Chapter 115: Miao Chu Chapter 114: Spittle

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

The judge of the Left Courtyard had not yet reacted, still chewing rice in his mouth; chewing and chewing, he suddenly felt something was wrong, glared his eyes, and asked: "Who led them?"

"Han Li, the Taixue student transferred from the Right Courtyard!" the messenger hurriedly replied.

The judge still refused to believe it, and said in surprise: "Nonsense! He isn't helping consolidate manpower at the yamen—I just received the official documents he consolidated. How could he lead people out to dig for meat?"

As he spoke, he immediately looked toward someone in the room and called out: "Old Yao! What's going on?!"

That Censor Yao had been assigned to liaise with Han Li; hearing this, he immediately stood up, but his voice was somewhat hollow, saying: "It makes no sense... those places have already been searched and inspected several times! This humble official..."

He said "this humble official" for a while but couldn't bring himself to lower himself, then hurriedly turned to the messenger and asked anxiously: "Where was the rotten meat dug up? What exactly is the cause and effect? Is he really the suspect in this case?"

This person was merely a messenger; how would he know so much.

Soon, the messenger was called in.

He was a Patrol Officer from Zhuque Gate.

The young Censor was young, with pockmarks on his face; encountering such a major case for the first time, he was beyond excited.

He feared he wouldn't explain clearly, so he hurriedly described how the group arrived at the slaughterhouse, how they entered to search and inspect, how they checked the kitchen and back courtyard, how they dug three feet into the ground, how the manager used smooth words and flattery, recounting every detail clearly, even using his hands and feet to gesture, nearly wanting to demonstrate how he used the iron hoe himself.

The judge's expression turned ugly upon hearing this, but he couldn't help but praise him, then said a word of thanks; after sending the man away, he glared at his subordinate Censor and demanded: "A place searched three or four times already—why is there still such a major oversight?"

The Censor also wanted to find his subordinates to ask, but at the moment, where could he find them? He could only stand there blankly, constantly wiping sweat.

Investigating this kind of thing would take no more than the time of a meal.

It turned out that besides this slaughterhouse, many other patrol stations had actually reported clues back.

The yamen had not been negligent; they had all gone to search, and each had searched more than once.

The first time, the Censors had gone separately to search; because it was raining heavily that day, the Censor who went to the slaughterhouse brought people inside to search thoroughly, found nothing wrong, though there was some stench—but which slaughterhouse doesn't reek to high heaven?

The subsequent searches were carried out by ordinary Patrol Officers and Patrol Soldiers.

Something that seven or eight people dug up over half a day—others casually glancing over would naturally not find it.

Before the judge could ask about many details clearly, the suspects and physical evidence brought back by Han Li and the others had already been delivered to the yamen.

The judge hurriedly ordered the Censors to go receive the people for interrogation.

The manager and laborers of the slaughterhouse needed no interrogation techniques at all; they answered whatever was asked, cooperating fully.

Especially the manager—he knew far more inside information than others; however hard he had previously concealed things, now he confessed just as readily.

It turned out this slaughterhouse had been making roe deer jerky and venison jerky for a year or two already.

The master of the house was surnamed Zhan; the family had originally been extremely poor. Over ten years ago, three brothers followed their father out to Hejian to run a merchant business; only the second brother survived, bringing back a sum of wealth, and somehow learned a butcher's craft, opening a meat stall.

He not only knew how to slaughter pigs and sheep, but most valuably, he knew how to slaughter cattle.

At this time, without special reason, commoners were forbidden from slaughtering cattle, but they couldn't stop everyone from privately slaughtering and trading.

Some butchers who followed rules wouldn't slaughter cattle not from legitimate channels, fearing trouble; but Zhan Er wasn't afraid—not only was he unafraid, he actively sought customers, slaughtering quickly and well.

Over time, he actually made a name for himself; starting with just a slaughter stall, a few years later it had become a large-scale slaughterhouse.

After Zhan Er had money, he naturally had friends, running around with a group flirting, eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling.

Living like this, no amount of silver was enough.

Last spring, once he lost everything in gambling, and the house he had bought not long ago was also pawned off; after leaving the gambling house, he couldn't even pay his subordinates' wages.

Just when he had no way out, by chance, an old acquaintance from Hejian came to his door.

The two drank cups together; Zhan Er poured out his complaints, and when the other was drunk, he mentioned a quick way to make money, saying he had accidentally obtained a Maritime Prescription: skin a dead horse, cut it into large pieces, bury it in rotten mud for a day or two, then dig it up again and wash it clean; its color and appearance would become exactly like fresh meat.

But at this time, the horse meat only looked good; smelling it with the nose, it was entirely a rotten meat stench; it still needed to be cured with salted black beans and other spices, then boiled for a whole day.

The boiled meat, dried again in the sun, looked good and tasted good, exactly like roe deer jerky and venison jerky; ordinary people could not tell the difference at all.

