After traveling for five or six days, Qin Zhonghai mostly stayed in the military camp and rarely spoke with Lu Yun. This night, as the army marched into Shandong Province, Qin Zhonghai suddenly ordered his troops to make camp. Everyone settled the horses and gathered around campfires to chat when suddenly a long laugh was heard, and a man emerged from the tent – it was Qin Zhonghai.

Deputy Li stepped forward and asked: “General, we’ve reached the provincial capital. What should we do next?”

Qin Zhonghai looked up at the sky and laughed heartily: “Listen well – tonight, for Qin’s sake, you will all become bandits for me!”

Everyone was astonished at these words, and Lu Yun was particularly shocked. Seeing everyone’s hesitation, Qin Zhonghai just chuckled: “You’ve followed me, Qin Zhonghai, for seven or eight years now. I’ve led from the front without shirking hardship or toil. If you truly respect me, then for Old Qin’s sake today, take this risk for me.”

The soldiers looked at each other, and suddenly smiles appeared on all their faces. It turned out these men all came from rough backgrounds and had been recruited by Qin Zhonghai one by one into the army. Having heard they would return to their old trade, they were actually extremely excited – they only feared their superior was testing them falsely. Hearing his words were true, they all rubbed their fists and palms together eagerly – what more persuasion was needed?

Deputy Li jerked his chin toward Lu Yun and whispered: “General, can this Scholar Lu be trusted?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Don’t think of him as a scholar – he’s also from a bandit background.” Deputy Li made a sound of understanding but didn’t quite believe it.

Indeed, Lu Yun considered himself a sage – how could his heart endure such absurdity? He immediately stepped forward and said sternly: “General Qin, is this the final battle you spoke of – engaging in robbery and plunder?”

Qin Zhonghai sneered coldly: “What kind of man am I, Qin Zhonghai? Am I some petty thief? If you trust my character, just follow me and I guarantee not even half a finger of yours will be soiled. If you don’t trust me, then turn around and leave – I won’t blame you for a single word.” He no longer paid attention to Lu Yun and ordered his subordinates to remove their official military uniforms and change into black clothes with covered faces, preparing for their big job.

Lu Yun pondered for a while, hesitating for a long time before saying: “Fine! I trust the General’s character – let’s go together.” Though he spoke this way, he secretly decided that if Qin Zhonghai truly intended to harm the people, he couldn’t openly turn against him, but he would certainly try his best to dissuade him and never let him kill innocents.

Qin Zhonghai saw this but didn’t care much. He took out a map and whispered instructions to everyone about this and that, not knowing what he actually planned – it looked extremely mysterious.

When the third watch came, the army shouted and charged down from the hilltop, attacking the provincial capital fiercely. Lu Yun didn’t know Qin Zhonghai’s intentions and feared he might harm civilians, so he hurriedly followed.

The army charged straight through the city gates. This place rarely saw bandits, and the city guards were only a few men who had long since fallen asleep in the deep night, with the city gates only loosely closed. The sleeping soldiers suddenly heard great shouts of killing as countless troops charged in, frightening them so badly they scattered in panic, crying: “Shandong bandits are here!”

Qin Zhonghai led the charge, breaking open the main gate, while his subordinates followed to capture and bind the city guards. Five thousand troops entered the city but didn’t disturb the civilians – they only galloped through the streets. Lu Yun had been worried Qin Zhonghai might start killing, but who knew that after attacking the county seat, he only bound the city guards without disturbing civilians or robbing anyone. He was quite surprised and didn’t know what he really intended.

At this time, the civilians around had also awakened. Hearing troops entering the city, they were terrified out of their wits, crying for their parents and hiding under offering tables, burning incense and praying to Buddha, begging the bandit lords to leave quickly.

Lu Yun frowned tightly as he followed the army forward, constantly pondering Qin Zhonghai’s intentions. After walking for a short while, he suddenly saw an inn by the street that looked very familiar. Looking up, he saw it bore the words “Guest Welcome Pavilion.”

Lu Yun cried “Ah!” and recognized this county seat as the place of his former downfall. Years ago, after failing the imperial examinations, he had fallen to working as a waiter here, but he didn’t know why Qin Zhonghai had come to this place.

Just as he was wondering, Qin Zhonghai had already led the army to the county office and laughed heartily: “Brother Lu, is this the very office that made you suffer so terribly?”

Lu Yun suddenly understood and said in a trembling voice: “General Qin, you… you came to avenge me?”

