Chapter 9 Eight Strange Cases: The "Wife Killing" Case in Macheng, Yongzheng

There is a small county called Macheng in the northeast of Hubei Province. It is adjacent to the Dabie Mountains in the north, across the Jushui River in the west, and borders Anhui and Henan. It is a rich town rich in rice, wheat and mulberry.During the reign of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty, there lived a wealthy family in the county seat, whose owner was named Tu Rusong.The Tu family has been in business for generations, and they are considered wealthy in Macheng.Tu Rusong's generation began to abandon business and study.Ru Song has been extremely intelligent since childhood, but has an arrogant personality. At the age of sixteen, she married Yang Shi, the daughter of a merchant in the same county.This Yang family is one year older than Tu Rusong, but he was born with "a lotus like a face and a willow like eyebrows", quite attractive, and has an active personality, informal, and often jokes with Rusong's fellow students, making Rusong very happy Awkward.For this reason, Rusong had repeatedly warned Yang Shi to be more dignified and prudent, but Yang Shi didn't mind, and remained the same.In this way, grievances gradually arise between husband and wife.Ru Song's old mother went to her daughter-in-law's house to apologize and apologize to her daughter-in-law, and she was not to be outdone. Back, this kind of life lasted for several years, and there was no relief.

This winter, the weather was extremely cold, with snow falling since the end of October.Residents in the Hubei area are not tolerant of severe cold. Tu Rusong's mother accidentally caught a little cold and was bedridden.Tu Rusong is a filial mother by nature, decocts medicine and serves tea by himself, and stays in front of the bed all day long.Rusong's mother-in-law understands the righteousness and sends her daughter back in person to let her serve her mother-in-law together with Rusong.Unexpectedly, Yang was spoiled and spoiled since she was a child, and she was deeply bored with serving her mother-in-law. Whenever Ru Song was not around, she would loudly reprimand her mother-in-law.After Rusong heard this, he suppressed his temper and endured it at first, but then he couldn't bear it anymore, and fell into his old habit again, and started beating his wife.On this day, Yang suspected that her mother-in-law had spilled tea on the bed, and opened her mouth to scold. Ru Song found out, and in a moment of anger picked up a wooden stick and beat her.Seeing that her husband was so vicious, Mrs. Yang was so annoyed that she picked up her burden and left home angrily.

Tu Rusong thought that the daughter-in-law must be repeating the old tricks and ran back to her mother's house, so she didn't care.Fortunately, after Mrs. Yang left, the house became quieter. Rusong took care of his mother wholeheartedly. After more than a month of his painstaking care, mother Tu finally recovered from her illness. As the saying goes, "You can't have a family without a housewife." After Tu's mother recovered from her illness, the first thing she wanted to do was to bring her daughter-in-law back.Rusong has been married for ten years and has no children yet.Looking forward to his grandson, the old man first persuaded Ru Song to be gentle and considerate to his wife. After the son knew about his mistake and confessed his mistake, the old man packed up a box of gifts and let Ru Song ride a horse to carry them. He took a soft sedan chair and went to pick up his daughter-in-law.Who knew that the daughter-in-law had never returned to her mother's house when she arrived at her in-law's house.At first, Tu's mother thought it was the mother-in-law who was angry and refused to allow her daughter to show up, and kept apologizing, but she knew that the mother-in-law burst into tears, saying that since her daughter ran away more than a month ago and has not returned to her mother's house, something must have happened.Rusong's mother and son panicked at this point, and hurriedly posted a poster, promising a big reward, and begging the neighbors to help find Yang's family.Unexpectedly, after more than a month after the post was posted, there was still no news about Yang's.

Seeing that there was no news of their daughter, the Yang family suspected that it was Tu Rusong who had killed her.The Yang family has a younger brother named Yang Wurong, who couldn't read books since he was a child. He was afraid of hardship when he practiced martial arts.After his sister disappeared, he kept encouraging his parents to file a complaint in the county, exposing Tu Rusong for killing his wife.The Yang family couldn't resist Wu Rong's repeated instigation, and finally filed a complaint in the county. Tang Yingqiu, magistrate of Macheng County, was an upright official who was born as a second-class Jinshi.After receiving the certificate, he carefully analyzed Tu Rusong's activities and believed that the possibility of Tu Rusong killing his wife was very small.First, Tu's mother was seriously ill when Yang's disappearance, Tu Rusong always took care of her mother, and never left the house, this can be proved by the neighbors of Tu's family.Second, after Tu's mother recovered from her illness, she immediately prepared gifts to pick up her daughter-in-law, and Tu Rusong also accompanied her. If the Tu family killed someone, they would not use such a clumsy performance to cover up the murder.Third, if the Tu family killed someone, what would happen to Yang's body?Back then, the weather was extremely cold and the ground was three feet frozen, even if it was buried, there would be obvious traces. However, when Tang Zhi County inspected Tu's house, he did not find any flaws.What's more, the Tu family turned from business to academic, and it can be regarded as a scholarly family. Although Tu Rusong beat his wife, if he was asked to kill someone, he might not have the courage.According to these signs, Tang Yingqiu quickly rejected Tu Rusong's idea of ​​killing his wife.But where did Mrs. Yang go?This is the key to ending the case, but there is no clue after sending people to investigate for a long time.Tang Yingqiu had no choice but to suppress the case.

Yang Wurong saw that there was no movement in the county, so he came to the Yamen every day to cry and complain.The magistrate of Tang County was very disturbed, so he told Wurong that the case could not be settled if he could not find out Yang's whereabouts, and said: "Instead of going to the county government every day to complain about grievances, it is better to help the county to check on you. The whereabouts of my sister, as long as you provide reliable evidence, the county will definitely decide for you." After hearing this, Yang Wurong didn't say any more, kowtowed his head and left the hall angrily.

Twenty miles northwest of Macheng County, there is a mountain village called Jiukoutang.There are only thirty or so families in this village, but it is very famous because the scenery here is very beautiful.The green Dabie Mountain is its barrier. A clear river flows around the mountain in a winding way. Pear trees are densely planted on both sides of the river. The clear water is particularly enchanting. The spring breeze blows, and the falling petals are colorful. The petals are like bursts of flower rain, full of fragrance, falling in the green river water, forming a spectacle. Therefore, this small river is called "Flower River". Rain River".Literati, inkmen, wealthy businessmen and gentlemen in Macheng County come here every year to enjoy the flowers in spring.Therefore, the people in this small village do not grow mulberry and hemp, but only open hotels and manage pear trees for a living.Tu Rusong is the richest man in Macheng, and this Jiukoutang is a place he often visits.Yang Wurong knew that Tu Rusong had a separate courtyard in Jiukoutang, and suspected that Rusong had killed Yang Shi in the other courtyard, but he never had the opportunity to investigate.Ever since he was exhausted in the courtroom and quit, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that Jiukoutang was suspicious, so he sneaked into Jiukoutang quietly by himself.In order not to attract attention, he lived in a small shop, went out early and returned late every day, inquired about Tu Rusong, and found no suspicious clues for several days.This morning, there was a slight rain. Although the rain was not heavy, it washed the Dabie Mountains more green.Yang Wurong wore a pair of hemp shoes and walked on the field path, trying to find out the wind near Tu Rusong's other courtyard.But as soon as he entered the village, he was attracted by a village girl standing in a hotel.I saw that this village girl was about eighteen years old, with a small duck-egg face, set with a pair of big watery eyes, long eyelashes, and curved and thin eyebrows, making her white and rosy. His face is set off very delicately.Wu Rong was originally a womanizer, and his eyes were fixed on the village girl as if they had been hooked.The village girl didn't notice it at all, with a sweet smile on her face, she warmly received the tourists around her.Wu Rong was in a daze, standing there motionless until he was lightly patted on the back, then turned around in astonishment, only to see a man in his twenties who was using a pair of cunning He looked at himself with stern eyes, and an elusive smile flickered at the corner of his mouth.Wu Rong was even more astonished, and the strange man said softly: "Why, let the little beauty take away all the souls?" Wu Rong smiled awkwardly, clasped his hands and was about to leave.But the man stretched out his hand to grab his skirt and said, "I understand what you're thinking, but this country girl is beautiful, but she's a rose with many thorns. Let's sit in the store and I'll give it to you Think of a way." Yang Wurong was distracted by the visitor, and he heard that there was a way to cuddle up to the sweet and beautiful, so he followed the visitor into the hotel unconsciously.

