On the kitchen floor, YangYue picked up a carrot and silently carved it.
“Da Yang?”
Jinxia stuck her head in, and seeing YangYue there, she walked in and silently sat down with him.
“I’m fine, there’s no need to worry.” After a while, YangYue glanced at her, finally opening his mouth.
“…. You can forgive A’Rui. I think you have already forgiven him.” Jinxia said in a low voice.
Yang Yue didn’t make a sound; he continued to carve the carrot. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice: “I just realized that I had forgotten her face.”
Jinxia thought for a moment. Her face was serious as she said, “I still remember. If you don’t mind my ugly drawing, I’ll paint her face for you.”
Knowing that she was purposefully joking, YangYue burst into laughter, continuing on to say: “I was just thinking that if one day I can catch the mastermind behind A’Rui, even if we can’t be together anymore …. You know, from the start, I liked her unilaterally, so she didn’t necessarily have to reciprocate.”
“You helped her so much, deep down she must know that you are a good person.” Jinxia tilted her head looking at him.
“Good person….” YangYue laughed at herself, “Sometimes I feel like a pathetic person. I can’t do anything: can’t help her, can’t take revenge. Yet I can sit down and eat with her killer.”
Jinxia looked at him seriously: “Da Yang, this is not pathetic; you can forgive A’Rui knowing he is just a pitiful discarded pawn. The chess player is someone else. This is called being understanding; not everyone can do it. If your father finds out, he will very happy.”
“I am not such a nice person….” YangYue shook his head, “Perhaps it’s because my feelings for her aren’t deep enough.”
“It’s not that the feeling isn’t deep enough, but your soulmate hasn’t appeared yet.” Jinxia continued, “However, this matter of love can’t be forced. You are also not young anymore; your future wife has probably appeared, maybe it’s just that you haven’t recognized it yet…”
YangYue couldn’t take her words seriously: “Speaking recklessly again.”
Outside the kitchen, there was a sound of movements. Jinxia thought that if it wasn’t Cen Shou, it must be the beggar uncle. She tightened her eyebrows and yelled loudly: “Who is it? Secretly eavesdropping from the corner of the wall?”
The one who entered turned out to be Chun Yumin. She was holding a pile of bowls; her face looked regretful. In a small and soft voice, she said: “Sorry, I happened to bring a bowl of chopsticks here, heard you guys talking and was afraid to disturb you, so I waited outside…. ”
“It’s alright, it’s alright…. I’m just kidding; don’t take it to heart.”
Jinxia jumped to her feet in one motion, helped take the bowl of chopsticks from her hand, then brought it to the edge of the well, fetched water and started washing the bowl.
YangYue also stood up. He put down his carrots, then smiled apologetically to Chun Yumin, asking: “The two seniors have finished eating?”
Chun Yumin shook her head and said: “Shangguan Bangzhu has a problem, Mrs. Shen hasn’t finished eating yet and has gone straight there.”
“What’s wrong with Sister Shangguan?”
Jinxia’s ears were sharp, she was listening to them as she was washing the dishes.
“It seems that because Xie Xiao has told her about something. It has something to do with Brother A Jin or A’Rui’s matter. I am also not clear.” Regarding the problems of the gang, government affairs, Chun Yumin really doesn’t understand.
Hearing this, YangYue immediately held his forehead and sighed.
“I knew it…. Brother Xie has a big mouth!” Jinxia wiped her wet hands, continuously sighing, “If Sister Shangguan thinks A’Rui is a spy implemented in Wu’An gang, A Rui’s desire to end his life will surely arise. Brother Xie Xiao is really something; he couldn’t even resist gossip. Why couldn’t he wait two more days before telling her?”
After staying in place for a while and thinking about it, Jinxia still didn’t feel calm: “Da Yang, you have to go see A’Rui before he does something stupid. I’m going to see Sister Shangguan.”
She and YangYue hurriedly rushed out.
Chun Yumin, who knew she couldn’t help with anything in this case, quietly walked to the edge of the well then crouched down to wash the chopstick bowl.
***
As soon as she arrived in front of Shangguan Xi’s room, she saw that Xie Xiao had just come out and closed the door; he signalled for her to not enter again. Jinxia turned around to go to see A’Rui, also saw the beggar uncle and Cen Shou coming out of A Rui’s room, also giving a sign with their hands, so telling them not to come in.
