I am a law-abiding citizen.

"You commited last night's murders, didn't you?"

The words exploded like a thunderclap in Zhong Lin's ears. He quickly put on an expression of panic and fear, his voice trembling as he said,

"Of… Officer, you mustn't speak carelessly! I am a law-abiding citizen!"

"A law-abiding citizen?"

The middle-aged officer's gaze was sharp as he slammed the table.

"I know who you are. You're the painter who sells artwork next to Shiding Restaurant. One painting goes for three taels of silver, and in just one afternoon, you earned over ten taels. That street is under Qin Yong's control. He definitely wouldn't let a cash cow like you slip by without demanding a cut. But you bore a grudge against him, so you snuck into his house at night and killed him and his family. Am I right?"

Zhong Lin put on a pitiful expression, nearly in tears.

"Officer, please don't say such things! I only just settled in Heishan County and don't even know who Qin Yong is. How could I possibly kill him? Besides, after returning home yesterday afternoon, I never stepped out again. The neighbors can testify to this."

"Still trying to argue? I think you just won't confess until you see the gallows. Men, seize him! Let's see if he doesn't spill the truth under pressure."

At the officer's shout, the young constable beside him slowly stood up.

Just then, another officer hurried in from outside, whispering a few words to them. At once, the three men's faces lit up with joy, and they quickly followed the newcomer out.

As they were leaving, the middle-aged officer turned back and barked,

"Stay here and don't move until I give further orders!"

With that, they left, leaving Zhong Lin alone in the room.

Zhong Lin's mind raced. The authorities couldn't possibly know that he had killed Qin Yong and the others—this had to be an attempt to trick him into confessing.

But then, he realized something crucial. This era wasn't like the previous world, where laws were well-established and evidence was required for conviction. Here, forced confessions through torture were common. Even in his past life, people sometimes fell victim to "recovered memories" during interrogations. In this place, it would be even worse.

Zhong Lin lowered his head, his expression shifting as he weighed his options.

Running wasn't an option—this was the county yamen, not some remote wilderness. Besides, Xiao Shitou was still at home.

"Damn it."

As he was worrying, footsteps sounded from outside. The young constable from earlier had returned.

"You're a painter?"

"Yes, Officer. Do you have any orders for me?" Zhong Lin quickly responded.

"Come with me."

The young officer led Zhong Lin straight toward the county yamen's main hall.

As they walked, Zhong Lin took in his surroundings. The hall was spacious, with rows of wooden racks lining the sides. These held wooden rods, copper gongs, ceremonial umbrellas, command banners, and various weapons, all neatly arranged.

At the far end stood a grand wooden desk, equipped with official documents, bamboo slips, a brush holder, and a red inkstone.

Inside the hall, several people were already present, including the middle-aged officer who had just tried to trick him. However, everyone's attention was focused on an elderly man seated in a grand armchair.

The old man wore official robes, his expression solemn. His authoritative presence made it difficult to meet his gaze.

The young constable whispered to Zhong Lin, "Kneel and greet the County Captain."

Zhong Lin didn't dare delay and immediately bowed.

"Your humble servant Zhong Lin greets the esteemed County Captain."

The County Captain was second only to the County Magistrate, responsible for public security, investigations, and arrests. His rank was high.

"Enough. Begin the drawing."

The County Captain waved a hand, signaling Zhong Lin to proceed.

The middle-aged officer added,

"Zhong Lin, the yamen is giving you a chance to atone for your sins. Draw the criminal's likeness based on his description—hurry up!"

Zhong Lin took a deep breath. There was nothing else to do but comply.

He stepped forward to the prepared table, where an apprentice from the medicine hall began describing the suspect's appearance.

As the description flowed, an image of the criminal quickly took shape in Zhong Lin's mind.

Moments later, he picked up the brush and started drawing.

Before the time of one incense stick had passed, the portrait was complete—a fierce-looking man with a thick beard and vicious eyes that seemed to leap off the page.

"That's him! That's him!"

The medicine apprentice pointed at the drawing in excitement.

The surrounding constables and even the County Captain himself were visibly taken aback.

Zhong Lin's three-dimensional drawing skills were simply too stunning. The portrait was so lifelike that it seemed as if the man might step out of the paper at any moment.

"Old Fang, issue a wanted order immediately! We mustn't let the criminal escape."

"Yes, sir!"

The middle-aged officer bowed in response, took the drawing, and blew on the ink to dry it before hurrying out.

The County Captain turned his gaze to Zhong Lin.

"You are Zhong…"

"Your humble servant Zhong Lin."

"Zhong Lin?" The County Captain nodded.

"I see that your painting skills are extraordinary. If you were to assist the yamen in drawing wanted portraits, it would greatly improve our county's security. What do you think?"

"I am willing! Thank you, County Captain, for your recognition!"

Zhong Lin agreed without hesitation, elation surging through his heart. Here was the perfect way out of his predicament!

"County Captain, earlier the constable suspected me of involvement in Qin Yong's death. What will happen with that?"

The County Captain looked puzzled.

"Qin Yong? Who is that?"

A constable whispered an explanation.

"Sir, Qin Yong was one of the victims in yesterday's burglary and murder case."

The County Captain scoffed.

"A mere street thug. Let the Black Water Gang handle their own affairs."

With that, he rose and left the hall, leaving Zhong Lin completely dumbfounded.

"Zhong, congratulations! We're colleagues now. My name is Chi Yan, just a few years older than you—call me Brother Yan."

Chi Yan, the young constable who had led him in, grinned and patted his shoulder.

"Brother Yan, what did the County Captain mean just now? Am I in the clear?" Zhong Lin asked cautiously.

Chi Yan laughed heartily and clapped Zhong Lin's back.

"Haha! You were never in trouble to begin with. Old Fang was just testing you. Qin Yong was nothing but a lowly thug—the yamen doesn't care about gang disputes. The questioning was just a formality. If the Black Water Gang wants revenge, they'll have to investigate on their own."

Damn!

They really were just testing me. I nearly had a heart attack!

Thinking back to the middle-aged officer, Zhong Lin felt a strong urge to put an arrow through his chest.

"Come on, let's get you officially registered."

Chi Yan threw an arm around Zhong Lin's shoulders and led him toward the administration office.

The yamen had six clerical divisions, located in the side rooms of the main hall.

Chi Yan took Zhong Lin inside, where an old clerk recorded his name and place of origin. Then, they handed him a wooden identification token.

As they walked out, Zhong Lin still looked dazed.

From the moment he had stepped into the yamen, his emotions had been on a rollercoaster.

Who would have thought that by the end of it, he'd actually become part of the yamen?

Life is really damn ridiculous.