Hearing it was someone else's business, Hu Fan finally nodded. "You're being too formal. Your father-in-law's problem is our problem, isn't it!"
While speaking, he didn't touch the silver note, but instead looked at Chen Xiaobei, as if to say, "Go on."
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists again and sighed. "Alas, they say not to air one's dirty laundry. But with today's matter, I can't help it. Yesterday, my old father-in-law went drinking with the steward of Cui Danai from Cui Family Village. He had a few too many and stayed to sleep at Cui Danai's place. But when he opened his eyes in the morning, he found himself entangled with Cui Danai's concubine. Tell me..."
Hu Fan burst into laughter upon hearing this. "I never imagined your old father-in-law was so amorous. Interesting, indeed."
Chen Xiaobei sighed. "Alas, Magistrate Hu, please let me explain the situation slowly."
Chen Xiaobei explained the general situation, and Hu Fan frowned after listening.
"This matter is rather peculiar. How could two strangers end up in bed together? I suspect either your old father-in-law is lying, or the concubine is lying."
Chen Xiaobei breathed a sigh of relief at this, realizing Hu Fan wasn't as clueless as he seemed.
"Ah, I understand your concern. I believe that at my old father-in-law's age, if such a scandal were to attach to his name, it would bring shame upon us, his descendants."
"Oh, so what do you intend to do? Tell me," Hu Fan asked with interest, looking at Chen Xiaobei.
"I would like to request Constable He to visit Cui Family Village and apprehend Cui Dahai, Cui San'er, and Cui Danai's concubine, Chunxiang, and all others involved. We need to clarify this matter thoroughly, not to wrong anyone, nor to frame anyone."
Hu Fan understood and, glancing at the silver note on the table, nodded with a smile. "Very well, it won't be too much trouble. I'll have a word with him, and he will follow your arrangements."
"Then I shall await Constable He's arrival at the county yamen entrance."
Chen Xiaobei bowed and withdrew. As soon as he left, Hu Fan coughed and called Mao You in.
As Mao You entered, before he could speak, Hu Fan sternly said, "Go and inform He Dali to heed Chen Xiaobei's commands. He is waiting for him at the county yamen entrance."
Mao You understood immediately. Chen Xiaobei was leveraging manpower. Alas, in such matters, it was better to have fewer troubles. He himself was content with his leisure and avoiding entanglement.
Chen Xiaobei waited at the county yamen entrance for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. He Dali then emerged.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, He Dali politely cupped his fists. Chen Xiaobei immediately pulled He Dali into a corner and handed him another silver note.
This was a silver note of two hundred taels, a considerable sum for He Dali.
"Brother Xiaobei, you only need to speak your mind. We are as close as brothers, why be so distant?"
As the saying goes, a smiling face is not struck. With money paved the way, He Dali naturally smiled and spoke kindly.
"Constable He, there is a matter that is a bit tricky." Chen Xiaobei briefly recounted the situation he had explained to Hu Fan, emphasizing Hu Fan's attitude and viewpoint.
He Dali understood. Since Hu Fan had instructed him to follow Chen Xiaobei's orders, whatever Chen Xiaobei said was correct. He just had to do as told.
With this thought, he cupped his fists and said, "Brother Xiaobei, tell me what you need me to do."
"You will take your men and apprehend Cui San, Cui Danai's concubine Chunxiang, and Cui Dahai. Throw them into prison, and keep them in separate cells so they cannot see each other. There is no need to interrogate them. After three days, the truth will naturally emerge."
"Oh, and to make this believable, we need to bring my old father-in-law as well."
He Dali repeatedly shook his head. "That won't do, that won't do. How can we act against your own elder?"
"Constable He, we must handle this officially. Of course, you can quietly let him go afterward."
He Dali nodded and immediately gathered over a dozen constables. They brought three carriages and set off for Cui Family Village with Chen Xiaobei.
To be on the safe side, as they passed by Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei called out to Yang Zhi, asking him to bring a few men to follow them.
Upon the arrival of officials from the county yamen, Cui San quickly received the news and rushed to meet them at the entrance of his manor.
Seeing that He Dali had come with Chen Xiaobei, Cui San was somewhat taken aback. He stepped forward and cupped his fists towards He Dali. "Constable He, your presence here, what guidance do you seek?"
He Dali looked at him, then pointed to Chen Xiaobei. "County Clerk Chen has just filed a complaint at the county yamen, accusing you of framing his father-in-law. Is this true?"
Cui San, unaware he was being trapped, stamped his feet in anguish. "Constable He, this is a grave injustice! Last night, I kindly invited Cui Fugui to drink. Who would have thought that after getting drunk, he would run amok and get entangled with the master's concubine, Chunxiang? Tell me..."
"Alas, Chen Xiaobei, you dare to twist things around."
He Dali stepped forward and waved his hand. "Alas, Cui San, you say you invited Cui Fugui for drinks. Do you have witnesses?"
"Yes, of course, we do. Cui Dahai from this village, he was the one who brought Cui Fugui along."
Everything was as Chen Xiaobei had predicted. He Dali secretly admired Chen Xiaobei's deduction, while maintaining a composed demeanor. "Good, go and summon Cui Dahai here. He can testify at the county yamen."
Cui San was delighted by this and quickly ordered someone to find Cui Dahai. Not long after, Cui Dahai was brought over.
Seeing Cui Dahai arrive, He Dali nodded. "Summon Chunxiang as well. We will go to the county yamen to record statements."
Cui San readily agreed and turned to go into the manor. Shortly, he emerged accompanying a young and beautiful woman. Seeing Chunxiang, Chen Xiaobei became even more convinced that this was all a setup. Given his father-in-law's appearance, how could such a young and beautiful concubine be interested in him?
Seeing that everyone was present, He Dali signaled Cui San and the others to board the carriages. They turned and headed for the county yamen. The offer of carriages gave Cui San a false sense of security, believing there was no real issue. Before leaving, he instructed his household staff to attend to their duties and await his return.
As they left Cui Family Village and passed by Hetou Village, He Dali asked Chen Xiaobei to summon Cui Fugui.
As soon as Cui Fugui appeared, Cui San immediately gave Chunxiang a look. Chunxiang, understanding his intent, wiped her tears and cried out towards Cui Fugui, "You scoundrel! You have ruined my reputation!"
Saying this, she attempted to jump from the carriage, but He Dali quickly restrained her.
"Alas, we will discuss this at the county yamen. Do not cause a scene here."
Upon hearing He Dali's words, Chunxiang stopped and curtsied slightly. "Everything will be as the official commands."