Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Lu Ming extinguished the torch and looked again at Xiao Yu and County Magistrate Fu.

Xiao Yu's slender fingers dipped in water again, smoothly drawing on the small table, "Not only the carved beams and painted pillars, but also the flying eaves and brackets have their own intricacies. By altering the interlocking method of the brackets, the eaves can be extended and lifted, making the whole building appear light and ethereal, like the pavilions in the heavenly palace."

Fu Huai watched intently, utterly absorbed.

Lu Ming whispered in surprise, "Does Xiao Dongjia actually know about building construction?"

Pei Yanli replied, "It seems he does."

Lu Ming didn't understand, but he knew Pei Yanli was knowledgeable in astronomy and geography and adept in applying this knowledge on the battlefield, hence his consistent victories. He asked, "Is what he's saying correct?"

Pei Yanli nodded, "Yes."

Lu Ming, impressed, thought, "It's amazing that he's so young and yet knows so much – cooking, running a breakfast shop, a restaurant, taking care of children, and even about architecture."

Pei Yanli remained silent.

Fu Huai spoke up, "Exactly, exactly, you're absolutely right!"

Xiao Yu subtly changed the subject, "However—"

Fu Huai eagerly asked, "However, what?"

"However, any alteration in the brackets requires extreme caution. It involves drafting designs, creating models, and then finally applying them to the building," Xiao Yu said, appearing contemplative as he gazed at the water stains on the small table, yet not missing a single expression on Fu Huai's face.

Fu Huai quickly responded, "I will have someone bring you ink, brush, paper, and inkstone right away."

"Here?" Xiao Yu feigned surprise.

"Is here not suitable?" Fu Huai immediately offered, "Then come to my study to draw."

"No, no, no, Your Honor, I dare not," Xiao Yu quickly stood up, respectfully bowing to Fu Huai, "I wouldn't dare enter Your Honor's study, nor would it be appropriate."

"Why not?" Fu Huai stood up as well.

Xiao Yu earnestly explained, "I understand that Your Honor is striving for the construction in the county office, Qingshi Town, and Dajing, but others don't know that. They might think Your Honor is shielding me."

Fu Huai inquired, "What do you mean?"

"Since I'm accused by Shopkeeper Yao of violating trade laws, I am a criminal. My point is, the jail is full of rats and insects. Drawing plans isn't a day's work. If these creatures chew on the paper, it could result in collapsed buildings and damaged pillars, tarnishing your reputation," Xiao Yu spoke with utmost sincerity. "Your Honor, if you could provide effective rodent and insect poison to exterminate them in the jail, it would prevent them from damaging the paper."

Fu Huai, a man of basic common sense, remarked, "If such a medicine existed, our grain wouldn't be eaten by rats and insects."

"Then what should we do?" Xiao Yu appeared troubled.

Fu Huai casually suggested, "Then come with me, we can find a place for you to draw."

"No, I won't leave. After our in-depth conversation, I have grown to greatly admire Your Honor's exceptional talent and integrity. I would never tarnish Your Honor's reputation with my criminal status," Xiao Yu said with unprecedented earnestness.

Lu Ming was stunned by Xiao Yu's words, finding it hard to believe that the mild-mannered and clean-cut Xiao Dongjia could be so calculating, flattering the incompetent county magistrate so skillfully.

A rare twitch appeared at the corner of Pei Yanli's mouth.

"I will escort you out of the jail myself, and no one will dare to object!" Fu Huai declared.

"Your Honor, I am already guilty and do not mind adding another crime. I prefer to protect your reputation and willfully disobey the order to leave," Xiao Yu asserted with a resolute demeanor.

"You..." Fu Huai was at a loss for words, pointing at Xiao Yu, "They say scholars are stubborn and pedantic, but how can a cook like you be so obstinate?"

Xiao Yu replied, "To respond to Your Honor, I have studied for a few years."

Fu Huai said, "No wonder it's so pedantic!"

Xiao Yu adopted a stance as if saying, "Unless I die, I will never leave this prison."

After receiving a substantial amount of silver from Shopkeeper Yao, Fu Huai had to frame Xiao Yu, ensuring the Little River Tavern couldn't continue its business, and revive the bustling atmosphere of Moonwatch Tavern.

Yet, he genuinely liked Xiao Yu's flattery and admired his talent in building and construction.

