Chapter Forty-Nine: Zhang Yuanyuan Is Arrested

The question from the Stone of Three Lives rendered the magistrate speechless; he could hardly admit in front of Mr. Liu that he had accepted a thousand silver dollars in bribes, could he? If he truly confessed, not only would he lose the money, but everyone else would think he was just trying to buy his way out of trouble, and no one would heed his words. The Stone of Three Lives' fabrications were tightly woven, not only avenging Liu Shengkui, but also implicating Zhang Yuanyuan from the Spring Fragrance Brothel, which in turn moved Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu had little interest in the sordid affairs between Liu Ziyuan and Liu Shengkui. He had no intention of delving deeper, and simply smiled, saying, “But how could Zhang Yuanyuan, a mere woman, possibly rescue Wang Wu from a group of strong men?”

The Stone of Three Lives respectfully replied, “Sir, Zhang Yuanyuan is a famed member of the Lantern Shade rebels from the Boxer sect, and is highly skilled in martial arts.”

Mr. Liu nodded, “I have heard of the Lantern Shade, but I do not believe Lord Liu and Zhang Yuanyuan are connected. There must be some misunderstanding.”

Gratefully, Liu Ziyuan said, “Mr. Liu, you are truly wise. I have never even heard of Zhang Yuanyuan, much less been involved with the Lantern Shade rebels.”

Mr. Liu laughed, “It is not difficult to clear this matter up. Since Lord Liu has no connection with Zhang Yuanyuan, let us go together to the Spring Fragrance Brothel and arrest her.”

Liu Ziyuan’s face stiffened, but he quickly forced a smile. “I will assemble the constables at once and head to the Spring Fragrance Brothel to arrest Zhang Yuanyuan.”

Truthfully, Mr. Liu already believed the Stone of Three Lives. His primary reason for coming to the county was to apprehend Wang Wu. As the saying goes, 'a dragon from afar cannot subdue a local serpent.' With the county captain Liu Shengkui already imprisoned, Mr. Liu could only rely on Magistrate Liu Ziyuan.

Mr. Liu did not care to distinguish right from wrong. He overlooked Liu Ziyuan’s role in instigating the Stone of Three Lives to falsely accuse Liu Shengkui, and instead tasked Liu Ziyuan with arresting Zhang Yuanyuan. He trusted that Liu Ziyuan would know how to weigh his career against a woman.

After Liu Ziyuan went off to arrange his men, Mr. Liu glanced at the Stone of Three Lives and said coolly, “Stranger Stone of Three Lives, if Zhang Yuanyuan is indeed apprehended and it is proven she rescued Wang Wu, you will have some merit. I will not pursue past matters. However, you falsely accused Mr. Li, causing his household significant loss. You must compensate him.”

“I am willing to make restitution for Mr. Li’s losses,” the Stone of Three Lives replied, recognizing that Mr. Liu’s demand was both to appease Li Pisun and to test whether he had money. If spending money could get him close to Mr. Liu, there was a chance he could meet the Inspector General, which was far better than lingering in the county. Thus, he was happy to be extorted.

A smile finally broke on Mr. Liu’s face. “Very well! Since you have just denounced your superior, it is not safe for you to remain in the county. Why not accompany me to Laizhou?”

The Stone of Three Lives was delighted. “Thank you for your kindness, sir.”

After Liu Ziyuan had marshaled the constables, he led the team with Mr. Liu and Judge Wang to the Spring Fragrance Brothel. The Stone of Three Lives, following at Mr. Liu’s side, once again had his men exchange two thousand silver dollars. With plenty of real-world currency at his disposal, and much of his family’s wealth in need of laundering, he was glad to channel it into the game.

Lin Xiaofeng and the others had already logged off to rest. The pale and charming demon, having returned to his former occupation as a brothel keeper at the Spring Fragrance Brothel, was startled to see the county constables surround the place.

