The Magistrate of Yuncheng County Seeks Justice; Lei Heng Arrives in Xixi Village

Shi Wenbin carefully picked up the teacup, as if holding a precious artifact. He examined it closely, then took a small sip without hesitation.

It's incredibly spicy upon first sip, and burning like fire in your throat as you swallow. Once it enters your stomach, there's a burning sensation followed by a warm, indescribable comfort throughout your body. The spiciness disappears, replaced by a mellow, sweet flavor. If I had to describe it, it's like being in a field of blooming flowers, feeling a gentle spring breeze on your face. The sun rises but you don't feel hot; instead, you feel a warm, spring-like feeling. This is the kind of wine a man should drink!

"This wine..." Shi Wenbin couldn't think of a word to describe it!

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Strong, mellow, and fragrant—all four qualities are present!"

Shi Wenbin's eyes lit up: "Yes, that's exactly what I meant! Where did you get this wine? Is that all? That's a bit little!"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "This wine was brewed by myself, but due to time constraints, it still lacks some flavor and proper preparation in my opinion!"

Shi Wenbin exclaimed in surprise, "Gongming, you... you actually have such abilities! I had no idea you were capable of such a thing. You really know how to keep it a secret!"

Song Jiang then spoke up, "Gongming has prepared four kinds of wine, all of which are extraordinary. Not to mention my brother, I dare say that even the current emperor has never tasted them. I wonder if these wines would be acceptable as the first congratulatory gift for next year?"

The first gift? Shi Wenbin realized that Song Jiang had prepared several things, and became interested, asking, "What else is there? Could you tell me about them one by one?"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. Please allow me to keep you in suspense for now, and I will tell you later, brother!"

Shi Wenbin chuckled, "Everyone says you, Song Jiang, are a timely rain from heaven, and today it seems that's no exaggeration. This wine has truly surprised me, making me even more eager for the congratulatory gift to come!" He then changed the subject, his smile fading, and said, "However, you've come here today not for the congratulatory gift. Speak! What brings you here?" He then looked at the man beside him, clearly indicating that Song Jiang had brought this man to see him because of this person!

Song Jiang chuckled. He was no fool to have become a county magistrate. He laughed and said, "There are two things I need to trouble you with, brother!"

"Two items? Tell me about them!" Shi Wenbin said with amusement.

"Brother, you know the wonder of my wine. If someone covets it before it's presented to the Emperor and tries to seize it by trickery, wouldn't all our efforts be in vain? Even if Gongming can guarantee that this wine will never leak out, if the second gift appears, countless eyes will be focused on Yuncheng. We'll have to guard against it every day; it'll be exhausting!"

Shi Wenbin smiled and said, "Then what does Gongming mean?"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Brother, you don't need to worry about manpower, but they lack good weapons and armor. They are ultimately no match for each other with their bare hands!"

Shi Wenbin hesitated for a moment before speaking, "The county recently received a new batch of knives. Although they are not top-grade, the quality is still acceptable. I can lend them to you. However, the county has limited supply of armor even for its own use, let alone lending it out."

Song Jiang knew that Shi Wenbin's words were true. The Song Dynasty had very strict control over armor, and it was indeed not easy to obtain it. Shi Wenbin's promise to give him steel knives was already a great favor. You must know that the steel knives used by the yamen runners were far superior to the iron knives that ordinary people had. With these steel knives, the fighting power of the Liangshan rookies could be raised by at least two levels!

As for Shi Wenbin, he didn't even consider whether the steel knife was really as Song Jiang said. The liquor that Song Jiang brought this time stirred up a strange feeling in his already indifferent heart. He had been in Yuncheng County for many years, thinking that he didn't seek merit but only to avoid mistakes. After a few more years, he would retire and return to his hometown. Although it wouldn't be a glorious life, he would still be respected. But if Song Jiang really pleased the emperor, then he might have a chance to advance further.

People are sometimes most afraid of having desires. When you have desires, you will have expectations, and you will no longer be able to do things as freely as before. Instead, you will have concerns and restrain yourself.

Setting aside his distracting thoughts, Shi Wenbin asked, "What is the second matter, Gongming?"

Song Jiang turned to the man beside him and said, "The county magistrate is here. If you have any grievances, you can report them to him, and he will certainly seek justice for you!"

The man hesitated, unable to speak for a moment! Shi Wenbin looked at him with confusion, somewhat puzzled! Song Jiang coughed and said, "Speak freely! With the magistrate here, no one will dare to bully you anymore!"

The man composed himself, knelt down, and cried out, "Your Honor, please redress our grievances!"

