"Young Master, someone from Fushui County has come to report a missing girl from their family," reported Ye Wu, who had been stationed in Fushui County on Ye Ziāanās orders. During his absence, Ye Wu handled all kinds of affairs every day, and reports were sent over every two days.
But this time, Ye Wu had come to deliver the message himself, indicating the situation was rather serious.
"Did you send someone to look for her?"
"We did, and we also investigated, but thereās no news at all," Ye Wu replied, his head lowered and his complexion somewhat grave.
Upon hearing this, Ye Ziāan furrowed his brows and asked, "Where is the missing person from?"
"Sheās from Fushan Village, the Land Officerās daughter." Ye Wu paused for a moment before continuing, "It was said that during the Lantern Festival, the villagers went to the town to watch the lantern displays. The girl wanted to buy lanterns while the others waited. After purchasing them, there was a monkey show, and the crowd stopped to watch for a while. However, when the show ended, they realized the girl was gone."
"The Lantern Festival was five days ago, why is the report only being filed now?"
"Young Master, the family reported the case yesterday. I had already led a search with my men, but we found nothing, so I sent a message to you overnight," explained Ye Wu.
Ye Ziāan hadnāt expected that just after the new year, a peaceful situation in the two counties would give rise to such an incident. What he had not anticipated was that the situation would escalate to such an extent that it would nearly cost him his post, and almost nullify all his accomplishments.
"In Fushui County, search through every brothel, regardless of which town itās in. Donāt mention searching for the person, only say that official silver has been stolen, and weāre hunting for the thief. Also, search every deserted temple, abandoned residence, and the like throughout the county."
"As you command, Young Master!"
Ye Ziāan massaged his brow, then added, "Privately interview each villager who went together, see if thereās anything suspicious. And find that monkey show performer as well. As for Mianyang County, Iāll have Ye Er take care of the investigation."
"Why did this family wait so long to report the case? If someone went missing, they shouldāve reported immediately." Wasnāt this delaying the investigation?
"Oh, Young Master, donāt bother asking about these people. They have their stubborn pride; to them, reporting a missing girl is a matter of disgrace. You might not know this, but it was the girlās suitor who hadnāt seen her for several days. After asking around, he eventually reported the disappearance," explained Ye Wu as he rubbed his face, thinking about the absurdity of a girl going missing and her family being too ashamed to report it.
"Foolishness!" Ye Ziāan huffed. "The bailiffs in the yamen should not stay idle in the office; let them patrol outside. And send a couple of constables to each town as well ā make sure they are not just loafing around."
"Yes, Young Master!"
After sending Ye Wu away, Ye Ziāan hastily called Ye Er and others, instructing them to take the same actions in Mianyang County as were taken in Fushui County.
The people of Mianyang County soon noticed that the streets seemed more strictly patrolled than usual, with yamen officials inspecting various places from time to time.
However, the first girl who disappeared from Fushan Village remained unfound.
The situation took on a ridiculous turn when it seemed that the girlās family knew they were searching for her in secret. Yet they came forward to say there was no need to look for her anymore, as if she had never been born. The girlās suitor, on the other hand, insisted on continuing the search.
Their opinions clashed, and they nearly came to blows.
Furious, Ye Ziāan had two bailiffs summon the girlās brothers and gave them a beating before driving them out of the county office.