It was already lamp-lighting time. In a private room of a restaurant in Yan Province City, Li Fusheng, the chief clerk of Shi Fu County Yamen, sat across from Biao Zi, Wang Dafa's long-term hired hand, drinking tea.
A single candle burned on the table. Apart from the teapot and cups, there was nothing else.
"Why not come to my house? Why ask me here?" Li Fusheng asked.
"Some matters are better handled with a little discretion," Biao Zi said softly.
"You people... Heh heh, fine. Say what you have to say quickly. I have a drinking engagement tonight." Li Fusheng chuckled and shook his head.
"Master Li, it has been so long already. Why is there still no resolution to my family's case?"
"Ah, I imagine your master has heard some rumors. Some time ago, two important figures took an interest in the case, so the county magistrate has found it difficult to make a decision and has put it off."
"Then what should we do? We cannot keep dragging this out forever, can we?"
"Well, this... this... I cannot really say."
"Master Li, my master asked me to convey this to you: regarding this case, our Wang family now asks only that the county magistrate try it impartially as soon as possible. We seek nothing else."
"What about the remaining payment you promised?"
"Master Li, we will consider the several hundred taels spent earlier as our tribute to you and the county magistrate. As for what comes next, our Wang family will no longer involve ourselves."
"Heh heh, that is not for you to decide. Tell Wang Dafa to pay the remaining sum in full before the day after tomorrow. I will give him a surprising result."
"You... you are going too far!"
"Hahaha, Biao Zi, once you