The people who had been huddling against the wall had all stood up. A serving woman had wet a towel and was helping the cook wipe the dried blood from his face.
Old Zhang braced himself against the doorframe and caught his breath. "You reckless oaf! I know you're strong, but couldn't you take a look at who you were facing?"
The cook said nothing. Old Zhang leaned over for a look, frowned, and sucked in a breath. "Damn it. They really didn't hold back. Go see Physician Sun. Come to me for whatever it costs."
"Mm." The cook's face was so swollen he could not open his mouth; he could only hum through his throat.
Old Zhang called to the groom, then went inside and gave instructions. "Seal off the second floor for now. Don't let anyone in. Wait for the officers to come collect the bodies-Li Er! Get over here and lend a hand!"
But no one answered. Old Zhang called outside, "Anyone seen where Li Er went? Did he wet his pants and run home?"
The serving woman thought back. "He wasn't sitting with us to begin with. When th-those people left, I think he went into the back courtyard."
Frowning, Old Zhang went into the back courtyard. One sweep of his eyes revealed the clothes covered in footprints.
But there were only clothes, draped over a grain bin.
This was indeed a place where the waiter often hid to slack off. Old Zhao went over and took down the clothes, then stood bewildered for a moment, unable to understand how a grown man could simply disappear.
Suddenly, he shuddered and lifted the wooden lid with both hands.
Sunlight shone into the dark space. Old Zhang peered inside and saw Li Er lying there, stripped of his