The party rode through the streets and markets, then dismounted outside the Wanan County Yamen.
The familiar buildings and streets stirred fresh delight in Xie Jinhuan's heart. Before he could greet any acquaintances along the street, Coal Ball darted onto the eaves and peered around inside:
"Gooji, gooji?!"
County Commandant Fei Ji, who was discussing matters in the courtyard, froze briefly at the sight of the big ragged bird on the roof, then ran outside, his two little mustache ends curling upward:
"Well, well-Jinhuan, look how much you've grown in just a few years! Much handsomer than your father was back then..."
"You haven't changed a bit, Uncle Fei. Still as sprightly as ever."
"Still such a sweet talker. I heard you cracked a major case over in Danyang? A tiger father breeds no dog of a son!"
"All thanks to your teaching back then, Uncle Fei. You personally performed an autopsy for me to watch when I was three, turning over the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys one by one. I couldn't forget even if I tried..."
Linghu Qingmo had never visited the Wanan County Yamen. Seeing how familiar the two were, he asked:
"Who is this?"
Yang Dabiao had served as head constable in Wanan County for several years. Returning to his old workplace was much like coming home:
"Lord Fei Ji. His Dharma name is 'Jibei.' My old superior, and Lord Xie's deputy back in the day. An absolute marvel at solving cases. With crimes of passion and adultery, one glance and he knew what position they'd used..."
"Huh? Lord Fei is a Buddhist?"
"No. Jinhuan kept getting his name wrong as a child, always calling him 'Fei Jibei.' Over time, it became his nickname."
As he spoke, Yang Dabiao strode up the steps with