Chapter Fifty-Six: Concealing the Truth

Their salt shop was immediately surrounded.

Some of the local townsfolk were puzzled. All they wanted was to buy some slightly cheaper salt—why was that not allowed?

“Folks, these salts contain poisonous substances,” Second Young Master Bai declared with a mocking tone.

“How could that be? I’ve been eating this salt for a long time and never had any trouble,” someone retorted.

“That’s right! The Bai family jacked up the prices and are now deliberately meddling in other people’s business,” another chimed in.

The townsfolk were not so easily convinced by such accusations. After all, the Bai family’s deeds were well known, and they had never done anything to benefit the people. Now, suddenly, they claimed to act for the common good—who could believe it?

“I received a report that the salt here is badly contaminated, and can’t be safely used,” said Magistrate Bai slowly.

They made quite a commotion for several minutes, but the salt shop’s owner remained utterly unmoved. He’d already heard of these people and their reputation, so he felt no fear at all.

“Well, what wind has blown the magistrate here today?” Young Master Zhu interjected suddenly, unable to stomach the Bai family.

Old Master Bai knew that Young Master Zhu hailed from Luojing, so he always exercised forbearance. As long as their interests didn’t clash, they maintained a facade of harmony.

“Young Master Zhu, this matter does not concern you,” said Magistrate Bai.

“But for the magistrate himself to visit, there must be a matter of grave importance?” Han Qing spoke up, enigmatic and composed. He took no notice of their theatrics, waiting calmly to see what they would uncover.

“I received a report and must inspect your salt business.”

“Of course, I submit myself fully to your arrangements,” Han Qing replied, nodding with calm assurance, which left Magistrate Bai a bit baffled. Why was this man so unfazed? It felt almost as if he himself were being duped.

He quickly instructed a few men to inspect the premises, but they found nothing amiss.

“Where exactly do you source this salt from?” they demanded.

“From Clearwater Lake. Its waters are rich in minerals,” Han Qing explained in detail.

“How dare you! Do you not know that Clearwater Lake outside the city has been polluted? The water is pitch black now!” someone accused.

“Is that so? But the lake water we use is crystal clear. Magistrate, would you care to see for yourself?” Han Qing offered.

Second Young Master Bai was stunned. Why were they still refusing to admit guilt? The townsfolk, too, felt a twinge of doubt. This concerned their safety, after all, and needed to be thoroughly investigated.

It was less than half an hour’s journey to Clearwater Lake. The constable drew several jugs of water at Han Qing’s suggestion. The water was as pristine as ever, limpid and untainted.

“See, Magistrate—the water does not violate any imperial law and has passed official inspection,” Han Qing said.

Second Young Master Bai could hardly believe it. Just a few hours ago, the waters had been black as ink—how could they have cleared so quickly?

“This is impossible! You must have tampered with the evidence to deceive us!” Second Young Master Bai snarled. He had already arranged for the water to be poisoned—how could it have vanished so soon?

“Young Master Bai, your claim is groundless. What stands before everyone is plain to see. How could you accuse me of deception?” Han Qing asked, feigning confusion.

But they could find no reasonable explanation and found themselves in a pitiable, awkward predicament.

“As magistrate, I acted in haste without thoroughly investigating the matter. I apologize for troubling your business,” Magistrate Bai responded swiftly. Clearly, his foolish nephew had fallen into someone else’s trap, likely trying to sabotage the salt shop—only to be outsmarted.

“Since the matter has been resolved, we’ll take our leave. I hope I won’t have to endure such misunderstandings again,” Han Qing said, his words a thinly veiled warning.

Of course, the others understood the message. Second Young Master Bai had no choice but to slink away, the townsfolk’s jeers ringing in his ears.

“What was that all about? Such a farce so early in the morning. It seems Magistrate Bai was unaware,” someone muttered.

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Perhaps Han Qing’s salt business is threatening the Bai family’s interests.”

“Careful what you say! If we common folk speak too freely, they’ll find an excuse to toss us in jail.”

Soon, the clamor of speculation faded away. Those present knew what could and couldn’t be safely discussed.

“So, Han, was this the spectacle you invited me to witness?” Young Master Zhu said with satisfaction, as though he’d enjoyed a clownish performance.

“Not at all. Who could’ve guessed they’d come at just this moment?” Han Qing replied.

“I heard that Clearwater Lake really was polluted a few days ago,” Zhu remarked.

“Yes, but afterward, I added certain substances to mask the water’s color. The toxic elements truly did threaten our business. Had we not filtered the water beforehand, our salt shop would have been forced to close,” Han Qing said, his tone calm.

Second Young Master Bai’s cruelty was evident.

“They’ll stop at nothing to destroy you,” Zhu said.

“That’s true. But you’ve always detested their family. Why did you let this matter pass so lightly today?” Han Qing wondered. The feud between the two families had been simmering for ages, both entrenched in this city. It was a wonder things hadn’t turned fatal already.

“The Bai family’s only aim now is to ruin all I’ve built. Do they not realize their own house teeters on the brink?” Han Qing said indifferently.

“Perhaps they believe that if they get rid of you, they can do as they please again,” Zhu agreed. Yet it was clear that neither of their situations was entirely safe.

“Haven’t you been associating with them lately?” Han Qing teased.

Zhu looked embarrassed and shook his head. “It’s just a ploy to buy time. You know I’ve never cared for the Bai family.” He waved his paper fan with a look of utter nonchalance.

But Second Young Master Bai, kept in the dark, was left utterly confounded. He returned home in a fury.