“What exactly happened?” Jinxia couldn’t help but ask.
Before she could finish his words, Xie Xiao’s hands each gripped Jinxia’s and YangYue’s and continued to pull them until they turned a corner, arrived at the common room, he slowly let go of his hands.
Just as Jinxia was about to open her mouth to ask, Xie Xiao had already said: “My sister already said, ‘she has eyes but is like a blind person, unconsciously keep a dangerous wolf on her side, letting him harm people.’ Now just want to think that A’Rui is dead and doesn’t want to see him again.”
“What about A’Rui?” Jinxia asked tensely.
Cen Shou snapped and said: “The man at first behaved as if nothing had happened, fortunately, I kept watching, only to find out when he returned to the room, immediately took out a knife and prepared to commit suicide as an apology.”
“Then?”
“I’ve hit his vitals and advised him for a while, he’s lying in bed contemplating it.” The beggar uncle said proudly.
At this moment, Jinxia felt respect for the beggar uncle: “Uncle, I want to ask again, how did you advise him?”
“I said, with great difficulty your aunt has treated him, if he died now, wouldn’t all her efforts be wasted? It’s like cooking pork, obviously, it will be cooked soon, the burning smell is already very strong, but then someone suddenly came in and threw it all away, how disappointing.”
“What uncle said was right, after hearing that he must be very hungry.” Jinxia praised him.
“Hungry or not, I don’t know, what’s clear now is he can’t move.” The beggar uncle shrugged his shoulders, “In two hours, he will be able to break free from the pressure, if he throws a tantrum again, you guys think of your own way.”
Jinxia turned to Xie Xiao, unhappily said: “Brother, tonight you don’t have to sleep, take care of A’Rui, don’t let him look for death again.”
“Based on what? Tomorrow morning I still have to go fishing.”
“You caused this, take care of it yourself.”
“What did I cause?” Xie Xiao said with an upright body, “Obviously he is a spy, I didn’t accuse him of it.”
“…. Enough!” YangYue called out to stop them, he said slowly, “You guys don’t need to fuss anymore, just leave A’Rui to me. Pirate matters are more important, you guys should just go rest.”
It was rare to see him getting angry, everyone was stunned, he didn’t talk much, quietly turned around and then left.
“Can he do it?” Xie Xiao was a bit doubtful that YangYue could face A’Rui.
Jinxia glared at him for a moment, suddenly she remembered something important: “Oh yes, I asked my aunt to create a medicine, hurry up and come with me and to get it.”
“What medicine? I’m not sick why do I need to take medicine?” Xie Xiao exclaimed.
“Not for you, It’s for the pirates.”
Starting tomorrow morning, Xie Xiao will have to disguise himself as a fisherman and sail with the pirates to catch fish. To be honest, she is also a little worried, as soon as she returns home, she immediately looks for Mrs. Shen, asking her if she can create a medicinal powder that can make people faint instantly, which can instantly make people lose their strength. Mrs. Shen told her to come and get the medicine at night, it should be finished by now.
“If you feel he is starting to suspect you or is about to fight you, give him this medicine immediately so he’ll faint, and then bring him here,” Jinxia explained.
Xie Xiao furrowed his brows: “Then let the big fish run away?”
“Bring home the small fish, then find a way to deal with him. Don’t forget, we still have Jin Yi Wei Daren who is very attentive and annoying.” Jinxia pursed her lips towards Cen Shou, “A Beizhen Prison disciple, must have learned various torture methods, so he must be an expert. Of course, this will be our last resort, it would be best to not let them find out about your identity. Brother, the burden on your shoulders is very heavy, you better get some rest…That’s right, don’t forget to bring home a carp fish tomorrow morning, we can cook the fish head with tofu, perfect meal for your brain.”
“You are….”
Xie Xiao tapped his forehead for a while before returning to the room to rest.
“Finally calmed down?.” Jinxia sighed, seeing Cen Shou still not moving, “Brother, do you still have things to do?”
“While he is fishing, I want to go investigate the pirate’s house, do you want to come with me?” Cen Shou said, today he secretly followed the little leader, and found out where he lived.
Cen Shou took the initiative to invite her, Jinxia was a little surprised: “Brother, your kung fu is so great, so wise, so amazing, do you still need me?”
