Chapter 75: Kidnapping People or Kidnapping Flowers—It's Hard to Tell

Within the prefectural office, Prefect Lu had arranged everything and returned to his chambers to rest, waiting for the flower to arrive. Meanwhile, those below him were in an uproar; the clamor echoed throughout the compound until the men assigned by Lu stepped in to silence them, and only then did the noise subside somewhat.

The people's discussions revolved around the anticipated clash between County Magistrate Wang and Prefect Lu. Knowing the two would fight fiercely over the secret treasure, everyone was deeply anxious about being selected for the struggle, fearing both the loss of their careers and their lives.

Gray Armor, now stripped of his armor, was a fresh-faced young man, handsome and well-presented. At this moment, his mind was in turmoil, like a powder keg ready to explode.

He had suddenly been saddled with an extra task, with unclear instructions from above. He could not grasp whether their mission at the Sima residence was to apprehend someone or to seize treasure.

Yellow Armor approached, his hair stubbornly unruly, sticking up like chicken feathers.

“Brother Gray, is the prefect sending us to catch someone?”

“It sounds more like we’re to snatch treasure. It doesn’t seem right to arrest someone in broad daylight, does it?”

Yellow Armor was unclear about the superior’s orders; he only knew they were to do something at the Sima residence. The message had been passed down through so many layers that its meaning was muddled.

“No matter!” Gray Armor waved his hand tensely. “Whatever we’re to catch, we can’t mess it up! We’re talented men—if we can’t make it under Prince Song, that’s his loss.”

Yellow Armor understood Gray Armor’s point. Since their defeat at the Cuju tournament, the three armored brothers had lost favor with Prince Song and had turned to Prefect Lu instead. Though not high officials, they had become minor functionaries, given authority over trivial matters.

“We won’t fail, not with you leading, Brother Gray,” Yellow Armor said, grinning as he flattered Gray Armor, though Gray Armor paid him little mind.

Both men were outsiders here, unwelcome under Prefect Lu; only by making a name for themselves could they carve out a future.

Gray Armor felt far less spirited than he had imagined. To be used as a tool, embroiled in disputes with the local magistrate, was hardly a noble endeavor.

Before long, Gray Armor and Yellow Armor, along with several disguised constables, met the informant, Luo Gan.

The world was indeed small—there was reason behind the saying that enemies cross paths. Gray Armor’s mind immediately leapt to Luo Gan, remembering that it was precisely this Luo who had landed him in such a predicament.

Luo Gan was momentarily stunned, then quickly recalled Gray Armor’s identity and feigned unfamiliarity, stepping forward with warm greetings.

“Gentlemen, thank you for your trouble today.”

Gray Armor lifted his chin arrogantly, suppressing his irritation. The memory of his humiliation was still too fresh to bear.

“Let’s go! The sooner we finish this miserable business, the better.”

Yellow Armor was the only one present who understood Gray Armor, and he too glared at Luo Gan with displeasure. Thinking of Red Armor’s angry departure, all because of this man, Yellow Armor found his sentiments aligned with Gray Armor’s.

Luo Gan mused privately: First, Zhang the Bamboo was unexpectedly captured, and now old enemies were coming to seize the flower. This venture seemed fraught with peril. For now, he could only take things one step at a time.

Meanwhile, Li Bu’er and Short Huang ascended a small hill, accompanied by a dozen constables, all in disguise. Except for Li Bu’er, who chewed on a stalk of wheat and exuded an obvious air of vulgarity, the others kept their composure.

They took advantage of the night, following the instructions of Doctor Du, and made their way toward the Sima residence.

Those trapped among the crowd—Erhu and the others—were visibly uncomfortable, whispering discreetly while the constables were distracted.

Farmer A asked, “Erhu, why did Magistrate Wang bring us out for a stroll?”

Erhu had no answer. Xiao Zhi spoke anxiously, “I’ve heard some officials abuse private punishment. Could it be that we’re… oh!”

Uncle De pursed his lips, wiped his face to steady himself.

“Stop guessing! There’s no point in speculating about things we can’t fathom. True, we can’t trust the other side, but as long as we can still contact Luo, there’s hope.”

Farmer A and Xiao Zhi nodded. Erhu spat gloomily on the ground, wishing they would arrive soon.

The Sima residence was still empty. Li Bu’er and his party arrived first, finding nothing amiss. Short Huang, nervous as a detective, inspected the soil and air for anything unusual.

Li Bu’er scoffed, “Well, Zhang the Short’s nose is sharp! The government won’t need to keep dogs anymore.”

Short Huang knew Li Bu’er was mocking him. Rival’s words were best taken with a grain of salt.

“Is Zhang the Short what you call me?” Short Huang asked.

Li Bu’er, provoked, retorted brusquely, “That’s what Deputy Wang Ming calls you! Is he wrong?”

Short Huang knew he was in the wrong. Li Bu’er, emboldened by his new position as chief constable, had ousted Zhang the Head, seizing his opportunity.

From inside the house, Zhang Jifeng emerged, quickly hitching up his trousers to avoid embarrassment—he had just relieved himself inside the Sima residence.

Li Bu’er and Short Huang both saw this, each calculating their own plans.

Li Bu’er greeted Zhang Jifeng as usual, exchanging a few words. Short Huang deliberately avoided Zhang, wary of awkwardness. Zhang Jifeng understood his predicament—once a tiger fallen from grace, now forced to keep his tail tucked.

“Hey, you lot, come over here!” Li Bu’er called Erhu and the others forward, then continued, “Let’s lay down the rules! First, you’re not free men; you must follow my orders. First, the Sima residence is haunted; if anything happens, it’s not our concern. First, if you find the great secret treasure, you must surrender it. If you want wealth without life, think carefully about your stance before acting!”

Xiao Zhi was baffled. “Why do you keep saying ‘first’ three times?”

Li Bu’er turned his head, not bothering to look directly at them, unable to stand the tedious task.

“Which part isn’t important, you tell me! If I didn’t say it, don’t question your master!”

Xiao Zhi realized he’d misspoken and dropped the matter. Farmer A pondered Li Bu’er’s words.

“These rules aren’t right—obey orders, hunt for treasure, but no responsibility if something goes wrong?”

Li Bu’er was only a minor constable, but he carried himself with authority.

“Just do as you’re told! That’s the only way you’ll stay free.”

Uncle De, Xiao Zhi, and Farmer A headed for the Sima residence, but Erhu alone lagged behind, unresponsive to Short Huang’s urging.

Erhu looked at Zhang Jifeng, who avoided his gaze.

“Constable Zhang, how have you been lately?”

Zhang Jifeng, prompted by Erhu, glanced at Li Bu’er and Short Huang, reluctant to offer much advice.

“Do as Chief Li says! Hurry up!”

Erhu forced a smile. The repeated setbacks had made him less naïve, burdened with growing unease, and he lingered with Uncle De and the others at the gate, wondering what to do next.

Just then, the wall was blasted open. Gray Armor and Yellow Armor, blades drawn, charged in! Short Huang’s face turned pale, Li Bu’er spat out his wheat stalk and ordered the constables to draw their swords and fight.