Second update—time for dinner.
Because once they parted this time, it would be a separation of life and death, and Zhou Da, standing guard outside, showed no intention of urging them on, the prison visit dragged on and on.
In the end, Zhang Cheng saw that it was getting late and tactfully offered a reminder or two. Only then did the women reluctantly bid Qiu Wen farewell.
Once they reached the main gate, Zhang Cheng turned and cupped his hands. "Warden Zhou, no need to see us off. I'll be sure to pass along what you said."
"Thank you, thank you. If Master Zhang has the time someday, I'll host..."
Zhou Da had wanted to further cultivate his relationship with Zhang Cheng when loud shouts suddenly erupted ahead. He looked up instinctively and immediately sucked in a breath.
The jailer who had gone to buy wine and meat was leading the way, while seven or eight constables behind him each carried one end of a furry thing, hurrying nonstop toward the prison.
Damn it!
Were they trying to eat me bankrupt?!
Zhou Da cursed inwardly. Only when they drew closer did he realize that the thing with all four limbs bound to the crossbar was not some wild game, but a bearded man clad from head to toe in furs.
Though the bearded man was tied up like a dumpling and gagged with a filthy rag, he still thrashed and struggled. The four constables carrying the wooden pole were shaken so badly that they trembled like sieves, showing just how freakishly strong the bastard was.
Seeing this, Zhou Da hurriedly excused himself to Zhang Cheng, then strode forward to ask what had happened.
"This bastard got into a fight with someone at Yingchun Brothel..."
"And hurt several of our brothers..."