Cen Shou clasped his hands: “One word, go or not?”
“Of course!”
***
Before 3 in the morning, Xie Xiao was out of the house, immediately following Jinxia and Cen Shou who were wearing night disguises, covering their heads and faces, also came out of the house.
“If anyone wakes up and finds us, we’ll pretend we’re virtuous robbers! Only robs the rich, doesn’t harm people.”
Jinxia reminded Cen Shou, who immediately rolled his eyes.
The place where the leader lived, was around the corner of the alley where he had gone at that time. He must’ve rented this place. In the air, Jinxia already smelled the pungent smell of fish, when she looked down, she saw the roof of the house in the yard lined with salted fish being dried.
“It seems that selling fish is also not a good career. These salted fish won’t be able to run out by the new year.” Jinxia shook her head.
Cen Shou had already jumped down, his movements were light as a cat. Without making a sound, he moved towards the window, from inside his pocket he took out a silver tube as thin as a bamboo stick, carefully inserted the tube through the window gap.
“You can’t use anesthetic smoke, there are children inside.” Jinxia hurriedly reminded him.
“It just suppresses them, won’t hurt anyone.”
Cen Shou slowly blew the drug inside, a small fog of thin green smoke coming out of the end of the tube, slowly spreading around the room.
After half an incense passed, Jinxia was still pacing back and forth in the courtyard, investigating all four corners. Cen Shou bent down at the window and waited in silence, after feeling the anesthetic smoke was working, with a knife poked the gap in the window, opened the shutters, and then jumped into the room. Jinxia followed closely behind.
This house wasn’t too big, there were only two rooms, the courtyard and the backyard.
Outside the room, there is a small table and chairs. Using the light shine by the moon, a wooden rocking horse was seen on the side of the table, as well as other wooden toys scattered around the ground, nothing suspicious so far. Cen Shou thoroughly looked around. He carefully walked toward the gaps of the other door and checked the situation inside.
Jinxia whose leg injury was just recovering, couldn’t jump up and down like Cen Shou, she decided to carefully open the bedroom curtain, inside was a mother and son sleeping soundly on the bed, it seemed that the anesthetic smoke was quite effective. There wasn’t much stuff in the bedroom, everything looks very normal. It seems that when they left Hangzhou, they didn’t have time to gather anything. Noticing a chest in the corner, Jinxia opened the chest, to her surprise, there were only clothes, nothing out of the ordinary; but under the clothes were guns and rifles.
Cen Shou, who found nothing outside, went into the bedroom. As soon as he poked his head in, he noticed the weapons, his brows furrowed as he took the gun and investigated it, then put it back down. Jinxia organized everything back to its original place, not leaving a single mess.
Under the bed was also empty, there was nothing, Cen Shou’s eyes were quite sharp, he quickly noticed some green tiles were sticking out, he used his finger to lift it up, but they didn’t move at all.
Jinxia examined each piece of furniture, from top to bottom, nothing suspicious. She used her hand to pressed down each object and wall to make sure nothing is hidden inside. The only thing she could find was the wall facing West was very cold.
Cen Shou was a bit annoyed, aside from confirming that Dong San is a pirate, they seem to have no luck in finding anything valuable.
Before leaving the house, Jinxia took a broom that was in the corner of the room, she swept inside and outside, cleaning any visible footprints. After making sure everything was perfect, they left the house. As they were walking home, the two of them were very careful, making sure nobody was following them. Afterward, they safely returned to the residence.
After entering the house, Cen Shou removed the mask covering his face, he took a deep breath and said: “Our trip was such a waste, we didn’t find anything.”
“There’s nothing suspicious in his house, it only proved that he doesn’t intend to stay here long, if that’s true, it’s mean he’s planning his next trip. There’s one more thing….” Jinxia couldn’t find a brush, so she poured herself a cup of tea, dipped her hand in the tea and then draw something on the table, “When I was in the courtyard, I walked from one end to another. I took a total of 18 steps, but when I was inside the house, from outside to inside, it’s 8 steps, and from inside to the end of the bedroom, it’s another 8 steps, adding them all together, it’s still two steps less.”
“………”
Cen Shou has witnessed Jinxia investigate cases before, that’s why he decided to bring her along to Dong San’s house. He was amazed at the number of details she remember.
“That means, the house has a secret pathway?”
