Chapter 16: Sharp Decisiveness and Resolve
“Head Constable Zhao Wuzhu,” Wang Chongshan began, “was ambushed a few days ago while pursuing Liang Qi. Several of his men died, and he himself returned injured, now recuperating at home. I questioned the yamen officers and village guards on duty that day, but they didn’t hear any sounds of fighting. All they saw was Head Constable Zhao walking out alone.”
“I visited him once. His wounds weren’t serious... but something about him felt different. His temperament has turned strangely delicate, and he rarely goes out anymore. He stays locked indoors most of the time and frequently puts on makeup while staring into the mirror!”
“Makeup?” Li Yanchu frowned.
“That’s right. Head Constable Zhao was a burly man, the kind who wielded a heavy broadsword weighing over ten jin, could draw a stiff bow, and ate four jin of meat in a single meal. He’s a true man of strength and vigor. But now? He locks himself inside, acting like a woman, applying rouge and powder like a courtesan.”
There was a chill in Wang Chongshan’s voice. After years of working together, it was deeply unsettling to see his colleague reduced to such a state.
Li Yanchu asked, “Does he live with anyone else?”
“Just a few servants and maids, as well as his wife, a woman in her early twenties,” Wang Chongshan replied, and his expression suddenly changed.
“She’s been missing ever since the day he came home injured. Claimed she had gone back to her parents’ home. But here’s the thing, the servants never saw her leave. And what kind of noblewoman goes back to her family without even bringing a maid? One of the maids ran into me on the street and mentioned it, so I quietly sent people to investigate.”
Wang Chongshan’s tone was full of concern and regret. “My men questioned her family. Her parents said she hasn’t been back at all, not even once. We’re all fellow constables under the same county. There are limits to what I can publicly say... But I’m starting to suspect that Zhao Wuzhu is possessed by something unclean. That’s why I hoped you would accompany me to investigate this matter as well.”
Li Yanchu nodded. “If that truly is the case, I’ll go with you when the time comes and look into it myself.”
“Excellent!” Wang said with joy. “I didn’t expect you to be so chivalrous and warm-hearted. Truly admirable!”