Although the hotel was very simple, it was kept very clean. There were drinkers sitting on several small tables. Yang Wurong sat down on a small table in the corner of the room, and the strange young man sat beside him reluctantly.Wurong asked for a few dishes, but the village girl who sifted the wine did not come, and felt a little disappointed.The stranger leaned over and said, "There are so many beauties by the Huayu River. Isn't it easy for my brother to find beauties? My name is Zhao Dang'er, and I live in this Jiukoutang. As long as my brother is happy, I will find ten beauties." How about accompanying you?" Wu Rong heard that Zhao Dang'er was a local, and he had an idea, and his mood of missing the beauty faded away, and he started talking to him about the situation in Tu Rusong's other courtyard.That Zhao Dang'er was originally a local rogue, and when Yang Wurong asked about Tu Rusong, he knew that he had a purpose, and he guided him step by step with words, and soon figured out Wurong's original intention.In order to defraud Wurong of his money, he pretended to be mysterious and said: "I have never been to Mr. Tu's other courtyard, but there was indeed a beauty who came here three months ago. I heard that it was Mrs. Tu's wife. He didn't come out again." Wu Rong asked closely: "Why didn't he come out?" Zhao Dang'er deliberately hesitated to speak, until Wu Rong took out three liang of silver and stuffed it into his hand, then he said hesitatingly: " Tu Xianggong has always been at odds with his wife, this time he took advantage of the midwinter weather to lure his wife to another courtyard with the intention of harming her, as expected, soon after, he invited a best friend from normal times, and the two of them killed his wife together Poor beautiful woman who died at the hands of her husband." Yang Wurong did not expect to find out the news of his sister's murder so smoothly. In order to confirm Zhao Dang'er's words, he asked again: "Who is the person who committed the murder together?" ?" Zhao Dang'er blinked and said, "I heard that the surname is Chen, and the first name is Chen Wen." Yang Wurong suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked, "Your brother is serious?" Zhao Dang'er said firmly: "It is absolutely true. "Wu Rong asked again: "If you are asked to testify in court, would you dare to go?" Zhao Dang'er replied nonchalantly: "Then why not?" Standing up and bowing deeply to him, Wurong said: "To tell you the truth, Yang Wurong is Mrs. Tu's younger brother. My sister has been missing for two months and I have guessed that it will be Tu Rusong. She was killed, and there is no real evidence, so I came to Jiukoutang to investigate, not wanting to meet my brother by chance and find out the truth. I think my brother has a straightforward personality and a chivalrous heart. As the saying goes, "A man hates evil like a hatred", since my brother knows about this murder How can you just sit back and watch the murderer get away with it? I will bother you to go with me to the county government office to accuse Tu Rusong. If the vengeance is avenged, I, Yang Wurong, would like to reward you with fifty taels of silver." Yang Wurong's words stunned Zhao Dang'er , He originally just wanted to make up a news to trick Yang Wurong and earn a few pocket money to spend, but he didn't expect Yang Wurong to be Mrs. Tu's younger brother.Now, it is impossible to deny the original words, but it is not a comfortable thing to accompany Yang Wurong in the lawsuit. If someone finds out, he may have to sit in prison for several years.What to do?Zhao Dang'er turned his small eyes and calculated carefully, but Yang Wurong thought that Zhao Dang'er was asking for conditions, so he said, "If you think fifty taels of silver is too little, I can add a little more. How about sixty taels?" When I heard that there were sixty taels of silver to be obtained, I forgot how bad it was for a moment, and slapped my chest and said, "That's it. I, Zhao Dang'er, didn't plan for the sixty taels of silver, but mainly because I saw Tu Rusong harming others. It's not fair, so I'll accompany you to the county yamen." Yang Wurong was eager for revenge at this moment, and he didn't care to carefully figure out whether Zhao Dang'er's words were flawed, so he called the shopkeeper to count the money for the sake, and dragged Zhao Dang'er to Macheng County government.

Tang Yingqiu hasn't had a good rest these past few days. He is a serious person. Tu Rusong's family lost his wife. After more than ten days of investigation, there was no clue, which made him very anxious.One day, he was discussing how to find clues with the third class of arresters in the signing room. Suddenly, the drum was knocked "Boom, Boom", and there was a commotion in the lobby, followed by a sound of anger and grievance.Tang Yingqiu didn't dare to be negligent, and hastily tidied up his clothes and ordered him to be promoted. After shouting three times in the hall, and beating drums to call for the injustice to be taken to the hall, Tang Yingqiu saw that it was Yang Wurong again, and felt a little unhappy.At this moment, Yang Wurong was confident, and told the truth about the visit from Jiukoutang in one breath, and asked Tang Yingqiu to immediately arrest Tu Rusong and confront him in court.Tang Yingqiu questioned the witness Zhao Dang'er again and again. At this juncture, Zhao Dang'er knew he couldn't back down, so he insisted that Tu Rusong and Chen Wen had killed his wife together in the Jiukoutang courtyard.Now that there is evidence to show his head, Tang Zhixian had no choice but to order Tu Rusong to be arrested and brought to justice.But Tu Rusong went to the court and denied the murder of Yang Shi, and said that he never had a friend named Chen Wen, not to mention that when his mother was seriously ill three months ago, he took care of his mother in the city and had never been to Jiuzhou. How could people kill people in Koutang Bieyuan?The magistrate of Tang didn't judge Tu Rusong's defense, but ordered all the housekeepers and handymen of Tu's family to be sent and questioned separately.All these people proved with one voice that Tu Rusong had never left the old lady.The butler of the Tu family also specifically pointed out that if you don't trust the servants of the Tu family, you can also ask Li Dechen, an old doctor in the county, for inquiries.

Tangzhi County invited Dr. Li to ask, and found out that when Tu's mother was seriously ill, Mr. Li went to Tu's house to see a doctor once a day, and was accompanied by Ru Song to receive him. In this way, it is obviously untrue to say that Tu Ru Song killed his wife in Jiukoutang. .But Yang Wurong cried and complained that the Tu family had colluded with each other, fabricated false evidence to deceive the government, and asked Master Qingtian to decide.Seeing that the plaintiff was holding on to him, Tang Zhixian ordered Tu Rusong to be temporarily imprisoned for fear of other incidents, and he will be punished after finding out conclusive evidence.