This county office was exactly where Lu Yun had been framed and beaten nearly to death years ago. Though Lu Yun was later rescued by heroes from the Twin Dragon Stronghold on the Yangtze, he was also falsely accused of being an accomplice of bandits, beginning two years of miserable wandering.

Qin Zhonghai looked up at the sky and laughed loudly: “Petty men at court are making trouble, insisting on withdrawing your decree and refusing to clear your name. Hehe, that’s nothing special. With Qin’s large army here, if those bastards won’t help you, we’ll just do it ourselves by force – what’s so remarkable about that?”

Lu Yun suddenly understood that Qin Zhonghai had already investigated his past and background clearly. Seeing his frustrated ambitions, he had come to stand up for him and avenge past wrongs. His heart was moved, and thinking that no one in his life had ever treated him so well, he couldn’t help but shed tears: “General Qin’s intentions are received by Lu Yun. But since I’ve decided to return home to teach, why must the General go to such great trouble for me?”

Qin Zhonghai sneered coldly: “When I recruited you back then, I already promised to clear your name – this is what I owe you. What are you babbling about?”

Lu Yun shook his head: “You’re a court official – how can you do such things? Let’s go back quickly!”

Qin Zhonghai wouldn’t listen to him. He pushed him aside and said sternly: “All troops, listen to orders – cover your faces!”

The three armies responded with a shout and immediately put on their hoods. Qin Zhonghai roared: “Attack!” He led the charge, raising his foot to kick down the county office gates. The officers inside heard the noise and were all greatly alarmed, rushing out in panic.

Qin Zhonghai cursed: “Damn your ancestors!” and immediately kicked them down one by one. The soldiers behind him laughed heartily and all surged through the gates.

Qin Zhonghai leaped into the office and sat in the county magistrate’s great hall. He pulled down his hood with a stern expression and roared: “Where is the dog official of this place?”

Deputy Li hurried over and reported: “General, this subordinate has already sealed off all roads inside and outside the city. We’re now bringing the corrupt official Wu Chang and that secretary’s entire family to await the General’s judgment.”

Lu Yun trembled all over in great shock and urgently advised: “General, don’t act rashly – if someone recognizes you, that would be enormous trouble.” Lu Yun was about to say more when he heard shouting from outside: “The corrupt official has arrived at the office! Awaiting trial!”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and shouted: “Bring the corrupt official Wu Chang!” The soldiers on both sides responded loudly: “Bring the corrupt official Wu Chang!”

Lu Yun looked back and saw Deputy Li had already brought up a fat, middle-aged man – it was Wu Chang.

Looking at Wu Chang, Lu Yun felt past events flooding back. Years ago, this man had beaten him nearly to death and finally falsely accused him of being a bandit – all his misfortune had started with this person. Lu Yun felt grief and anger surge within him. Though he didn’t want to engage in illegal activities, with his enemy before him, he truly couldn’t restrain himself. Trembling all over, he rushed forward and pointed accusingly: “Corrupt official! It was you who made me suffer so terribly!”

Wu Chang was seen cowering on the ground, constantly trembling and begging for mercy. Qin Zhonghai ordered men to restrain Lu Yun and smiled: “Leave this man to me! Your brother is best at dealing with this kind of scum – you just stand aside and watch.”

Deputy Li brought over a stool for Lu Yun to sit and observe. Lu Yun, in his grief and anger, decided to throw caution to the wind and didn’t even wear a mask, just waiting to see Qin Zhonghai’s methods.

Qin Zhonghai ordered men to drag over Wu Chang but still felt unsatisfied, asking: “Where’s his secretary?” Deputy Li shouted: “Bring the dog official’s secretary!” Soon everyone dragged over a man with a pointed face like a monkey – it was the secretary.

Qin Zhonghai slammed the gavel and shouted: “Audacious dog official! Shameless secretary! Do you two confess your crimes?”

The two men didn’t know why these bandits had come and, hearing these words, felt both surprised and afraid: “Sir, what crimes do you want us to confess?”

Lu Yun, sitting to the side and hearing this, was extremely angry. These two had harmed him so terribly, yet seeing his face they showed no remorse whatsoever. Just as he was feeling grief and anger, he saw Qin Zhonghai point at Wu Chang and shout: “What crimes? Looking at how ugly, strange, and fat you are – that itself is a crime! Beat him!”

Wu Chang was shocked: “I was born this way – how is this also a crime?”

