Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Clash

The next morning, dawn poured through the latticed window, spilling across Qi Jun’s face. A gentle smile lingered at the corners of his lips, as if he were lost in a beautiful dream.

But suddenly, sharp knocks at the door dragged him from sleep.

“Qi Jun, are you awake yet? Master is waiting for you,” the servant outside called, rapping the door a few more times.

Weariness clouded Qi Jun’s features. Last night’s contest had drained him, and he’d chatted with Deng Fang until daybreak. At that moment, he longed to hide beneath his covers and sleep until noon. But hearing the servant mention County Officer Feng was waiting, Qi Jun knew he couldn’t delay; he rose and opened the door.

The servant entered, carrying a basin of water for washing, nodded, and set it down before tidying up his bed.

“Brother Jun, why are you up so early?” Deng Fang, awakened by Qi Jun’s movements, sat up and rubbed his sleepy eyes.

“Your uncle can’t wait any longer, I suppose. It’s probably about the crossbow-making,” Qi Jun wiped his face, dressed, and prepared to leave.

“Crossbow? Wait for me, Brother Jun! I want to come too!” Deng Fang, suddenly wide awake, scrambled out of bed, quickly washed, and hurried after Qi Jun.

In the main hall, County Officer Feng was sipping tea. When he saw the two enter, he smiled and set down his cup.

“Greetings to Master Feng.”

“Uncle, greetings.”

Qi Jun and Deng Fang performed their morning salutations. County Officer Feng motioned for them to sit on benches by the door and ordered the servant to bring tea pastries and two cups of clear tea.

“You look tired—are you not used to living here?” County Officer Feng sipped his tea and looked at Qi Jun.

“It’s fine, just that Deng Fang and I got caught up in conversation and slept late. If you have important matters, please speak plainly,” Qi Jun recalled how County Officer Feng had pressed him last night to display his skills, clearly in preparation for entrusting him with something.

Though Qi Jun still felt some resentment, he had chosen to stand with County Officer Feng, and now it was only right to show his sincerity.

As they spoke, a servant rushed in and reported, “Master, Magistrate Song and Advisor Zhao have arrived, and they’ve brought several officers!”

“What’s Magistrate Song doing here?” County Officer Feng’s brows rose in surprise. He thought for a moment and asked, “Where are they? How many?”

“They’re already at the gate—eight in total, including the officers. I had them wait outside and hurried to report to you.”

“This Magistrate Song is not here for anything good…” County Officer Feng’s face darkened as he stood and said to Qi Jun and Deng Fang, “You two should leave for now. Since he’s come, I’ll see what trouble he thinks he can stir up in my officer’s residence.”

Qi Jun nodded; he trusted County Officer Feng to handle the situation. Seizing the opportunity, he intended to look for Yun Fei.

Ever since County Officer Feng had taken Qi Jun from the county jail, Qi Jun knew that with Magistrate Song’s vengeful nature, Song would not let him go easily if he found any legal grounds against him. This visit to the officer’s residence would not be easily dismissed.

“Magistrate Song, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner! Please, come in…” County Officer Feng instantly exchanged his stern look for a warm smile and went out to greet them.

“Hmph, County Officer Feng, are you hiding someone here?” Magistrate Song snorted, flicked his sleeves, and strode in with Advisor Zhao and the officers, full of bluster.

He had visited the officer’s residence before and needed no guidance, heading straight into the main hall and throwing himself onto the seat of honor. The other officers lined up on either side, as if they were in the county court.

A flash of coldness appeared in County Officer Feng’s eyes, but he quickly resumed his earlier calm, smiled, and ordered tea.

“No need for tea, County Officer Feng. You know why I’m here,” Magistrate Song picked up the teacup, glanced at it, and set it down again, his tone low and menacing. “Where is he? I know he’s here.”

“I… I truly don’t know who Magistrate Song is asking after,” County Officer Feng feigned innocence.

“Who else? That violent criminal Qi Jun, who injured people in the street!” Magistrate Song’s patience was gone; he slammed his hand on the tea table. “How dare you snatch him from my jurisdiction? Out of respect for our status as colleagues, hand him over now, and I won’t pursue the charge of releasing a criminal. Otherwise…”

“What if I don’t?” County Officer Feng’s smile vanished.