Although Tu Rusong is the richest man in Macheng County, he is very kind and kind. He gives a lot to his neighbors on weekdays, so people respect him very much.This time, he was thrown into prison for no reason, and the whole county was in an uproar. In less than two days, more than a dozen respectable gentry and scholars came to the county government to appeal for his grievances.They unanimously confirmed that Tu Rusong had never left Macheng since the beginning of winter.Some of them pointed out that Zhao Dang'er reported on Tu Rusong's murder of his wife, but Yang's body has not been found so far. It is still difficult to determine whether Yang is dead or alive.On the third day, another old man came to the county government to submit a complaint. He was Zhao Dang'er's father. The complaint wrote: "My son Zhao Dang'er was originally a scoundrel from Jiukoutang. Tu Rusong's murder was also fabricated out of thin air, the elder must not believe it. If you believe my son's testimony and wrongly sentence Tu Xianggong, the old man asks that after the investigation is made in the future, his son will not be imprisoned." After receiving these grievance complaints, the magistrate of Tang County, instead He became more calm. On the one hand, he felt that Tu Rusong might be wronged, and on the other hand, he also suspected that this was the result of the Tu family's money-spending campaign, so he did not release Tu Rusong, but ordered that he must be strictly guarded to prevent accidents.

Ever since Yang Wurong put Tu Rusong in jail after pulling Zhao Dang'er to testify, he felt more and more correct in his judgment, and went to the county government governor every day to urge Tu Rusong to be executed, but the county magistrate always offered a few words of comfort, and refused to go to the court for a severe trial. , made him anxious, wishing to point at the magistrate's nose and yell at him.This morning, he had just eaten breakfast and wanted to go to the county government office to see what happened, when suddenly an old lady came to the door.The mother-in-law was in her fifties, she was dressed in peasant clothes, she walked in a panic, she seemed restless, and when she saw Wu Rong, she stuttered and couldn't speak a whole sentence.Wu Rong knew that this person must have a background, so he poured a cup of tea and asked her to speak slowly, which eased the atmosphere.The old man said: "My old man's name is Feng Wang, and he is from Fengjiazhuang in the south of the city. Feng Da, a rebellious son, was born not to do business properly, and to mess around everywhere. Sister Ling and Feng Dazao had colluded with each other. Three months ago, after she and Tu Rusong quarreled , in order to escape Ru Song’s beating, I hid in my house privately, shared the same room with my son, and slept on the same pillow. I wanted to escape for a while and then return to my husband’s house. I didn’t want you and Zhao Dang’er to mistakenly think that she had been killed by Tu Ru Song. Reported to the government, the magistrate of Tang County has been sending people to investigate the whereabouts of sister Ling these days, and someone has already investigated my home. It seems that sooner or later someone will find out, we and sister Ling are very frightened, sister Ling asked me to come Let's discuss it, what should we do next?" Yang Wurong was stunned by this sudden news, he never imagined that his judgment was completely wrong.He was not very happy that his sister was still alive, because the purpose of his complaint was not to avenge his sister, but to try to slap the Tu family hard.After finally using Zhao Dang'er to put Tu Rusong into prison, he was waiting for the Tu family to send someone to intercede and negotiate terms, but unexpectedly, "Cheng Yaojin was killed on the way", Feng Dashen was out of breath, and came to discuss countermeasures with himself .This time, not only is there no hope of eating hot steamed buns, but also he will be accused of falsely accusing the richest man in the county, and he may also be sent to prison. How can this be good?Thinking of this, Yang Wurong became stuttering. In order not to show any signs, he signaled Feng's mother to go home to listen to the news, and then go to Feng's house to inform her when he figured out a way.Seeing that Wu Rong was in such a panic, Feng's mother felt the seriousness of the situation even more. She almost cried and ran out of Yang's house in a panic, covering her mouth. After seeing Feng's mother away, Yang Wurong felt like sitting on pins and needles. After thinking about it, he couldn't think of a way to get the best of both worlds. In desperation, he suddenly thought of someone.The man's name is Yang Tongfan, and he had won the fame of a scholar a few years ago.There are many inheritances in the family, and he is considered a prominent figure in Macheng.It's just that this person has always been idle and loves to gamble.Yang Wurong has made black money with him many times in casinos, so he is just a friend.Now that the matter is critical, I had to ask Yang Xiucai for help. There is a small manor in the southwest of Macheng County. It is shaded by green