Qin Zhonghai cursed: “Before forty, a person’s appearance depends on their parents; after forty, their looks depend on themselves! How old are you?”

Wu Chang said tremblingly: “Forty-six.”

Qin Zhonghai roared: “Exactly! Forty-six and still pig-headed and pig-brained – I get angry just looking at you. First give him twenty heavy strokes!”

Deputy Li smiled: “Yes!” He picked up a cane and struck the county magistrate’s buttocks forcefully, immediately beating him until his skin split and he was in unbearable pain.

Lu Yun saw the county official beaten this way and, remembering his own past brutal beating by this man, felt some satisfaction in his heart.

The county magistrate was beaten dizzy and cried: “Sir, stop beating me! I confess! It’s all because my wife is too good at cooking – every day she makes delicacies, which made me eat myself into this state.”

Qin Zhonghai sneered: “Fine, hearing you speak so pitifully, I’ll let you off for now.”

The secretary kneeling to the side thought: “Fortunately, I have an immortal bearing and a naturally lean constitution that can’t gain weight. With my monkey-like figure, I’ll surely escape disaster today.” Just as he was feeling smug, he suddenly heard Qin Zhonghai slam the gavel and shout: “Damn it! Why is that dog-like secretary so thin and small like a monkey? How dare such a monkey-faced, dog-like creature walk the streets without fearing to frighten children? Absolutely deserving of death! Beat him severely!”

The secretary saw soldiers on both sides holding canes and was so frightened his whole body went soft as he begged: “Sir! You beat the fat and also beat the thin – isn’t this fabricating charges?”

Qin Zhonghai snorted and sneered: “So you’re saying you shouldn’t be beaten?”

The secretary, seeing him being reasonable, immediately became righteous: “Of course I shouldn’t be beaten! My clan has no law-breaking men and no remarried women – we’ve always stood upright between heaven and earth. How could I deserve beating?”

Qin Zhonghai said coldly: “You can really talk! Men, bring out all the people’s fat and people’s cream he’s scraped together!”

Everyone shouted and dragged out countless gold and silver. Qin Zhonghai sneered: “Weigh it and see how much it is!”

After Deputy Li weighed it: “Altogether seventy-two jin.”

The county magistrate had originally been lying on the ground, but hearing the secretary’s family treasure reached such an astronomical amount, he jumped up in shock and kicked the secretary: “You… you bastard actually have more money than me!”

The secretary smiled bitterly and dodged around, and the two immediately started fighting.

Qin Zhonghai ordered Deputy Li to separate them, then pointed at the secretary and cursed: “Dog bastard! Your house hides seventy-two jin of treasure – how much does your monkey-like body weigh?”

The secretary was terrified out of his wits and said tremblingly: “I never weighed myself…”

Qin Zhonghai said sternly: “Men, hang him up and weigh him.”

Everyone hung him up and weighed him carefully, then reported: “This fellow has little meat – only about sixty jin.”

Qin Zhonghai slammed the gavel heavily and cursed: “Damn it! With so much gold and silver at home, yet he won’t even eat well – this monkey doesn’t know what else he’s thinking. Beat him first!”

The secretary was shocked and afraid: “I’m naturally frugal – how is that also worthy of beating?” The soldiers on both sides wouldn’t let him say more and beat him randomly about the head and brain.

Qin Zhonghai felt completely refreshed watching and suddenly shouted: “Men! Bring out the dog official’s family members!” Hearing their family members would be brought out and not knowing what terrible fate awaited them, the two men were so frightened they defecated and urinated, filling the air with stench.

The soldiers dragged up several old and young people – relatives, wives, and children of the two men. Lu Yun feared Qin Zhonghai would harm innocents and was about to dissuade him when he suddenly heard Qin Zhonghai shout: “Release all the old people and children! Keep only those women!” The crowd of old and young, as if receiving imperial amnesty, fled from the office in panic, leaving only two women in the hall.

Qin Zhonghai saw the two corrupt officials’ wives were quite beautiful and snorted: “Wouldn’t have thought you two – one pig, one monkey – could actually marry such beautiful women as wives.”

The secretary, caring only for his life and not his bedmate’s fate, quickly smiled obsequiously: “Your Majesty, are you perhaps lacking a stronghold wife? Though my woman wasn’t born with flower-like beauty, her skills are still usable – my monkey-like physique was tortured by her. If Your Majesty takes her back to make do with, please spare this little man?”

Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai was furious and immediately shouted: “This man is a natural pimp! When it comes to the crunch, he doesn’t even want his wife – truly the epitome of shamelessness! Slap his mouth hard!” The soldiers on both sides rushed forward and slapped him until it crackled, immediately swelling his cheeks high.

Qin Zhonghai saw Wu Chang cowering to the side with an extremely ugly expression. He knew that to clear Lu Yun’s name, he must work through this man, so he immediately gave a meaningful look. Deputy Li understood and immediately jumped out, raising his sword to point at Wu Chang: “Villain! Our king has come today to carry out Heaven’s will. If you have any guilty deeds, confess them early. After our king judges your case and sees your evils aren’t too numerous, he might spare you a whole corpse!”

Wu Chang dared not tell the truth and only kowtowed like pounding garlic: “I have no guilty deeds! Your Majesty wrongs me!”

Qin Zhonghai snorted heavily. Deputy Li raised his sword and swung it, cutting off Wu Chang’s topknot. Wu Chang was so frightened his soul nearly left his body: “I confess! As long as you don’t kill me, I’ll confess everything!” He panted repeatedly and lay trembling on the ground.

Qin Zhonghai chuckled: “Since you want to confess, speak quickly.”

Wu Chang wiped the cold sweat from his face and smiled obsequiously: “Yes, yes… This humble person has done many evil deeds in life. My greatest evil deed was donating too much to temples and giving too much charity to the poor…”

Hearing his complete nonsense, Qin Zhonghai immediately roared: “Beat him severely!”

Deputy Li raised the cane and beat him randomly on head, face, hands, and feet. Wu Chang couldn’t bear the pain and howled: “I confess! I confess! I’ll confess everything!”

Hearing this, Deputy Li immediately stopped. Wu Chang smiled bitterly twice and sighed: “My evil deeds in life can be roughly divided into four categories and eight types – I don’t know which kind Your Majesty wants me to confess?”

Qin Zhonghai was curious – this man specialized in framing good people, but he didn’t expect him to have so many tricks. He asked: “Which four categories and eight types? Tell me each one – if I’m pleased to hear it, I might spare your life.”

Wu Chang sighed: “This humble person’s methods of making money and harming people – the first four categories are called ‘eating, drinking, whoring, gambling,’ and the latter eight types are called ‘stealing, robbing, kidnapping, cheating, raping, pillaging, plundering, seizing’ – which would Your Majesty like to hear?”

Qin Zhonghai had only wanted to clear Lu Yun’s name but didn’t expect such an unexpected bonus. He laughed heartily: “Seems you’re no different from bandits! At most we just rob and kill – when it comes to these tricks, we’re not as skilled as you.”

Hearing this praise, Wu Chang immediately looked pleased: “I’m a jinshi graduate – my brain is much better than you bandits. Of course I have many more methods for making money…”

He was about to continue when Deputy Li had already kicked him down: “Where does all this nonsense come from!”

Wu Chang rolled on the ground and panted: “Alright! Which category or type does Your Majesty want to hear about?”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “You just mentioned the four categories include eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling – but how can ‘eating’ and ‘drinking’ make money and harm people?”

Wu Chang laughed dryly twice: “I dare not hide anything from Your Majesty. This ‘eating’ means Hongmen banquets, and ‘drinking’ means wine at the knife’s edge. Whenever rich merchants in the city attend my mother’s birthday banquet, they must eat this Hongmen banquet – one thousand taels of silver per person, no one can escape.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound of understanding: “So that’s how it works. What about this ‘drinking’? What special skill is that?”

Wu Chang smiled: “This drinking is quite easy to explain. Everyone at my banquet gets three large jars of wine – they can’t leave until they finish.”

Qin Zhonghai snorted: “Who has such capacity to finish three large jars?”

Wu Chang chuckled wickedly: “If they can’t finish, they must buy one jar to take out – one thousand five hundred taels, young and old alike, all prices clearly marked.”

Seeing him grinning shamelessly and even making his corrupt business into verses, Qin Zhonghai was furious and immediately shouted: “Still dare to smile? Beat him! Give him thirty heavy lashes and make sure he cries for his mother!” Everyone heard Qin Zhonghai imitating the corrupt official’s tone and couldn’t help but secretly chuckle.

Hearing the county official being beaten and crying in pain, the secretary was trembling with fear when he suddenly heard Qin Zhonghai ask: “Earlier this corrupt official mentioned eight types of bandit business called ‘stealing, robbing, kidnapping, cheating’… what was it?”