Dead horse meat was extremely cheap, while roe deer and venison were expensive meats; just spending a little on firewood and fermented black beans, the price difference was huge—far faster money than honestly running a slaughterhouse.

Zhan Er immediately felt tempted.

After seeing off the old acquaintance, the next day he collected some dead horses, and after following the method, they indeed looked like excellent meat jerky; sold at teahouses and wine shops, demand far outstripped supply.

Zhan Er was cautious at first, but later found everything peaceful and heard no one had any problems from eating it, so he let loose, sending people everywhere to collect dead horses.

Now that the Third Month had arrived, rain fell without cease, horses contracted plague, and a large batch died; prices were absurdly low, practically given away for nothing.

Zhan Er had just lost a large sum again, and had taken a fancy to a courtesan in Xiaotianshui Alley, worrying about not having enough silver; suddenly overjoyed, he collected them all.

The slaughterhouse processed all this dead horse meat; since the volume was too large, wine shops and teahouses couldn't absorb it, so they simply hired some small peddlers to sell it cheaply.

Zhan Er dared not show himself, fearing other wine shops and stores would discover his two sets of prices, so he spent money to hire some out-of-town merchants to act as middlemen.

Being traveling merchants themselves, they sold and left; thus the yamen couldn't find anyone no matter how they searched.

Upon reaching this point, the Censor handling the case immediately sent people out: first to arrest Zhan Er, second to find the whereabouts of that friend, and also summoned people to draw up Sea Capture Documents, so that afterward those merchants would voluntarily surrender.

Seeing there was still more to investigate in the case, but the hour was already late, Han Li no longer concerned himself with it; after greeting someone, he learned the judge was at Zhang Zheng's place, so he simply went directly to find Zhang Zheng.

After a miscellaneous servant passed the message, Han Li entered the door; inside, Zhang Zheng and the judge both stood up.

Zhang Zheng was very enthusiastic; not only did he have someone offer a seat, but he personally poured tea, smiling: "Zheng Yan, you say—did you already know there was a problem with that slaughterhouse? Since you were so sure, why not just tell them clearly? Leaving usable insiders unused, instead running out to find Patrol Soldiers and Patrol Officers?"

Han Li said: "After all, I wasn't completely sure; the judge originally wanted his subordinates to finish their proper business in the afternoon before going with me, but I feared delays, happened to meet a few acquaintances, and on the way went to investigate; who would have thought one look would hit the mark."

The judge's expression had been very ugly; now hearing Han Li speak, every sentence helping him cover up, though knowing his superior wouldn't believe it, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief; when he looked at Han Li again, his eyes held a few more points of gratitude.

As for Zhang Zheng, he couldn't help but praise him again and again; finally saying: "It's only a pity you're still studying; otherwise, based on this, this official could guarantee you a great merit!"

Han Li didn't take up this topic, only saying the matter was finished, he was about to take leave, and also wanted to treat the Patrol Soldiers and Patrol Station people to a simple meal, coming specially to explain.

Seeing Han Li had no intention of claiming credit, the flesh on Zhang Zheng's face smiled horizontally; he said: "How could I let you spend money."

Speaking, he asked the number of people, and ordered the judge to advance one thousand coins.

After everyone left, Zhang Zheng then said: "Zheng Yan, the higher-ups are pressing hard this time, such credit..."

Han Li said: "I am merely a student; the Government Office evaluates merit, so it is not convenient for me to interfere. Moreover, Patrol Officer Zhang acts generously, and Prefect Zheng is fair; they will surely not shortchange those patrol soldiers and patrol officers who found the source."

He had specially spoken up, so even if Zhang Zheng had not originally intended this, at this moment he would not refuse the face, smiling: "That is natural. The Commendation Document is indispensable, but the office has always followed convention for internal rewards. I will have someone add three portions, but it is not good to increase too much, lest it spread and cause a bad influence."

Han Li thanked him and praised: "Patrol Officer Zhang is open and aboveboard."

He added: "Everyone set out early this morning and did not even have time to eat lunch. Busy until now, I do not know if Patrol Officer Zhang can send a letter to all places to borrow people for one more day, letting them rest at home tomorrow and take it a little easier."

The big share had already been given; a tiny bit of petty profit meant even less to Zhang Zheng. He said: "What do I take this for? You just give me a list later, and tell them to follow it."

Seeing that everything else had been properly arranged, Han Li then said: "There is one more matter..."

He explained how he had learned the clue from Song Miao, then gone to ask Cheng Erniang and her daughter, and thus today had first found the trail leading to Zhan Er's Slaughterhouse. He added: "I do not know if we can seek some Commendation Documents for that Song Xiaoniangzi and Cheng Erniangzi?"

Zhang Zheng clicked his tongue in wonder, saying: "What a meticulous young lady! If the Censors handling cases were all like her, where would my days be so hard!"

He agreed at once: "That is simple. After I report to Prefect Zheng, it is just a matter of one sentence."