“Otherwise, I’ll report this to Prefect Zhao, have the court strip you of your post and confiscate your estate!” Magistrate Song’s eyes narrowed as he sneered, “County Officer Feng, you are a talent of the imperial court—don’t risk your career for a criminal!”

“My, what a display of authority! You even invoke Prefect Zhao. I am truly terrified,” County Officer Feng laughed, stroked his beard, and retorted coldly, “Let me remind you, Magistrate Song—the county jail is not your personal domain. Everything we oversee belongs to the realm of Great Liang. If you speak, have proof; if you act, follow the law. Don’t make wild accusations!”

“You! You… Feng Qinian, what a sharp tongue you have,” Magistrate Song grabbed his teacup and smashed it on the floor, rising in anger to point at County Officer Feng. “Answer me—do you think you can get away with releasing a criminal? Qi Jun injured people in public; how is he not a criminal?”

“Magistrate Song, you are right. Releasing a criminal is indeed a serious dereliction of duty. But…” County Officer Feng pulled a document from his robe and handed it to Magistrate Song. “The so-called criminal you mention, I know nothing of. But there is indeed a hero who caught villains and protected the people!”

Magistrate Song stared at County Officer Feng, hesitated, then took the document and glanced over it with disdain. Suddenly, his expression changed.

“A recruitment order? When did Qi Jun become a recruit for the county constables?” Magistrate Song scrutinized the order again and again; it bore the official seal of the county constabulary, and the date of signing was over a month prior.

“Recruitment for the county constabulary requires only agreement with Boss Meng and reporting to the district officer. There’s no need to inform the county court, is there?” County Officer Feng reclaimed the document from the stunned Magistrate Song, smiling as he stroked his beard. “That criminal Liu Qi and his gang dared to kidnap citizens in broad daylight. Our constables learned of it and dispatched Qi Jun to apprehend the culprits and protect the people. Tell me, Magistrate Song—what crime has Qi Jun committed?”

“This…” Magistrate Song was at a loss for words, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Clearly, it’s a misunderstanding,” Advisor Zhao quickly interjected, trying to rescue Magistrate Song. “A few days ago, Qi Jun offended Magistrate Song in court. If he was a recruit for the constables, why didn’t he reveal his identity then? Either there’s something suspicious behind this recruitment order, or County Officer Feng deliberately provoked trouble in the court!”

“You’re right! Feng Qinian, how do you explain this? If I hadn’t been lenient, I would not have let him off so lightly then,” Magistrate Song pressed the point.

“If you have doubts about the recruitment order, you may send someone to inquire at the district office. Qi Jun’s offense in court deserved punishment, and Magistrate Song did right to discipline him. As for any suggestion that I gave instructions, that is pure fabrication,” County Officer Feng straightened his robe and addressed Magistrate Song with a formal gesture. “But Qi Jun’s offense in court is indeed connected to me. Although the recruitment order was signed and approved by the district officer, my constables were negligent and failed to report the roster to the county court in time, hence… alas!”

Magistrate Song and Advisor Zhao exchanged uncertain glances. They couldn’t determine the truth of the matter. County Officer Feng had shifted the blame to procedural oversight, and they had no grounds to press further—even if they did, the best outcome would be the removal of a single constable.

County Officer Feng did not fear Magistrate Song sending someone to investigate. On the night the recruitment order was signed, he had dispatched someone to the district city to complete the paperwork. He had connections there, and though the district officer did not know why he was so eager to report a recruitment order signed a month earlier, he did it anyway. It was a trivial matter, and he could easily earn a favor.

“In that case, I will find out myself,” Magistrate Song rose, face dark, and bowed stiffly to County Officer Feng. “Sorry to trouble you.”

“Safe travels, Magistrate Song. Forgive me for not seeing you out,” County Officer Feng rose and smiled.

Magistrate Song strode several steps, then suddenly stopped, a sly grin on his face as he turned to County Officer Feng. “Recently, the people have suffered repeated raids by bandits, and they have pleaded with the court for relief. Isn’t it your constables’ duty to suppress bandits? I order you to clear the bandits from Panlong Ridge within three days. How about it?”

County Officer Feng was taken aback.