After a brief contemplation, he thought of a win-win solution and said, "Ah, when did I ever convict you? Why are you so eager to take the blame?"

Xiao Yu feigned shock: "Not convicted?"

County Magistrate Fu said, "I am just here to ask a few questions."

Ask questions?

Ask questions in jail?

To hell with that!

That's what Xiao Yu cursed in his mind, but outwardly he pretended not to understand, "Ask questions?"

"Since Shopkeeper Yao accused you, I naturally had to inquire. Now that I understand the situation, I will release you and then proceed according to the law."

From the moment Xiao Yu realized that County Magistrate Fu would not release anyone and no help would come from the Jinfu, he had been cautiously strategizing for this very statement. Suppressing his excitement, he looked at Fu Huai with an inquiring gaze and asked, "What should be done?"

"The position shapes the mindset." Once Fu Huai became the county magistrate, he believed he was naturally smarter than anyone below him. Therefore, when Xiao Yu looked at him with admiration and sought advice, he took it as true and felt gratified. He immediately discussed the matter of filing a petition with Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu was already familiar with these procedures, but he still feigned a grateful demeanor and asked, "So, Chef Yu and I are temporarily innocent?"

Fu Huai nodded, "That's correct."

Xiao Yu inquired, "Can we go home now?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, Your Honor. Your wisdom is indeed admirable. Then, please, Your Honor, also open Chef Yu's cell," Xiao Yu said.

"What about the blueprint?" asked Fu Huai.

Xiao Yu replied, "I will draw it once I return home."

"The county office has top-quality brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, making the drawing especially clear. You should finish it here before leaving," Fu Huai suggested.

In a nearby cell, Chef Yu's heart was in knots, now filled with raging anger.

Lu Ming could hardly bear to watch: "This man..."

Pei Yanli raised his hand to signal Lu Ming to be quiet, continuing to observe Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu had anticipated that County Magistrate Fu wouldn’t easily release him and Chef Yu, but their treatment had already improved significantly. Continuing his strategy, he said, "Your Honor might not be aware, but my family possesses ancestral arch models passed down for three generations. There are many intricacies I don't fully understand. Once I complete the drawing, I would like to consult with Your Honor."

"Then send someone to fetch your arch models," Fu Huai commanded, "Guards, open Chef Yu's cell and escort Master Xiao and Chef Yu to the back courtyard."

I knew you would say that!

Xiao Yu smiled inwardly, about to say something, when he suddenly sensed something amiss. Why were there no guards responding to County Magistrate Fu's order?

He and Fu Huai turned to see four figures in the corridor. Besides the two constables, there were two men whose faces were unclear, but they seemed exceptionally tall.

"Who's there?" Fu Huai stepped out of the cell.

Pei Yanli revealed his official token.

Recognizing it, Fu Huai's legs went weak, and he hastily bowed, "I am honored to meet the Inspector, sir."

"Deputy," Lu Ming corrected.

"I am honored to meet the Deputy Inspector, sir. Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner," Fu Huai said with utmost respect, shedding his previous arrogance.

"What are you doing?" Pei Yanli asked.

"I am... inquiring about a case," Fu Huai replied.

"What case is it?" Pei Yanli asked with a gentle tone, yet it carried an underlying sense of authority.

Fu Huai felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart. He knew well that Inspectors were renowned for their integrity and were often sent to inspect corruption and poverty-stricken areas. He was puzzled why the Deputy Inspector had come to the peaceful and prosperous town of Qingshi but dared not hide anything. Fearing the consequences if the Deputy Inspector uncovered the truth, he explained everything about Shopkeeper Yao and Xiao Yu in detail.

"Can a single complaint warrant imprisonment?" Pei Yanli inquired.

Lu Ming added, "If I write a complaint against you, Fu Huai, for corruption and bribery, should the Emperor execute you without investigation?"

"I am at fault, I admit my mistakes," Fu Huai repeatedly acknowledged his errors, cunningly adding, "The county office was under repair, leaving no place to inquire about the case. That's why I invited them to the cell." He emphasized the word "invited."

Lu Ming scoffed.

Pei Yanli asked, "Have you finished your inquiry?"

"Yes, it's all clear now," Fu Huai responded promptly.

Pei Yanli asked coolly, "So, how will you handle this next?"

"This is a civil dispute. According to the laws of the Great Jing Dynasty, if the parties cannot reconcile, they should hire a lawyer or take it to court."

