Chapter 533: Finding Clues

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After applying the creams to the faces of those who were willing, the group decided not to persuade those who were reluctant. They believed that once the effects were visible the next day, those hesitant individuals would come forward on their own.

Seeing that Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were so concerned about this matter, Chu Qingyan added, “There’s a prescription and a concoction method for the medicinal cream.”

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were pleasantly surprised. They immediately went back to look for Chu Qingzhi. After obtaining their master’s permission, the two of them took the prescription to the swing pavilion to study it.

At this moment, Chu Qingyan’s master, Wang Xingming, arrived. She also went to class.

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu were very interested in Da Bai. After going around in circles, they went back to see Da Bai.

They were still surrounded by village children who bombarded them with all sorts of peculiar questions, often leaving them unsure how to respond.

At the County Jail.

Ge Lihua, dressed in official constable attire and hat, walked into the jail with a sword at her side, looking striking. “Xujin, has the prisoner confessed?” She asked.

Chu Xujin nodded, “Some of the lackeys have confessed, but the leader hasn’t.” Ge Lihua leaned against the table, holding her sword, “What did they say?” Chu Xujin explained, “To make counterfeit banknotes, they need incense trees, which are usually grown by banks in their own estates. It’s rare to find them in the wild. The area where we caught them had a few of these trees. They were ordered to cut them down, but who gave the order and where they were to be delivered is only known by their leader.”

Ge Lihua frowned slightly, “Could it be that the leader has something more important than his own life in the hands of others?”

Chu Xujin considered the possibility, “Like the lives of his family members.”

Ge Lihua tightened her grip on the sword, “If that’s the case, it might be difficult to make him talk.”

Just then, a constable rushed in, “Lord Chu, a civilian has come forward claiming to recognize the leader of the criminals.”

They hurried outside.

In a room at the county office, a middle-aged man stood nervously. He wouldn’t have dared to come forward if not for the need of five taels to treat his ill mother.

The people involved in cutting down the trees did not know each other. Chu Xujin had posted their portraits on the notice board, offering five taels for anyone who had useful leads.

As the group entered the room, Chu Xujin got straight to the point, “Speak. If you tell us everything, you’ll get the silver.”

The middle-aged man took a deep breath to calm his nerves, “I know the man with a mole on his left cheek. His name is Zhang Qing. He used to be my neighbor but moved away three years ago. I don’t know where to, but his family suddenly became wealthy.”

“Zhang Qing was lazy and always dreamed of getting rich quick. He sold his daughter, and his wife left him. Many people mocked him.”

“One day, he suddenly started wearing fine silks and changed completely.” “Then, I often saw strangers visiting his house at night. Once, I even saw them myself, but since I didn’t know who they were, I kept quiet.”

“Not long after, they moved away.”

It seemed like someone had taken the initiative to look for him. Chu Xujin thought for a moment and said, “How many people does his family have?”

The man replied honestly, “When they moved, there were his elderly parents, three younger brothers, a sister, and a dog. No one else.”

Chu Xujin nodded, “Do you know who Zhang Qing was close to?”

Who was he close to? The middle-aged man lowered his head and thought for a while. “Zhang Qing had a drinking buddy named Xu Ming. They drank together almost every day. I didn’t see him close to anyone else.”

“Where does Xu Ming live?”

“In a lane southwest of the city.”

“Give him the money.” Chu Xujin immediately led his team towards the southwest lane of the city.

They found Xu Ming without much difficulty.

Xu Ming was drinking early in the morning and was somewhat dazed, but when he saw a group of constables, a cold wind blew, and he instantly sobered up, standing up straight.

Chu Xujin circled around Xu Ming, scrutinizing him. Xu Ming was overweight with unsteady steps, and his clothes were of average quality. “Tell me, what is your relationship with Zhang Qing?”

Xu Ming, extremely nervous, reflexively answered, “Drinking buddies.”

“Why did he suddenly move?”

“He got rich.”

“Rich?”

“Zhang Qing received help from a noble person and became very wealthy, living a lavish life.”

“Who is this noble person?”

Xu Ming was filled with envy, “Who else but a second uncle he knew? That second uncle is very capable. He handed out fifty taels of silver notes just like that. I was envious, but they didn’t want me.”

Chu Xujin frowned, “A second uncle?”

“His second uncle manages a paper mill. I don’t know which one, but it’s a big operation.”

Hearing ‘paper mill,’ everyone perked up, exchanging glances. They were onto something.

Chu Xujin asked, “How big is this paper mill?”

Xu Ming thought for a moment, “His second uncle said there are more than fifty people working in the mill.”

A paper mill with over fifty workers in Shuiyun County could only be one. Zhao’s Paper Mill.

Chu Xujin patted Xu Ming’s shoulder, “Keep what you said today a secret, or you could be in grave danger.”

Xu Ming’s heart tensed, and he quickly agreed, “1 know, 1 know.”

Chu Xujin and his team left Xu Ming’s house.

A middle-aged woman stood with her hands on her hips at the entrance of a jade shop, speaking rudely, “Judging me by my appearance, I have plenty of money. Who says I can’t afford it?”

At the jade shop entrance, the shop assistant argued with the woman, “If you have the money, then buy something. You come here every day just to look. Does that mean you can afford it?”

The woman pointed at the assistant, fuming, “What if I can afford it? What would you say then?”

The assistant crossed his arms, arrogantly stating, “I’d apologize to you immediately.”

The woman quickly pulled out a stack of silver notes from her clothing, “Do you think 1 can afford it now?”

Seeing the stack of silver notes, the assistant thought to himself, she always came to look but never had the money. How did she suddenly get rich? This thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly regained his senses, bowing immediately and apologizing, “Madam, you are indeed well-off. It was my short-sightedness. Please forgive me, and come in.”

The woman, basking in the envious glances and the submissive attitude of the assistant, strutted into the jade shop with pride.

“Wait!” Chu Xujin, standing in the crowd, suddenly spoke up.

Everyone’s attention swiftly turned to Chu Xujin.

The middle-aged woman turned around to face Chu Xujin, her previous arrogance turning into humility, “What can 1 do for you, officer?”

Chu Xujin pointed at the silver notes in the woman’s hand, “Let me see your silver notes..”

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