Early the next morning, the residents of Gaoshan County all witnessed a strange sight.
Two people in black Fangshi robes pushed a small cart through the market district, a banner hanging from it. As they walked, they shouted that they were collecting clues about the Evil Spirit incident from the day before yesterday. Anyone who had seen or heard anything strange—even if it seemed unrelated to Evil Spirits—could report it as long as it was unusual or bizarre enough. Whether the information proved useful or not, they would receive ten copper coins. If it was deemed useful, they would receive a hundred.
The cart held a chest filled to the brim with copper coins.
This opportunity, which was practically the same as handing out money for free, instantly ignited the people's enthusiasm. They swarmed over and formed a large ring around the cart.
"Sir, I have something to say! There were strange noises at the Wang family next door that night!"
"Sir, I saw Zhang Mazi secretly carrying something up Back Mountain!"
"Move aside! I was here first!"
"I know about that too! Why should you get those hundred coins all to yourself?"
"Sir, I'm from the Wang family next door! We really have nothing to do with Evil Spirits!"
All sorts of voices rose and fell in waves. Some fought to reveal clues, while others fought over who had reported the same matter first. The crowd's enthusiasm surpassed all expectations, and their verbal exchanges showed signs of developing into zero-distance greetings.
"Make way! Everyone, stand back!" A group of yamen runners suddenly charged into the crowd and scattered the gathered townsfolk. Their leader was the constable who had previously led the Fangshi to the scene of the incident.
"Greetings, my lords..." The moment he saw the Bureau of Military