Thompson Village was very close to the county seat. After traveling a little over ten li, the carriage entered the county town. Linhuai County, benefiting from its proximity to Zhongdu Fengyang, was originally a small county with fewer than a thousand households. But after Zhu Yuanzhang relocated 140,000 wealthy households from Jiangnan to Fengyang, Linhuai County tore down its old city walls and rebuilt them, taking in three thousand of those wealthy families. Twenty years have passed, and now Linhuai County has become a large county with five thousand households, a dense population, and a thriving commercial scene. Grand mansions and wealthy families are everywhere. Two rivers cross the town from east to west and north to south, forming a grid pattern like the character ‘田’. The banks of the rivers have become the most bustling commercial streets.

The county yamen was located at the very center of the town, built beside the river. From a distance, William Thompson could see a tall, dougong-style archway. Opposite the archway stood a long screen wall, carved with images of mythical beasts like the qilin. The carriage stopped in front of the archway, where the words ‘Xuanhua Fang’ were inscribed. In front of the yamen, a pair of stone lions stood tall and imposing, each with a paw resting on a cub, symbolizing offspring and compassion. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, a man in his thirties hurried out, cupped his hands, and smiled at Mr. Thompson: “Mr. Thompson, what a coincidence! My master was just talking about you. Please, come with me!”

“Thank you, Sheriff King.” Mr. Thompson quickly introduced the man to his son. “This is Second Brother King, the constable of our Linhuai County. You should follow Second Brother King and learn from him in the future.”

William Thompson hurried forward and bowed. “I am William Thompson. Please look after me, Big Brother King.”

“Fifth Brother Thompson, you seem like a changed man!” William Thompson had taken the county exam five times, so everyone at the yamen knew him. Because he had failed five times, people jokingly called him ‘Fifth Brother’. Sheriff King noticed his bad temper was gone, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed, “Don’t call me ‘big brother’—the county magistrate won’t like it. Just call me Second Brother.”

“Yes, Second Brother King.”

Standing nearby, Mr. Thompson saw his son behaving sensibly and finally felt at ease. He smiled at Sheriff King and said, “Little King, please wait a moment. I have a few words for my son.”

He pulled William Thompson behind the screen wall, took a roll of banknotes from his robe, and stuffed it into his hand. “Here are four hundred strings of cash for your daily expenses. Remember to treat your colleagues well. Don’t bother with the county assistant—I’ve already taken care of him for you. If you run out of money, just send word home.”

At this, Mr. Thompson slipped off a large square gold ring from his middle finger and pressed it into his son’s hand. “I really have no more money on me. Keep this gold ring safe. If you ever find yourself in danger, you can use it to save your life. And whatever you do, don’t get into fights. If anything happens, just come home—your father will protect you. Do you understand?”

William Thompson felt a lump in his throat and nodded gently. “Father, I understand.”

Mr. Thompson sighed, handed him a bundle of clothes, and said, “These were prepared for you by your stepmother. The weather’s turning cold—make sure to dress warmly!”

William Thompson silently accepted the clothes, then asked his father, “Can’t you stay until tomorrow before heading back?”

“No, I can’t. The grain tax is due in a couple of days, and I have to go back to make arrangements.” Mr. Thompson placed his hand on his son’s shoulder and looked into his eyes. “Son, be an honest man. That’s all I hope for you.”

With that, Mr. Thompson walked toward the carriage, his steps unsteady. When he reached the carriage, he secretly wiped his tears with his sleeve. William Thompson could hold back no longer and called out loudly, “Father!” He knelt down and bowed deeply to his father.

“Son, just come home to visit often in the future.”

The carriage gradually rolled away. Watching his father leaning out the window, waving, William Thompson couldn’t help it—tears welled up in his eyes and silently streamed down his face.

……

The Linhuai County yamen was divided into three main halls. The entire complex was grand, tall, and imposing. The main hall was at the center of the axis, where the magistrate issued decrees, held major ceremonies, and conducted public trials of important cases. In front of the main hall, on the east and west sides, were the six offices: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, Military, Justice, and Works.

Passing through the main hall and the screen door, one would reach the second hall, where the magistrate conducted preliminary hearings and took breaks. Behind the second hall was a small courtyard, where the magistrate’s advisors on finance and law worked.

The third hall was where the magistrate received higher officials, discussed government affairs, and handled daily business and living. Some confidential cases were also tried here. The third hall had wide corridors and a majestic atmosphere. Its interior was quite different from the main hall. In the courtyard, osmanthus trees spread their lush branches, creating a tranquil and mysterious feeling. On either side of the third hall were the east and west flower chambers, where the magistrate’s family lived. North of the third hall was the rear garden, which was also the magistrate’s private residence.

Sheriff King led William Thompson to the third hall, giving him careful instructions along the way: “The master is old and not in the best of spirits. Just exchange a few words of greeting—he won’t ask much about your affairs in the future. From now on, just stick with Older Brother. As long as I have food, you’ll never go hungry.”

William Thompson was deeply grateful. “Thank you, Second Brother. I’ll remember that.”

The main room of the third hall was where the magistrate usually worked, so there weren’t many formalities. William Thompson followed Sheriff King inside. Sheriff King immediately knelt and said, “Master, William Thompson has been brought.”