Chapter 144: Madmen Are People Too

144. Chapter 144: Madmen Are People Too

"Li Wu, Zhang Si, Wang Daqiang, you three come out with me. The rest of you, keep your eyes on the courtyard and be careful to put out any fires!" Zhao Jin shouted loudly.

The three he had named immediately fell in. Zhao Jin went over and took down the door bar. The instant he pulled the door open, he stepped back several paces, then shot out in a single bound. The late-night street was cold and desolate; he could see no one to the left or right.

"Li Wu at the rear, Zhang Si on the right, Daqiang on the left. Move with me. If anything happens, call out a warning!" At Zhao Jin's command, the three behind him had already taken their positions — the fruit of their daily training.

Zhao Jin did not run, but strode forward in great steps, circling from right to left around the outer perimeter of his family's residence. He saw no one.

The moonless night was far too dark. Even if the arsonist hadn't fled far, as long as he found a dark spot to hide and kept still, his tracks would be very hard to discover. The neighbors around them, however, had already been startled awake by the commotion from the Zhao household; there was now stirring in every courtyard.

Having circled once and found nothing, Zhao Jin did not want to waste any more time outside. He led his men quickly back. When they reached the intersection, however, they heard the sound of rapid footsteps not far away — a good number of people were coming!

Zhao Jin drew a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Get back inside first. Close the door and protect ourselves."

Li Wu and the others were somewhat nervous, but they still obeyed Zhao Jin's order by instinct. The four kept their formation intact and swiftly retreated. They had not expected that before they even reached the courtyard gate, the footsteps would draw even closer. Zhao Jin took a deep breath, steadied his spear, and stood his ground. In the darkness, the enemy might not spot him — he could take advantage of the chaos and kill a few!

The footsteps halted at the intersection. This group was all carrying lanterns, and on the lanterns was written the character "Wang." By the lantern light, Zhao Jin recognized the arrivals — these were the household guards and able-bodied men from Wang Zhaojing's residence, and the one leading them was that Uncle He.

"Is that Young Master Zhao up ahead?" Uncle He's voice rang out especially loud in the night.

Calling out was also a precaution; otherwise, a chaotic melee could easily break out in the dark. Zhao Jin answered, but did not let down his guard. Why would the Wang family come so late at night? Who knew if there was something fishy going on.

"My young master gave instructions this evening for us to keep an eye on the neighborhood. If anything happened on Young Master Zhao's side, we were to come at once to assist."

It was as if the other side knew what Zhao Jin was thinking, and they called out to explain.

"My thanks to your esteemed household for the help. Everything is now calm at my home. I must ask you all to return for now; tomorrow I, Zhao, will pay a visit to offer my thanks in person." Although Zhao Jin already believed their explanation, he still refused to be careless. In the pitch-black night, there were too many uncertainties — it was best to be absolutely safe.

The Wang family's people had also considered this point. After exchanging a few more inquiries, they departed. The Wang residence was not far from the Zhao home, and the night was quiet. If anything really did happen again, it would be very convenient for them to come over.

The street in front of the Zhao family gate returned to silence. Zhao Jin slowly withdrew back into the courtyard.

In front of the courtyard gate, the household guards were waiting nervously. As soon as they saw Zhao Jin return, Li Wu hurriedly said, "Master, there are still a few stone slabs in the yard. Let's bring them over and brace the door!"

Zhao Jin shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Brace the door — can they not just climb over the wall? If we brace the door, we'll be the ones who can't get out. Follow my earlier orders. Each of you hold your assigned position. Once it's daylight, we'll be fine."

The household guards quickly acknowledged the order. Although they were all only fifteen or sixteen years old, they had been in several fights and were well-trained. Faced with such an incident, not only were they unafraid, but their faces actually showed excitement. The quicker-witted among them could even realize that after tonight's events, their standing in Zhao Jin's eyes would surely be different.

Zhao Jin walked up to the door but did not rush inside. Instead, he stood there deep in thought. He pondered for quite a while, so long that Zhao Zhentang came out with a blade in hand.

Before Zhao Zhentang could speak, Zhao Jin looked up first and said, "After what just happened, they know we're on guard now. They won't come again tonight."

"Those lawless scum... I..." Zhao Zhentang gritted his teeth and roared in anger.

He was cut off mid-sentence by Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin's tone betrayed no agitation; it even seemed remarkably indifferent. He spoke: "Father, though your position as an official runner gives you many conveniences, it also comes with even more inconveniences. Leave this matter to your son. I guarantee there will be no future trouble."

Zhao Zhentang looked at Zhao Jin, his gaze holding something indescribable. He remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Be careful. When Xiaolan's father was around, those people still had some restraint. Now, they've become madmen. You may have killed before, but you've never faced a madman."

The father's address to his son had originally been the affectionate "Xiao Jin," but now it had become the relatively equal "you." Zhao Jin's series of reactions tonight had made his family truly regard him as having matured.

This change in attitude was not only reflected in the form of address; Zhao Zhentang also spoke without any restraint now, very directly.

To his father's warning, Zhao Jin paused for a moment, then answered, "Madmen are people too."

The content of his words and his indifferent tone made Zhao Zhentang freeze again. Zhao Zhentang stared at Zhao Jin in silence for a moment, then shook his head with a complicated expression. This time, he could find nothing to say.

Zhao Jin strode toward the house. Zhao Zhentang instinctively asked, "What are you going to do?"

"It's still a long time until dawn. Your son is going to sleep for a while!" Zhao Jin said without looking back.