trees and slanted with bamboo fences, which is very elegant.Beyond a few rows of willow trees, there is a whitewashed wall connected to a gatehouse with exquisite carvings. On the bronze gate there is a wooden sign of "Yang's House". This is Yang Tongfan's home.Although Yang Wurong had been in contact with Yang Tongfan in the casino, when he came to the door of the famous Yang Xiucai, he felt a little nervous, for fear of being coldly received or even driven out.Therefore, after lingering in front of the gate for a long time, he tiptoed to knock on the door knocker. It was Yang Tongfan who came to open the door. He was twenty-eight years old, with a broad face, two big eyes wide open, exuding an air of arrogance.Seeing that it was Yang Wurong who knocked on the door, he felt a bit regretful that he had come out to greet him in person, so he didn't have a smile on his face, and said coldly, "Wu Rong, what are you doing here?" He was so overwhelmed that he didn't dare to raise his head, and just humbly said with a smile: "My little brother came to ask my dear brother for advice, my sister has disappeared..." Hearing Wu Rong mentioning her sister, Yang Tongfan immediately showed a slender waist. , the image of a beautiful woman with a face like a peach blossom.He had seen Yang Shi many times and coveted her beauty deeply.After Yang's marriage to Tu's family, he also hated Tu Rusong for a long time, secretly envied Rusong for begging for a peerless beauty, and deeply regretted that he could not peek at the beauty.Now hearing that Mrs. Yang has gone missing, it aroused his long-awaited spring heart, and he unconsciously turned his cold face into a smiling one, and he held Wurong's arm with his hand, showing a sense of intimacy. Let Wu Rong into the living room. Wurong didn't expect Yang Xiucai to be so enthusiastic, and he felt flattered. Before he could sit still, he explained how Yang's escape, how he had an affair with Feng Dacheng, and how he sued Tu Rusong. .That Yang Tongfan was fascinated by what he heard, he felt that he was not only lucky in marriage but also lucky in money today, no wonder there were two or three magpies screaming at the room in the morning when he got up in the morning!It wasn't until Yang Wurong finished speaking and urged him to come up with an idea that he seemed to wake up from a dream and said, "It's easy to handle. Tell your sister to come to my house and hide for a while, and then figure out a solution after the limelight passes." A little worried, he said: "Your home is not far from the city. If you are found out by the tolerance..." Yang Tongfan laughed and said, "I am a dignified student with a reputation. Who would dare to search my house? After hiding for a hundred years, there is still no news." Wu Rong said again: "How about Tu Rusong's lawsuit?" Yang Tongfan said: "After hiding sister Ling, you can continue to sue Tu Rusong for killing his wife. If the Tu family refuses to spend the money, you will go to the county government to urge the county magistrate to kill the boy." Yang Wurong suddenly heard Tong Fan's advice. Feeling profitable, he asked Yang Tongfan to tidy up the house. Tong Fan said: "The back wall of the main house of my house is a very wide sandwich wall, and there is room for several beds in the sandwich wall. Stay, needless to say the government didn't dare to search, even if they searched, he found nothing." Wu Rong was overjoyed, gave Yang Tongfan a deep bow, and went to Fengjiazhuang to pick up his sister excitedly. After sending Yang Wurong away, Yang Tongfan felt like a pot of fire was burning in his heart, and he felt a little restless.The beauty that she had dreamed of for more than ten years, she never expected to be deceived by herself with just a few words.It was the most difficult thing to stop when he was burning with lust. Sitting in front of the desk, he almost calculated the distance from Yang Wurong to Fengjiazhuang step by step.He thought, as soon as Yang Shi enters his house, he must not let her go easily.Yang's charming smiling face, graceful figure, and slightly upturned slender eyebrows seem to be infinitely attractive, making Yang Tongfan feel so cute and lovely, wishing to hug this girl all at once. "Peerless Beauty" enjoys it.Thinking of this, he couldn't sit still anymore, and ran to the gate of the main street again and again, yelling at the official road, but he didn't see Yang Wurong come back for a long time.He couldn't hold back anymore, he kept pacing in the study.After another half an hour, Yang Wurong was still not there to pick up Mrs. Yang, but he suddenly found that the dark-flowered royal blue robe he was wearing didn't fit well, so he hurriedly found a satin black robe and put on a blue dark-flowered mandarin jacket , Looking around in front of the mirror, he looked up.At this time, there was a sound of footsteps outside the door, Yang Tongfan looked through the window, and saw Yang Wurong leading the way, followed by a soft sedan chair, which was gently placed in the courtyard.Unconsciously, he was elated and rushed out to greet her.Yang Wurong had already lifted the curtain of the sedan chair. Yang held the hem