Chapter 15: Arrest Them All

“I will not risk my family’s lives.” Liu Yitiao shook his head, his attitude resolute. Though he had not been in this era for long, he already regarded every member of the Liu family as his own kin.

He had always cared deeply for his family.

“However, sir, you could use the case of the injured plow ox as an excuse to arrest all my family members and place them in the county jail. That way, even if we end up in direct conflict with Wang Kui, I won't have to worry as much.”

Liu Yitiao then offered a suggestion that took both Wang Zhihong and Huang Shan by surprise.

From Wang Zhihong’s words just now, Liu Yitiao had already deduced that whether or not he agreed, Wang Zhihong would spread the news that Wang Shuai had been gravely injured and did not survive. Liu Yitiao could even imagine how mad Wang Kui would become upon hearing of his son's death.

“I'll serve as the bait. Arrest all my family and put them in the jail! You’ll be responsible for their safety. Otherwise, if you act rashly, I have at least three ways to keep Wang Kui from daring to show himself.” Liu Yitiao straightened his back, his tone firm, his expression solemn. At that moment, a righteous and commanding aura radiated from him, compelling others to believe his words.

Wang Zhihong was not intimidated; years of officialdom had taught him to maintain composure in any situation. Nor did he take offense at Liu Yitiao’s veiled threats. Instead, he admired him, thinking Liu Yitiao a man of real character.

And to devise such an unexpected yet entirely reasonable solution in an instant—Liu Yitiao was clearly gifted.

Wang Zhihong nodded slightly. “Liu Yitiao, I did not misjudge you. You are indeed talented. If you held an official degree, I would be sure to recommend you to the Emperor himself.”

Liu Yitiao dismissed Wang Zhihong’s words as empty promises. Anyone could make such pledges.

He replied modestly, “You flatter me, sir. I am but a mere farmer, seeking only good land and enough to eat, with no ambitions for officialdom. But my younger brother has some ability. If you are so inclined, I hope you might offer him your guidance.”

“Liu Ertiao?” Wang Zhihong narrowed his eyes in thought. “I recall he is said to write well—shows some talent. With a little cultivation, he could be of service to the people. Very well, once the matter with Wang Kui is settled, I will take him as my disciple. What do you say?”

Liu Yitiao was momentarily stunned, not having expected Wang Zhihong to offer such a generous reward. Was Wang Kui truly so valuable, that an official of scholarly rank would accept a farmer’s son as his pupil?

“Then on behalf of my brother, I thank you, sir.” Liu Yitiao bowed to Wang Zhihong. No matter what, with Liu Ertiao apprenticed to someone of Wang Zhihong’s promise, his path into officialdom would be much smoother in the future.

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“Very well,” Wang Zhihong instructed Huang Shan, “Captain Huang, do as Liu Yitiao says. Take some officers and fetch Liu Laoshi’s entire family. Make sure to give them a clean cell, treat them well, and see that they suffer no hardships in jail.”

“Yes, sir!” Huang Shan replied, leaving the room. As he reached the door, he discreetly gave Liu Yitiao a thumbs-up.

To be able to find such a strong backer for his brother with just a few words—Huang Shan sincerely admired him.

“Thank you, sir. I will do all I can to help apprehend Wang Kui,” Liu Yitiao assured Wang Zhihong.

“Now, tell me, with your family all arrested, how will you draw Wang Kui out?”

“Sir, my father is accused of injuring the ox. You send men to arrest him. My mother and Ertiao protest, and in the ensuing commotion with Captain Huang and his officers, all are taken into custody. I am exonerated and released. Afterwards, desperate to save my parents and siblings, I run everywhere seeking help from relatives and friends, but to no avail.”

Seeing Wang Zhihong nod, Liu Yitiao continued, “At this point, word spreads from the county office that Wang Shuai succumbed to his injuries—the very punch I dealt him caused his death.”

“Wang Kui, for all his ruthlessness, cannot bear the loss of his son. He will surely seek vengeance. Yet, cautious as he is, he will not act personally.”

“Whoever he sends, by whatever means, we must capture them alive and extract a confession. Regardless of what the culprit admits, all blame will be laid at Wang Kui’s feet. With just cause, we can arrest Wang Kui, confiscate his property, interrogate his servants, and gather further evidence against him. We will ensure he never recovers.”

“What do you think, sir?”

Liu Yitiao looked at Wang Zhihong, awaiting his opinion.

Wang Zhihong was silent for a long while before finally sighing, “Yitiao, as I said, you are talented. It is a pity you do not wish to serve as an official.”

Liu Yitiao smiled faintly. “Sir, I never wished to harm others, but I will not let others harm me. Better to eliminate danger before it grows.”

Wang Zhihong waved him off. “No need to explain. I understand. We’ll proceed as you suggest. Wait in the side room by the front gate. When Captain Huang returns, you may go. In a day, I will have word of Wang Shuai’s death spread throughout the county. Take care.”

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“Thank you for your concern, sir. I will take my leave now.” Liu Yitiao bowed and departed.

It was about three in the afternoon, the weak sun already sinking in the west—the day nearly done. By his reckoning, Liu Yitiao had been here for over half a month, and he was fully accustomed to his new identity.

After all, no matter the era, people must live.

Liu Yitiao was no different, except that he had returned from the modern world to ancient times.

He drew a deep breath, considering his future: providing for his family, securing them a good home, and carving out a better life for himself. None of these were easy; he would have to plan carefully.

“Brother Liu! Brother Liu! You may go home now—your father and the rest are all settled.” Huang Shan entered, rousing Liu Yitiao from his thoughts.

Liu Yitiao rose and greeted him. “Thank you, Captain Huang. Are my parents and siblings well?”

“Rest assured, Brother Liu. With me there, they won’t suffer any injustice. But you must be careful—Wang Kui is no easy foe.”

“I will take care, Captain Huang. Thank you again.” Liu Yitiao cupped his hands in farewell.

“Take care, Brother Liu!” Huang Shan stood at the door of the side room, watching Liu Yitiao walk slowly away.