Case Notes from the Judicial Inspectorate

[What should you do when your nemesis sets his sights on you?]

Chu Tian has had a hard life from the start. As a child, he traveled from place to place with his adoptive parents, struggling to survive. In the end, he was registered as a slave and sold into a brothel.

During his five years at the Nongchun House, Chu Tian suffered endless humiliation for refusing to obey the madam. He thought he would never get out.

Then one day, the Judicial Inspection Office surrounded the Nongchun House, their horses' hooves smashing through the gate. At last, Chu Tian glimpsed a sliver of daylight through the darkness.

He looked at the valiant officer and, with his last bit of strength, tugged at the hem of his clothes. Please, sir, save me...

*

While investigating a case, Shen Kuo traced the trail to the Nongchun House. He had never visited a brothel, and had no idea that beneath its glamorous exterior lay such a wretched place.

Covering his nose, he stepped into a dark, damp cellar. A gaunt man was lying on the ground, reaching desperately for the hem of his clothes and begging him to save his life.

Shen Kuo had never seen anyone living in such misery. Even beggars had more dignity. He considered himself ruthless, but he had never treated another person as less than human.

In that instant, Shen Kuo admitted that his heart had softened.

*

Chu Tian is taciturn, and after being brought back to the Judicial Inspection Office, he is even more painfully obedient. Keen-eyed, observant, and hardworking, he knows how wretched he is. In his spare time, he likes to stay in a quiet corner, his eyes darting around as he surveys his surroundings, just like a wary little stray cat.

Whenever Shen Kuo returns to his residence, Chu Tian quickly avoids him, as if Shen Kuo were the wolf who wanted to eat him. Finally, one day, Shen Kuo can't help asking, "Am I that scary? Why do you run every time you see me?"

Chu Tian: "This worthless servant is lowly and filthy. I'm afraid I'll bring bad luck to you, sir."

Shen Kuo, who is soft-hearted toward those who are gentle with him, instantly looks at him more warmly.

From then on, Shen Kuo allows Chu Tian to serve at his side. It is also around this time that Shen Kuo discovers Chu Tian's extraordinary talent.

Shen Kuo: "How did you spot the hidden clue?"

Chu Tian, perfectly serious: "Instinct."

(Fictional setting, many original liberties, the bottom has it very rough early on, both are sexually and emotionally chaste.)

Theme: The net of justice may be wide, but no one escapes.