of her skirt in one hand and put the other on Wurong's arm, and was helped out of the sedan chair.I saw that her pink face was full of spring, her beautiful face was smiling, and she had a seductive demeanor.Wearing a well-fitting long lake green skirt and a pink embroidered short jacket tightly pinching her slender waist, she looked extraordinarily charming.Yang Tongfan unknowingly straightened his clothes, and pretended to be reserved, and went forward to salute.With a charming smile, Mrs. Yang said a deep blessing, and lightly parted her lips and said, "I'm here to trouble Yang Xiucai again." As soon as the contact was made, Yang Tongfan was overwhelmed by Yang's beauty, and hurriedly returned the salute, indicating please The Yang siblings entered the room to talk. Yang moved her lotus steps lightly, and walked gracefully. As the saying goes: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". At this moment, in the eyes of Yang Tongfan, Yang's every move and gesture is enough to make people fascinated.He intentionally kept a distance from Yang Shi, and followed into the room.After Mrs. Yang sat down, Tong Fan briefly introduced the situation in his home, and pointed to the back eaves wall and said: "This is a sandwich wall, which is the dwelling place for ancestors to avoid troubled times. It's big, but it can accommodate you. My wife can hide in it at ordinary times, and come out to relax when you're bored. Yang is a man of fame, so forgive me that no one dares to easily break into my house." But Yang asked, "I don't know How is my husband now? Is he looking for me everywhere?: Yang Tongfan deliberately frightened her and said, "Tu Rusong has sued you in the government for kidnapping and absconding with an adulterer, and now the county is offering a reward for arresting you. As long as you find out the rumors, you will be arrested. , cast in prison and never come out. "Yang's peach-like face was covered with an angry look, and he said: "I didn't expect him to be so vicious. Beating and scolding are not counted, but he wants to sue me. I just can't hide it. Let's see where he goes. Find me. "Yang Tongfan couldn't help but offer a few words of persuasion, then stood up and said: "It's almost noon, Madam thinks I haven't eaten yet, let's rest after eating!" After finishing speaking, he ordered "Dinner", and two maids had already put the prepared wine and rice on the table. Mrs. Yang took the lead to take the seat after a little humility. During the banquet, Yang Tongfan poured wine and dishes attentively, It would be good if Mrs. Yang couldn't be more grateful. After dinner, Yang Wurong got up first to leave, but Yang Tongfan didn't want to keep him. He just asked him to come here to visit his sister from time to time. Seeing Tongfan's enthusiasm, Wurong felt relieved and happy. There were only two people left in the room, Tong Fan and Yang Shi. Tong Fan sat there, his eyes were only rolling around Yang Shi. Yang was embarrassed by the sight, and lowered his head and looked down. He said softly: "Mr. Yang, let's go to rest, I am also a little tired, so I dare not stay with you for a long time. "Then Yang Tongfan looked sideways at Mrs. Yang, relying on the alcohol, and said: "Madam, you don't have to see outsiders. As the saying goes: 'When you enter a family, you are a family'. With the same name as Mrs. Fan Jiumu, can't you spend more time with you?" for a while? "That Mrs. Yang was a well-behaved person. After hearing Tong Fan's words, she had already understood his thoughts. She felt her face flushed and at a loss. She lowered her head and said nothing. Yang Tongfan's heart jumped wildly, Standing up and walking behind Yang Shi, she saw that she was twisting a small handkerchief with a pair of white tender hands, her slightly drunken expression was even more charming and charming, she was so daring that she stretched out her hand to grab Yang Shi's hand. Come into her arms. Yang's face was flushed, her breath was short of breath: she glared at Tong Fan, and said coquettishly, "Could Mr. Yang want to seduce this concubine? Tong Fan knelt down on the ground with a "gudong" and said: "Xiaosheng has been with his wife for a long time, but there is no chance to meet her. Today, she came to my house in refuge. By this time, one of them was already drunk and full of enthusiasm, the other was envious of Yang Tongfan's fame and wealth, and the third knew that he had entered Yang's mansion and couldn't help himself, so he no longer refused. This pair of watery men and women only met for less than half a day So they got together and became a dewy couple. From then on, Yang and Fan simply came to spend the night in the north room where Yang was hiding every night. He still didn't know anything about Tu Rusong's arrest and imprisonment. Under Yang Tongfan's instigation, Yang Wurong would go to the county to cry every three to five days. The people in Macheng County gave him the nickname "Yang Tongfan". Crazy", but Tang Yingqiu, the county magistrate, still refused to hear the case. In fact, Tang Yingqiu was never idle for a moment.In a small county town, there was a murder case where no body could be found, and