The secretary dared not refuse to answer and hurriedly said: “The latter four types are called raping, pillaging, plundering, seizing.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Right, raping, pillaging, plundering, seizing.” He suddenly became furious and shouted: “Still dare to talk back! Beat him!” Everyone was delighted and punched and kicked until they were all sweating.

After a good while, Qin Zhonghai saw the secretary beaten until he saw stars and his mouth and eyes were crooked, then coughed: “Your eight types of business aren’t complete or accurate – something’s not quite right. These ‘raping’ and ‘pillaging’ are synonymous words – how can they have different uses?”

The secretary said with a bitter face: “Adultery with men’s wives is called ‘raping,’ peeping and harassment is called ‘pillaging.'”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “I see.” He suddenly became furious and shouted: “Still dare to talk back! Beat him again!” The soldiers whooped and rushed forward to randomly grab and beat him.

The secretary’s nose was bruised and face swollen as he said with a crooked mouth: “What else does Your Majesty want to ask?”

Qin Zhonghai sneered: “Have you ever committed crimes of pillaging?”

The secretary saw the soldiers on both sides looking unfriendly and said tremblingly: “Pillaging is divided into several categories – I don’t know which kind Your Majesty wants to ask about?”

Qin Zhonghai was greatly curious: “There are so many wonderful variations? Tell me about them!”

The secretary reported in a low voice: “Pillaging can be subdivided into four major types: ‘thinking, touching, stealing, eating.'”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound of understanding and chuckled: “Thinking, touching, stealing, eating? Who have you been thinking about and touching?”

The secretary sighed deeply: “I’ve thought about too many – it’s beyond telling.”

Qin Zhonghai said “Oh”: “What about touching?”

The secretary hung his head dejectedly and said quietly: “Touching means groping around – that’s also endless to tell.”

Qin Zhonghai, getting interested, asked again: “What about stealing and eating?”

The secretary coughed lightly: “Stealing means using drugs and incense – such foolish things I don’t do. But eating means secret liaisons – that’s the highest realm. Take a bite and leave, easy and simple – I do that frequently.”

Suddenly Wu Chang’s wife cried: “So you always intended to take a bite and leave! You… you heartless wretch!” She rushed forward and kicked the secretary wildly.

Wu Chang nearby was shocked: “You damn Li Gu! You little bastard ate my food, drank my wine, and then raped me! No wonder my son is always so thin he can’t gain weight, looking like a skinny monkey – turns out he’s your bastard’s spawn! I’ll fight you to the death!” He rushed forward and they bit and wrestled together.

The secretary was angry: “You shameless corrupt official! Every time you come to my house drunk, what do you think you’re doing?” The two cursed each other and immediately started fighting.

Lu Yun sighed silently. These people received the ruler’s salary but behaved so despicably – it seemed his being framed by them was truly insignificant by comparison.

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Alright! Neither of you suffered any loss – from now on just swap wives and both families will be happy.”

Hearing there was hope of survival, the two immediately knelt and begged for mercy: “Your Majesty, spare our lives! As long as you spare us, we’ll definitely set up longevity tablets for you in the future and burn incense and pray daily.”

Qin Zhonghai coughed: “Your lives aren’t so easily spared – they must be exchanged for something.”

The two said in unison: “We’re willing to give one hundred taels of gold to return to our hometown!”

Qin Zhonghai sneered: “How can it be so cheap? You two corrupt officials have done nothing but evil in your lives – every ounce of flesh on your bodies is worthless. Here’s how it is – one ounce of flesh requires one tael of gold to exchange.”

Hearing this, Wu Chang was greatly shocked and screamed: “But I’m fat! This isn’t fair!”

Qin Zhonghai secretly found this amusing and pretended to be stern: “I don’t care about all that – this is the only method I can think of.” He immediately ordered men to weigh the county magistrate, who was indeed extremely fat, weighing a full one hundred and ten jin. Even with all his family wealth, he was still twenty-some jin short.

Qin Zhonghai shook his head and sighed: “This fellow is ridiculously fat – what should we do?”

Deputy Li laughed: “What’s the trouble? Just saw off this fat man’s two legs – that should be worth twenty jin!”

Wu Chang was both shocked and anxious, wailing: “Your Majesty, spare me! I’ll give you my wife – surely that can cover a few jin!”

Hearing this, Wu Chang’s wife was greatly alarmed and cried: “You shameless wretch! At this moment you’re still betraying me!”

