"Head Constable Yang, it is truly unfortunate; the Magistrate has gone to a banquet and has not yet returned," the bailiff at the entrance of the magistrate's office said, bowing. "If you have any business, you may tell me first, and I will relay it once he returns."
That would never do. If the secret to the pox inoculation didn't come directly from his own mouth, the credit might not fall to him. After hovering in the officialdom for over a decade, Head Constable Yang knew at least that much.
"Forget it. It is not an urgent matter of great importance. I shall return tomorrow morning," Head Constable Yang said, preparing to leave. Suddenly, remembering something, he turned back and instructed the bailiff, "I recall your father-in-law sells pork. Leave half a carcass for me tomorrow; I need it to entertain a guest."
Chapter 43