After setting up the tents, Gao Laoliu’s men didn’t leave but stood quietly to one side, helping maintain order.
If any elderly, weak, sick, or disabled individuals approached, they would even assist them by offering a hand.
Seeing their good work, Xie Yu dismissed the official runners.
The men sent by Gao Laoliu had indeed been of great help.
Some people not following the order wasn’t too bad, but in fact, Xie Yu was most worried about pickpockets—just a few days ago, five of them had been caught, and they were all familiar faces.
When caught, they didn’t panic at all. In fact, they even had the leisure to greet the runners with a smile, saying, “Brother Zhang, meeting again!”
“Brother Zhu, it’s been a few days. Your eyesight has improved again. I admit it. We’ll compete again next time.”
“No need for your hospitality. Everyone is busy. I’ll go myself. Hasn’t the prison moved location, has it?”
It was awkward, but those pickpockets weren’t afraid of the runners—they were genuinely terrified of local bullies like Gao Laoliu.
Those who had become familiar faces to the runners were all seasoned repeat offenders, as tough as seasoned criminals, and knew the relevant legal provisions inside out, even more thoroughly than the average runners.
They stole while staying just within the boundaries of legality, so even if caught, the runners couldn’t do much—just scold them a few times, kick them a bit, throw them into jail for a few days, and then release them.
Another fine fellow!
But they were genuinely afraid of Gao Laoliu!
He was a ruthless man who would cut off hands without hesitation, caring nothing for legal codes.
Who among the ruffians and hooligans in Kaifeng didn’t know that causing trouble within Sixth Master Gao’s territory was disrespecting the old man himself?
If you didn’t respect him, he would beat you mercilessly…
Now, seeing Gao Laoliu’s men at the free clinic booth, the pickpockets knew it was Sixth Master’s territory. Not daring to say a word, they immediately turned and left.
Therefore, sometimes certain things must be handled by specific people to achieve twice the result with half the effort.
Wang Heng and Ma Bing each guarded a table. Wang’s two apprentices also assisted individuals, busy but orderly.
People often say, “The young with no facial hair are unreliable in their work.” Wang Heng, with his white beard and dignified presence, looked like an experienced old physician. By contrast, the youthful and attractive Ma Bing seemed somewhat at a disadvantage.
Therefore, at first, everyone swarmed toward Wang Heng.
It was the elderly from previous free clinics who brought eggs and actively helped explain to the people, “Don’t underestimate the young girl. Her medical skills are excellent! My second son was once bedridden from illness years ago, but was cured by Doctor Ma. Now he eats three large steamed buns at one meal and works in the fields like a pro!”
But some people were just lowlifes— the more you said, the less they believed.
Immediately, someone muttered quietly, “She’s probably a plant…”
Before Ma Bing could react, the old man exploded like a firecracker.
“A plant? My grandma’s legs!”
Everyone: “…”
Old man, no need, really no need.
“Who said that?!” The old man, hating to see his benefactor slandered, placed his basket of eggs on the ground and rushed into the crowd, “Who said it? Was it you?”
Everyone scattered neatly in all directions like wheat stalks avoiding some flood or beast, instantly revealing a man with his head lowered and shoulders hunched in the middle.
The man still pretended to be dead when suddenly he felt the space around him empty out. Then his vision darkened as an old man grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out.
“Open your blind eyes and look! She’s a doctor from the official office, treating officials usually, and not charging you a single coin. What plant? What deception! You’re just ungrateful!”
The surrounding people also started chattering.
The man’s face turned purple with shame, too embarrassed to lift his head, half his face sprayed with spittle, and he dared not retort.
Xie Yu pretended not to see anything.
The runners had all left. Today wasn’t his shift. It was just a disagreement among the people. A friendly exchange was nothing wrong.
He didn’t act, and neither did Gao Laoliu’s men. Everyone watched as the man was berated thoroughly and finally slunk over to apologize to Ma Bing.
Ma Bing laughed, “Alright.”
She then addressed the crowd, “It’s good to be cautious about being deceived. One must not have intentions to harm others, but one must be vigilant against others.”
Order was restored.
Besides those coming for treatment, there were also people who had benefited from previous free clinics and, upon hearing that the two doctors were out again, brought gifts in gratitude.
Ordinary people couldn’t offer valuable gifts, mostly vegetables they grew themselves, or eggs from chickens and ducks they raised.
