These words, spoken leisurely, carried the smell of alcohol and drowsiness from deep within, momentarily suppressing the murderous intent brimming in the sheathed swords.
The martial artists in this courtyard mostly worked under the provincial government. Their abilities aside, their eyesight was unquestionably sharp. Tonight, too many nobles had passed through, and with many uncertainties in the events, their nerves had already been strained to the limit. At these words, their movements paused subconsciously, and their weapons clanged noisily.
Simultaneously, they turned sharply toward the source of the sound and discovered that the speaker was no noble but merely an ordinary old man whose clothes seemed as if they hadn't been changed in a long time, pressing down on him like iron, reeking of alcohol.
Such people were common in Liangzhou, merely old drunkards.
The guard leading Wang Anfeng and another person inside was the first to bring them forward, but suddenly, a chill struck his heart as he recalled a critical issue he had overlooked earlier amidst his excitement, a deadly issue.
He rubbed his fingers together, feeling a slippery sensation, and brought them to his nose for a light sniff. The scent was faint but lingering, soothing to the mind and spirit. Yet, his heart trembled in an instant, and his face paled.
His hand had just touched the wooden plaque the old man had pulled from his sleeve.
It was made of sandalwood.
Liangzhou's wine gatherings might now be a significant event in Xianping County, but originally, they were mere 'literary spats' among local craftsmen. The plaques from those times made by Liangzhou's taverns were typically of willow or peach wood, with the finer ones made from nanmu, another quality material. The finest, however, were made of sandalwood.
Sandalwood was expensive, even for a mere plaque, costly enough to be valued similarly to gold. Only a handful initially received a sandalwood plaque from the tavern, including the Grandmaster Jiu Zizai, who later committed a significant crime. Someone possessing a sandalwood plaque was either wealthy or noble, or of a distinguished origin. In any case, they couldn't be regarded ordinarily.
He had been so eager in his attack earlier that he had completely forgotten about it.
As this thought flashed through his mind and he saw Liu Ling's relaxed demeanor, carelessly smiling at him, the guard's face turned ashen, and his stout body nearly buckled.
Tie Lin, a renowned catcher in Vermilion Clothes, narrowed his eyes and raised a hand to stop the martial artists, turning toward Liu Ling. Amid the unresolved situation, this catcher, who was well-disciplined with everyone, even during the earlier 'fishing' incident, hadn't relaxed his adherence to the rules. He crossed his arms in front of Liu Ling, his voice softer than when he faced Wang Anfeng, and asked,
"May I know what further instructions the elder has?"
Liu Ling smacked his lips, tucked the wine jug into the loop of his Cloud-Patterned White Jade Belt at his waist, lifting his robe to reveal a golden silk bag embroidered with a leaping fish under the glistening waves. Originally tied at one side of his belt, it had been hidden under the layers of his robe until he deliberately lifted it a bit for everyone to see clearly.
Under the moonlight, the carp seemed poised to leap over the Dragon Gate.
Tie Lin's pupils sharply contracted.
Liu Ling flicked his robe, letting the dusty hem fall to cover the goldfish bag, and said lazily,
"I remember, in the laws of Great Qin, there was a decree stating that the Jianghu and the Imperial Court are distinct. If an official of Great Qin falls into a Jianghu vendetta, certain leniencies are allowed. However, if later investigations reveal more, severe punishments can follow."
"Being of advanced age, my memory might not be accurate, but I am sure I haven't misrecalled."
Tie Lin's expression changed repeatedly.
Sure enough, such a law existed within Qin's legal code, essentially allowing the Imperial Court to 'fish' within Jianghu. Originally crafted by Zhou Fengyue, Scholar of Heaven Capital City, countless Jianghu moles of the Imperial Court had been exposed due to this Qin decree and were subsequently utilized and disposed of neatly once deemed valueless.
Official kills official, more adeptly than even the Jianghu people.
Jianghu folk kill with swords; officials kill with pens.
When the decree left the Ministry of Punishment, while the deceased belonged to Jianghu, it ran on dual tracks. Thus, Zhou Fengyue quietly cleared his name, leaving the huge blame to be shouldered by the Court of Judicial Review and all the scholars of the legalistic school who were involved. Remaining at home, studying and practicing martial arts, they were hit by a tremendous scapegoating, often resulting in conflicts with martial artists of Jianghu, leading to much bloodshed.
With such profound enmity, disciples of the legalistic school naturally disliked mentioning this law, yet bringing it up now seemed perfectly fitting.
Earlier, the hook of Liu Ling's Cloud-Patterned White Jade Belt, along with that goldfish bag, had repeatedly emerged before Tie Lin, igniting a burning desire and greed within him. However, he suppressed this craving as he heard Wuxin's footsteps behind him.
Though his face remained calm, his heart was still tumultuous.
That was a goldfish bag.
Great Qin's ancestor by the name Li Hu, marked the only absence of a 'Tiger Talisman' within Great Qin, instead representing 'Li' through 'carp,' meaning the 'Fish Talisman.' Even the seal of high officials could be hidden within the fish bag, and to wear such a fish bag, one must be at least Fifth Rank or higher.
The goldfish bag, according to regulations, was an honor reserved for Third Rank officials of the Imperial Court.
If not so, then it implied immense imperial favor; having once received the emperor's special grace, such a person was equally untouchable, especially someone he could not afford to provoke. These rules were not necessarily adhered to strictly; there was no need to incite conflict with such individuals.
Just as he was about to retreat, Wuxin, who had stepped forward, crossed his arms and spoke lightly,
"Qin's laws indeed have such a clause, but may I boldly ask which rank the elder holds? What brings him here? Which year's official rank is yet to be corrected? And where did this goldfish bag come from? The regulations of the Ministry of Punishment require clarity. I hope you don't mind."