The leading constable was named Ngo Son. He had received a report that two people from Phuc Trach Village were missing, suspected to have been killed by Tran Mac.
Initially, for matters outside the city, Ngo Son fundamentally wouldn't bother. Even if it were a murder case, if there was no "fat" (profit/bribe) in it, he wouldn't get involved. According to the County Magistrate, the lives of commoners outside the city weren't worth much; if they died, they died.
To investigate, in this chaotic world, was entirely a thankless task. After all, even people in the city were barely surviving. For the unruly peasants outside the city, what "fat" could be squeezed? Let alone this suspected murder.
However, when he learned that Tran Mac had obtained a wild boar skin from the hands of the missing persons, his thoughts changed.
A wild boar skin could sell for at least one guan of money; this was a considerable sum.
With "fat" to be squeezed, then this matter he had to manage. He called up a couple of good friends and made a trip to this Phuc Trach Village.
Originally, hearing the informant say that this Tran Mac was just somewhat capable of fighting.
But seeing him in reality, how was this "somewhat capable of fighting"?
This, he feared, was already an initiated martial artist.
Their Constable Head Banh was a martial artist; Ngo Son clearly understood the difference between a martial artist and an ordinary person.
An initiated martial artist, an unstoppable force.
Ngo Son's heart felt somewhat apprehensive. If by any chance the opponent flared up and killed people, the four of them wouldn't be enough for the opponent to handle.
"No... need. We're fine standing. We just want to understand some things from you. We'll leave after asking," Ngo Son said embarrassedly.
Tran Mac naturally wouldn't strike them. Unless it was an absolutely unavoidable situation, he wouldn't kill officials.
After all, killing officials was tantamount to rebellion.
This Da Song wasn't that Da Song; a rebellious court wouldn't offer you amnesty, it would only annihilate you. At that time, he also wouldn't be able to survive.
The strength he displayed just now was merely to express that he wasn't so easily manipulated.
Under circumstances where he hadn't provoked government officials, in this chaotic world, the government couldn't possibly arrest him for a few dead people who had no power or influence.
Besides, the government also had no evidence.
That's right, Tran Mac guessed they came running not for Vuong Hi's matter, but for the three people, Dich Dung and his gang, whom he killed that day.
Ngo Son and his men didn't sit; Tran Mac also wouldn't force them. He smiled faintly and said, "Masters, what do you wish to understand? This humble one will certainly say all he knows."
"Masters... drink tea." At this moment, Han An Nuong also came over.
"Masters, please wait a moment."
Tran Mac, seeing Han An Nuong was a bit nervous, took the teapot from her hand, patted the back of her hand to let her relax, then whispered a few sentences in her ear, telling her to go into the house.
"Come, Masters, drink tea."
The Tran family's teacups were made of bamboo tubes. Tran Mac, like a teahouse attendant, poured tea and served it.
Ngo Son, as a yamen runner, had seen many people from all walks of life and was most adept at reading faces. Tran Mac's humble and amiable actions, Ngo Son naturally took it all in. His heart relaxed slightly, his attitude becoming even more polite, saying:
"It's a small matter. Yesterday, someone came to the yamen to report that... Brother Tran, Vuong Hi and Luu Nhi Cau from your village are missing. And you had a conflict with them before. It was said that those two were killed by Brother Tran."
"Brother Tran, you also know, this reported is a murder case. According to the rules, we have to come over and investigate. Please forgive us, Brother Tran."
Before Tran Mac transmigrated, as the son of a "battlefield boss," he had naturally also met all sorts of people and had dealings with government officials. What was goodwill, what was flattery, what was a wolf in sheep's clothing, he had a certain understanding.
Tran Mac smiled, "May I know how to address you, Master?"
"Brother Tran can just call me Ngo Son."
"I wouldn't dare. If Master Ngo doesn't mind, may this humble one call you Brother Ngo?"
"Good."
"Brother Ngo is devoted to his duty; this humble one admires it." Tran Mac cupped his hands, getting to the main point: "I indeed had a conflict with Vuong Hi and Luu Nhi Cau. Those two harassed my sister-in-law. As her younger brother-in-law, if I saw my sister-in-law being humiliated and didn't care, I would be unworthy of being a man. So I taught them a lesson."
"However, their disappearance has nothing to do with me. No matter what, we are all from the same village, fellow villagers. I am also a scholar; how could I kill them?"
"Brother Tran speaks extremely rightly." Ngo Son nodded lightly, "The first time I met you, I already felt Brother had a compassionate face, couldn't do such a thing as killing. Evidently, those two ran off to fool around somewhere, so the informant mistakenly thought they were missing, thereby misunderstanding Brother Tran."
"Brother Ngo speaks reasonably," Tran Mac said.
"Since it's a misunderstanding, then... Brother Tran, we won't disturb you further. Farewell." Ngo Son put down the teacup, cupped his hands in a salute.
At this moment, Han An Nuong also came out from the house, her face showing some fear. Tran Mac took the item she handed over and followed them out: "Brother Ngo, let me see you off."
Seeing the four off from the small courtyard, Tran Mac then took the opportunity, gave Ngo Son a money pouch, and said with a smile, "Brother Ngo, walk slowly. This time has troubled you all. Another day, I'll treat everyone to wine."
"Easy to say, easy to say. If Brother Tran enters the city, come directly to Ngo Family Alley in the west of the city to find me. The innermost house is my home."
When Ngo Son guessed Tran Mac was a martial artist, his heart already had a backup plan. Didn't expect there would be an unexpected harvest. He secretly weighed it; the smile on his face immediately became even more sincere. He secretly praised Tran Mac for knowing how to conduct himself.
Before leaving, Ngo Son said in Tran Mac's ear: "That informant was an old woman."
The image of the yamen constables talking and laughing with Tran Mac was also seen by the villagers of Phuc Trach Village. Their whole bodies immediately trembled; their sense of reverence for Tran Mac deepened.
Bro Mac is truly promising.
Many people had the impulsive thought of wanting to follow Tran Mac.
...
Returning to the room, Tran Mac's face, which was originally wreathed in smiles, immediately turned cold.
"Old woman?"
Tran Mac roughly guessed who it was in his heart.
"Uncle, are you okay?" Han An Nuong quickly rushed forward, her face full of worry.
After all, yamen runners directly came to their door. She was just a powerless village girl; how could she not be scared? Afraid something would happen to Tran Mac. She now thoroughly regarded Tran Mac as her support.
"It's okay." Tran Mac pulled Han An Nuong into his embrace, gently patting her back, speaking in a gentle voice.
"Uncle, I'm sorry. I caused you trouble. My behavior just now was too panicky." Han An Nuong also realized her demeanor just now could easily make people suspicious.
"Silly girl, that's human nature. Why say sorry to me?" Tran Mac kissed Han An Nuong on the forehead: "Rest assured, it's okay."
Han An Nuong didn't ask if Vuong Hi's disappearance had anything to do with Tran Mac. She didn't want to know. She just needed Tran Mac to be safe and sound.
She pressed her face against Tran Mac's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
In this bone-chilling winter, she only felt so warm, so warm.
After calming down and sitting, Han An Nuong once again resumed her little woman appearance, looking up at Tran Mac: "Uncle, did you give all the money to them just now? That was our remaining money."
Tran Mac stroked her hair, fiercely pecked her on the cheek, and said with a smile, "Still kept a little for entering the city."..