Chapter Twenty-Two: The Shamed Threshold
The Gu family had resided in Shidai County for generations, neighboring Qingyang. Once merely a local gentry, their fortunes had risen in recent decades, thanks to a handful of formidable figures emerging from the clan—one even attaining the rank of fifth-grade official in the capital. In the Great Zhou, a third-grade official might aspire to the prime minister’s seat; to reach fifth grade was no small feat.
Though presently only one living member served as a sixth-grade official in the capital, the Gu family had, over several generations, cultivated connections and produced accomplished elders. The ancestor who held the fifth-grade position had successfully married a woman from a prominent Longxi lineage in the capital. From then on, the Gu family’s status soared. Whether outsiders acknowledged this rise mattered little; for two or three generations, the Gu family regarded themselves as the foremost house in Shidai, dismissing all others.
Xue Yun’er’s former fiancé was none other than the youngest son of the Gu family’s patriarch, Gu Cheng. On the day bandits led by Chief Li stormed the wedding, this young master was so terrified that he fled on horseback before the constables could react, abandoning the bridal sedan, which was promptly seized by the mountain bandits.
Afterward, the Gu family feigned ignorance, sending only an uncle to Qingyang to inquire about the situation, then fell utterly silent. By any measure, their conduct was reprehensible.
Now, with Xue Yun’er returned home, the ceremony unfinished but the marriage contract already signed, the Gu family was certain to dispatch someone to settle the matter. Master Xue had kept Li Yun in Qingyang precisely to have him vouch for Xue Yun’er’s innocence, determined to protect his daughter’s reputation, whether the outcome favored them or not.
Chief Li reflected. Though not personally responsible for the incident, it had occurred because of him. As a man of honor, he felt obliged to see the matter through. After some deliberation, he nodded slowly. “Very well. When the Gu family arrives, you may send for me, Master Xue.”
Xue, the county magistrate, frowned. “You won’t stay with me at the county office?”
Li Yun waved his hand energetically, shaking his head. “Master Xue, I was born in Qingyang, but it’s been many years since I returned. These two days, I’d like to wander the town. When the Gu family comes, send someone for me—I’ll be there.”
He patted his chest. “Li Zhao’s word is his bond. I promise I’ll come.”
Master Xue regarded him for a moment, then nodded. “With your skill, there’s little to worry about. Spend these days exploring Qingyang. When the Gu matter’s settled, I’ll arrange for you to visit the county office and meet your subordinates.”
Li Yun’s eyes glinted merrily, and he suddenly asked, “Master Xue, as captain, how many men am I in charge of?”
“Just over twenty,” the magistrate replied, shaking his head slightly. “Qingyang isn’t a large county…”
Barely twenty men… Chief Li scoffed inwardly. He had more under his command in the mountains! Yet his smile remained. “Then…”
“May I bring a couple of outsiders in to serve as county constables?”
Master Xue clasped his hands behind his back, casting him a sidelong glance and lowering his voice, “You mustn’t bring mountain bandits into Qingyang.”
Chief Li grinned broadly. “How could I? I’ve always been upright, never tolerated the slightest impropriety, and all my acquaintances are righteous men. How would I know any bandits?”
---
Master Xue’s gaze lingered, his expression complex, but he said nothing further and strode away. “I haven’t been in Qingyang long…”
Chief Li watched the magistrate’s retreating figure, rubbing his chin. What did that old man mean with those last words?
As he pondered, Xue Yun’er walked past, casting him a glance and lowering her voice, “You’ve come down from the mountains and know nothing—don’t let yourself be deceived…”
With that, Miss Xue hurried after her mother, departing with her parents. Chief Li, hands clasped behind his back, rolled his eyes at her receding figure.
I know nothing? I know far too much!
---
For the next two days, Chief Li—or rather, Captain Li—explored every corner of Qingyang County town.
In this era, even the capital wasn’t vast like cities of later ages, so a county seat such as Qingyang was even smaller. In two days, Li Yun had nearly traversed the whole town.
Ever cautious, he marked several spots for quick escape, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. Well—bolt with his sword, not a bucket.
One midday, Captain Li sat in a roadside tavern, having just ordered food when a young man in black rushed over, bowed, and said, “Captain, the magistrate requests your presence.”
Li Yun eyed the messenger and smiled, “How did you find me?”
The constable paused, then replied, “Captain, Qingyang is so small…”
“Good answer.”
Li Yun chuckled, rising to clap the man’s shoulder. “What’s your name?”
“My surname is Chen, eldest in the family. Everyone calls me Chen Da.”
“Off you go,” Captain Li yawned and stretched lazily. “I’ll be right there.”
“Yes, sir.” Chen Da turned and dashed away, nimble as could be.
It wasn’t that Captain Li wielded immense authority; rather, everyone in Qingyang knew of his formidable skills and feared crossing someone who could toss a man out with ease.
Li Yun then called the waiter, pulled out a handful of copper coins, and spread them on the table. “I have urgent business, won’t eat. Here’s the money for the meal.”
The distant innkeeper hustled over, scooped up the coins, and pressed them back into Li Yun’s hand with a broad smile. “Sir, we wouldn’t dare take your money, especially since you haven’t eaten yet. Please go as you wish.”
Li Yun was curious, “Do officials in Qingyang eat free everywhere?”
The innkeeper’s expression turned odd, and he dared not answer.
Li Yun scoffed, refusing the money, and strode away.
At the tavern door, he glanced back, spat on the ground, and muttered quietly,
---
“Damn it, even a bandit like me pays for his food!”
---
At the Qingyang County office,
A middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, Gu Zhang, accompanied his nephew Gu Cheng as they stood before Magistrate Xue Song. Gu Zhang’s face was full of apologetic smiles as he bowed respectfully.
Gu Cheng lingered behind his uncle, glancing about idly, hardly concerned with the day’s proceedings.
“Brother Yueji, this marriage was originally proposed by me, and I managed all its arrangements. Now, with things turned out this way, I must admit my fault and offer you my apologies.”
Gu Zhang bowed deeply and sighed, “However…”
“The old matriarch at home refuses to let the family’s name be tarnished, adamantly denying your daughter entry. At this point, there’s nothing I can do but ask your forgiveness.”
“We have prepared a modest offering to express our regret.”
He glanced at Gu Cheng and barked, “Why aren’t you bowing to your Uncle Xue and apologizing?”
Gu Cheng answered, about to kneel, but Master Xue sternly interjected.
“Hold on.”
The magistrate stood, glaring at Gu Zhang, the muscles in his face twitching with suppressed anger.
“So, Brother Gu, you are here today…”
Gu Zhang’s face darkened, sighing, “We are here to withdraw from the engagement.”
“You know, the old matriarch…”
“I know,” Master Xue said, his face black with anger, teeth clenched. “From a Longxi aristocratic family, of course.”
He glared at the uncle and nephew, exhaling deeply after a long pause.
“Withdrawal is possible, but before that, there is one matter that must be made clear between our families.”
He turned to his attendant and barked, “Where is Captain Li?!”
The attendant hurried outside, glanced around, and rushed back in, bowing low. "Sir, Captain Li… Captain Li is already outside the office."
"Good."
Magistrate Xue returned to his seat, gulped down his tea, and spoke slowly.
"Immediately…"
"Let him in."