Deep Beneath the Crimson Leaves: Chapter 27: Countermeasure

"Damn it!" Fang Wei cursed under his breath, circling the courtyard half a turn before turning into an alley. The shadow he pursued had already vanished without a trace. Gritting his teeth, Fang Wei rushed out of the alley; the shadow swiftly darted onto the main cross street. This street divided the neighborhood into four parts, with space for residents to walk and merchants to trade. The shadow dashed across the intersection and plunged into a cluster of low houses on the opposite side. Fang Wei clenched his jaw and led his men in pursuit.

The shadow seemed to have regained its strength, suddenly accelerating. He panted heavily, as if his chest housed bellows, while Fang Wei's men struggled to keep up. Yet no one complained of fatigue, for they knew that tonight they had a bitter blood feud to settle with this man named Tang. The noise from the street had already roused some residents; several households had lit their oil lamps but dared not step outside for safety’s sake.

After an unknown duration of pursuit, the shadow’s pace gradually faltered. He kept running for a while longer but, seeing the constables closing in, abruptly turned into an alley. When Fang Wei caught up, the shadow had already put some distance between them again, as if revived by a miraculous elixir, swiftly increasing the gap once more. This time, Fang Wei paused at the alley entrance and made a gesture on the wall—marking the spot above where the shadow had passed—then moved his hand to point at his own chest. Surprised, one of the constables asked, "Boss, what’s that for?"

Fang Wei, breathing heavily, said, "Nothing. Keep chasing!"

After following the shadow for some time, the shadow repeated his trick, turning into a narrow lane. When he reappeared in the constables’ sight, he was as elusive as a live dragon. Fang Wei reached the alley entrance and made another gesture, this time indicating the throat. Even his men understood instantly. "Damn it, it’s not just one person."

Fang Wei’s voice was cold in the night air. "Looks like we’re not the only ones who’ve improved over these five years." Tang Haiqiu had anticipated the government would use the same ‘sheep herding’ tactic from five years ago to trap him, so he countered with deception and misdirection. If the constables wanted to corner him, he would scatter like falling petals, with shadows everywhere.

Fang Wei quickly adjusted his strategy, giving orders, and led his men in pursuit. The shadow intentionally slowed his pace until Fang Wei’s silhouette appeared, then sped up again. Fang Wei keenly noticed fewer pursuers than before. Just as confusion crept in, the formation behind him suddenly shifted; several men broke off mid-run. As anxiety grew, one of the deserters suddenly burst from a side alley!

The sudden attack startled the shadow, forcing him to change course and flee sideways. The pursuers’ pace was slow, and he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they were exhausted after a night’s chase. Yet the fright had shaken his courage, so he ran toward his predetermined refuge. When he reached the low courtyard wall, he exhaled in relief and hurriedly vaulted over.

The instant his feet touched the ground, he didn’t run on but crouched in the corner. At that moment, another shadow, long waiting there, suddenly sprang out. Footsteps followed the shadow beyond the wall. The man smiled smugly, knowing he only needed to wait here and recover before the next shift. Being a local, he could slip home quietly by dawn; the authorities would never find him. Thinking of the handsome reward he’d received recently, he began to dream of better days ahead.

A soft "crack" broke the silence. Though faint, it sounded startling in the still night. Supporting himself with his hands, he tried to stand, but a swirling black wind suddenly swept overhead. Before he could react, it crashed down upon him. Opening his mouth to shout, a constable struck swiftly—a palm chopping his throat. His cry caught in his throat. The constable grabbed his arm, dragged him from the corner, and bound him tightly.

Meanwhile, Fang Wei pressed on. As the shadow disappeared into another alley, Fang Wei signaled the other team behind him. Sure enough, when they reached the alley, another shadow appeared at the opposite entrance and quickly fled. That team stopped, letting the constables pass by. Once the alley was quiet again, the senior constable approached the walls on both sides, listening carefully. From one wall came muffled breathing. He gestured to two constables behind him: one crouched at the base, while the other stepped on his shoulder and climbed to peer over the wall.

Inside the dark courtyard, a shadow sat slumped on the ground. The constable leapt forward like a vulture attacking its prey. The shadow felt a heavy force press down from above, flipping him over and pinning him so he could not move.

This scene repeated through the ensuing pursuit until the last shadow leapt over a low wall and was captured by waiting constables. Sweat poured down Fang Wei’s face, and leg cramps seized him, but he finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Liu Yongji paced restlessly outside the neighborhood gate, his face troubled. The soldiers with him knew his temper and dared not breathe loudly. Liu glanced at the sky and suddenly stopped. "What time is it?"

A soldier behind him replied, "The hour of the tiger. In another hour, dawn will break."

Liu’s expression darkened. "No more waiting. Men, follow me!" He signaled his soldiers and headed into the neighborhood to conduct a search. Fang Wei appeared on the cross street just then. Liu stopped, watching him approach, eyes scanning past Fang’s shoulder. Now clearly visible were five men dressed in black, their hands cuffed behind their backs, escorted dejectedly by constables.

Liu stared in disbelief. "Captain Fang, who are these...?"

The black-clad men were brought forward and lined up. A sharp tap to their knees made their legs buckle, and they collapsed to their knees. Fang Wei spoke sternly, "These five impersonated Tang Haiqiu and made us chase them all night."

He briefly recounted the night’s pursuit.

Liu sighed, "Tang Haiqiu is cunning."

Fang Wei turned to the five men with a harsh voice. "Raise your heads!"

Trembling, they obeyed, fear etched on their faces. Fang asked, "How did Tang Haiqiu find you?"

One man stammered, "We’re just some local companions. One night, someone suddenly approached us, promising riches beyond measure. We didn’t believe it, but he slapped silver coins into our hands, ordering us to act tonight. If we weren’t caught by dawn, the silver would be ours." He bowed his head, begging for mercy. "I was blinded by greed—please spare me, sir."