the defendant was the richest household in the county. This was undoubtedly an extremely serious case.After the case happened, the entire county was a sensation, and naturally it had to reach the ears of the Shangxian adults.In the past few months, Tang Yingqiu has sent documents inquiring about the case from the province and the government, but Tang Yingqiu could hardly answer. Recently, the county gentry jointly signed a letter, asking the county to make a clear decision, either to convict Tu Rusong or release him. , There is absolutely no reason for being imprisoned for a long time without any clear reason, all of which put a lot of pressure on Tang Yingqiu.However, he thought about it and weighed it over and over again, and felt that in the current situation of insufficient evidence, no matter how he dealt with it, it was not appropriate.Therefore, while secretly urging the police officer to investigate Yang's whereabouts as soon as possible, at the same time, his boss asked him to give him more time to thoroughly investigate the case.But it seems that a year has passed, and there is still no news from the Yang family, so Tang Zhixian severely reprimanded the arresters for their incompetence several times. In the blink of an eye, it was summer again, and the camellias around Macheng were fragrant, and the rice grains were strong, and there was a bumper harvest.This year's season is preferred. Since the beginning of spring, there has been abundant rain. The people happily sent off the smooth spring, and hoped that God will reward a better summer.It is the peak season for crop growth at this time, and the weather is beautiful, and there will be a rainstorm every ten days. Tang Yingqiu served as the county magistrate for three consecutive terms. This is the first time I have seen such a good year, and I feel grateful happy.This morning, the sky was exceptionally clear. Tang Yingqiu got up early to see that there were no urgent files in front of him, so he read the history books alone in the study.Just as he was concentrating on reading, the door of the study was gently pushed open, and Li Xianzong, the secretary of the punishment room, hurried into the room without notifying him.Tang Yingqiu knew that he must have some important news, so he put down the scroll and motioned for the secretary to sit down and talk slowly.Li Xianzong was a little excited, and his speech seemed very hasty. He said: "A decomposed corpse was found on the Jushui river bank 30 miles west of the county seat. It seems that the deceased had been dead for several months. The body was originally buried in the river bank. Yes, because of the shallow burial, a group of wild dogs pulled it out. Fortunately, the Dibao found it early, drove away the wild dogs, and sent someone to guard the body, so I asked the master to take someone to the post-mortem." Tang Yingqiu had an idea, and soon Quickly got in touch with Yang's disappearance, and asked: "Is it a male corpse or a female corpse?" Li Xianzong said: "The corpse is decomposed more severely, and the male and female have not yet been distinguished." Tang Yingqiu asked again: "Can someone go to identify the corpse?" Li Xianzong Said: "There is no one who recognizes each other in a radius of more than ten miles." "Okay!" Tang Yingqiu stood up from his chair and said, "It is said that Li Rong will go to the autopsy with the head arrester He Xiong, and you will go with me!" Li Xianzong agreed, and soon spread the word about Wu Zuo, the head arrester and several government servants.When Tang Yingqiu changed into his official clothes and came out, the servants were already waiting in front of the yamen to set off. Tang Yingqiu got into the prepared sedan chair and shouted, "Clear the way!" A group of more than a dozen people set out on the road. In early summer, the weather is fine and sunny.Leaving the county seat, I saw green waves rolling in ten miles of paddy fields, and a bend of clear water meandering.In the fields, farmers in twos and threes wearing bamboo hats were seen weeding among the planted rice seedlings.On the criss-crossed field paths, a few lively children ride on the backs of buffaloes, playing the flute melodiously. The sound of the flute is melodious, floating in the endless wilderness. It is really a very harmonious picture of Jiangnan Water Village.Looking at the suburban scenery, Tang Yingqiu felt relaxed and happy for a moment, and forgot all the melancholy of the past few months. He just kept telling the bearers to "walk slowly, walk slowly." Unexpectedly, the weather in the south of the Yangtze River can change ten times a day. It was still cloudless at that time, and after walking less than ten miles, a dark cloud suddenly rolled over the southeast.The dark cloud quickly covered the beautiful sun and the blue sky, and it seemed to come out of a big chimney. It stretched longer and longer, and soon covered the field like an overwhelming sky.The mountain wind is blowing, carrying a gust of water vapor, which makes people feel cool suddenly.Lightning pierced the dark clouds in the sky, bringing bursts of muffled thunder.Tang Yingqiu knew that there was going to be a