Now it was late summer and early autumn. Within half a day, the back was piled with deep purple eggplants, bright green long beans, and huge calabashes.
These were difficult to refuse and not worth much money. Xie Yu had Gao Laoliu’s men hire carts to send them all to the Kaifeng government office.
With these, there would be no need to buy vegetables for the entire next day.
After a while, Ma Bing comforted a pregnant woman with many worries and changed to a middle-aged woman.
The woman was around forty, with a yellowish face and a pointed chin, very ordinary.
When Ma Bing asked about her illness, she couldn’t explain clearly, just holding her chest and saying, “I’ve been feeling very stuffy these days.”
While observing her complexion, Ma Bing took her pulse, “Have you encountered anything troubling recently? Can’t eat or sleep well?”
What illness? It was clearly anger.
The woman’s thick lips trembled a few times, as if wanting to talk, but finally held back.
Ma Bing didn’t press further, only focusing on writing the prescription, “It’s nothing serious. Try to think positively. Don’t see people you don’t want to see, don’t listen to things you don’t want to hear. Go out for a walk when you have free time. When your heart is open, everything will be fine.”
A woman of this age, with rough hands and feet, probably had family troubles.
Unexpectedly, the woman stared at her for a while and suddenly said, “Doctor, tell me, can a good friend for so many years turn against me over a few lousy coins? Is there such a person?”
“Eh?” Ma Bing was momentarily stunned, thinking to herself, I only treat illnesses, not your personal matters.
But… what exactly happened?!
Unfortunately, the woman probably felt it was inappropriate to talk about these things with a stranger in public. Her throat moved, her mouth opened and closed several times, and she finally thanked Ma Bing and left.
Ma Bing: “…”
Just like that? She left?!
She left?!
Staring in disbelief at the retreating figure, Ma Bing couldn’t help but slam the table.
You started the conversation, why didn’t you finish it?!
It left her feeling anxious and frustrated. What kind of thing was this?!
Originally thinking it was over, unexpectedly, two days later, the woman came again!
As soon as she appeared, Ma Bing’s spirit lifted, but upon closer look, the woman’s complexion seemed even worse.
Taking her pulse again, it was clearly emotional distress.
“Didn’t the previous medicine work?”
The woman frowned, “It did, but my heart is still uneasy.”
After taking the medicine, her body indeed felt lighter, but thinking about the matter again made her angry.
The weather was not very good that day, and fewer people came for treatment, giving Ma Bing more time to talk. She guided the conversation, “A heart ailment requires heart medicine. You clearly can’t let go. If you don’t resolve the root cause, no amount of medicine will help.”
The woman hesitated, looking around. Seeing that the dignified official from a few days ago wasn’t there, she leaned closer and whispered, “Doctor, are you from the government office?”
Ma Bing leaned closer and nodded, “Yes, indeed.”
The woman pressed her lips tightly. A gleam of satisfaction flashed quickly in her slightly drooping eyes, “Doctor, I know someone who committed murder. Does the government office handle such cases?”
Ma Bing’s eyes widened slightly.
Again murder?
Instantly, her mind connected it to the previous unsolved case involving Butcher Zhang, almost causing paranoia.
But it could be another difficult case involving unidentified remains.
Yet, encountering such a matter, she couldn’t ignore it.
Ma Bing signaled to Wang Heng, indicating she had something to attend to, then asked her apprentice to take over. She led the woman to a corner for a detailed discussion.
“You’re sure? Murder is a serious accusation,” she asked seriously.
The woman nodded vigorously, almost gesturing to convince her, “How could that be false? On New Year’s Day this year, we were drinking together, and she confessed while drunk.”
New Year’s Day?
Ma Bing immediately felt suspicious, “If you’ve known for so long, why report it only now, after more than half a year?”
The woman immediately stammered, eyes darting around, “Well… I was just afraid.”
Ma Bing narrowed her eyes, carefully observing her expression, unconvinced.
“You’re lying.”
The weather was nice that day, the sun was high, but the air was fresh and cool, not hot at all.
But under Ma Bing’s gaze, the woman slowly began to sweat on her forehead.
When talking about the murder, this person didn’t seem afraid as she claimed, but rather… as if she felt some satisfaction.
Combined with the pulse readings from the two visits, it was clearly not fear but anger.
Knowing someone was murdered, why didn’t she report it earlier or later, but only now?
Why was she angry?
And why lie?
