The beauty of Zhouzhuang in Hangzhou has been praised by people for centuries. The tranquil atmosphere of small bridges, flowing water, and riverside homes enchants every visitor, making them reluctant to leave and even have the impulse to seclude themselves here. It is the season when lotus flowers bloom. Under the sunset, the pond shimmers with waves, clusters of pink and white lotus flowers sway gracefully alongside their large leaves, almost dazzling in the ripples. By the riverbank, a charming woman is washing clothes while looking down. A closer look reveals her star-like eyes, peach-blossom cheeks, and skin so smooth it seems breakable under the glow of the setting sun, just like the lotus flowers in the pond. Her coarse cloth dress cannot conceal her beauty; she is like a touch of spring beside the lotus pond. The beautiful woman, the delicate lotus flowers, and the warm sunset complement each other at a secluded rural village in Zhouzhuang. At this moment, a man dressed in blue cloth quietly walks up behind the woman and whispers softly: "Red, stop washing. Don't forget that you're pregnant!" The woman turns around and smiles coyly at the man, saying: "Bao brother, it's fine. It's only been a few months, not long enough yet!" The man hesitates anxiously and says: "Hey, don't overwork yourself, your health is important!" The charming woman hums a local tune with her cute little nose, her smile brimming with maternal radiance.
Hong Baoquan is a famous detective in Hangzhou, having served in the governor's office for more than ten years. In Hangzhou, almost everyone knows Hong Baoquan. His wife, Red, is known for her gentleness and virtue. Of course, Hong Baoquan is not an ignorant brute but a righteous person who fights against evil and cares for the common people, often receiving commendations from the government and respect from his friends in the martial world. With a high level of martial arts, especially the authentic Wudang Bagua Quan, Hong Baoquan has rarely met his match. However, he never uses his strength to bully others; instead, he frequently helps families in need with daily tasks. The people of Hangzhou love Hong Baoquan, treating him as an honored guest whenever he visits. On the other hand, thieves and bandits deeply hate Hong Baoquan. There is a popular rhyme in the martial world about him: "Hong Baoquan, Bagua Quan, thieves and bandits feel uneasy. Hong Baoquan, kind-hearted, praised by the common people."
However, Hong Baoquan's home life is not as carefree as people imagine. More than ten years ago, an unexpected incident occurred where Hong Baoquan's parents were severely injured by a notorious thief named Mao using an extremely vicious method. This method was infamously cruel in the martial world, and worse still, there was no cure. As a filial son and a good person, Hong Baoquan spent all his savings on his parents' medical treatment, traveling across the country to seek renowned doctors. Despite his efforts, his parents' conditions remained unchanged.
One day last October, Hong Baoquan sat frowning in the office, because another famous doctor claimed he could treat his parents' illness but ended up shaking his head after seeing their condition. After the doctor left, Hong Baoquan felt almost desperate, going to work in the office without any spirit. The sky drizzled with fine rain, and the gloomy weather mirrored his darkened heart.
Suddenly, Hong Baoquan heard the noisy voices of the guards at the gate, which made him so irritated that he almost wanted to strangle those guys. Lying on a wooden bed in the guard room, Hong Baoquan tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Last night, catching a petty thief kept him awake all night, and the morning's blow from the so-called famous doctor left him utterly exhausted. He thought the gatekeepers were just playing around and ignored them, trying hard to fall asleep. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't fall asleep. The noise outside grew louder, mixed with a woman's pleading voice and sobbing cries. Hong Baoquan could no longer lie still; he decided to go out and see what was happening. Dressing quickly, he grabbed his patrol stick and walked out of the guard room towards the main gate.
In front of the office, a simply dressed woman was sobbing, surrounded by several burly men with beards, clearly not good people. Hong Baoquan approached the noisy guards and asked, "What's going on, boys? Why are you making such a racket? If we disturb the governor, it will be serious trouble." Seeing Hong Baoquan, everyone immediately fell silent. Hong Baoquan glared at them and demanded, "What's the matter? Making such a fuss in public at the gate, this is outrageous! Who can explain this to me?" While the guards were stunned, the frail woman cried out, "Sir, please save us!" Turning back, she pointed at the men behind her and continued, "These people claim my parents owe them money. Sir, my family and I are just tourists here, how could we owe them money for no reason!" At this moment, the fat man behind her loudly said, "Ha, gentlemen, who can prove they don't owe me money? Look at her pitiful act, it's all fake."
After hearing the woman's words, Hong Baoquan looked up at the muscular-faced man behind her and said, "Alright, if you have grievances, you should hit the gong and let the magistrate judge. Why make a commotion at the gate? Go ahead, report to the magistrate and let's proceed with the court session!" At this point, a guard named Xiao Liu Zi shouted, "Head Hong, I think I recognize this man!" Hong Baoquan said, "Oh, tell me, who is he?" Xiao Liu Zi replied, "Isn't this Wan Fafa, the owner of the money shop in Yuhang Town, seven miles outside Hangzhou!" Hong Baoquan looked at the man and asked, "Are you really the Wan Fafa Xiao Liu Zi mentioned?" The man, seeing a dignified guard speaking to him, hurriedly bowed and said, "Yes, yes, it's me!" Hong Baoquan then glanced at the woman and told everyone, "Alright, wait here. When the magistrate ascends the bench, you will confront each other in court." To know what happens next, stay tuned and follow more content on Xia Hua Literature Network.
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