Hearing this, Zhao Zhentang was stunned once more. Only after Zhao Jin had entered the room did he shake his head and mutter to himself, "Zhenxing, this is not a manner you could have taught him."

Zhao Zhentang turned his head to look at the trading company guards in the courtyard. Though they were all young men around the same age as his own son, and had just been through the sudden emergency of a midnight arson, every one of them was very composed, each calmly standing guard at his assigned post.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Zhentang nodded, then turned and entered the house himself. By the time he returned to the bedroom, He Cuihua had already dressed. Seeing her husband return, she asked urgently, "How is Xiao Jin?"

Earlier, when Zhao Zhentang had said Zhao Jin was leading men out, He Cuihua had scolded him thoroughly. Zhao Zhentang sat down on the edge of the brick bed and answered, "That boy went back to sleep."

He Cuihua nodded, then suddenly felt something was off. At that moment, Zhao Zhentang was also taking off his cloth shoes. He sighed with emotion and said, "He's truly grown up!"

Zhao Jin knew he needed to conserve his energy, but after returning, he tossed and turned without a trace of drowsiness. He simply lay there in a haze. The moment the window paper showed the faintest hint of white — much earlier than his usual morning run — Zhao Jin opened his eyes.

After an incident like this, no one would have slept well that night. But Zhao Jin did not disturb his parents. Carrying his spear, he quietly and softly stepped out the door.

In the courtyard, Li Wu and a few others were talking in hushed voices. Seeing Zhao Jin emerge, they hurriedly stood at attention and saluted. Zhao Jin lowered his voice and said, "You all worked hard last night. Each of you will receive an extra hundred wen as a reward today."

Li Wu and the other household guards all had bloodshot eyes and faces full of exhaustion. Upon hearing "a hundred wen," however, their spirits were visibly lifted. Before they could say any words of thanks, Zhao Jin called for the three who had gone out with him the previous night, opened the courtyard gate, and stepped out onto the street.

Leading those three, he once again carefully inspected the perimeter of the residence. On the outer wall opposite the firewood stack, however, he spotted some faint scorch marks from smoke and flame. Those thieves must have lit the fire outside the wall and then thrown it over.

Aside from this, no other traces could be seen at all. Besides, it was already daylight, and there was nothing else unusual in the vicinity.

Returning home, Zhao Jin did not go for his morning exercise either. He simply accompanied his father, Zhao Zhentang, in a rough inspection of the courtyard, moving a few flammable items that were near the walls further inside.

At the usual hour for his morning run, Wang Zhaojing and Chen Sheng came directly to his door. Upon seeing Wang Zhaojing, Zhao Jin very solemnly cupped his fists and bowed, opening with thanks: "Last night, I was truly indebted to Brother Wang for sending men over. Thank you for your trouble and consideration. I offer my gratitude here."

Wang Zhaojing waved his hand with a smile and said repeatedly, "We're all on the same side. Why be so formal?"

Zhao Jin, however, knew that thanks were indeed warranted. Wang Zhaojing's father, Wang Youshan, was away visiting friends in Jiangnan. The Wang household was effectively under Wang Zhaojing's authority. Last night's deed was a great favor.

Chen Sheng examined the blackened scorch marks on the wall and asked with a frown, "These people have a lot of nerve. What do you plan to do?"

"Whatever they did to us, we'll pay back double!" Zhao Jin said coldly.

Chen Sheng and Wang Zhaojing both nodded. Zhao Jin then immediately spoke: "Dasheng, go back and tell your father that my home was set on fire last night. Have this case officially filed at the yamen. My father will also make arrangements on his end. If silver is needed, just name the amount, and the trading company will disburse it."

Chen Sheng agreed. Wang Zhaojing asked in a deep voice, "Brother Zhao, these people know the connection between the Mu family and you, and they also know that your uncle works at the yamen. How do they still have the nerve to cause trouble?"

"The Incense-Smelling Sect's reach is too vast. Even Xiaolan's family may not be able to cover every angle. Those incense-burning scum want to use my family to make an example. If they dare to set fire even to a household like mine, who else in the city would dare offend them?" Zhao Jin said through gritted teeth.

Wang Zhaojing and Chen Sheng nodded. Zhao Jin then said, "You two head back first. Before you leave home, tell your families that there's business at the trading company and you won't be able to return tonight."

A male of fifteen was already considered old enough to start a family and career, to join the army or sit for the imperial exams — he was treated as an adult. After the Xu'an Trading Company was established, they could already be said to have their own profession. Staying overnight at the trading company, no one could find fault with that.

Chen Sheng and Wang Zhaojing exchanged a glance. Wang Zhaojing lowered his voice and asked, "Just like that time with Copper Head..."

Before the other could finish, Zhao Jin nodded.

As soon as his two companions left, Zhao Jin pulled a piece of broken silver from his pocket, called Li Wu over, and said, "Take the brothers to get breakfast on the way. After eating, hurry and find Liu Yong. Tell Liu Yong to bring Chen Ergou and Butcher Li to the trading company. If anyone refuses to come, they'd better beware of me turning hostile."

Li Wu took the silver and led the household guards swiftly out the door.

Zhao Zhentang and He Cuihua had also risen by now. Zhao San and his wife were already standing in the courtyard. Judging by the couple's expressions, they likely hadn't slept all night.

Seeing Zhao Jin's parents emerge from their room, Zhao San and his wife hurriedly knelt. Before they could say anything, Zhao Zhentang said impatiently, "Hurry up and make breakfast. Since my family has taken you in, as long as you don't court your own death, the Zhao family will see it through to the end!"