Wu Chang glanced at her and cursed: “You little whore! So shameless, always stealing men during the day, and you still dare to speak now!”

Wu Chang’s wife cried and screamed as the couple made a scene. Qin Zhonghai slammed the gavel heavily: “No substitutions! Your wife already ran off with someone – she doesn’t count as yours!”

Wu Chang was greatly shocked and cried: “Your Majesty, spare me! Please don’t saw off my legs!”

Deputy Li on the side saw Qin Zhonghai repeatedly winking and knew he wanted to force Wu Chang to produce the Ministry of Justice documents. He immediately felt the man’s fat head and sneered: “Corrupt official! Do you have any other strange and wonderful treasures? Quickly bring them out for our king to see!”

Wu Chang patted his chest and breathed a long sigh of relief: “Yes, yes, yes! My house still has an abacus used by the Jade Emperor and a compass left behind when the Yellow Emperor fought Chi You – everything is priceless. Look, they’re all right there.” He pointed to an abacus and compass on the ground.

Everyone heard him speak so mysteriously and hurriedly turned to look, but saw those two items were extremely shabby and really couldn’t see anything remarkable about them.

Qin Zhonghai was furious: “Do you take me for an idiot? Beat him! Beat him hard!”

Everyone whooped and kicked and beat him repeatedly. Wu Chang couldn’t bear the pain: “How about this! I still have two large volumes of prisoner registries – Your Majesty can definitely profit from them!”

Qin Zhonghai had been waiting for this treasure and was immediately overjoyed: “Good! Bring them all out!”

Wu Chang led people to fetch them. Two soldiers carried over two thick, large volumes and threw them on the table with a bang. Qin Zhonghai was startled: “How are they so thick?”

Wu Chang said: “This humble person dares not hide anything. These two large volumes are registries of criminals throughout the province. I usually record the evil deeds of many common people in detail, waiting for the day to capture them all at once and expose them.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Looking at your fat head and fat brain, you’re surprisingly capable at handling affairs. It seems the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Eastern Depot should invite you to lecture on your experience so they can learn from you.”

Wu Chang looked pleased and smiled: “Last time when Lord Jiang Chong came to inspect here, I reported to him in person and Lord Jiang praised me directly…” He was about to babble on when he suddenly saw the soldiers looking unfriendly and quickly shut his mouth.

Qin Zhonghai opened the registry to look for Lu Yun’s name, but the book was extremely heavy. Despite his deep Fire Greedy Blade skills, his arms were now struggling. Qin Zhonghai roared: “What kind of ghost book is this? How do you read it!”

Wu Chang hurriedly said: “Reading this book requires special techniques. Please Your Majesty first refer to the index and table of contents at the front – it’s divided into four reference methods: name, crime, gender, and age. It took me great effort!”

Qin Zhonghai snorted and immediately searched urgently. After flipping for a while, he suddenly saw Lu Yun’s name. Lu Yun, seeing his own name, also hurriedly leaned over to look. The two examined it carefully and immediately felt their hearts burn with anger. Qin Zhonghai was furious: “Who is this Lu Yun? How could he have committed over ten pages of crimes?”

Wu Chang was stunned and hurriedly came forward to look, reading: “Lu Yun, from Wei County, Shandong, killed a jailer, conspired with Taihu bandits to escape prison, also murdered passerby Li San, merchant Wang Si, vegetable vendor Chen Wu, raped and killed Chen Po, Xu Mei, Wang Jie…” He couldn’t think how to respond for a moment, pondered briefly, then smiled: “Your Majesty’s keen insight! This humble person calls this ‘predicting the future’! These men and women all died the same way as that old jailer – not one died of natural illness. This Lu naturally had major suspicions, which is why I put him under suspicion – absolutely not a false accusation.”

Hearing his complete nonsense, Qin Zhonghai immediately shouted: “Bullshit! This clearly states that Li San has been dead for over eighty years – how could this Lu have done it too?”

Wu Chang smiled: “This is natural – I’ve seen this Lu once. This person is about one hundred years old, a mysterious old man.”

Qin Zhonghai saw Lu Yun was so angry smoke was coming from his seven orifices and immediately shouted: “Beat him! Beat him to death!”

Wu Chang was also a perceptive person and immediately jumped up, shouting: “This Lu is Your Majesty’s good friend! Right?”

