Chapter 14: A Troublemaker

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Li Dong proposed entering the prison to question Du Fuwei face-to-face about what had happened, but Du Yu shook his head like a drum.

“Such a grave offense—this won’t be easy!” Du Yu lowered his head in thought, his expression troubled.

“We must let the guilty pay, but cannot let heroes be wronged, nor allow those who bled to defend Zhangqiu to suffer slaughter,” Li Dong spoke at length about their military achievements, carefully avoiding any mention of whether or not they were bandits.

Suddenly, Du Yu stood and paced the room, visibly agitated. Clearly, his heart was stirred by a surge of emotion.

Li Dong and his son exchanged a glance. They considered Du Yu, as they had predicted, a truly upright man not easily swayed.

“You underestimate me,” Du Yu stopped before Li Hun and declared loudly, “I will not let heroes bleed and weep again.” He explained, “I work at night; today’s events are fresh, and I do not yet know where Du Fuwei is held. Tonight, I’ll investigate quietly, and tomorrow night I’ll visit the prison.”

“It must be tonight—delay will make things even harder,” Li Dong insisted. “You needn’t go yourself; I can disguise myself as you and slip into the prison.” He hadn’t expected Du Yu to be so bold, and felt guilty for his earlier misjudgment. He wished to go himself, fearing that passing words back and forth would distort their meaning.

Du Yu shook his head firmly. “It’s safest if I go. I’ll act as I see fit and won’t delay your urgent business. You can wait outside; I’ll bring word as soon as I hear anything.”

Li Dong wanted to protest, but Li Hun quickly silenced him with a glance. Li Dong might not fear for his own life, but as a father, he would not let his son risk his safety. Who could gather information more safely than someone inside the prison? It seemed certain and reliable.

That night, the moon was dim, and darkness thickened. Li Dong changed into dark clothing, blending into the night.

The prison on the western outskirts of the county was heavily guarded. Soldiers patrolled in squads of ten, their weapons gleaming as they moved through the night.

During the hour of the Dog, the night grew quieter. Li Dong waited outside the prison for a long time, but saw no sign of Du Yu and grew anxious. He wondered if things were more troublesome than expected, since Du Yu had yet to appear.

As he was lost in thought, a shadow suddenly appeared, moving furtively. On closer inspection, it was Du Yu, searching for a place to hide.

Seeing no one around, Li Dong emerged, appearing like a phantom before Du Yu.

Du Yu started, surprised, but recognizing Li Dong, quickly lowered his voice. “I thought I’d been discovered,” he said, brows tightly knit as he recovered from his fright.

“How did it go?” Li Dong hurriedly asked. He’d hoped to startle Du Yu, but the man remained calm, with remarkable composure—clearly a man of great courage.

“Are you sure your information is correct?” Du Yu asked. “I’ve walked the rounds inside the prison several times, but found no trace of the person you seek. With Zhi Shilang attacking the city, chaos reigns, and no new prisoners have been brought in these days.”

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“How can that be?” Li Dong couldn’t believe it. If anyone else had given him this information, he might have doubted them—but this was Li Hun, his own father; why would he deceive him?

“Without ironclad proof, one shouldn’t draw conclusions too soon,” Du Yu mused. “I questioned the guards who work by day, and all said there had been no new prisoners recently. Unless…”

Just as Li Dong was sinking into disappointment, he heard something hinted in Du Yu’s words and pressed, “Unless what?”

Du Yu replied, “In the desolate southeast of the city, there’s a very hidden prison, reserved for felons. Unless the person is there, there’s nowhere else.”

“Come, I’ll take you,” Du Yu gripped his unfamiliar blade, resolved, and slunk away into the darkness.

Li Dong was deeply grateful. Had he tried to sneak into the main prison himself, he might only have discovered how complicated things were; who would have guessed there was another holding place in the southeast? He thanked his luck for meeting Du Yu, a true hero, and vowed to reward him well when all was done.

