Chapter Sixty-Eight: Seeking Cooperation

After a night of restful sleep, there were no mosquito bites at all.

Looking at the plate of mosquito coils, Lin Fei found himself growing curious. If this remarkable item could be promoted more widely, people everywhere would benefit. Over the past few days, he had also made inquiries about Han Qing’s achievements. Indeed, the man was a commercial prodigy—not only had he swiftly secured merchant credentials for salt trading in Luojing, but he had also managed to ruin the Bai family’s prized gambling house. Truly impressive.

Yet, Han Qing had gifted the mosquito coils to the Inspector, a gesture that left others puzzled.

“Brother Han, you don’t even think well of this man. Why go out of your way to give him a few boxes of mosquito coils?”

“He’s from Luojing. He must have numerous connections and channels. Rare curiosities like this, once in his hands, will spread quickly,” Han Qing replied calmly. It was simply a matter of using the Inspector’s influence to let more people appreciate the value of this invention.

“Indeed, apart from a handful of officials’ sons, hardly anyone has even heard of mosquito coils,” Lin Fei agreed. This was only the beginning.

After using the mosquito coils for a few days, Lin Fei had a bold idea. Choosing a suitable moment, he visited Han Qing again and stated his purpose directly.

“Master Han, I have not come today to discuss the case. Rather, I wish to inquire whether you intend to sell these mosquito coils you have developed?”

Han Qing was taken aback; he had not expected this question. Was this man seeking to get involved as well?

“No, at present, hardly anyone in Beijun City knows of mosquito coils. How could we suddenly begin selling them?” Han Qing replied lightly, as if he found the notion difficult.

“No need to worry. If Master Han is willing to trust me, I can work with you and help you solve the problem of finding customers.”

He was not without wit.

“But Master Lin, is your purpose here not to investigate the Bai family case, rather than to become a merchant?” Han Qing asked with a faint, amused smile, though he did not doubt Lin Fei’s capability.

“That’s true, but these mosquito coils are a boon for the people. Why shouldn’t they be sold?” Lin Fei replied calmly.

Seeing how earnest he was, Han Qing did not continue to refuse.

However, cooperation between the two would be no simple matter—far from something a few words could settle.

Meanwhile, the Bai family was already in a state of frantic anxiety. Meeting with Master Lin had become nigh impossible, as Lin Fei stayed at the Court of Judicial Review, busy pursuing every lead. Soon, though, he was drawn into other cases—such as a murder-for-hire incident, which also appeared to be connected to Han Qing. It seemed the Bai family was intent on targeting him at every turn.

“Master Wen, have you made any progress with your investigation these past days?”

“None. Only the Bai family’s steward has confessed; if we can’t find solid evidence, we’ll have to close the case soon. There are other matters at hand—we can’t neglect the lives of the common people for this one case,” Wen replied, clear-eyed about their priorities.

“Have you identified the backgrounds of the four masked men?”

“They are said to be Bai family servants, but no one will testify to that.”

Useless, then. He felt he had asked nothing but pointless questions.

Old Master Bai was beside himself, desperately seeking a way to meet Lin Fei, but his requests were repeatedly refused.

“Grandfather, this Inspector puts on airs of moral superiority. I doubt he’ll be of any use,” Second Young Master Bai muttered, unconcerned about the officials. In his mind, Han Qing was the root of all their troubles. Deal with Han Qing, and everything else would resolve itself.

“So, what do you propose?”

“They have no evidence. As long as we eliminate the mastermind, the matter will be dropped.”

With a gesture across his throat, the meaning was clear: Han Qing must be silenced.

The old master offered no objection; theirs was, after all, a great clan. Though they had handled the matter of Money Manager Chen with care, there were still those who refused to believe them. Unless the steward stuck to his story, if he turned on them, a year’s hard-earned foundation would be lost.

That very night, four masked men slipped into Tinglan Court, daring indeed. Before they could act, a beam of light shone on them.

“Arrest all four of them!” came the command.

Han Qing watched coldly as the men were detained and, the next day, sent to the Court of Judicial Review.

“Master Lin, these four suspicious individuals broke into my courtyard last night and even attempted to do me harm…” Han Qing recounted the events calmly, laying out the facts without emotion.

Lin Fei nodded and immediately ordered the four men taken into custody and interrogated. In the end, all four confessed: it was indeed Second Young Master Bai who had paid them.

Second Young Master Bai was summoned directly.

“Do you recognize these men?”

When the four were brought in, his face turned instantly pale—he had not expected such carelessness from his men.

“Master Lin, I was possessed for a moment and committed this wicked deed. All the blame is mine,” he admitted, realizing there was no point in denial.

“One month in prison and a fine of five hundred silver,” Lin Fei pronounced. Since the act had not resulted in more serious consequences, the law permitted only temporary detention and a fine.

This would hopefully restrain Second Young Master Bai for a while.

News of the incident spread quickly, sparking heated discussion among the townsfolk. The once-arrogant young master was now thrown into the Court of Judicial Review.

“Have you heard? Something big’s happened!”

“You mean Second Young Master Bai? I never thought the day would come when he’d land in prison.”

“He had it coming. He oppressed the people for so long—this is just retribution.”

Most scoffed at his misfortune. The common people here had suffered under the Bai family’s tyranny for a long time, never receiving fair treatment. It was only natural that they would kick someone when he was down.

The Bai family was now in complete disarray, with nothing to be done. The old master fainted several times from rage at home.

Han Qing, seizing the opportunity, prepared to launch his mosquito coil business.

The Bai family’s gambling house had already been shut down for over a month.