“That’s right! When I touched the wall facing the West direction, the sealed cement was still damp.” Jinxia said, “Behind that secret door must be some important things, which other people shouldn’t know about. That’s why the pathway was next to the bedroom because if anyone come in, he would be able to catch them right away.”
“What do you think is inside?”
“What is not allowed to be known by others, there are not many to think of. Firstly, gold and silver whose origin is unknown; Second, a corpse which cause of death is unknown; Third, weapons, especially firearms.” Jinxia looked at him, “According to Ming law if you illegally store a large number of weapons, especially guns, you will be charged with rebelling against the country.”
“Guns….” Even though it was just a guess, Cen Shou was already worried, “If it really is a large number of weapons, is it possible that he is going to attack Xinhe city?”
“Right now he is alone, but if he can smuggle a large number of weapons, there must be someone cooperating with him.”
“Could it be silver, gold? Or a corpse? ” Cen Shou was hoping it would be the last two guesses, as long as it’s not a gun.
Jinxia analyzes for him: “If gold and silver, and since he doesn’t plan to stay for a long time, there is no need to hide it; If it’s a corpse, the distance between where he lives and the Qingpo river is very close, if he wants to destroy the evidence, he can immediately throw the corpse into the Qingpo river, unless he is the type of person who has a disturbing–…If it’s a corpse, hiding it for a long period of time, the scent would be hard to hide. Even the smell of the salted fish won’t be able to overpower it. Plus, even if he can stand it, his wife and kids won’t be able to stand the smell.”
“Could it be something else?”
“It could be, but I think the most likely it’s guns. You have seen the guns in the chest of his clothes. The pirates have been attacking using these, they won’t be able to travel without it.”
What she said was very reasonable and true, therefore Cen Shou stop asking questions. After frowning for a while, he suddenly said: “Someone like you, why are you in LiuShanmen and be a petty little constable?”
“I also feel that I should have become a constable. Even if I don’t get promoted, at least I should get a raise, ugh…. never mind, people like bosses are just Seniors, I’m not too depressed about it either. It will be morning soon, let’s go back and sleep.” Half a night without sleep, Jinxia said with disappointment while yawning.
On the kitchen floor, YangYue picked up a carrot and silently carved it.
“Da Yang?”
Jinxia stuck her head in, and seeing YangYue there, she walked in and silently sat down with him.
“I’m fine, there’s no need to worry.” After a while, YangYue glanced at her, finally opening his mouth.
“…. You can forgive A’Rui. I think you have already forgiven him.” Jinxia said in a low voice.
Yang Yue didn’t make a sound; he continued to carve the carrot. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice: “I just realized that I had forgotten her face.”
Jinxia thought for a moment. Her face was serious as she said, “I still remember. If you don’t mind my ugly drawing, I’ll paint her face for you.”
Knowing that she was purposefully joking, YangYue burst into laughter, continuing on to say: “I was just thinking that if one day I can catch the mastermind behind A’Rui, even if we can’t be together anymore …. You know, from the start, I liked her unilaterally, so she didn’t necessarily have to reciprocate.”
“You helped her so much, deep down she must know that you are a good person.” Jinxia tilted her head looking at him.
“Good person….” YangYue laughed at herself, “Sometimes I feel like a pathetic person. I can’t do anything: can’t help her, can’t take revenge. Yet I can sit down and eat with her killer.”
Jinxia looked at him seriously: “Da Yang, this is not pathetic; you can forgive A’Rui knowing he is just a pitiful discarded pawn. The chess player is someone else. This is called being understanding; not everyone can do it. If your father finds out, he will very happy.”
“I am not such a nice person….” YangYue shook his head, “Perhaps it’s because my feelings for her aren’t deep enough.”
“It’s not that the feeling isn’t deep enough, but your soulmate hasn’t appeared yet.” Jinxia continued, “However, this matter of love can’t be forced. You are also not young anymore; your future wife has probably appeared, maybe it’s just that you haven’t recognized it yet…”
YangYue couldn’t take her words seriously: “Speaking recklessly again.”
Outside the kitchen, there was a sound of movements. Jinxia thought that if it wasn’t Cen Shou, it must be the beggar uncle. She tightened her eyebrows and yelled loudly: “Who is it? Secretly eavesdropping from the corner of the wall?”