Lu Ming sarcastically remarked, "Oh, so you do know these rules."

"Of course, of course," Fu Huai said nervously, worried about further complications if Xiao Yu and Chef Yu stayed longer. He hurriedly ordered, "Guards, escort Master Xiao and Chef Yu home."

Xiao Yu couldn't see the faces of the two officials clearly, but he was grateful for their timely intervention that led to his early release. Yet, annoyed with County Magistrate Fu, he purposely said, "County Magistrate, about the blueprint for the county office construction—"

Fu Huai, who had been astute earlier, hastily interrupted Xiao Yu, "What blueprint? There's no blueprint. I was talking about the complaint. It's getting late, you should head home now."

Officials always have their own cunning ways, especially those from the Inspectorate, who surely understood the implications of his revelations. Xiao Yu, concerned about his children and the tavern, didn't press further. He respectfully bowed to County Magistrate Fu and the two officials, and then left with Chef Yu, passing by Lu Ming and Pei Yanli.

Lu Ming whispered, "He's so heartless, didn't even glance at us."

Pei Yanli replied softly, "Would you stare at the Emperor's face?"

Lu Ming thought for a moment, then said, "You're right." Staring would be disrespectful.

Xiao Yu and Chef Yu thus left the cell, intending to speak, but the constables insisted on escorting them home.

The two men silently returned to the Little River Tavern.

The constables then left.

Chef Yu turned to go home.

Xiao Yu stopped him, "Chef Yu, don't rush. I suspect Zhang Wu hasn't returned to Zhang's Village today. Let's ask him about the Yu family and the tavern situation first, then you can go home. Otherwise, you might disturb or frighten Auntie Yu."

"You're right, you're right," Chef Yu, who had never been in jail before and was still shaken from the ordeal, said absentmindedly. "Why is the tavern closed?"

"It's already the hour of Hai, we're closed for the night." Besides the Shuiqing Inn with two lanterns lit, the rest of the street was dark. Xiao Yu took out the keys to open the Little River Early Breakfast Shop, and then checked the neighboring tavern, only to find both places empty.

"Where is everyone? Why aren't they at the breakfast shop or the tavern?" Chef Yu asked.

Xiao Yu thought for a moment and said, "They're probably at Brother Sanwu's place. Let's go."

The two made their way in the dark to Song Sanwu's house.

As expected, the gate of Song Sanwu's courtyard was slightly ajar.

Entering through the gate, they saw the main hall brightly lit, with Song Sanwu, Yue Niang, and Zhang Wu discussing something inside.

Yue Niang frowned, "How unlucky we are. Are you sure the escort chief will return tomorrow? Can he speak with the County Magistrate upon his return? Why didn't you give the constables more silver, in case they tortured Xiao Yu?"

"I've given them all the silver I had!" exclaimed Song Sanwu.

"Brother Sanwu, Sister-in-law, Zhang Wu," Xiao Yu called out.

The trio turned, surprised to see Xiao Yu and Chef Yu emerging from the darkness.

Yue Niang exclaimed in shock, "Xiao Yu! Chef Yu!"

Xiao Yu and Chef Yu stepped into the main hall.

"Are you two alright?" Song Sanwu asked, astonished.

"We're fine." Xiao Yu's greatest concern was for Minghe and Danzi, but he first inquired about Yu Tongtong.

Zhang Wu said, "I've already sent Tongtong back. I told Auntie Yu that Chef Yu and you were busy developing new dishes and might not return tonight. She even told you to take care of yourself."

This completely reassured Chef Yu.

Only then did Xiao Yu ask, "What about Minghe and Danzi?"

"They're already asleep," Yue Niang replied.

As she spoke, they heard a rapid patter of footsteps. Turning, they saw two pairs of chubby, tender little feet, and as they looked up, they saw the astonished faces of the two children.

Minghe and Danzi, who had been asleep, were startled awake by the sound of their uncle's voice. Sliding off the bed, they ran out and were surprised to actually see their uncle: "Uncle!"

"Hey, Uncle is back," Xiao Yu responded with a smile.

Suddenly, the two children opened their mouths wide and burst into tears, crying loudly, "Uncle! Waaah!"

Xiao Yu and the others were taken aback.

Yaya, who had been sound asleep in the inner room, was awakened by the noise and began crying as well.