The docks were a chaotic mix of people, and for now, no one was causing trouble for Billy and his group. But if too much time passed, there was no guarantee that something wouldn’t happen. That’s where Edward Harris’s influence came in. Don’t be fooled by the fact that Edward Harris was just a low-ranking squad leader, with a status even lower than a minor official. In the Xiangfu County area, however, Edward Harris was quite influential—especially since he was highly skilled in martial arts and had personally captured several notorious wanted criminals. Not only in Xiangfu County, but even throughout the entire Kaifeng Prefecture, he had a certain reputation.

“Zhelao? I didn’t expect you to have such a skill!” After hearing this, Edward Harris couldn’t help but look at James Thompson in amazement. Although selling leftover food wasn’t exactly a respectable business, it was almost pure profit, making it perfect for orphans like James Thompson and his group, who had no capital to speak of.

At this moment, James Thompson smiled slightly again, then took a heavy cloth bundle from behind him and placed it in front of Edward Harris, saying, “Uncle Wu, here’s a string of coins. There’s no other meaning—I just hope you can look after Billy and the others a bit more in the future, so that if anyone gets jealous, they won’t come looking for trouble with us.”

“Shu∧yu∽ what the hell is this, when did it become your turn to give me money!” When Edward Harris saw James Thompson actually offering him money, he immediately slammed the table in anger and shouted. He had always treated James Thompson like his own nephew; otherwise, he wouldn’t have looked after the siblings for so long. But now James Thompson was trying to bribe him with money, as if treating him like an outsider rather than an elder. That was what really made Edward Harris angry.

“Uncle Wu, you’ve misunderstood. Even though you’re not my real uncle, you’ve always taken care of us siblings, and since my father is never home, Lily Thompson and I have pretty much seen you as a father…”

“Then why are you giving me money?” Before James Thompson could finish, Edward Harris slammed the table again, cutting him off. The table at James Thompson’s house was already rickety, and with Edward Harris’s strength, after two slams, it was now crooked and looked like it would fall apart with one more hit.

“Uncle Wu, please listen. This money isn’t for you—it’s for you to pass on to the constables patrolling the docks, so they’ll look after Billy and the others. After all, if something can be solved with money, it’s best not to owe anyone favors!” James Thompson explained with a wry smile. Edward Harris was always busy and couldn’t personally watch over Billy and the others at the docks, so he’d have to entrust it to his subordinates. But no matter how much face Edward Harris had, money was always more effective—this was true in any era.

Hearing this, Edward Harris was stunned for a moment, then looked James Thompson up and down before speaking again: “You’re something else, kid. You even understand this kind of reasoning. But who did you learn all this from, to be so clear-eyed about the ways of the world?”

“I don’t really know. Ever since I woke up from my injury this time, my mind just seems to work better. Things I didn’t understand before suddenly make sense.” James Thompson spread his hands and put on an innocent expression. The changes in him were too obvious to hide from someone as sharp as Edward Harris, so he might as well be open about it. After all, no one would ever guess that he was no longer the original James Thompson.

“They say that those who survive great disasters are destined for good fortune. Looks like there’s some truth to that. You’ve always been smart since you were a child. If your father had let you keep studying, maybe one day you’d be called by name at Donghua Gate, and your family would be honored.” Edward Harris looked at James Thompson with a hint of regret.

James Thompson was literate, which was one reason he’d become the leader of the orphans. Unfortunately, his father’s gambling had ruined the family, and they could barely afford to eat, let alone pay for his schooling.

As they were talking, Lily Thompson came back with the wine. Edward Harris didn’t stand on ceremony, eating marinated sausage and drinking with James Thompson as they chatted. When they finished, James Thompson pushed the coins toward him again, but this time Edward Harris just laughed and said, “You really are generous. Just to have the people at the docks look after Billy and the others, two hundred coins is more than enough. Save the rest and buy more food in the future—don’t let Lily Thompson go hungry!”

After counting the coins, Edward Harris got ready to leave. James Thompson stood up, steadying his chair to see him out. But just then, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside, and a constable in a black uniform burst in, panic written all over his face.

Chapter Eight: A Murder Case

“Brother Wu, something’s wrong! There’s been a murder in Xiahe Village. Sheriff Cooper wants you to bring the coroner to examine the body!” The young constable rushed into the mortuary and, upon seeing Edward Harris, shouted loudly.

“Damn it, just got back and there’s already a murder!” Edward Harris slammed the table again, and the already overburdened table creaked loudly, looking like it would fall apart at any moment.

There were generally three types of constables in the yamen: zhuangban, zaoban, and kuaiban. Zhuangban were not permanent and were only assembled from local strongmen in emergencies. Zaoban were responsible for standing guard for the county magistrate and serving as ceremonial guards—the ones who shout “Mighty!” when the magistrate holds court in TV dramas, and sometimes they also acted as executioners.