O Jovem Detetive da Era Wanli

On the first day of the tenth month in the twenty-fifth year of the Wanli reign, a chill had begun to stir in the wind. At the front of the Tongfu Inn, located just over ten miles from Yongding Gate of the capital, a steady stream of people bustled about. By now, the city gates had long been locked as the sun sank behind the western hills, so all travelers chose to rest here for the night, planning to enter the city at dawn.

Three men on two horses slowly came to a halt at the inn’s entrance. One rider dismounted swiftly, and the inn’s young waiter eagerly took the reins. “Gentlemen, are you here just for a meal or to stay overnight?” Drawing nearer, the waiter noticed the rider was a young man, handsome but somewhat slight, his clothes loosened from the long journey.

The young man said nothing but strode toward the other horse, where two others were waiting. With outstretched arms, he helped them dismount. The waiter followed, taking their horses’ reins, his eyes carefully studying the newcomers. The first of the two appeared older by several years than the young man, broad-shouldered and sturdy, but his left foot was heavily bandaged, a clear sign of injury. Behind him stood a thin, elderly figure, who supported the injured man’s arm, his expression strained.

The young man quickly stepped forward. “Father, rest your hand. I’ll help Brother.” He relieved the elder and the old man caught his breath, offering the waiter a simple, honest smile like that of a humble farmer. “Brother Waiter, the three of us have traveled all day, weary and hungry. Could you