Qin Yuesheng cheerfully said, "You speak quite convincingly, so tell , what’s the story about the missing artisans?"
"Sir, gathering intelligence cos at a cost, I’m not doing this for free," the shopkeeper said, rubbing his thumb against his index and middle fingers.
This gesture clearly signified a request for money.
"No problem, as long as I get the information I want, silver is not an issue," Qin Yuesheng nodded.
With that assurance, the shopkeeper began to speak leisurely.
"The porcelain from Jingci Town is quite famous in Jiangnan. During the reign of Emperor Deshun in the previous dynasty, he personally visited here during the spring winds of April, and even allocated funds to build a Zen temple on the East Slope Woods outside the town, leaving behind countless stories."
Qin Yuesheng wondered, "What does this have to do with the artisans going missing?"
"Of course, it has a lot to do with it," the shopkeeper imdiately replied, "The temple from the previous dynasty wasn’t affected by the change of the dynasty, but it has beco dilapidated over ti. Those missing porcelain craftsn were invited to restore a white porcelain wall in that ancient temple, and that’s when they disappeared."
"Is there anything unusual about this ancient temple? Like a series of strange events?"
"Not really, it’s quite peaceful. Currently, only an old monk lives there, chanting sutras and occasionally coming to town for alms."
"How were those missing craftsn viewed by the townspeople?"
"Oh, they were all master craftsn, generally well-regarded."
"Do you have anything else to add about this matter?"
"Sir, that’s all I know."
Qin Yuesheng’s face showed a hint of contempt: "And you call yourself an informant? What you just told are things anyone can find in the town records. I could ask any townsperson and they’d know. Do you have anything more substantial? Otherwise, with this little information, you won’t earn any silver from ."
Qin Yuesheng patted the Evil-Subduing Saber on the table, implying sothing.
"Yes," the shopkeeper confidently thumped his chest, "About ten years ago, sothing strange happened at that ancient temple. However, since no one was hard, it didn’t spread. After so many years, there aren’t many who still rember, but I’m one of them."
Qin Yuesheng asked, "What strange event?"
"Soone once traveled through East Slope Woods at night and saw the ancient temple aglow with colorful lights and vibrant splendor. It seed like many won were singing and dancing inside. Entranced upon hearing this, the person was in a daze, and when he ca to his senses and blinked, it was already dawn, the break of day."
"Oh?" Qin Yuesheng said, "Is there more about that ancient temple?"
"No, that’s all. But I can tell you more about those missing craftsn."
"No need," Qin Yuesheng tossed out two taels of silver, watching the two silver pieces spin rapidly on the table.
"Have your cook make the noodles quickly, I have more important things to do after eating."
"Sure thing." Bao Sanxiao quickly grabbed the two pieces of silver, grinning from ear to ear.
But what surprised him was, as soon as his hand touched the silver, a shocking force emanated from them, flinging his hand back seven or eight inches.
Bao Sanxiao looked at Qin Yuesheng in disbelief: "Sir, what is this?"
Qin Yuesheng picked up the Evil-Subduing Saber and tapped the two pieces of silver, forcibly stopping their motion.
There is an ancient saying, ’lifting heavy as if light, treating light as if heavy.’ When soone suddenly gains imnse strength, it can appear very abrupt in daily life.
For instance, holding a bowl might crush it, holding chopsticks might break them, shaking a sheet might tear it, and so on.
Only when he gains mastery over his strength can he return to normal life.
This is known as ’finesse and control.’
Clearly, Qin Yuesheng has yet to master his oscillating force to such a level, which is why this situation has occurred.
...
After eating the hot and freshly made plain noodles, Qin Yuesheng borrowed an oiled paper umbrella from Bao Sanxiao and left the inn, heading to the ho of the citizen who reported to the authorities.
The citizen’s na was Chen Chun, a craftsman who made straw sandals, living on the outskirts of Jingci Town.
When Qin Yuesheng arrived, he saw a courtyard surrounded by a fence and a mud-tiled house inside.
A tied-up old yellow dog was at the entrance of the yard and started barking fiercely as soon as Qin Yuesheng approached.
It was old, and its barking sounded like a leaky bellows, making a hollow, windy noise.
"Is anyone here?" Qin Yuesheng called out, standing in the rain with the umbrella.
Soon, a young man clad in a raincoat and hat ran out from the house.
It was Chen Chun.
"Who are you?"
As the person approached, the old yellow dog imdiately quieted down and turned to ask Qin Yuesheng.
"An official, here because you reported a case to the Cyan Yang City yan. I’m here to handle it," Qin Yuesheng said.
Upon hearing Qin Yuesheng’s words, the man couldn’t help but show joy: "That’s wonderful! Please, Officer, co inside, make yourself comfortable in my house."
Qin Yuesheng calmly replied, "No need, just take directly to where the craftsn disappeared. Let’s not waste ti."
"Alright."
Chen Chun walked out of the courtyard, closing the practically defenseless fence gate, and led Qin Yuesheng towards the outskirts of Jingci Town.
In the southeastern direction of Jingci Town, about a hundred steps away, there is a hillside known by the locals as East Slope Woods due to its eastern position.
The ancient temple of the previous dynasty is built atop this East Slope Woods.
User Comments
0 comments from readers