Han Li thanked him, then added: "The reward silver, the more the better. But this matter after all involves a great deal, and we do not yet know whether Zhan Er has outside accomplices. Let me ask those two first. If they are unwilling, shall we not issue the Wanted Poster for this matter? Is that proper or not?"

It was originally a simple favor. Han Li let the subsequent credit go out; the Left Courtyard had already taken a great advantage, so Zhang Zheng naturally had no objections and immediately agreed.

After the clerk brought back the money, Han Li signed for receipt and immediately took his leave, not delaying a moment.

Once he left, the smile on Zhang Zheng's face vanished. He stared at the clerk and could not help cursing: "You raise so many people below—what are you eating for? The Xunpu delivered the clue right to your face, saying someone smelled something wrong inside the Slaughterhouse. The credit within reach could even be given away, letting a transferred student eat the big share!"

The clerk hurriedly made excuses: "Please let Patrol Officer Zhang know, we up and down really have not had a moment's leisure. Even if Han Li did not dig anything up today, they have already found the clue. At the latest by the day after tomorrow, they can find the workshop drying the Meat Jerky..."

Zhang Zheng hated most hearing his subordinates find reasons to shirk responsibility. He pointed at his own face and said: "Look at this. Did you see it?"

The clerk looked up. A big face was compared with Zhang Zheng's black face. He did not know whether he should see anything, nor what he should see, nor how to reply.

Seeing his stupid look, and thinking of how Han Li had just haggled with him, Zhang Zheng could not help cursing: "Yesterday Prefect Zheng summoned me and spat all over my face. I did not even dare wipe it. Today, if not for that Han Li, I would not even have had the gall to go see him. Do you still want to wait until tomorrow, the day after tomorrow?"

"Or is my mouth too dry? Usually I spray you too little, so you lead people to handle a case as if drinking slow wine—one pine nut still has to be bitten in three mouthfuls?!"

After cursing, seeing the clerk sweating profusely, he wished he could spit in his face and shouted: "What are you standing there for?! Go urge the case quickly!"

Watching his subordinates scramble out the door, Zhang Zheng was both angry and furious.

Comparing people to people can anger one to death.

This clerk—why is his surname not Han!

The clerk who was not surnamed Han, after being cursed, hurriedly went to curse his subordinates, urging everyone to handle the case quickly. The student surnamed Han, however, had gathered all the patrol soldiers and patrol officers for today and slowly explained Zhang Zheng's promise.

They all lived near Zhuque Gate. They had set out early, been busy all day, and were originally full of fatigue. Hearing there were Commendation Documents, they cheered first. Hearing there were subsidies, they rejoiced again. Hearing they would have a day off tomorrow—the first two were future benefits, not yet seen or touched, but this rest was right before their eyes, and their fatigue instantly scattered.

Someone could not help shouting: "Come on, let's go drink! I'll treat, and invite Brother Han to a banquet!"

Thus everyone wanted to chip in to treat.

Han Li then said he had already asked Song Miao to help prepare food. He added: "It is late now. Busy all day, just eat a little. I asked Stall Owner Song to make something appetizing. I do not know if it will be noodles or sliced noodles—another day I will treat everyone to wine!"

In a moment, the ten or so people before him became restless. Several young ones even lifted their legs and walked straight out. After a few steps, they did not forget to look back and urge: "Hurry up. What are you delaying for? First come, first eat. If we get there first, we won't wait for you—and don't blame us after we finish eating!"

By now the sky was completely dark, long past dinner time. It was still raining outside. Han Li hired two carriages, so they did not have to walk. He had them pulled directly to the end of Suanzao Alley.

The whole way the street was soaked. The carriage swayed, swaying the patrol soldiers and patrol officers busy all day until many fell asleep. When they jumped down from the carriage, each had sleepy eyes, blank stares, and had no idea where they were.

But just as their feet touched the wet ground, before they could step firmly, everyone could not help sniffing their noses.

Someone did not bother rubbing his eyes, just took two deep sniffs first, and asked: "What is this smell!"

It was a very complex fragrance, very strong, spicy, with an extremely sour fermented smell. Once it entered the nose, it made everyone wake up instantly, no longer sleepy at all.

The gate of the Song Family Eatery stood open. Song Miao propped a stool by the door. Hearing the commotion outside, she hurriedly lit a lamp and came out to invite everyone inside.

Seeing that everyone in the group had greasy faces and dazed eyes, Song Miao said: "Tonight we eat noodles. Everyone, go wash your faces at the back? Food will be ready soon!"

While speaking, she called out toward the back: "Er Niangzi!"

Cheng Erniang came out smiling, leading people toward the well.

The others all went to the back. Only Han Li did not follow. Instead, he stayed by the stove, greeted Song Miao, and said: "Trouble you, Stall Owner Song, waiting until so late."

He asked: "So fragrant. What noodles are we eating?"