Chapter 64: Chen San, Xiao Wu

"It's highly unlikely we'll find anything at the inn," Zhuo Qingfeng said. "Both Qingyang Commandery's Six Doors and Fangxian County Yamen have searched that place countless times. If there were any clues, they would have been discovered long ago."

Gu Mo nodded. "Let's stick to our original plan and investigate any horses or carriages that traveled along that road that night!"

Zhuo Qingfeng explained, "Qu Heng and his group were apprehended at a place called Jiuhua Mountain. From there, there's only one official road leading to the inn, and that same road goes directly to Fangxian County. Since it's the only official route, the investigation shouldn't be too difficult."

Gu Mo said, "Let's go find the Chen San that Yan Sanniang told us about."

Zhuo Qingfeng frowned. "Actually, it would be more convenient to go directly to the yamen. That Chen San is an old pickpocket, a disreputable character. Dealing with people like him tends to cause trouble."

Gu Mo smiled. "Chiliarch Zhuo, you're a Six Doors chiliarch from Linjiang Commandery. You've secretly come to Qingyang Commandery without any official documentation. Going to the yamen now would only invite trouble, wouldn't it? If you get impeached, that would be a real problem!"

Zhuo Qingfeng gave an awkward laugh. "Alright, then let's go find Chen San."

Fangxian was a relatively prosperous county town. The long main street buzzed with activity: carriages and horses flowed ceaselessly, while pedestrians came and went in an endless stream. Shops lined the thoroughfare, banners of wine taverns fluttered in the breeze, and the shouts of waiters rose and fell, beckoning passersby.

However, Zhuo Qingfeng and his companions didn't linger on the main street. After inquiring about a residential area called Ji'an Lane, they headed straight there.

Ji'an Lane was where Chen San was living in seclusion.

Soon, they arrived outside an old residence.

Zhuo Qingfeng stepped forward and knocked on the door. A moment later, a hunched, white-haired old man with a face full of wrinkles opened it, asking in a hoarse voice, "Who are you looking for?"

Zhuo Qingfeng asked, "We're looking for Chen San."

"You've got the wrong place," the old man said, looking confused. "There's no one named Chen San here."

However, Zhuo Qingfeng gazed intently at the old man before him, speaking calmly, "You're not being truthful. Your hunchback is fake, your white hair is fake, and your voice is deliberately disguised. And, you should have a knife on you, but I can't find where it's hidden. Truly worthy of being called Qingyang Commandery's grandmaster pickpocket; you've got some tricks!"

The old man's pupils contracted slightly, and he said softly, "Officer, I've already retired from the trade for ten years. The imperial court wouldn't even reopen corruption cases from a decade ago, so why are you pursuing an old man like me?"

Zhuo Qingfeng asked, puzzled, "How did you know I'm from the authorities?"

"Officer," the old man replied, "I could sense your Six Doors constable aura even through the wall. Officer, I swear, I've been very quiet these past few years. If your investigation into a case has led you here to me, then you've definitely taken a wrong turn."

Zhuo Qingfeng said, "We're not here to investigate a case; we're here to ask for your help."

At this point, Gu Mo stepped forward and took out Yan Sanniang's prayer beads.

The old man paused slightly when he saw the prayer beads, then looked Gu Mo up and down. "Are you with Miss Yan?" he asked.

"A friend," Gu Mo replied. "My name is Gu Mo, and this is my sister. As for him... it's not convenient to disclose his identity. Please bear with us, old sir."

The old man waved his hand. "This officer has an extraordinary demeanor, filled with integrity, and his official presence is overwhelming. It's best you don't tell me his name; if I knew it, I might not be able to stand upright. Since you are Miss Yan's friends, you must know what I used to do. In our profession, the most terrifying thing is an official, like a mouse seeing a cat."

Zhuo Qingfeng chuckled, "If that's the analogy, then you, Chen San, are the Rat King. You're certainly not like an ordinary mouse."

Chen San smiled faintly and ushered the three into the courtyard.

Once inside, Chen San invited them to sit, then turned and called into the house, "Xiao Wu, we have distinguished guests! Make some tea!"

"Coming right up!"

A moment later, a young man of about twenty emerged, carrying a teapot and several teacups. With a gentle smile on his face, he set down the tea table and began pouring.

However, at that very moment, Chen San suddenly spoke. "Xiao Wu, if you value those hands of yours, stop your little tricks in front of these three," Chen San said, pointing at Gu Chutong. "Especially with her; she's a young lady. If your dirty hands dare to touch her, no one will be able to save them!"

Xiao Wu gave an awkward smile, bending at the waist. "Sir," he said humbly, "may I ask who these esteemed guests are?"

Chen San rolled his eyes, then suddenly clapped the young man called Xiao Wu. When he pulled his hand back, he was holding two items: a jade pendant and a set of prayer beads.

Chen San handed the jade pendant to Zhuo Qingfeng and the prayer beads to Gu Mo. "My apologies to you both," he said. "This lad is my grand-disciple. He's been pilfering since he was little, it's become a habit. He crossed a line, so I've kept him by my side to teach him. He hasn't quite gotten rid of those little habits yet. My sincere apologies, please be understanding."

Zhuo Qingfeng looked at the jade pendant Chen San offered, then eyed Xiao Wu with some surprise. "Remarkable! At such a young age, to be able to stealthily take things from both of us without our knowledge... truly a successor to a master thief! Chen San, how much of your true skill has this lad inherited?"

"About seventy to eighty percent," Chen San replied.

Zhuo Qingfeng exclaimed in surprise, "If seventy to eighty percent of your skill gives him this level, then how profound must *your* skill be?"

Gu Mo retrieved his prayer beads, also feeling a touch of curiosity.

It had to be said, Xiao Wu certainly possessed a remarkable skill; Gu Mo hadn't even realized his own jade pendant had been stolen just moments ago.

Chen San explained, "Purely in terms of manual dexterity, this lad is already no weaker than me. What he lacks is discernment. His eyes aren't sharp enough; he can't distinguish what can be stolen from whom he should stay far away from. That's why I keep him by my side. In our line of work, the skill of the hand is actually less important than the keenness of vision. Just now, for instance, this lad showed absolutely no discernment, utterly reckless, daring to steal from even you esteemed guests. If he were out there on his own, he wouldn't last more than a few days."

Xiao Wu stood grinning awkwardly to the side.

Chen San then introduced his guests to Xiao Wu, starting with Zhuo Qingfeng. "This is an officer," he said, "the kind whose official might could crush you flat. If not for his forbearance, you wouldn't want those eyes of yours anymore."

Xiao Wu's smile instantly froze.

Next, Chen San introduced Gu Mo. "This is Gu Mo, the Blade-Catcher from Linjiang, Hero Gu. He also wouldn't bother with a junior like you. However," Chen San then introduced Gu Chutong, "This is Hero Gu's sister. If you had dared to touch Lady Gu just now, you wouldn't have those hands anymore. No one could save them."

Cold sweat beaded on Xiao Wu's forehead. He stood obediently to the side, not daring to utter a word.

Only then did Chen San pick up his teacup, take a sip, and ask, "Gentlemen, what can I do for you?"

"We need you to investigate something."