The one who entered turned out to be Chun Yumin. She was holding a pile of bowls; her face looked regretful. In a small and soft voice, she said: “Sorry, I happened to bring a bowl of chopsticks here, heard you guys talking and was afraid to disturb you, so I waited outside…. ”
“It’s alright, it’s alright…. I’m just kidding; don’t take it to heart.”
Jinxia jumped to her feet in one motion, helped take the bowl of chopsticks from her hand, then brought it to the edge of the well, fetched water and started washing the bowl.
YangYue also stood up. He put down his carrots, then smiled apologetically to Chun Yumin, asking: “The two seniors have finished eating?”
Chun Yumin shook her head and said: “Shangguan Bangzhu has a problem, Mrs. Shen hasn’t finished eating yet and has gone straight there.”
“What’s wrong with Sister Shangguan?”
Jinxia’s ears were sharp, she was listening to them as she was washing the dishes.
“It seems that because Xie Xiao has told her about something. It has something to do with Brother A Jin or A’Rui’s matter. I am also not clear.” Regarding the problems of the gang, government affairs, Chun Yumin really doesn’t understand.
Hearing this, YangYue immediately held his forehead and sighed.
“I knew it…. Brother Xie has a big mouth!” Jinxia wiped her wet hands, continuously sighing, “If Sister Shangguan thinks A’Rui is a spy implemented in Wu’An gang, A Rui’s desire to end his life will surely arise. Brother Xie Xiao is really something; he couldn’t even resist gossip. Why couldn’t he wait two more days before telling her?”
After staying in place for a while and thinking about it, Jinxia still didn’t feel calm: “Da Yang, you have to go see A’Rui before he does something stupid. I’m going to see Sister Shangguan.”
She and YangYue hurriedly rushed out.
Chun Yumin, who knew she couldn’t help with anything in this case, quietly walked to the edge of the well then crouched down to wash the chopstick bowl.
***
As soon as she arrived in front of Shangguan Xi’s room, she saw that Xie Xiao had just come out and closed the door; he signalled for her to not enter again. Jinxia turned around to go to see A’Rui, also saw the beggar uncle and Cen Shou coming out of A Rui’s room, also giving a sign with their hands, so telling them not to come in.
“What exactly happened?” Jinxia couldn’t help but ask.
Before she could finish his words, Xie Xiao’s hands each gripped Jinxia’s and YangYue’s and continued to pull them until they turned a corner, arrived at the common room, he slowly let go of his hands.
Just as Jinxia was about to open her mouth to ask, Xie Xiao had already said: “My sister already said, ‘she has eyes but is like a blind person, unconsciously keep a dangerous wolf on her side, letting him harm people.’ Now just want to think that A’Rui is dead and doesn’t want to see him again.”
“What about A’Rui?” Jinxia asked tensely.
Cen Shou snapped and said: “The man at first behaved as if nothing had happened, fortunately, I kept watching, only to find out when he returned to the room, immediately took out a knife and prepared to commit suicide as an apology.”
“Then?”
“I’ve hit his vitals and advised him for a while, he’s lying in bed contemplating it.” The beggar uncle said proudly.
At this moment, Jinxia felt respect for the beggar uncle: “Uncle, I want to ask again, how did you advise him?”
“I said, with great difficulty your aunt has treated him, if he died now, wouldn’t all her efforts be wasted? It’s like cooking pork, obviously, it will be cooked soon, the burning smell is already very strong, but then someone suddenly came in and threw it all away, how disappointing.”
“What uncle said was right, after hearing that he must be very hungry.” Jinxia praised him.
“Hungry or not, I don’t know, what’s clear now is he can’t move.” The beggar uncle shrugged his shoulders, “In two hours, he will be able to break free from the pressure, if he throws a tantrum again, you guys think of your own way.”
Jinxia turned to Xie Xiao, unhappily said: “Brother, tonight you don’t have to sleep, take care of A’Rui, don’t let him look for death again.”
“Based on what? Tomorrow morning I still have to go fishing.”
“You caused this, take care of it yourself.”
“What did I cause?” Xie Xiao said with an upright body, “Obviously he is a spy, I didn’t accuse him of it.”
“…. Enough!” YangYue called out to stop them, he said slowly, “You guys don’t need to fuss anymore, just leave A’Rui to me. Pirate matters are more important, you guys should just go rest.”
