Chapter 13 (1/2)
Interrogations
Unimpressed, Xu Qian watched the head constable leave.
Too many days had passed for a proper evidence collection.
‘This era has no fingerprinting technology. There is no way Zhang Xian made the shoe prints himself. What other techniques can be used in this era to solve this case?’ Xu Qian racked his brain for a solution.
…
“These low-level officials are only useful when there’s profit to be gained. They’ll dance like monkeys when money is involved.”
The county magistrate’s anger resonated with his words. A murder case was a big deal and this victim had familial ties to
Master Xu
who sat on the Board of Imperial Advisors.
Who was the Board of Imperial Advisors?
They were imperial censors who flaunted their power by doling out punishment to whomever they please. Anyone who crossed them would be impeached citing misconduct.
The official registrar’s gaunt face was decorated with a goatee. He let out a chuckle. “They’ll have to go fishing sooner or later.”
As seasoned officials, they knew the underhand tactics used by the low-level officials.
When it came to manipulation, the low-level officials were akin to elementary school students. The masters were in the imperial courts while the governors of the border regions ranked second.
“Fishing when inspections are due? What am I supposed to say when the courts accuse us of misconduct?” Magistrate Zhu said.
At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. Constable Wang made his way into the hall. He stopped immediately after crossing the threshold and respectfully greeted, “We have a breakthrough in the Zhang murder case, Magistrate Zhu. Please issue a warrant for us to make the arrest.”
Magistrate Zhu and Registrar Xu [1] exchanged a look—the former chuckled while the latter wore a knowing smile.
Their expressions made Constable Wang hesitant. “There is no time to lose.”
Magistrate Zhu slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Fool! Do you think I wouldn’t know? Fishing at this stage? Are you dumb?”
Under normal circumstances, a forced confession was acceptable but there laid the problem.
After a confession was obtained, the case would have to be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for sentencing.
The inspections were due for the year-end and there was a thrum of nervousness in the courts of Jingzhao City. Every official was being careful with their activities while keeping an eye on others, hoping to catch their enemies red-handed.
It was a time of political uncertainty and any verdict could be reversed.
Constable Wang hastened to clarify, “Please, you misunderstand. I am not fishing. I am confident we will nab the true perpetrator. Please believe me.”
‘Do you think I’m not aware of your abilities?’ Magistrate Zhu eyed Constable Wang suspiciously. “State your case.”
Constable Wang was glad to explain.
“Of course. The murder case has many oddities…”
Constable Wang reiterated Xu Qian’s theory for the two officials.
As the explanation went on, Magistrate Zhu’s disbelief changed into surprise—his back straightened unconsciously. In the end, he was silent with a stern expression on his face.
He was deep in thought.
Registrar Xu clapped his hand and praised. “Amazing! A painstaking investigation conducted with logic and rationale! You pried out the truth from the tiniest of clues. Truly the best of our times.”
Of course, they still required evidence and verification but the explanation gave the people of Changle County Courts a direction in mind.
Constable Wang smiled and said, “You’re being too generous.”
Magistrate Zhu laughed and asked, “Who taught you such methods?”
After a moment’s thought, Constable Wang tamped down the urge to steal another man’s achievement and said, “Fast-Hands Xu Qian.”
The designation was similar to the video-sharing platform in the modern day. In the ancient period, it was used to address the officials in the swift class.
Xu Qian… Magistrate Zhu was the first to react. “Him!”
Magistrate Zhu had gone for drinks with Xu Pingzhi in the past and they were on good terms. A few years ago, Xu Pingzhi had spent 20 silver taels to get his nephew a job.
In Dafeng, an official’s job can be passed down to his son.
Therefore, it was considered a stable source of income for the family.
Magistrate Zhu smiled. “That’s the boy.”
Registrar Xu recalled the case of the missing tax money and asked, “What do you mean?”
Constable Wang paid close attention to their exchange.
A smile was on the county magistrate’s face when he said, “The Xu family was embroiled in the high-profile case regarding the missing tax silvers. Why do you think the family was let off without a scratch?”
“I heard it was Xu Pingzhi of the Armed Guards who assisted with the investigation and thus was absolved by the Emperor,” said Constable Wang.
That was the story told by Xu Qian.
Registrar Xu glanced at Magistrate Zhu and asked, “Is there some inside story?”