Road Patrol Bureau

The commotion in the courtyard could not escape Liu Rushuang's ears. By the time Lu Li entered, she was already waiting for him by the counter.

"Come up to the third floor. I have something to tell you," Lu Li said tersely.

Liu Rushuang nodded.

As they went upstairs, she kept quietly watching Lu Li from the corner of her eye. A smile gradually surfaced on her face, two faint dimples appearing amid the freckles on her sallow complexion.

They reached the third floor and shut the door.

Liu Rushuang had just started to remove her outer garment...

Lu Li cut her off and said bluntly, "Zhang Biao's death has always been an invisible thorn. No telling when it might flare up and rot into the bone."

The corners of Liu Rushuang's lips lifted as she nodded with smiling eyes. So this bad boy was admitting that he had killed Zhang Biao?

Lu Li continued:

"Come with me to the inner city. I bought a courtyard and happen to be short a maid."

Liu Rushuang gave a soft "Mm." "A bed-warming maid?"

"One who cooks."

Liu Rushuang pressed her lips together, still smiling. A maid was a maid; she did not care much about it. It was enough that she knew he still had her safety in mind.

After thinking it over, Lu Li explained, "I'm mainly worried that you'll implicate me."

"Hurry and pack your things. We're leaving tonight."

Liu Rushuang pondered for a moment before reminding him solemnly, "I can give up this inn, but then those fellow townspeople of mine will have nowhere to go."

Before Lu Li could reply, she added, "Auntie An can keep watch over the counter for me. The inn won't have to close."

With that, she went to pack. Before long, she emerged from the bedroom carrying a delicate little bundle. "Let's go."

After leaving the room, she took Lu Li's hand and knocked on the first guest room to the left.

"Auntie An, I have business to attend to outside. Could you watch the inn for me for a while? Same as before—your room fee will be waived, and I'll also give you two hundred coins every month."

Auntie An grinned from ear to ear and readily agreed.

Before leaving, Liu Rushuang added, "Later, tell all the guests that for Lu Li's sake, room fees will be collected monthly from now on, and each person will get twenty percent off their rent."

"At the end of the month, bring the money from the accounts to Golden Gate Martial Academy on West Gate Street and hand it to Lu Li."

Lu Li silently watched from the side, neither stopping her nor saying anything.

After the two went downstairs, Lu Li called Old Li over and hurried off.

Along the way, Lu Li led the two of them around several Ironwood Hall street-sweeping patrols.

Lu Li thought to himself, It seemed Ironwood Hall had made another move after last night's events...

As they neared Parrot Bridge, a group from Ironwood Hall happened to come from the other side—some seven or eight men, all carrying sabers.

There was no way to avoid them now, and turning back would only draw more attention. Lu Li could only quietly tell the two to stay calm and not speak.

The two groups met in the middle of the bridge.

"Who are you people?" asked the Ironwood Hall Red Pole leading them, his gaze sharp as he stared at the three.

"I am a disciple of Golden Gate Martial Academy. These two are members of my household."

"Golden Gate Martial Academy? You say you are, and that makes it true?"

"If you don't believe me, we can cross hands and test my Bagua Fist."

Lu Li met his eyes, a faint ruthless edge in his gaze, with no intention of yielding in the slightest.

Baleful Intent filled the leader's eyes, and his gaze did not leave Lu Li's face for even a moment.

"I have important business tonight, so we won't test it. Remember me—I am He San, a Red Pole of Ironwood Hall. Another day, I'll visit Golden Gate Martial Academy for some pointers. And you are?"

"I am Hou Sanwa."

Not wanting to stir up trouble at such a time, Lu Li gave the name of a junior brother from the front courtyard.

"Very good. I'll remember you."

With that, He San turned sideways and waved for his men to leave.

Old Li broke out in a cold sweat. Only after He San had gone far away did he let out a heavy breath.

Liu Rushuang patted her chest, stepped forward, and took Lu Li's arm. "It feels like their people are everywhere tonight. What exactly happened?"

Lu Li did not answer and secretly quickened his pace. The other two hurried to keep up.

They made it back to Lu Residence in Lantern Alley without incident, though not without scares.

"Old Li, this will be your home from now on. There's a room in the front courtyard. Go take a look and tidy it up yourself."

How could Old Li not understand by now that Lu Li before him was his master? His eyes were already brimming with tears.

"Go on."

Lu Li waved a hand, signaling Old Li not to get sentimental.

After Old Li left.

Lu Li brought Liu Rushuang to the main courtyard and arranged for her to stay in the west wing. He himself returned to the master bedroom in the east courtyard.

To the left of the master bedroom was a study, and to the right was a training room. They had been designed by Lü Liang before, and remained exactly as they were.

Outside the master bedroom was also a small martial arts yard.

Glancing at the night sky, Lu Li gathered his thoughts and began practicing Xingyi Fist.

The next morning.

After finishing his practice, Lu Li took a letter and headed toward Pingkang Street.

The morning mist had yet to disperse. The sky was dimly bright, like an old cloth washed too many times, barely letting through a little light.

The bluestone road was damp, and Lu Li slipped slightly as he walked over it.

After leaving the alley and arriving at Chessboard Avenue, he found the street much wider than the alley, with the sounds of the city gradually growing louder.

"Sir! Buns, piping-hot fragrant buns! Have a steamer basket to fill your belly!"

A steaming bamboo basket opened, and white vapor whooshed out onto the street. Lu Li had matters on his mind; he acknowledged the call but did not stop walking.

"Sir! Watermelon! Red flesh, black seeds, guaranteed ripe! If it isn't ripe, you don't pay!"

Lu Li turned into an alley, stepped over yellowing locust leaves scattered across the ground, and arrived at the Road Patrol Bureau yamen in Yong'an Ward, Pingkang Street.

The Road Patrol Bureau's entrance was not especially grand, yet it carried an oppressive air.

One of the two iron gates stood open. Lu Li stepped over the high threshold, and the heavy scent of old wood lacquer mixed with the mustiness of moldy paper and the cool smell of earthen moss rushed over him.

Shadows moved within, and voices clamored. The sound of boots never ceased as uniformed runners hurried back and forth, occasionally mixed with the noises of heavy objects being carried.

Lu Li strode inside.

The sight before him suddenly opened up into a broad, square bluestone courtyard. A runner hurrying along stopped and blocked his way. "What are you here for?"

"Officer, I'm here to register under Commander Hu."

The man raised his eyes and looked straight at Lu Li, something complicated in his gaze. He grabbed Lu Li and led him toward the main hall, saying as they walked, "Why did you come now?"

"Is this not a good time?" Lu Li asked, somewhat surprised.

"No, you came at exactly the right time."

The runner's expression turned serious, and he coughed.

"The yamen is short of hands. Commander Hu was worried sick all night. By the way, you know the bureau's rules and monthly stipend, right?"

"I do," Lu Li replied.

"Even if you do, I'll explain again. The easy posts—stationed at city gates, ferry crossings, and major roads, checking passersby—are packed to the brim. Not a single opening can be squeezed out. What we need are road patrol runners who catch bandits, patrol the streets, prevent theft, and prevent fires, taking care of everything in one sweep."

After rattling it all off in one breath, the runner could not help sighing. "Brother, you've got a straight build and clear, bright eyes. How long have you trained? Which martial academy are you from?"

Lu Li replied, "I come from Golden Gate Martial Academy."

"Golden Gate Martial Academy?" The runner suddenly stopped. His thoughts raced, and only after a long while did realization dawn on him. "Eh! You're from the outer city!"

For a moment, the runner was dumbfounded. He had not expected Lu Li to be from the outer city.