The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Li Yanqing arrives at the county yamen the next day, enjoying a leisurely morning before heading in. He observes the new head constable, Zhang Bao, training constables in martial arts while some kneeling constables face punishment for tardiness. Upon entering, he greets yamen servants and learns that County Clerk Yang has arrived, but County Sergeant Zhou is late due to his drinking habits. Yang informs Li Yanqing about river bandits, explaining the historical difficulties in eradicating them due to their widespread operations and the government's lack of urgency since they don't threaten the imperial court directly. Li Yanqing learns of a complaint brought by He Lao Liu, a moneylender, against a widow over a deceased borrower's shop. As Li Yanqing prepares to hold court, he reprimands a litigation master for beating the drum unnecessarily, imposing fines on both the master and the plaintiff. He then reviews the complaint and instructs constables to find the defendant for the case.

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