of the tragedy, his eyes reddened as he spoke with a trembling voice:
“Our family has butchered livestock in this county for generations, at least a hundred years. But that dog-thief You clan wasn’t satisfied monopolizing cloth and grain. Now they set their sights on our butcher shop too. Last month they sent people to buy our storefront in town. My elder brother refused, and they bore a grudge. Somehow they found some local thug who assaulted my sister-in-law one night while she was returning from the fields! My elder brother was a hot-blooded man. That very night he took my nephew to the You estate demanding justice. But the You family guards claimed they were violent troublemakers seeking revenge and beat father and son to death with clubs on the spot!”
A tall, broad man like Tao Rui now wept openly as he spoke. “My elder brother and nephew were unarmed, how could they be called violent criminals? And my poor sister-in-law… hearing the terrible news overnight, she could not bear it and hanged herself too! The shop was taken over by the You family afterward… We went all the way to the prefectural office to accuse them, but those black-hearted beasts from the You family actually claimed our Tao family simply had bad fortune, that the assault by the thug had nothing to do with them!”
“We… we truly had nowhere left to seek justice… so only then…”
Every word Tao Rui spoke seemed soaked in blood and tears. His throat choked up completely, and he bent over, wiping fiercely at his eyes as though unable to bear the grief any longer.
How could they not want to risk their lives against the You family for revenge?
But there were three brothers in the Tao family. If they too died, the shop would inevitably be swallowed by the You family. What then would happen to their elderly mother?
Tao Rui cried through clenched teeth. Tao Zhang’s eyes were also red, both fists trembling faintly at his sides.
Seated above them, Zhao Baozhu’s expression darkened with every word Tao Rui spoke until his face had turned completely ashen.
Yet despite such monstrous injustice, he said nothing for a long while.
Finally, he raised his head. “I understand this matter now.”
His voice was slightly hoarse. Turning toward Ah Long, who also looked furious, Zhao Baozhu said: “Take them to fetch the cart and horse. And give them two taels of silver as funeral expenses.”
The Tao brothers were so shocked they immediately forgot their tears. “T-this… how could we accept this, Young Lord Zhao–”
Zhao Baozhu lifted a hand, cutting them off. “No more words. Go.”
The brothers had no choice but to follow Ah Long away. Carrying the cart, horse, and silver, they were escorted out, turning back every few steps.
Only after they had gone two li away did Tao Rui finally come back to his senses.
“Brother… what I just said… the You family won’t hear about it, right?”
In Wuya County, people turned pale at the mere mention of the You surname. Even on the streets, they dared not say the name aloud.
Hearing this, Tao Zhang glared at him irritably. “Now you think of that? Why didn’t you think before blurting it out with that big mouth of yours?”
Tao Rui looked embarrassed. “I… I just couldn’t hold it in. Besides, Young Lord Zhao really is a good man. He gave us the cart, horse, and even silver. The previous magistrate stayed here over ten years, and we never saw a single coin from him!”
Then he suddenly thought of something. “Do you think… Young Lord Zhao will actually stand up for us?”
Thinking back to Zhao Baozhu’s demeanor in the hall, he said: “Even though he’s young, his presence is incredibly imposing. But he didn’t actually say anything. Does that mean he doesn’t want to interfere?”
Tao Zhang shot him a cold look and barked: “Idiot! What do you know? You think an official’s thoughts are meant for people like you to understand? That’s called not showing one’s emotions!”
Tao Rui only half understood.
Seeing his foolish expression, Tao Zhang sighed. “Young Lord Zhao has only been here a few days. If after hearing us, he immediately swore loudly to seek justice for us and laid out everything plainly, that would only be shallow talk. Today he might promise you and me something, but tomorrow, once the You family caught wind of it, he could just as easily change his words.”
“The fact that he said nothing means he truly took the matter to heart.”
Tao Rui brightened. “So that’s how it is! Brother really is clever! Then… our matter finally has hope!”
Tao Zhang fell silent for a moment before sighing deeply. “That’s still uncertain. The You family covers the sky with one hand. Even if Young Lord Zhao has the will, I fear it will still be very difficult.”
***
Meanwhile, after seeing the brothers off, Ah Long returned to the yamen and found Zhao Baozhu still seated in the hall with his head slightly lowered.
Thinking he had been frightened by the Tao brothers’ story, Ah Long stepped forward and said: “Old Master, don’t be afraid. The You family may be overbearing, but they wouldn’t dare do anything to government officials.”
But the moment he finished speaking, Zhao Baozhu suddenly lifted his head.
His face was flushed red, sweat beading across his forehead as though he were desperately suppressing something. In a hoarse voice he asked: “Did you close the gates properly?”
Ah Long was puzzled but nodded. “Yes, they’re closed.”
The very next instant, Zhao Baozhu shot to his feet. Grabbing the old yellow pinewood desk with both hands, veins bulging at his temples, he flipped it over violently, sending it crashing down from the raised platform:
“How dare those b*stards!!!”
