Seeking Protection

The youthfull killer really gave the commandant a replacement suggestion which he could not refuse.

"Two thousand taels as a basic monthly salary and as long as I'm alive, this source of income will always be there."

Zhong Heng was trying to move his cramped up legs and stopped when he heard this statement. 24 thousand taels of silver annually were just about the right amount to compensate for a shaming that no one saw - not too much and not too little. He really was reluctant for this child to die too soon. He said, "Are you aware that the positions of Commandant and Governor change every three years, and after a few more months my term of office will end?"