Then he explained how his harvest was poor and asked the village head of Xixi Village for an extension on the land rent. Little did he know that the village head had taken a liking to his wife. He pretended to agree to the extension and asked his wife to work at his house to pay off the debt. But behind his back, he took advantage of the situation and defiled his wife. His wife, feeling wronged, jumped into a well when he wasn't paying attention. His parents, in a fit of anger, fell ill and soon passed away.

Not content with the fact that the village head had killed his entire family, he even tried to kill him to silence him. Luckily, he was quick-witted and, along with another family that had been destroyed, escaped to Dongxi Village, where they were taken in by Village Head Chao. Otherwise, he feared he would have no way to seek justice or avenge his family! After listening to this man's story, Shi Wenbin's brows furrowed deeply. How could such a thing happen right under his nose! This was utterly blatant disregard for human life and lawlessness!

With a bang, Shi Wenbin was furious and smashed a teacup. Hearing the noise, Madam Shi rushed out and advised, "What has made our Lord Shi so angry? It's not worth ruining your health!"

Shi Wenbin scolded Madam Shi, "What are you meddling in? Get inside now!"

Madam Shi pouted, feeling wronged, and went straight into the inner hall!

Shi Wenbin cursed, "It's my dereliction of duty! I considered myself upright and honest, and loved by the people, but I never imagined that such a filthy and corrupt official would emerge under my jurisdiction. I will definitely seek justice from you!"

Song Jiang advised, "Sir, please calm down. As far as I know, Liu Zhi, the head of Xixi Village, is secretly known as 'Liu the Skinflint,' a stingy and ruthless man who will take every last feather from a passing goose! But I've also heard that he has close ties with Zhu Chaofeng of Dulonggang, and Dulonggang has been bribing the prefect every year. Right now, we have neither evidence nor witnesses, so it will be quite difficult to convict him!" Song Jiang had no intention of sending him to the authorities for investigation, and besides, without any evidence, it would be even more difficult to convict him. The villagers of Xixi Village would be afraid of retaliation and naturally wouldn't come forward to testify. Although it sounded harsh, it was indeed the truth. Otherwise, the complex relationships between the various parties would make things difficult for Shi Wenbin. It would be better to use our own methods!

Shi Wenbin frowned and said, "Gongming, do you have some good idea?"

Song Jiang said in a low voice, "First, summon him to Yuncheng County, then send Zhu, the head constable, to investigate secretly. If there is evidence, arrest him immediately. If Zhu, the head constable, cannot find any evidence, let him run wild for a few days, and then..."

Before Song Jiang could finish speaking, Shi Wenbin understood his meaning. After thinking for a moment, he said, "In that case, let's do as you say. However, remember that some things must not be left unresolved and must be handled decisively!"

Song Jiang recalled the original text's evaluation of Shi Wenbin: an upright and honest official, always compassionate and benevolent. In disputes over land, he would thoroughly investigate right and wrong before taking action; in fights, he would assess the severity of the conflict before making a decision. Even when entertaining guests in his leisure time, he would attend to the people's concerns. Although a county magistrate, he was truly a father and father to the people. Just a few days ago, he had only joked with him, but today, seeing his genuine concern for the people, he truly deserved the title of "Upright Official"!

Thinking of this, he stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Excellency, please accept my bow!"

Shi Wenbin quickly helped Song Jiang up, saying, "We are both on the same path, but it's a pity you've only ever been a clerk. If you were to enter officialdom, your achievements would surely far surpass mine!"

"Bang!" Liu Zhi, the head of Xixi Village, slammed his hand on the table. Perhaps out of anger, or perhaps out of pain, Liu Zhi's face turned bright red! Liu Zhi's son, Liu Fu, was furiously reprimanding the servants in his household! These servants were no different from thugs in reality!

"Useless! A bunch of useless people! All they do is drink and eat. They can't even do the smallest thing!" Liu Zhi also shouted.

The farmhands looked worried but remained silent, for they had indeed failed to catch the two men!

Liu Zhi, his face grim, cursed, "That scoundrel Chao Gai has repeatedly opposed me! He even stole the pagoda in our village that suppressed ghosts and monsters before, and now he dares to take in these two lackeys. Does he really think my Xixi Village is inferior to his Dongxi Village? Does he think I, Liu Zhi, am easy to bully?"

Zhuang Ke didn't say anything, but he was very disdainful in his heart. If he had the guts, he should go and challenge Chao Gai. But he probably didn't have the guts. He only dared to vent his anger on us!

"Master, Chief Lei is here!" The steward's timely appearance relieved the servants.

What is he doing here? Although Liu Zhi had some doubts, he still asked the butler to invite Lei Heng into the hall!

Looking at the servants before him, he was furious and shouted, "Get out of here!"

The servants breathed a sigh of relief and fled the inner hall as if they were escaping!

The steward opened the door, leading Lei Heng and the two constables inside!

Liu Zhi rose to greet him with a smile, "What business brings you here, Commander?"

