“I think you should know that both the tofu and dried bean curd in the Rising Cloud Inn are snow-white and smooth. The things that were thrown out really didn’t look good.”
As Zhao Zhan spoke, a bashful expression appeared on his face. “If it wasn’t for the fact that I spent a few dozen silver to get these things from someone else, I wouldn’t have bothered you with these matters.”
Zhao Zhan had been shielding Yue Jiaojiao with his body the entire time.
Xu Li looked at her curiously, but he saw that she had her head lowered and was wearing a veil. Although she looked a little fairer than the usual village women, she was a mud-legged lady and couldn’t be that beautiful. He only looked at her a few more times and gave up.
“In that case, do you suspect anyone?”
The chief officer sipped his tea in boredom. Although he had accepted their matter, he felt very tired just thinking about searching for the culprit.
Zhao Zhan was waiting for him to say this. He immediately said,”My neighbor to the West of my house has been acting sneaky recently. When I took the tofu home, only his family saw me. If you could, I’d like to trouble you to search the house. If it’s not him, I won’t further pursue this matter.”
“It’s a small matter. This can be quickly solved.”
“Thank you. May I ask, if it was really his family who stole my things, what punishment will they receive? ”
The chief raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Zhan with a cold smile. “I don’t think they’ll receive much punishment. They’lljust be beaten a few times and then sent to the county government. As for the specific punishment, it depends on the county Magistrate. I’m just a small chief and I don’t have that much power.”
“I understand. Thank you, chief.” Zhao Zhan lowered his head and thanked him. Then, he placed a purse next to the pastry. “I’ve troubled you with this matter today, I’d like to give my sincerest apology.”
Seeing that he was being honest, the chief finally smiled. “I’ll tell the bailiff. If he really stole what you lost, he’ll pay you silver on the spot and be sent to the county government after a beating.”
“Since it’s a compensation of silver, it’s also compensation to the chief. I only want to seek justice.”
The chief’s good impression of Zhao Zhan could not help but rise. He waved his hand happily and asked Zhao Zhan to bring the constables out.
When the courtyard door was kicked open, Lin Yuanxu picked up his chopsticks and was about to fly into a rage. “Who is so impudent as to kick down my door? ”
“Open the door!”
The two bailiffs received the order and were enthusiastic about doing things. They entered the door and reprimanded him. Then their eyes fell on Lin Yuanxu’s dining table and snorted with laughter. “How dare a thief have such big guts? Take him down!”
Two of them stepped forward and pressed Lin Yuanxu down on the bench.
“What crime have I committed?”
“Naturally, it’s the crime of stealing! Block his mouth and send him to the county government after we’re done!”
Lin Yuanxu was angry and afraid. He subconsciously struggled with his hands and feet, but before he could cry out at the top of his voice, his mouth was already covered by a cloth he had taken from the kitchen.
The board made a dull sound as it hit his body.
Yue Jiaojiao, who was standing outside the door, heard everything and laughed without restraint. “He deserves it. Let’s see if this guy would still dare to stir up trouble in the mountain gaze in the future.”
Zhao Zhan looked at her with a doting smile.
“Jiaojiao! Something happened! You guys should go back to the village and take a look!”
Li Miao, who had just arrived on Lizheng’s ox cart, was so anxious that she was sweating profusely. When she saw Yue Jiaojiao’s figure, her tone became anxious.