Chapter 20: Jianghu Rumors
Constable Luo walked into the county yamen[1] with hurried steps and immediately summoned his subordinates. He was about to close the case completely when he happened to encounter a beaming Magistrate Liu.
Magistrate Liu, as the county head magistrate of Yidu, was technically a senior official of the county. However, Yidu was the seat of Yizhou. Great Yan’s regional administrative system basically had three levels: prefecture, commandery, and county. Prefecture level was higher at the moment, and equivalent to province level. Thus important prefecture and commandery officials were also mostly here. Compared to them, even though Magistrate Liu's position was higher than that of ordinary county head magistrates, it was still somewhat insignificant.
That great earth-traversing burglar had really run wild recently, targeting only the treasures collected in the residences of the nobility. Country Head Magistrate Liu secretly speculated that besides gold, silver, jade, antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and rare medicinal herbs, some items stolen might be things the big wigs would not want outsiders to obtain.
He was under immense pressure.
Though the major case had been solved recently thanks to Constable Luo's efficient handling of the case, Magistrate Liu also credited himself for withstanding the pressure and providing substantial support behind the scenes. The city’s nobility also praised him repeatedly. Judging by the situation, if the matter of the stolen goods was handled appropriately, a promotion would not be difficult.
Magistrate Liu was naturally flushed with success.
Seeing Constable Luo in such a hurry, he couldn't help but ask in concern with a smile, “Mingyuan, what’s the matter now? Why are you in such a rush again?”
“Your Honor, the case of the great earth-traversing burglar is not yet fully resolved. I need to make another trip to Taian Temple.”
“Mingyuan, I know you are righteous and eager to solve the case, but since the burglar has been caught, there's no need to tire yourself out like this. Why not go home and rest for two days? Leave the loose ends for your subordinates to investigate slowly.” Magistrate Liu advised. “You’ve been working all night recently. If you still don’t rest now, even a body made of iron can’t take it.”