Following suit, Li Dong crouched and moved behind him. After about half an hour, they arrived before a broken temple, its courtyard pitch-black and devoid of any light.

Du Yu paused, beckoning quietly to Li Dong.

Li Dong followed silently, thinking: Is this the hidden prison? Without prior knowledge, one could easily overlook the ruined temple—indeed, an ideal place to confine important prisoners.

Du Yu explained, “I often escort major criminals here and know the guards well. There are only five or six inside. You remain outside; I’ll check things out.”

Li Dong nodded and melted into the darkness, careful not to make a sound. He guessed that the few guards were due to the secret location—too many would only draw attention.

After about the time it takes to eat a meal, the temple door suddenly opened and nearly ten people emerged. Their figures looked familiar. They spoke not a word, following one man as they quickly withdrew. When Li Dong got a clear look at their faces, he nearly suffocated.

These were Du Fuwei and his companions. What had Du Yu done to accomplish this so swiftly? Looking closely, Du Yu was spattered with blood, his blade dripping fresh crimson. Had Du Yu slain all the guards single-handedly to settle the matter?

“How—how could you do this?!” Li Dong cried in disbelief, his face a picture of shock. Well-versed and usually composed, he couldn’t help but marvel at the turn of events. Clearly, he had misjudged Du Yu—what a surprise!

Du Yu smiled calmly. “This isn’t the place for words; let’s leave quickly, lest we invite trouble.”

“Please accept my bow!” Li Dong gave a deep salute, convinced Du Yu deserved such honor.

Du Yu waved his hand. “When I suffered hardship in the past, your father Li Hun showed me great kindness. I have nothing to repay him, and hope this act restores my balance.”

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As soon as Du Fuwei and his men saw Li Dong, their fury could not be contained; they raised their sleeves, ready to strike. “You wretched peasant, you set us up and sent us to prison—how dare you show your face here! Take this!”

Du Yu quickly stopped them and sighed, “You’re mistaken. The person who framed you was the county constable; capturing bandits is his duty. Think—Lu Li’er never once stepped outside, so how would she know you were outlaws?”

Li Dong hurriedly explained, “During the drinking, the wine was drugged. I too fell unconscious for half a day. When I woke, everyone was gone. If I had betrayed you, would I risk rescuing you now?”

“Why were you not thrown into prison yourself?” Du Fuwei pressed, still agitated.

“I still don’t fully understand. The county constable and my father are at odds; I suspect he intended to frame me as well, but Lu Li’er intervened.”

On hearing this, Du Fuwei and his companions realized it was possible. During the feast, Lu Li’er’s daughter, Lu Rou, personally helped Li Dong into the inner chamber; everyone had noticed her attachment to him. As affection extends to those one loves, Lu Li’er’s protection made sense. Besides, Li Dong had been the main defender of Zhangqiu, and admitting the enemy had been their own doing, not his.

With the truth revealed, the misunderstanding was cleared, and Du Fuwei and his men were deeply grateful to Li Dong. They attempted to bow, but he helped them up.

Li Dong said, “While the night is still deep, jump the city wall and escape. Leave that villainous constable to me; I’ll make him suffer worse than death.”

“Take care. The green hills endure, and the flowing waters run long—we will meet again.” Du Fuwei and Zhang Jun clasped their fists and swiftly left the ruined temple.

Li Dong surmised that Du Yu had killed several guards and released Du Fuwei and his men; by tomorrow, the city would be abuzz. If an investigation followed and any trace was found, wouldn’t he implicate Du Yu? Li Dong voiced his concerns.

But Du Yu dismissed them. “I respect you as a true man, and that’s why I took the risk to help. Don’t fret and fuss, or I’ll begin to look down on you. I have my own way to deal with things—don’t worry about it.”

Li Dong blushed, inwardly moved. Who would have thought that such courage and righteousness could be found in a remote village? He truly had misjudged him.

Caught a cold, body weak, head heavy and feet light. Ah, misery! Please collect and vote.