heavy rain, so he hurriedly asked the yamen who led the way how far it was from the river beach. It has been smashed down.The rain came quickly and violently, and there was no place to shelter from the rain in the wilderness. Tang Yingqiu and his party of more than ten people were drowned all of a sudden.The rain fell so suddenly that it filled the small canal, and the canal overflowed, flooding the road into a small river.The roads in the south of the Yangtze River are all dirt roads, and when the rain soaks, the mud turns up. Seeing that it is impossible to move forward, Tang Yingqiu had to order to return to the county government by the same road.In order to ensure that the newly discovered corpse would not be washed away, he also sent two yamen servants to the mortuary site in the rain, and ordered the local security guards to protect the corpse. Li Rong, magistrate of Macheng County, is in his fifties this year. He came to the county government in his twenties. He has handled countless suspicious cases, so he is quite experienced in autopsy.When there are important cases in the province and the government, he is often invited to have an investigation, and as long as he is there, any difficult decision will be resolved.Therefore, his colleagues nicknamed him "Sacred Hand Li". Because of his great fame, the province sent many letters asking him to be transferred to a local yamen office. So there was never a move.The wife of this old man died two years ago. He has no children and lives in a small alley in Cross Street.This morning, he followed the county magistrate to the river beach for an autopsy, but was stopped by heavy rain.The elderly people were drenched by the heavy rain and felt a little uncomfortable, with a slight fever on the forehead and laziness in the limbs.He knew that at this time, if he lay down, he might turn into a serious illness, so he struggled to get a few drinks, and drank alone in the room. At dusk, the dark clouds all over the sky receded, and a bright sunset glow appeared in the western sky. The glow slanted on the window lattice, and the room was also glowing red.Facing Mu Xia, Li Rong was already a little drunk, and suddenly heard a few knocks on the door.Unknowingly startled, he asked suspiciously: "Who?" An almost inaudible voice came from outside the door: "Please open the door for the monitor." Who came so quietly at dusk?Li Rongman opened the door suspiciously and saw a young scholar.Seeing that his clothes are luxurious, he doesn't look like a small family, and his face is strange, and he doesn't look like a person in the county.The two looked at each other, and the visitor walked into the house, then turned around and closed the door tightly.李荣在公门里干了三十多年，接触三教九流各种人士实在太多了，一看来人的神态，就知道他是为了某一个案子而来，于是不待来人开口，就直截了当地问：“你办那个案子？”来人听了李荣的话，起初一愣，继而会意地笑了起来，说：“李班子果然爽快，我也不负班长盛意。”说罢敏捷地从怀里掏出一封银子放在桌上，两眼却紧紧盯住李荣的脸。李荣并不动声色，就像没有看见银子一样，背过身去问：“你受谁的委派前来找我？”那人依然慢条斯理地说：“你我素昧平生，班长也不必打听我的名姓，这封银子权做定礼，请您帮助说上一句话，事成后还有一封银子相赠。”李荣问：“你让我说什么话？”来人说：“听说班长要随汤知县去河滩验尸，只求班子证实死者是个女性，年纪在二十三、四岁之间，系被人用绳子勒死的，就一切都完了。”李荣说：“倘若尸身是个男人，我就是再遮掩，也瞒不过随从捕头和汤知县哪！”来人笑道：“班长放心，这具尸身已经腐烂了，人形十分模糊，这么热的天，尸臭异常，绝没有人肯到近前去细看。班长又是远近闻名的仵作，您说了话，还有谁敢不信呢？”李荣听罢，心头涌起了一股怒火，这位老仵作，生性耿直，为人坦荡，从来见不得营私舞弊之举，没想到老了老了，居然有人行贿到自己头上来了，真是瞎了他的狗眼。来人见李荣沉吟不语，还以为他是见钱眼开了，往前凑了几步钉问道：“班长意下如何？”李荣等来人离自己只有半步远时，猛然伸出右手抓住了他的脖领，双手往上一提，已把来人咽喉扣住，跟着扬起左手，左右开弓两个大嘴巴，打得来人“哇哇”直叫。李荣头上青筋崩起，气哼哼地说：“大胆的无赖，竟妄图用钱买你爷爷来了，你就不怕王法吗？我李荣当了三十多年仵作，从没见过你这样明目张胆行贿的歹人。”说罢把桌上的一封银子一掌扫落，吼道：“拿上你的臭钱，给我滚出去！”然后右手猛一搡，来人已“噔、噔、噔”倒退几步跌倒地上，李荣狠狠地往地上吐了一口唾沫，说声“呸！”倒头扎到床上，他感到浑身出汗，刚才的一点小病却完全好了。 两天以后，风和日丽，汤应求带着李荣等人来到了河滩尸场。由于知县有令，地保已派人把尸体周围用草绳拦了起来，三四个村民守护在现场，不敢离去。草绳圈外围了一大群看热闹的老百姓，看见汤应求的轿子到了，百姓们自动让开了一条路。汤应求下得轿来，先环顾了一下四周，一下子就在人群中发现了一张十分熟悉的脸——“杨五荣”，他心中叫了一下这个名字，却发现五荣双眼哭得痛红，正分开人群要往圈里闯，嘴里喊着：“姐姐，姐姐，我那苦命的姐姐！”在杨五荣旁边，有一个衣著华丽、戴相公巾的秀才，正扶着他劝解，汤知县认识，那是本县生员杨同范。为了维持秩序，随从的衙役们已经亮出了刑具，老仵作李荣却解开了带来的小包，往外一件件的拿验尸工具。汤应求这才把目光转向绳圈中央的尸体，只见尸身腐烂，手脚都有被野狗撕拦了的痕迹，面部早已烂透，连男、女都分不出来。阳光下，成群苍蝇尸体上飞来爬去，尸体发出了一股奇臭，令人掩鼻。汤知县看了李荣一眼，李荣会意，戴上了一副皮手套，把怀里藏的一瓶酒取出来，倒在手套上，然后阴沉着脸，向尸体走去。那杨五荣见李荣走近了尸体，猛然分开众人跑过去，趴在尸首上在声嘶力竭地哭起了姐姐。李荣脸上一点表情也没有，他伸手把杨五荣拉开，冷冷地问：“你怎么知道她是你姐姐？”五荣哭道：“姐姐离家前穿的是细麻衣服，为的是到婆婆家侍候婆婆方便，现在尸身上穿的也是细麻衣，而且花纹也对得上，说罢拿出一块撕下的衣服布递给李荣，补充道：“班长请看，这图案一样不一样？”李荣接过布来与尸身上的衣服残片一比，果然一样，就将其收进了验尸包。杨五荣又“咚”的一声给李荣跪下，哀求道：“请班长和老爷为民作主，严惩凶犯。”李荣似乎没有听见，走到尸身前面，用铜尺量子各部分尺寸，又拿出银针探入死者喉咙。那杨五荣哭喊着：“班下手下留情。”而李荣的银针已经取了出来，没有发现银针变色，他又往尸体的其他部位查了一下，站起身来，恭恭敬敬地走到汤应求面前禀报道：“禀大人，死者系一个童子，男身，乃病疾而亡，死的时间大约在两个月以前，与杨五荣无关。”啊！”刚才还蜷伏在地上的杨五荣，听罢扑过来说：“你妄断，死者明明是我姐姐，你为什么说是男身？”李荣瞟了他一眼，根本不予理会，对汤应求说：“大人是否打道回衙？”汤应求还没说话，闪在人群中的杨同范却挤了出来，气势汹汹地对李荣说：“这样一重案，怎能被你三言两语就定出结果来？”然后转过身对汤应求说：“生员杨同范，久知杨五荣之姊被人杀害，今五荣好不容易认出亲姐姐，大人不与他做主，反而轻言仵作妄词，叫全县百姓怎生心服？”杨同范这一喊，立即有六、七个看热闹的百姓也跟着哄了起来。李荣却不客气地对地保下令说：“尸体可以就地深埋，勿使野狗再扒出来。”杨五荣、杨同范带着一伙人极力反对，汤应求见双方争执不下，只得下令暂将尸体停厝起来，容日后复核。 清代雍正年间，湖北省的首府设在武昌郡。湖广总督迈柱的官衙，紧傍风景秀丽的蛇山。那雄伟肃穆的辕门，以及官署内富丽堂皇的厅堂，一看就使人知道，总督大人喜欢博大的气势。在后衙的东花厅内，迈柱正聚精会神地观赏着一株新送进来的兰花。这盆花，叶脉宽厚，筋络突出，植株高大，在十余片崭青碧绿的宽大叶子间，一支花箭已挺拔而出，箭端一簇杏红色的花蕾正含苞欲放。在他的旁边，一位六十出头的老幕僚，一面指着花的株叶，一面津津有味地介绍着这花的珍贵之处。迈柱似乎听得入了神，不住频频点头，嘴角上带着满意的笑容。端详了好一阵，迈总督才离开花案，坐到一张嵌着贝壳的硬木雕花椅上，对幕僚说：“这又是高仁杰送来的吗？”幕僚带着一脸谄笑欠身回答：“正是！”迈柱威严地点了点头，自语道：“倒是一个有良心的人。”幕僚赶紧接道，“高仁杰对大帅敬佩得五体投地，常对小人说迈总督对他的栽培拔擢，他一辈子也忘不了。只要大人有令，就是赴汤蹈火，他也在所不惜。这株兰花，本是他父亲传下来的宝物，他敬献此花，无非是表达敬大人如敬父尊一般心境罢了。”迈柱听了，心头感到一阵舒畅，缓缓地说：“难为他割爱了。”幕僚见总督心境很好，乘机试探地说：“只是高仁杰候补三年，到现在还没有署任实缺。”