Chapter Forty-Eight: The Retrial of Li Mao

Li Wenyuan and Zong Luohou, after hearing the magistrate’s words, exchanged glances in astonishment. This was indeed the first time they had encountered someone who spoke of corruption with such unblushing candor. Li Wenyuan glanced at the deathsworn who had hurried over to his side; the man had already recorded every detail of the magistrate’s confession. After having the magistrate confirm its accuracy, he brought out a red clay seal for him to leave his handprint.

Li Wenyuan put away the document containing the magistrate’s statement and asked, “Do you know where Li Mao is staying in the city?”

The magistrate nodded. “I arranged his lodgings myself—he’s staying at the post station reserved for official couriers.”

Li Wenyuan ordered several of his men to keep strict watch over the magistrate. He also dispatched one subordinate to inform Zhang Juntao to bring his troops back to Yongdeng County, instructing him to intercept Li Mao’s convoy transporting money and bring it back as well. Then, together with Zong Luohou, he made his way to the post station the magistrate had mentioned.

This post station had only been refurbished in the early years of the Kaihuang era. It was not particularly dilapidated, but with the passage of time, it certainly could not be called grand or conspicuous. As soon as Li Wenyuan and Zong Luohou entered, they were stopped by an attendant.

“Hey, sirs, this is a place for officials to stay. If you’re looking for a rest, you’d better try the inn at the street corner—the food is good, and the place is clean.”

Li Wenyuan waved him off. “We are not commoners. We are here on a confidential investigation by order, which does not concern you. Mind your own business.”

The attendant tried to object further, but Li Wenyuan’s expression darkened in annoyance. “I’ve made myself clear. This is a matter of great importance. If you keep interfering, are you not in league with those criminals?” As he spoke, he shot Zong Luohou a meaningful look.

Zong Luohou understood and immediately adopted the stance of someone about to make an arrest. Terrified, the attendant dropped to his knees, trembling.

“Sirs, I swear I’m just a simple man. It’s just the post station’s rules: commoners aren’t allowed in. I meant no offense. Please forgive me.”

Li Wenyuan asked, “Tell me, is there a man from Wuwei Commandery staying here? Someone the magistrate arranged?”

“Yes, sir,” the attendant replied from his knees, not daring to lift his head, “He’s staying in the Heaven Room upstairs.”

“What’s his name?” Li Wenyuan pressed.

“Li Mao, sir.”

“And is he in his room now?”

“Yes, he is. He just ordered food not long ago; he should be finishing his meal.”

Li Wenyuan nodded and pulled the attendant to his feet. “Fetch a pot of hot water and come upstairs with me.”

The attendant dared not refuse and went to the kitchen to prepare the water.

Zong Luohou grinned at Li Wenyuan. “You really do have the air of an official, General.”

“It’s not official airs,” Li Wenyuan replied with a smile. “It’s just human nature. Most in this world bully the weak and fear the strong—a little intimidation, and their true colors show.”

Soon, the attendant returned with the hot water. Li Wenyuan led him to the door of the Heaven Room, having instructed him clearly along the way. The attendant knocked on the door and announced, “Sir, I’ve brought your hot water.”

A voice growled from inside, “Get lost! I don’t need it now. Come back later.”

Li Wenyuan listened carefully and nodded to Zong Luohou—this was indeed the same voice as Li Mao’s from before. At Li Wenyuan’s signal, the attendant replied and then hurried downstairs.

Catching Li Wenyuan’s glance, Zong Luohou nodded, took half a step back, and then kicked the door open. He strode inside, with Li Wenyuan following.

Inside, Li Mao was enjoying his meal. The sudden crash startled him so badly he swallowed his food whole, choking as it stuck in his throat.

Zong Luohou guarded the only window while Li Wenyuan entered and locked the door behind him, then moved to help dislodge the food from Li Mao’s throat. Li Mao was near to fainting from lack of air—he had no thought of escape now. With Li Wenyuan’s help, he finally managed to swallow the lump and, gasping for breath, demanded, “Who are you people? Don’t you know to knock before entering? You nearly killed me!”

Li Wenyuan smiled. “Li Mao, cousin to Li Gui. Don’t pretend you don’t know why we’ve come to find you.”

Li Mao finally realized, “You’re the ones who captured Huru!”

Li Wenyuan nodded. “Exactly.”

Li Mao glanced at Zong Luohou by the window and Li Wenyuan by the door, and gave up any idea of escape. “Why have you come to arrest me?”

Li Wenyuan tied up the now-cooperative Li Mao and said, “We know you’re here supervising the transport of funds from Yongdeng County. If you want to suffer less, confess honestly.”

Li Mao turned his head away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Li Wenyuan drew a short knife, smiled at Li Mao, and pressed the blade to his abdomen, drawing it lightly across. A chill wind brushed Li Mao’s exposed waist, raising goosebumps. But what unsettled him even more was the ambiguous smile on Li Wenyuan’s face.

Seeing that Li Mao’s clothing no longer obstructed him, Li Wenyuan put the knife aside, stood, and suddenly kicked Li Mao to the ground. As Li Mao braced himself for torture, Li Wenyuan, to Zong Luohou’s astonishment, straddled him and began scraping Li Mao’s ribs with his knuckles, over and over, each time asking him the same question. When Li Mao was drooling uncontrollably, his eyes rolling back, a basin of cold water revived him—only for the torment to resume.

At last, when Li Mao was left gasping, both in pain and ticklish agony, he finally mustered the last of his will and screamed, “I’ll talk! For heaven’s sake, stop! I’ll tell you everything!”

Li Wenyuan relented, folded his arms, and stood aside. “Have you remembered, Li Mao? Then speak—I’m listening.”

“I was only sent by my elder brother to supervise the transport of funds from Yongdeng County. I know nothing else,” Li Mao panted. Seeing Li Wenyuan crouch again and reach for his waist, he burst into tears. “Wait! There’s more! I was also to discuss with Huru the matter of proclaiming himself Duluo Khagan. I’m just a messenger—please, have mercy. I truly know nothing else!”

Seeing Li Mao sobbing on the floor, seemingly with nothing more to hide, Li Wenyuan said to Zong Luohou, “It seems we must go to Wuwei Commandery to find the real answers.”

Zong Luohou nodded, casting a glance at the wailing, utterly humiliated Li Mao, then looking at Li Wenyuan with an odd expression. Li Wenyuan could only respond with a helpless shrug.