Lei Heng replied, "I have come by order of the County Magistrate to invite Liu Baozheng to the Yuncheng County Office, as there is important matter to discuss!"

Liu Zhi gasped and asked in a low voice, "Sir, what is it?"

Following Song Jiang's earlier warning, Lei Heng replied, "A troublesome commoner ran to the county government office, beat the drum, and cried out for justice, saying he wanted to file a lawsuit against you. I accepted the case and have come to invite you over to clarify the truth!"

Liu Zhi hurriedly took out twenty taels of silver and gave it to Lei Heng, saying, "Captain, please don't think it's too little. I hope you'll accept it. I wonder what your attitude is, sir?"

Lei Heng touched the heavy silver and said with a smile, "My lord originally wanted to make a big deal out of a small matter and a small matter disappear, so as not to make a big fuss and lose face. Who knew that the fellow insisted on suing? My lord could not forcibly kick him out of Yuncheng, so he had to send me here to ask the village head to go and confront him."

Liu Zhi said, "In that case, allow me to change my clothes and accompany the captain to Yuncheng County!"

To everyone's surprise, Lei Heng said, "We've been traveling for a long time today, and we're starving. Why don't we rest for the night and continue tomorrow?"

Liu Zhi hurriedly arranged for servants to bring out dishes of food and wine, and whispered, "Captain, is there something you want to say to me?"

Lei Heng also whispered, "This is not the place to talk. There are too many people and too much gossip. Don't let this get out!"

Liu Zhi nodded and said, "In that case, please make a hasty decision in the back hall, Captain!" After saying that, he asked the servants to prepare fruits, pastries, vegetables, wine and meat, and then he led Lei Heng into the back hall!

After drinking three bowls of wine, Lei Heng sighed and said, "Yesterday I reported that scoundrel who was determined to kill the village head, but there are neither witnesses nor physical evidence!"

Liu Zhi's heart skipped a beat. Lei Heng's words seemed to be telling him that as long as he stubbornly denied it, nothing would happen!

Liu Zhi raised his bowl of wine in a toast, saying, "Commander, your great kindness and virtue are unforgettable!"

Lei Heng waved his hand and said, "I have a very close personal relationship with the village head. He often entertains me when I bring my brothers along, so I won't let anything happen to him. That fellow acted out of nowhere, and I'm furious too. But since you, sir, govern the county and township with benevolence and righteousness, we have no choice but to comply!"

Liu Zhi was somewhat moved. He clapped his hands, and a servant came out carrying a tray with both hands! Fifty taels of snowflake-patterned silver were placed on it, dazzlingly bright!

Lei Heng was secretly delighted. Just as Clerk Song had said, in the past, when he came to beg for money, this fellow would at most give him two or three taels of silver, and not much wine or meat. Today, this fellow had really gone all out! But on the surface, Lei Heng remained calm and refused, saying, "Our friendship doesn't need to be like this. Please, sir, don't do this!"

Liu Zhi laughed and said, "The constable works hard from dawn till dusk to protect the village and never disturbs the villagers. His men also work very hard. Consider this money as a gift for the constable and his men to buy wine and food. As for you, sir, I have other plans!"

These words were pleasing to the ear, and since Lei Heng already wanted the money, he readily accepted it, saying, "Then I'll thank the village head on behalf of my brothers!"

Liu Zhi quickly replied, "If this matter is resolved, I will certainly express my gratitude!"

That night, Lei Heng stayed in Xixi Village to rest. Touching the seventy taels of silver in his pocket, he felt even more admiration for Song Jiang!

Before they left, Song Jiang said to Lei Heng, "There's a great opportunity to make a fortune on this trip. It all depends on whether you can seize it, Chief Lei! When you get there, scare that fellow first. He'll definitely come to you with money to ask for your opinion, sir. If you remain ambiguous and keep him in suspense, you'll lure him into a trap. He'll be grateful and reward you. That way, the money will naturally be yours!"

Unexpectedly, it turned out exactly as Brother Gongming had predicted. He had made a fortune on this trip. Shi Wenbin, Song Jiang, and Zhu Tong would certainly not ask him for the money, so he could keep it for himself. Thinking of this, Lei Heng was naturally very happy, and even his dreams after falling asleep were sweet!

In Song Jiang's eyes, although Lei Heng was somewhat greedy, he was very clear about loyalty. Song Jiang didn't care whether a person was without any blemishes, as long as they could distinguish right from wrong in the face of major issues, that was enough!

Song Jiang naturally wouldn't bother going to Lei Heng to share the seventy taels of silver. Of course, if Lei Heng neglected loyalty because of greed, then Song Jiang could only say that he was no longer suitable to be in the same circle as him. He wouldn't openly turn against Lei Heng, but their relationship would eventually become much more distant.