When caught in the lie, the woman panicked, stammering, “I… I didn’t…”
Realizing she couldn’t hide it anymore, she suddenly tried to leave, “I was just talking nonsense, nonsense! I’m leaving!”
“Stop!”
Talking nonsense? Was this something you could just make up?
Ma Bing grabbed her shoulder firmly and shouted to a nearby assistant, “Xiao Huang, call someone and have her taken to the government office.”
Xiao Huang was the one Gao Laoliu had sent to deliver messages that day. He had been here for a few days and was very clever and capable.
In a few days, he had even learned to pack medicinal herbs.
Xiao Huang immediately responded, indeed calling two colleagues to take over.
“Doctor Ma, your hands are meant for healing. Leave this rough work to us.”
These people had probably bound many people before, their movements concise and efficient. They twisted her arm, and the woman cried out in pain.
With people passing by, seeing someone being taken away in broad daylight, everyone looked over.
Ma Bing showed her badge, “Nothing to worry about. It’s official business from the Kaifeng government office.”
Seeing it was the Kaifeng government office, the crowd indeed dispersed.
Before leaving, they couldn’t help but look at the woman a few more times: tsk, look at her sharp mouth and monkey face. Definitely not a good person.
Hearing the commotion, Wang Heng peeked out from the tent, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Ma Bing replied, “I’m going back to the government office first.”
Seeing that she had handled it, Wang Heng retreated.
The group quickly returned to the Kaifeng government office, just as Ade was coming back with some files from somewhere. Seeing them, he laughed, “Wow, Doctor Ma, you’re catching thieves while doing free clinics.”
Ma Bing said, “What thief? It might be a major case. Where is Lord Xie?”
Who would falsely accuse a familiar person of murder without reason?
If it was just random slander, this woman was truly despicable and must be severely punished.
“In the archives warehouse at the back. He hasn’t moved for a long time. Should I call him for you?” Ade asked.
Ma Bing nodded, “Alright.”
The archives warehouse was a sensitive area; she couldn’t go there.
Ade raised his hand, summoning several runners, sending one to call Xie Yu, and said to Xiao Huang and the others, “Thanks, brothers.”
Xiao Huang and the others were only in their teens or early twenties, mere youths. Who had heard such words before? They immediately felt shy, not knowing where to put their hands and feet.
Never did they expect that one day they would be praised by government officers.
If their families knew, they would surely chant prayers, saying their ancestral graves were emitting green smoke.
Seeing the government office from afar, the woman’s legs turned weak. Now seeing she was truly being taken inside, she struggled wildly.
“I didn’t lie. She really killed someone. It’s not my fault, not my fault, waaah!”
Ade gave a signal to the runners, who skillfully took a piece of cloth from their waist, rolled it up, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Ade casually pinched Xiao Huang’s arm, “Good physique, just a bit thin. Brother, interested in joining the government office?”
Xiao Huang was overwhelmed with surprise. His usual cleverness seemed to fly away, and he stammered, “Me… me?”
Ma Bing smiled, “Why not?”
Gao Laoliu indeed had good judgment. Whether he originally intended to promote his subordinates or not, the people he chose this time were all very clever.
From Xie Yu’s words, Gao Laoliu was destined to straddle the line between legality and illegality, but part of his business and subordinates needed to be legitimized.
Xiao Huang and the others were still young. If they could truly walk the straight path, it would be good for everyone.
Ade nodded, “Go back and ask your Sixth Master if he’s willing to let you work at the government office. Though the pay might not be as good as before.”
The monthly salaries of the lower-level runners were limited. With Governor Tu’s strict management, no one dared to accept bribes privately.
However, Lady Zhao was kind, and several senior officials like Xie Yu were amiable. During festivals, they would distribute clothes, rice, oil, and salt, which, when converted into silver, were not small amounts.
Xiao Huang was flustered, “Before leaving, our leader said not to claim any titles in front of the officers.”
He lowered his head and could see the hem of Ade’s and the other runners’ black uniforms with red edges fluttering in the wind.
So impressive, he thought.
In the past, he and his brothers saw the Kaifeng government runners patrolling the streets every day.
They walked with their heads held high, eyes bright, wearing identical uniforms, and white-soled black boots, looking neat and majestic wherever they went. People showed them respect everywhere.
At that time, Xiao Huang and his brothers thought how great it was.
They only felt it was good but never dared to think more deeply, overlooking the yearning that had been growing in their hearts.
Xiao Huang suddenly recalled the words Gao Laoliu had given them before leaving.