It was rare to see him getting angry, everyone was stunned, he didn’t talk much, quietly turned around and then left.
“Can he do it?” Xie Xiao was a bit doubtful that YangYue could face A’Rui.
Jinxia glared at him for a moment, suddenly she remembered something important: “Oh yes, I asked my aunt to create a medicine, hurry up and come with me and to get it.”
“What medicine? I’m not sick why do I need to take medicine?” Xie Xiao exclaimed.
“Not for you, It’s for the pirates.”
Starting tomorrow morning, Xie Xiao will have to disguise himself as a fisherman and sail with the pirates to catch fish. To be honest, she is also a little worried, as soon as she returns home, she immediately looks for Mrs. Shen, asking her if she can create a medicinal powder that can make people faint instantly, which can instantly make people lose their strength. Mrs. Shen told her to come and get the medicine at night, it should be finished by now.
“If you feel he is starting to suspect you or is about to fight you, give him this medicine immediately so he’ll faint, and then bring him here,” Jinxia explained.
Xie Xiao furrowed his brows: “Then let the big fish run away?”
“Bring home the small fish, then find a way to deal with him. Don’t forget, we still have Jin Yi Wei Daren who is very attentive and annoying.” Jinxia pursed her lips towards Cen Shou, “A Beizhen Prison disciple, must have learned various torture methods, so he must be an expert. Of course, this will be our last resort, it would be best to not let them find out about your identity. Brother, the burden on your shoulders is very heavy, you better get some rest…That’s right, don’t forget to bring home a carp fish tomorrow morning, we can cook the fish head with tofu, perfect meal for your brain.”
“You are….”
Xie Xiao tapped his forehead for a while before returning to the room to rest.
“Finally calmed down?.” Jinxia sighed, seeing Cen Shou still not moving, “Brother, do you still have things to do?”
“While he is fishing, I want to go investigate the pirate’s house, do you want to come with me?” Cen Shou said, today he secretly followed the little leader, and found out where he lived.
Cen Shou took the initiative to invite her, Jinxia was a little surprised: “Brother, your kung fu is so great, so wise, so amazing, do you still need me?”
Cen Shou clasped his hands: “One word, go or not?”
“Of course!”
***
Before 3 in the morning, Xie Xiao was out of the house, immediately following Jinxia and Cen Shou who were wearing night disguises, covering their heads and faces, also came out of the house.
“If anyone wakes up and finds us, we’ll pretend we’re virtuous robbers! Only robs the rich, doesn’t harm people.”
Jinxia reminded Cen Shou, who immediately rolled his eyes.
The place where the leader lived, was around the corner of the alley where he had gone at that time. He must’ve rented this place. In the air, Jinxia already smelled the pungent smell of fish, when she looked down, she saw the roof of the house in the yard lined with salted fish being dried.
“It seems that selling fish is also not a good career. These salted fish won’t be able to run out by the new year.” Jinxia shook her head.
Cen Shou had already jumped down, his movements were light as a cat. Without making a sound, he moved towards the window, from inside his pocket he took out a silver tube as thin as a bamboo stick, carefully inserted the tube through the window gap.
“You can’t use anesthetic smoke, there are children inside.” Jinxia hurriedly reminded him.
“It just suppresses them, won’t hurt anyone.”
Cen Shou slowly blew the drug inside, a small fog of thin green smoke coming out of the end of the tube, slowly spreading around the room.
After half an incense passed, Jinxia was still pacing back and forth in the courtyard, investigating all four corners. Cen Shou bent down at the window and waited in silence, after feeling the anesthetic smoke was working, with a knife poked the gap in the window, opened the shutters, and then jumped into the room. Jinxia followed closely behind.
This house wasn’t too big, there were only two rooms, the courtyard and the backyard.
Outside the room, there is a small table and chairs. Using the light shine by the moon, a wooden rocking horse was seen on the side of the table, as well as other wooden toys scattered around the ground, nothing suspicious so far. Cen Shou thoroughly looked around. He carefully walked toward the gaps of the other door and checked the situation inside.