Qin Zhonghai didn’t want to say directly but also didn’t want to deny it, just chuckling: “So what if he is? So what if he isn’t?”

Wu Chang clapped his hands forcefully: “As long as he’s Your Majesty’s friend, everything is easy to handle!” He rushed forward, picked up the brush on the table, and drew a line over “Lu Yun,” instantly turning it into “Lu Yiyun.” Wu Chang pointed wickedly at the three characters “Lu Yiyun” and laughed: “There! All the evil deeds are now done by Lu Yiyun. This Lu Yiyun from Wei County, Shandong is truly extremely vicious!”

Seeing Lu Yun dumbstruck, Qin Zhonghai also found it absurdly amusing and laughed heartily: “Good, you corrupt official! So slippery!”

Wu Chang giggled and shook his head: “Your Majesty’s wisdom! Tomorrow this humble person will definitely change all the arrest warrants to new ones and won’t rest until this villainous ‘Lu Yiyun’ is executed on the spot!”

Qin Zhonghai looked up and laughed, then turned and shouted: “Men! Bring confession paper!” Deputy Li on the side immediately brought a confession statement and placed it on the table. Wu Chang was startled, not knowing how Qin Zhonghai would deal with him, his face already deathly pale.

Qin Zhonghai declared loudly: “Copy this well! We, Wu Chang and Li Gu, write this blood oath on paper, swearing to serve the country with our lives and be loyal to the nation…”

Wu Chang and Li Gu both showed surprised joy, immediately patting their chests and looking at each other, laughing: “Your Majesty is so formidable – how do you know our innermost aspirations!”

Qin Zhonghai ignored them and continued: “Therefore, Wu Chang and Li Gu unite in brotherhood, swearing not to kill the treacherous minister Jiang Chong and evil eunuch Liu Jing, these two great bandits, and we swear not to be human. We establish this pledge as an oath, witnessed by Heaven and Earth. On such-and-such year, month, and day, we seal this here.”

Only when they heard this did the two realize Qin Zhonghai intended to frame them. If this confession paper were to spread, it would definitely provoke those two great treacherous ministers Jiang Chong and Liu Jing – neither was easy to provoke. If they joined forces against a small county magistrate like himself, how could there be any way to survive?

Wu Chang and Li Gu looked at each other, both frightened out of their wits, trembling all over.

Qin Zhonghai slapped the confession paper: “Quickly seal it, or be beaten to death! Choose one of the two paths!”

Wu Chang weighed the consequences – it was still more important to live a bit longer, so he smiled bitterly: “I’ll seal it! Better than being beaten to death!”

Li Gu was even more clever and quickly smiled obsequiously: “Executing treacherous ministers is truly my innermost wish – thank you, Your Majesty, for helping me write it out.”

Seeing the two had sealed the document, Qin Zhonghai knew he now had a way to control them completely. He casually opened the prisoner registry, thinking: “This registry is so harmful to people yet extremely important – it absolutely cannot be carelessly destroyed. What should I do?”

He saw many names in the registry – Zhao Cheng, Wang Hu, Zhang Long and other heroes. He immediately imitated the corrupt official’s manner, took up the brush and made a stroke, turning them into Zhao Yicheng, Wang Yihu, Zhang Yilong. He flipped through several pages and saw the remaining names were mostly three characters like He Zhaobao, Li Jinguan, Wu Shiqian, so he added a horizontal stroke in the middle of the surnames, changing them to Jia Yibei Zhaobao, Mu Yizi Jinguan, Kou Yitian Shiqian. From then on, if there were strange surnames in the jianghu, most were Qin Zhonghai’s doing – sufficient material for future scholarly research.

Qin Zhonghai said: “You two listen well – I’m giving you ten days to deliver this new registry to the Ministry of Justice. If there’s any mistake, I’ll send up your life-and-death oath to murder Lord Jiang and Director Liu. Did you hear that!”

The two were so frightened they repeatedly begged for mercy. Qin Zhonghai ignored them, collected their embezzled money and treasures, then immediately left the county seat, scattering countless treasures along the way to help the poor. Finally, he bound the two men naked in the provincial capital, writing “Rooster” on one’s body and “Hen” on the other’s, with their private parts pressed together.

Qin Zhonghai stood below the city and loudly warned: “If you two dare harm people again in the future, I’ll come discipline you anytime! Did you hear!”

The two were bound high on the wall, already frightened out of their wits. Hearing Qin Zhonghai’s angry shout, they cried out in unison: “Your Majesty, spare us! We humble ones dare not anymore! Never again!”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and then left with great swagger.