Once inside, Magistrate Liu Ziyuan shouted, “Arrest Zhang Yuanyuan, the Boxer rebel! All unrelated persons, stand still!”

On hearing Zhang Yuanyuan’s name, the pale demon paused on the stairs, quietly returned upstairs, entered Zhang Yuanyuan’s room, and said, “Miss Zhang, the authorities have surrounded the brothel and are here to arrest you. You must leave at once!”

Zhang Yuanyuan replied, utterly unafraid, “Why should I be scared? Go to the yamen and find Magistrate Liu Ziyuan—tell him the authorities are here to arrest me, and he will make them withdraw.”

“Player Pale Demon, NPC Zhang Yuanyuan is issuing you the quest ‘Deliver the Message.’ Quest condition: inform Magistrate Liu Ziyuan that the authorities are here to arrest Zhang Yuanyuan. Reward: one silver dollar.”

Pale Demon declined the quest with a bitter smile. “Miss Zhang, the one leading the officers to arrest you is Magistrate Liu Ziyuan himself.”

“What?” Zhang Yuanyuan stood up in shock, her face darkening. “Sister Lin was right—none of these corrupt officials are any good. I should have listened to her and seized some evidence to blackmail him into joining us.”

Zhang Yuanyuan was blessed with delicate beauty. When she first began receiving clients at sixteen, her very first was Magistrate Liu Ziyuan. He was infatuated with her, which gave her high standing at the brothel—even the madam deferred to her.

Originally, Zhang Yuanyuan thought she would spend her life in the brothel. Then one day, a middle-aged woman appeared, seeking to take her as a disciple. After three months of instruction, the woman left, but Zhang Yuanyuan continued to practice martial arts daily, honing her skills. She never saw her teacher again.

Half a year ago, a young woman came to her, introducing herself as Lin—Zhang Yuanyuan’s senior disciple. Possessing a token from their master, she aroused no suspicion. Only then did Zhang Yuanyuan learn that her teacher belonged to a branch of the Boxer sect and had recruited her to expand the faith in the county.

The young woman told Zhang Yuanyuan that their master had passed away. Rather than blame her master for using her, Zhang Yuanyuan embraced the Boxer doctrines. Following "Sister Lin’s" instructions, she established the Lantern Shade group in the county, teaching martial arts to many courtesans and recruiting them into the Boxer ranks.

Sister Lin urged her to find leverage to force Magistrate Liu Ziyuan to join the Boxers. Because Liu had always treated her kindly, Zhang Yuanyuan had not been able to bring herself to act. Now, hearing that he had come to arrest her, she felt both bitter and regretful. She drew a willow-leaf saber from under her bed. “I will fight them to the end.”

Pale Demon smiled wryly. “Miss Zhang, there are over a hundred constables downstairs. You’re no match for them. You should think of a way to escape.”

Zhang Yuanyuan opened the window, only to see archers on the street, bows drawn—escape through the window was impossible. Hearing footsteps coming up the stairs, she abandoned the twin sabers. “If I fight, my sisters will intervene, and they’ll all be caught in one sweep. Pale Demon, after I am captured, go to find Jade and tell her to calm the girls and not to act rashly. Then contact Stranger Chen Baxian and find Broadsword Wang Wu—tell him I’ve been arrested.”

“Player Pale Demon, NPC Zhang Yuanyuan is issuing you the quest ‘Deliver Jade a Message.’ Quest condition: tell Jade not to act rashly. Reward: 500 copper coins.”

“Player Pale Demon, NPC Zhang Yuanyuan is issuing you the quest ‘Find Wang Wu.’ Quest condition: contact Stranger Chen Baxian to find Wang Wu and inform him of Zhang Yuanyuan’s capture. Reward: unknown.”

Pale Demon accepted the quests just as the constables reached the corridor. He quickly hid under the bed.

The door was smashed open, and as several constables entered, Zhang Yuanyuan faced them calmly. “I will go with you. Do not harm the innocent.”