Xu Feng exchanged greetings with the man. This constable was different from Old Ma. Though both worked at the yamen, the constable was officially registered as one of its personnel.
In the entire County Yamen, only the Chief Magistrate counted as an official in the strict sense. Some places did not even have an assistant magistrate.
Below him came the local clerks.
Below them were the constables.
The jailer Xu Feng knew was one of them.
It was no exaggeration to say that their positions were, in a sense, hereditary. Anyone living in Luoyin County, whatever their walk of life, was bound to deal with them.
In the past, though, his Master had handled such dealings. No one had called on a youngster like Xu Feng, still considered too green to get things done.
Not having dealt with them meant he had never entered their circle. Even now, he was too young to be considered dependable.
But the things he had done were undeniably impressive! Each had earned him a sterling reputation!
So despite his youth and low standing, that reputation carried weight. For some matters, they specifically needed him!
Last time it had been Old Ma. This time it was a constable. Within a few words, they got down to business.
It concerned the county magistrate's mother's birthday celebration.
Xu Feng said, "A birthday celebration for the magistrate's mother is such a joyous occasion. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for someone like me to attend?"
He truly thought it inappropriate. Celebrations could breed baleful forces, and funerals could too. Those forces were not frightening in themselves, but they must not be allowed to clash!
The constable said, "That's where you're wrong!"
He explained the details to Xu Feng.
An occasion like this looked grand from the outside, but there were