After this disturbance, the two corrupt officials took it as a deep warning – first fearing Qin Zhonghai would visit again, second fearing the people would spread the shameful story of their “rooster and hen” display. In their terror, they actually reformed and became good, no longer doing evil – which was an unexpected joy.

Leaving the county seat, the sky was already bright. Lu Yun looked up at the blue sky and white clouds, recalling yesterday’s wild deeds, finding them absurd and amusing. But thinking that the shackles of his lifetime had finally been removed, it was indeed a joyful matter.

Just as he was about to thank Qin Zhonghai, the man wouldn’t let him say much and reached over to pat his shoulder: “Brother Lu, we’ve finished our business – come back to the capital with me!”

But Lu Yun shook his head: “No, I won’t go to the capital anymore. Please, General Qin, return by yourself!”

Qin Zhonghai was shocked: “You… you’ve finally freed yourself and should now vigorously pursue your career – how can you give up for no reason?”

Lu Yun smiled: “Thanks to General Qin’s heroic deed last night, clearing my grievances so thoroughly and venting my anger completely. But I’ve already seen through the fame and profit of this world – it’s better to return home.”

Qin Zhonghai urgently said: “You… you really want to leave?”

Lu Yun nodded: “My failing the imperial examinations is Heaven’s will – what more is there to say? I should have obediently returned home long ago to be a private school teacher. Understanding this today isn’t too late.” He cupped his hands: “If the General ever comes to Wei County for sightseeing, I’ll prepare wine to receive you.”

Qin Zhonghai looked at Lu Yun, knowing his mind was made up. Qin Zhonghai sighed lightly and lowered his head, thinking that with this separation, the two would never meet again in this lifetime. He shook his head, feeling somewhat dejected.

Seeing his expression, Lu Yun instead stepped forward to comfort and advise him: “Zhonghai, they say everyone has their fate – why should we force anything? My being able to safely return home is also a great joyful event!” Since knowing Qin Zhonghai, he had mostly called him by his military title, but now without official constraints, he could call him by name directly, adding much more intimacy.

Lu Yun said no more, cupped his hands to Deputy Li and others, and was about to leave immediately. Qin Zhonghai watched his retreating figure and suddenly called out loudly: “Brother Lu! Before you leave, your brother has something to ask of you – I wonder if you can agree?”

Lu Yun turned around and smiled slightly: “The General has treated me so well – how can Lu Yun repay this? Whatever you command, just give your orders.”

Qin Zhonghai showed a pleased expression and nodded: “Brother, you’re so straightforward. No matter what it is, you can agree?”

Lu Yun was startled, remembering that Qin Zhonghai always acted unexpectedly, and couldn’t help but be slightly wary: “This General Qin never plays by the rules – I wonder what strange topic he’ll give me.” But thinking of the bond between them, how could he refuse? He immediately gritted his teeth and patted his chest: “General, just speak – as long as Lu Yun can do it, I’ll definitely do my utmost.”

Qin Zhonghai showed a gratified expression, stepped forward to grasp Lu Yun’s hands, and said slowly: “Brother Lu, I want to ask you to take the metropolitan examination one more time.”

Lu Yun cried out in surprise, never expecting Qin Zhonghai would make such a request. He said tremblingly: “You… you want me to take the metropolitan examination again?”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Exactly so. For my sake, Qin, please don’t give up.”

Lu Yun was speechless, staring blankly at Qin Zhonghai. Suddenly he understood his intention – Qin Zhonghai was unwilling to see him buried like this, so he set this challenge, hoping he wouldn’t be discouraged and would try once more.

Lu Yun was moved and said tremblingly: “General Qin, you… why…”

Qin Zhonghai heavily patted Lu Yun’s shoulder: “Brother Lu! For yourself and for me, Old Qin, don’t forget your promise today!” He turned away: “I wish you success in the examination – I’ll await good news in the capital.”

Lu Yun thought of how Qin Zhonghai had traveled thousands of li to clear his name, and now made this agreement with such single-minded consideration for him. Thinking of this, tears were already streaming down his face. He suddenly stepped forward and embraced Qin Zhonghai, weeping: “The General treats Lu Yun so well – this kindness is like rebirth. As long as I live, I’ll never forget the General’s great kindness.”

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Don’t hug me – we’ll become rooster and hen!” Though he joked with his mouth, his eyes also reddened.