迈总督睁开了微闭的眼睛说：“不是已经让他到广济县上任去了吗？”幕僚有些为难地张了一下嘴，又把话咽了回去。迈柱却接着问：“难道还不满意？”幕僚说：“他哪里敢有什么不满意？只是这广济县是让高仁杰代署，一但原县令销假复任，仁杰就得交印……”，迈柱挥了一下手，示意幕僚不要再说。沉默了一阵，才说：“湖北省内，候补官员太多，实任知县又都没有什么大差错，难以撤下，只好让他先委屈一阵了。”幕僚说：“仁杰不会有什么怨言，不过要想撤换县令，现在倒有一个机会。”迈柱问：“什么机会？”幕僚从怀里拿出了一叠东西递了过去说：“麻城县出了一桩人命案，首富涂如松杀死了发妻杨氏，杨家拿着证据去县衙出产首，县令汤应求竟置若罔闻。最近，杨氏的尸体被野狗从河滩中扒了出来，苦主又去申告，那知汤知县受了涂家重贿，竟胡乱将杨氏之尸断为男尸，就是不肯处置凶手。麻城县为此大哗，苦主杨五荣及麻城生员杨同范，到省府来越衙告状，把冤贴到处散发，现在合省都知道此事了。”迈柱摇了摇头说：“麻城杀妻案已经扬了一年了，本督也曾去文询问，麻城令汤应求也回了文，内中情由好像不是你说的那样。”幕僚慌忙施了一礼说，“汤应求受贿，以假情节欺蒙上宪，已在全省家喻户晓，只是大帅周围的人不敢据实禀报罢了。”迈柱听到这里，猛地从太师椅上站起来，把幕僚递过的揭贴展开。原来这正是杨同范、杨五荣写的控诉汤应求的文字，迈柱看了几行已是怒火冲天，及至看到末尾，揭贴上明明定着：“总督被欺，巡抚受骗，凶手逍遥，王法何贱？”几句话，越发雷霆咆哮，立刻传令：“麻城杀妻案迟迟不见决断，着令广济县高仁杰重验尸骨，三天内把结果报来！”那幕僚赶快提笔把总督的指令写好，请迈柱用了印，直接发往广济和麻城去了。 代理广济县令高仁杰本是四川一个土豪的儿子。从小不务正业，却生就一副凶狠、恶毒心肠，在乡里作恶多端，声名狼藉。长到二十多岁，又生出了个想做官的念头，仗着家里有钱，捐了三次巨款。地方上感念他募捐有功，赏了他个功名，在四川候补一年多，怎奈他名声太臭；没有人敢用他。他又用钱买通巡抚，改调湖北候补。三年来，他多方奔走，四面钻营，花了不少钱，只捞了一个代理县令之职，他当然十分不满意，所以处处留意，希望能踢倒一位实任官，自己取而代之。正好麻城杀妻案闹得十分热闹，他借机买通总督府幕僚，终于捞到了重新验尸的差使。接到命令后，他心花怒放，决心借此机会参倒汤应求，自己去麻城这个富饶的地方大捞一把。于是传令仵作薛无极立时准备赴麻城县验尸。 杨同范这几天可累得够呛。自派人贿赂仵作李荣被拒绝后，他感到陷害涂如松并不那么容易，就与杨五荣合谋在河滩演出了一场“认尸”的双簧戏。不想被李荣当场戳破，幸亏当时自己赤膊上阵，唬住了汤应求，才避免了把验尸结果上报府、省的结局。后来，他又鼓动杨五荣去省城张贴冤状，大造声势，终于起了效果。总督大人派来了复审官员已于今天赶到了麻城。复审官员态度十分傲慢，根本没有通知汤知县及初审仵作，就决定明天早晨去河滩验尸。杨同范知道这种形势对自己有利，但担心陪同前来的薛仵作也和李荣一样，把尸体断为男尸。于是又派了一名家人扮作书生前去行贿。谁知派去的人中午就出发了，到现在始终不见踪迹。他怀着一颗忐忑的心等候回音。直到掌灯时分，派去行贿的人才回来。杨同范见他空着手进屋，心里就一阵轻松，他料定广济县仵作已经收了定银。果然，派去的人报道：“这个薛无极十分贪婪，但又狡猾奸诈，直盘问了我大半天才把银子收下，让我转告您，明天他一定见机行事，包管把事情办妥，不过事成之后需要再给他两封银子，否则不干。小人怕把事情弄糟就答应了。他还不放心，又让小人写了一张借据，才算答应下来。杨同范一面暗暗痛恨薛无极敲竹杠，一面却也庆幸事情能够办成，就夸奖了去人几句，高高兴兴地到杨氏藏匿的房间睡觉去了。第二天是个半阴天，举河河滩上，挤满了观看验尸的人。地保已奉命将那即将腐烂的尸身从冰窖中抬了出来，围观的人伸长脖子往绳圈里观看，只看见模糊糊的一团烂肉，哪里分得清什么男女？尸体经地面热气一熏，又开始发臭，臭气弥漫，使围观的人一个个捂起了鼻子。这时通往河滩的大路上，传来了一阵阵鸣锣开道声——复审官员高仁杰，在一大群衙役的簇拥下来到了。 高仁杰的大轿稳稳地停在一块隆起的平地上，他故作稳重地从轿里下来，整理了一下冠带，不容地保介绍就径直向尸体走去。及至离尸体五、六步远，那股腐烂的臭气已经熏得他不敢向前了，只见他掏出手帕，捂住鼻子，对仵作薛无极作了一个手势。薛无极早已领会了他的意思，赶忙趋前一步拦住高仁杰说：“大人贵体岂可受沾污？待小人检验了报给大人就是。”高仁杰点了点头，薛无极早拿好银针、铜尺走过去，翻弄起尸体来。这时连广济县的三班衙役，带围观的老百姓，几百双眼睛齐刷刷地盯在了薛无极手下的尸体上。那薛无极也是一个老仵作了，他端详了一下尸身，嘴角露出一丝冷笑，然后猛然一翻，把腐烂的最厉害的部位露了出来，这就使远远围观的人只能看见一团烂肉了，而且尸身一经翻动，臭气更加浓烈，围观的人有不少禁不住臭气的蒸熏，开始离去，那几百双紧盯着的眼睛都开始松懈了。薛无极的目的就是要分散大家的注意力，见观众中开始人头攒动了，才假做认真地检验起来。过了半袋烟功夫，他才脱去皮手套，把酒瓶内剩下的半瓶酒倒在手上洗了洗，起身禀报道：“复验了三遍，死者是个女身，二十四岁，右肋之下有重伤，显系被人用重物猛击致死。”一言既出，人群中立即传来一阵凄切的哭声，杨五荣推开众人，满脸泪水，跑到高仁杰面前跪倒，高呼“青天大老爷，为民做主呀！”高仁杰传令，将尸身装在木匣内，就地埋葬，苦主且随本县进城再做定论。围观的人有的惊异，有的感激，有的嗟讶，有的将信将疑，纷纷议论着散去了。 高仁杰回到麻城县城，立即以总督特委专员的身份传见汤应求。大堂之上，两位知县展开了针锋相对的辩论，高仁杰把刚刚签好的验尸禀文递过去，带着无限的压力说：“方才当众验尸，已查明死者是个年青女子，大人可有什么异议？”汤应求说：“高大人既言当众验尸，为什么不通知本县同往会勘？况我县仵作李荣，已验得死者是男身，两个结果如此悬殊，大人总该传李荣前去问个明白才是。为什么并不复核，就草草将尸体掩埋？”高仁杰怒道：“河滩之上从目睽睽之下，已查明尸身右肋下有重伤，该女子分明是被猛击右肋而亡，汤大人上报详文，竟说她是因病弃世，难道你不怕担个欺蒙上宪的罪名吗？”汤应求哈哈一笑说：“本县居官二十余年，还没听说过有哪个人肋部被击就能致死的。”高仁杰拍案吼道：“涂如松谋杀发妻，你竟因他身为一县首富就存心包庇，难脱受贿之嫌。”汤应求反诘道：“涂如松即存心杀妻，为什么不击她的头部，反而只击那不致死的右肋？难道他是在儿戏不成？”高仁杰被汤知县这句反问弄得不知如何回答，只好摆出一副特派专员的架子断然宣告道：“本大员奉总督之命复审此案，你包庇杀妻凶犯，也在被参之例，从今天起，夺去你的官职，回衙听参。”汤应求随手取出迈柱指令的抄件说：“总督大人令文中只委派你重新验尸，并没有允许你复审此案，你休要狐假虎威，在我麻城县内飞扬跋扈！”说罢回身对站在左右的两名麻城县书办传令道：“传三班捕头上堂！“高仁杰不知汤应求要干什么，一时倒怔住了。这时麻城县的三班捕头一齐走上堂来，汤应求喊了一声：“把这个欺上压下的赃官给我赶出堂去！”捕头们得令，把手一挥，侍候在堂下的三班衙役早跑上来，把高仁杰和薛无极一行连轰带赶，撵出了辕门。汤应求索性下令从大牢中取出涂如松，好言劝慰了数句，当场释放。又把杨同范拘捕到县衙，严厉切责，并当场行文请求夺去他的功名，最后传杨五荣上堂，指斥他乱认男尸，搅扰公堂，责打二十棍，赶下堂去。一切处理完了，汤应求犹自余怒未息，仗着满腹火气，写了一道结案行文，将今天的判决结果分报府、省两级上司，算是答复了上宪的几次追问。 湖广总督迈柱在同一天里接到两份申报，一份是麻城知县汤应求对涂如松杀妻案的结案详文，一份是广济代理县令高仁杰弹劾汤应求受贿，包庇杀人凶犯的呈文。他草草看了看，心中已有了倾向性，尤其是高仁杰的呈文后还附了一张验尸报单，上面明明写着死者是二十四岁的妇女，系被重物击伤右肋而亡，而汤应求却硬把女尸当成男尸，显然是有意包庇真凶。最使迈柱怀疑的是，对涂如松杀妻案，汤应求拖了一年多不做结论，偏偏在高仁杰验尸以后，马上急如风火地审理结案，这明摆着是企图孤注一掷，欺蒙上宪。因此，迈总督对汤应求已失去了起码的信任，相比之下他觉得高仁杰能在几天里验明尸体，揭示出案情的重大疑点，确定是个难得的人才，如果委派他全权审理此案，一定能迅速地使真相大臼，那时再提拔他就理直气壮了。想到这里，迈柱又打开了高仁杰的呈文，才发现他是指责汤知县受贿，刑房书吏李献宗舞文，仵作李荣妄报，麻城县上上下下竟没有一个清白之人。迈柱一怒之下，立即传见高仁杰，命他全权鞫审涂如松杀妻案，并下令停了汤应求麻城知县之职，一应麻城事项暂由高仁杰代署。那高仁杰想不到自己能获得这样大的荣耀，简直有点得意忘形了，他把广济县的政务，完全交给自己的小舅子代理，自己从县衙中选了一批心腹人役，趾高气扬地来到了麻城。 进入县衙，他立刻传见苦主杨五荣，命他将涂如松杀妻的事，详详细细写个状子递来。杨五荣早有准备，把杨同范亲自起草的状子交了上去。高仁杰见状子上有证人赵当儿的名字，就当堂传讯了他，那赵当儿接了杨同范的银子，一口咬定他曾于夜间进入涂家在九口塘的别院，亲眼看见涂如松与陈文用木棍将杨氏打死，并将尸体偷偷运到河滩草草掩埋。为了增加定案依据，高仁杰把杨同范请到县衙，请他做为旁证，杨同范一口应承，并当堂指出汤应求与涂如松在案发前就有来往。一切准备停当，高仁杰下令将涂如松、李献宗、李荣等人都拘捕入狱，并开始分别用严刑逼供。 第一堂审讯涂如松，高仁杰原以为如松是大户出身，娇生惯养，必定没见过世面，只要在堂上三拍两吓，他就得乖乖地按自己指定的口供招供。谁知他却把涂如松估计错了，那涂如松自幼读书明理，见识多广，岂是三拍两吓能镇得住的？何况他曾在麻城狱中被拘禁了一年多，对官府的一些审案场面也有所领教，无形中等于搞了一年被审“实习”，反倒增加了他应付诈骗的能力。所以在公堂之上，如松侃侃而谈，简直让高仁杰找不到一丝破绽，万般无奈只得动用大刑了。涂如松先后被打了二百大板，腿股之间皮开肉绽，仍然没有一句供词。高仁杰老羞成怒，又下令使用夹棍，那如狼似虎的公差把夹棍收到了头，涂如松小脚肌肉崩坏，两踝露出了白骨，多次晕倒，还是不肯招认。高仁杰只好草草退堂，心中开始感到忐忑不安。他知道倘若如松死不招认，一但有人路见不平，把冤情捅到京城，刑部就可能另派人来审理，那时自己精心设想的全部美好前景，都将化做灰烟。因此一夜没睡好，第二天一早就把一位心腹师爷请来密谋。这位师爷是一名官场上营私舞弊的老手，对于制造假案颇有经验。高仁杰主张既然一时制不服涂如松，不如转移目标，再拿李荣开刀，只要李荣就范，这案子也就算攻下来了。但师爷却坚决反对，他说：“一个涂如松就已令人头疼了，李荣比涂如松更难对付。大人对所有人犯都施以重刑，难免落一个以刑逼供的名声，结局就更难预料了。不如只对涂如松用刑，却让李荣、李献宗等在一旁观看，威摄其心，那么涂如松一被整服，其他人就不攻自破了。”高仁杰说：“只是昨夜已用尽大刑，涂如松竟咬紧牙关死不招供。”师爷说：“官刑虽狠，总能挨得过去，大人要想逼出口供，少不得就得用点私刑了。”高仁杰虽然狠毒，但还不知道什么叫私刑。那位师爷说：“历来办案都有一套让人无法忍受的刑法，昔日来俊臣使用火瓮，万俟禹发明'披麻拷'这套方法被历代沿袭使用，越来越毒狠，称为私刑。湖北常用的私刑有跪铁索、穿铁鞋等，明天审问涂如松，只要使用这些刑法，保管一攻即破。”高仁杰听罢大喜，立即吩咐师爷准备刑具，直到师爷把一切准备好了，他才回后堂休息。 第二天，遍体鳞伤的涂如松又被押上了大堂，由于夹棍施得厉害，如松已不能站立。衙役们将他拖上堂来后，他就趴在地上，痛楚地喘息起来。麻城仵作李荣、书办李献宗已先期被重枷囚锁着，押在大堂一侧听审。李荣一看见大堂中间安置了一个熊熊的火盆，就知道他们要使用私刑了，及至看到涂如松那奄奄一息的样子，心中充满了愤怒和同情。高仁杰高踞于公案之后，把惊木堂一拍，厉声喝喊：“涂如松，快将你谋杀妻子之事从实招来！”涂如松伏在地上一声也不出，高仁杰又喝道：“你招不招？”涂如松依然不吭一声，高仁杰大怒，吩咐一声：“取铁索！”声音刚落，两个衙役已经用火剪从燃烧着的烈火中，夹出一根烧得通红的粗大铁链，“哗啷啷”一声掷在地上。又有两个衙役从地上抓起涂如松，不由分说将他那已被鲜血染透的裤脚卷了起来，然后提到铁链前，猛地按下去，涂如松的膝盖正跪在烧红的铁链上，只听“哇”的一声惨