“Be smart.”
Be smart…
Actually, Gao Laoliu had said this often before.
He said, to survive and thrive in the capital, it didn’t matter how capable you were. The key was to be smart.
In the past, Xiao Huang had only a vague understanding. Hearing it again when leaving hadn’t given him any new insight.
But now, he seemed to understand.
Xiao Huang slowly exhaled, his hands at his sides tightening slightly, feeling the sweaty palms.
“Thank you for your recognition, Lord Xie. I’ll report back to our leader.”
(Note: “Xie大人” is translated as “Lord Xie” to convey the respectful title in English. If “Xie” is a surname, it follows the pinyin rule as given. The tone is adjusted slightly for natural English phrasing while retaining the original meaning.)
“Back to the government office first,” Ma Bing replied.
Seeing that she had handled it, Wang Heng retreated.
The group quickly returned to the Kaifeng government office, just as Ade was coming back with some files from somewhere. Seeing them, he laughed, “Wow, Doctor Ma, you’re catching thieves while doing free clinics.”
Ma Bing said, “What thief? It might be a major case. Where is Lord Xie?”
Who would falsely accuse a familiar person of murder without reason?
If it was just random slander, this woman was truly despicable and must be severely punished.
“In the archives warehouse at the back. He hasn’t moved for a long time. Should I call him for you?” Ade asked.
Ma Bing nodded, “Alright.”
The archives warehouse was a sensitive area; she couldn’t go there.
Ade raised his hand, summoning several runners, sending one to call Xie Yu, and said to Xiao Huang and the others, “Thanks, brothers.”
Xiao Huang and the others were only in their teens or early twenties, mere youths. Who had heard such words before? They immediately felt shy, not knowing where to put their hands and feet.
Never did they expect that one day they would be praised by government officers.
If their families knew, they would surely chant prayers, saying their ancestral graves were emitting green smoke.
Seeing the government office from afar, the woman’s legs turned weak. Now seeing she was truly being taken inside, she struggled wildly.
“I didn’t lie. She really killed someone. It’s not my fault, not my fault, waaah!”
Ade gave a signal to the runners, who skillfully took a piece of cloth from their waist, rolled it up, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Ade casually pinched Xiao Huang’s arm, “Good physique, just a bit thin. Brother, interested in joining the government office?”
Xiao Huang was overwhelmed with surprise. His usual cleverness seemed to fly away, and he stammered, “Me… me?”
Ma Bing smiled, “Why not?”
Gao Laoliu indeed had good judgment. Whether he originally intended to promote his subordinates or not, the people he chose this time were all very clever.
From Xie Yu’s words, Gao Laoliu was destined to straddle the line between legality and illegality, but part of his business and subordinates needed to be legitimized.
Xiao Huang and the others were still young. If they could truly walk the straight path, it would be good for everyone.
Ade nodded, “Go back and ask your Sixth Master if he’s willing to let you work at the government office. Though the pay might not be as good as before.”
The monthly salaries of the lower-level runners were limited. With Governor Tu’s strict management, no one dared to accept bribes privately.
However, Lady Zhao was kind, and several senior officials like Xie Yu were amiable. During festivals, they would distribute clothes, rice, oil, and salt, which, when converted into silver, were not small amounts.
Xiao Huang was flustered, “Before leaving, our leader said not to claim any titles in front of the officers.”
He lowered his head and could see the hem of Ade’s and the other runners’ black uniforms with red edges fluttering in the wind.
So impressive, he thought.
In the past, he and his brothers saw the Kaifeng government runners patrolling the streets every day.
They walked with their heads held high, eyes bright, wearing identical uniforms, and white-soled black boots, looking neat and majestic wherever they went. People showed them respect everywhere.
At that time, Xiao Huang and his brothers thought how great it was.
They only felt it was good but never dared to think more deeply, overlooking the yearning that had been growing in their hearts.
Xiao Huang suddenly recalled the words Gao Laoliu had given them before leaving.
“Be smart.”
Be smart…
Actually, Gao Laoliu had said this often before.
He said, to survive and thrive in the capital, it didn’t matter how capable you were. The key was to be smart.
In the past, Xiao Huang had only a vague understanding. Hearing it again when leaving hadn’t given him any new insight.
But now, he seemed to understand.
Xiao Huang slowly exhaled, his hands at his sides tightening slightly, feeling the sweaty palms.
“Thank you for your recognition, Lord Xie. I’ll report back to our leader.”
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