Jinxia whose leg injury was just recovering, couldn’t jump up and down like Cen Shou, she decided to carefully open the bedroom curtain, inside was a mother and son sleeping soundly on the bed, it seemed that the anesthetic smoke was quite effective. There wasn’t much stuff in the bedroom, everything looks very normal. It seems that when they left Hangzhou, they didn’t have time to gather anything. Noticing a chest in the corner, Jinxia opened the chest, to her surprise, there were only clothes, nothing out of the ordinary; but under the clothes were guns and rifles.
Cen Shou, who found nothing outside, went into the bedroom. As soon as he poked his head in, he noticed the weapons, his brows furrowed as he took the gun and investigated it, then put it back down. Jinxia organized everything back to its original place, not leaving a single mess.
Under the bed was also empty, there was nothing, Cen Shou’s eyes were quite sharp, he quickly noticed some green tiles were sticking out, he used his finger to lift it up, but they didn’t move at all.
Jinxia examined each piece of furniture, from top to bottom, nothing suspicious. She used her hand to pressed down each object and wall to make sure nothing is hidden inside. The only thing she could find was the wall facing West was very cold.
Cen Shou was a bit annoyed, aside from confirming that Dong San is a pirate, they seem to have no luck in finding anything valuable.
Before leaving the house, Jinxia took a broom that was in the corner of the room, she swept inside and outside, cleaning any visible footprints. After making sure everything was perfect, they left the house. As they were walking home, the two of them were very careful, making sure nobody was following them. Afterward, they safely returned to the residence.
After entering the house, Cen Shou removed the mask covering his face, he took a deep breath and said: “Our trip was such a waste, we didn’t find anything.”
“There’s nothing suspicious in his house, it only proved that he doesn’t intend to stay here long, if that’s true, it’s mean he’s planning his next trip. There’s one more thing….” Jinxia couldn’t find a brush, so she poured herself a cup of tea, dipped her hand in the tea and then draw something on the table, “When I was in the courtyard, I walked from one end to another. I took a total of 18 steps, but when I was inside the house, from outside to inside, it’s 8 steps, and from inside to the end of the bedroom, it’s another 8 steps, adding them all together, it’s still two steps less.”
“………”
Cen Shou has witnessed Jinxia investigate cases before, that’s why he decided to bring her along to Dong San’s house. He was amazed at the number of details she remember.
“That means, the house has a secret pathway?”
“That’s right! When I touched the wall facing the West direction, the sealed cement was still damp.” Jinxia said, “Behind that secret door must be some important things, which other people shouldn’t know about. That’s why the pathway was next to the bedroom because if anyone come in, he would be able to catch them right away.”
“What do you think is inside?”
“What is not allowed to be known by others, there are not many to think of. Firstly, gold and silver whose origin is unknown; Second, a corpse which cause of death is unknown; Third, weapons, especially firearms.” Jinxia looked at him, “According to Ming law if you illegally store a large number of weapons, especially guns, you will be charged with rebelling against the country.”
“Guns….” Even though it was just a guess, Cen Shou was already worried, “If it really is a large number of weapons, is it possible that he is going to attack Xinhe city?”
“Right now he is alone, but if he can smuggle a large number of weapons, there must be someone cooperating with him.”
“Could it be silver, gold? Or a corpse? ” Cen Shou was hoping it would be the last two guesses, as long as it’s not a gun.
Jinxia analyzes for him: “If gold and silver, and since he doesn’t plan to stay for a long time, there is no need to hide it; If it’s a corpse, the distance between where he lives and the Qingpo river is very close, if he wants to destroy the evidence, he can immediately throw the corpse into the Qingpo river, unless he is the type of person who has a disturbing–…If it’s a corpse, hiding it for a long period of time, the scent would be hard to hide. Even the smell of the salted fish won’t be able to overpower it. Plus, even if he can stand it, his wife and kids won’t be able to stand the smell.”
“Could it be something else?”
“It could be, but I think the most likely it’s guns. You have seen the guns in the chest of his clothes. The pirates have been attacking using these, they won’t be able to travel without it.”
What she said was very reasonable and true, therefore Cen Shou stop asking questions. After frowning for a while, he suddenly said: “Someone like you, why are you in LiuShanmen and be a petty little constable?”
“I also feel that I should have become a constable. Even if I don’t get promoted, at least I should get a raise, ugh…. never mind, people like bosses are just Seniors, I’m not too depressed about it either. It will be morning soon, let’s go back and sleep.” Half a night without sleep, Jinxia said with disappointment while yawning.
