This finger clamp, made of bamboo, was specifically designed to grip fingers. As it is said that all fingers are connected to the heart, the torment of having one’s fingers clamped can be well imagined.
Upon seeing this instrument of torture, Yang Dazhi finally caved. He shouted, “May Your Honor, the Magistrate, show mercy! I am from Centipede Ridge, Centipede Ridge!”
Centipede Ridge!
Hu Fan hesitated for a moment, but then recalled that Elder Qi had mentioned this was a special request from Liu Rumei. With that in mind, he slammed his gavel, “So what if you are from Centipede Ridge? Why did you, a mountain bandit, trespass into a private residence? Were you attempting to commit adultery or theft?”
Yang Dazhi put on a pained expression, “Reporting to Your Honor, I am neither an adulterer nor a thief. I was acting under the orders of our Grand Chieftain to assist someone named Chen Yutian.”
Yang Dazhi trailed off, hesitating to continue. However, upon hearing the name Chen Yutian, Chen Xiaobei’s heart skipped a beat. This was Chen Ermao’s father.
As expected, Yang Dazhi stammered, “To help Chen Yutian, and consequently take the life of someone named Chen Xiaobei.”
Excellent, I was already suspecting adultery or theft, and now this turns into a murder case.
Hu Fan’s face turned ashen.
“Are you speaking the truth? If there is even half a lie…”
Yang Dazhi nodded frantically, “If there is even half a lie, may Magistrate Hu behead me.”
Hu Fan nodded, then looked at Elder Qi beside him, “Immediately take men to Hetou Village and summon this Chen Yutian.”
With that said, Hu Fan waved his sleeve and rose to leave.
Following his departure, constables stepped forward and led Yang Dazhi away.
Chen Xiaobei stood up and hurried to catch up with Elder Qi, taking out five large coins from his pocket and pressing them into his hand.
He had promised to treat Chen Ping and the others to meat buns, so Chen Xiaobei still carried a few dozen copper coins.
“Seventh Master, you have worked hard.”
Elder Qi pocketed the five large coins, discreetly slipping them into his sleeve, and laughed heartily, “What are you saying, my brother? You and Ziming are as close as brothers from the same parents.”
“Your affairs are my affairs. You wait here, and I’ll be back by dawn.”
A sound of horses’ hooves echoed as Elder Qi led his men away.
Chen Xiaobei had intended to take Chen Ping and the others to eat meat buns when they had time. However, seeing them fast asleep on the donkey cart, they didn't even stir at the loud clatter of horses’ hooves as Elder Qi departed.
Alright, since you are sleeping, I will get some sleep too.
As dawn broke, Hetou Village bustled with activity.
Chen Yutian and his wife were still in their sleep when a group of constables roughly pulled them up.
Without explanation, they were pressed onto the backs of horses and swiftly carried away.
The village head, Chen Anbang, rushed out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing that Chen Yutian was being taken away, his heart sank. He forced himself to remain calm and clasped his hands, saying, “Distinguished constables, I am the village head of Hetou Village. May I inquire what offense Chen Yutian has committed?”
Elder Qi nodded, “We are acting under orders to bring Chen Yutian to testify. We request Village Head Chen’s cooperation.”
Chen Anbang understood perfectly well. He had never seen a witness being bound and thrown onto a horse before.
He had a good idea of what was happening but feigned ignorance and turned to Chen Yutian, saying, “Speak your truth when you get there. Rest assured about matters at home. When Ermao returns, I will take care of everything.”
Chen Yutian understood the hidden meaning.
At this moment, he felt he had no words to express his plight, yet he had to act grateful.
“Thank you, Village Head.”
Elder Qi mounted his horse, “Brothers, let’s go!”
He flicked his whip and galloped away.
Watching Elder Qi disappear into the distance, the villagers began to murmur amongst themselves, unable to comprehend what trouble the seemingly honest Chen Yutian had fallen into.
Chen Anbang walked slowly towards the outskirts of the village with his hands behind his back. It was on the way out of the village that he would pass Chen Xiaobei’s home.
As he reached the entrance of Chen Xiaobei’s house, he happened to meet several village guards heading out. The sky had brightened, and according to Chen Ping’s arrangements, their task was concluded.
“Oh, Village Head, so early? What brings you out?” Chen Daqiang greeted him with a smile.
“Is that you, Daqiang? What are you all doing here?”
Chen Daqiang sighed, “Alas, someone broke into Chen Xiaobei’s home last night. We apprehended him and sent him directly to the county yamen.”
Chen Anbang gasped, “Oh? Who was it? Did you find anything out?”
Chen Daqiang shook his head, “That person was very tight-lipped and wouldn’t say anything. However, I’ve seen him before. He is Chen Yutian’s nephew.”
That matched.
It must be Chen Yutian’s son who, after receiving my hint, hired someone to take action, but failed to complete the task cleanly.
Hearing this, Chen Anbang privately cursed himself. What was this grandson of his, Chen Ping, thinking? Why did he rashly follow Chen Xiaobei to the county town without reporting back home?
Now, the situation had become rather difficult to salvage. The only hope was that Chen Yutian could shoulder the blame. After all, he had already given him sufficient hints just now.
Of course, this was not enough. Chen Anbang quickly returned home, hitched up his donkey cart, and hurried to the township.
The township head, Zhao Facun, was a distant relative of Chen Anbang’s wife. It was precisely because of this connection that Chen Anbang had secured his position as the village head of Hetou Village.
Seeing Chen Anbang arrive, Zhao Facun looked puzzled, “Old Chen, what’s wrong this early in the morning?”
Chen Anbang hesitated, “Alas, a major incident has occurred in the village. A villager has hired assassins. I am worried that the Magistrate will hold me responsible…”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Facun chuckled, “You are the village head, not his parents. What does his hiring assassins have to do with you? You should just go back. If anything truly comes of this, I will vouch for you.”
“But what if he falsely accuses me of instigating it?”
Zhao Facun looked at him suspiciously, “Tell me the truth, are you involved or not?”
Anbang finally gritted his teeth, “No, absolutely not. How could I do such a thing?”
Zhao Facun nodded, “Very well, then you have nothing to worry about. Go back.”
As he walked out of Zhao Facun’s office, Chen Anbang felt a little more at ease. Now, he could only hold firm and wait for Zhao Facun to mediate, which might resolve this crisis.
…
Elder Qi kept his word. As daylight broke, he brought Chen Yutian and his wife.
Upon entering the county yamen and seeing Chen Xiaobei safe and sound, Chen Yutian was utterly dumbfounded.
“You… you.”
Chen Xiaobei glanced at him coldly, “Did you not expect me to still be alive?”
Chen Yutian fell silent for a moment.
Soon, Hu Fan, having received the news, ascended the court once more. Yang Dazhi, Chen Yutian, and Jia Shi were all brought forth.
Hu Fan looked at Chen Yutian, then pointed at Yang Dazhi, “Do you recognize him?”
Chen Yutian hesitated and did not speak.
Yang Dazhi, however, lost his composure, “Eldest sister, you must testify for me! You were the ones who wanted me to kill Chen Xiaobei. He and I have no animosity.”
Jia Shi exchanged a look with Chen Yutian. Suddenly, she began to wail loudly,
“Magistrate, we can no longer go on living! My son had a minor conflict with Chen Xiaobei, and not only did he drive my son away, but he also threatened to kill us, his elderly parents. We were driven to this out of desperation!”
Chen Xiaobei listened and could only laugh helplessly. Even the wicked had the audacity to play the victim, but one could not possibly twist the narrative so blatantly.