novel-bin 24. Black shop
24. Black shop
into the night.
After seeing Hu Xiaofeng off and closing the gate, Ren Yaohui went to his sixth uncle's room, just like he had done a few days before.
Under the candlelight, the uncle and nephew sat facing each other.
There were writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones on the table.
Since that night, Sixth Uncle ordered him to greet Pang Qingyun every day, secretly gather all information about Pang Qingyun, and endure hardship in order to seek revenge.
Over the course of a few days, Pang Qingyun remained vigilant, but his attitude had improved considerably.
Pang Qingyun did not publicize the matter of "adultery" at the martial arts school, but chose to make a fortune in silence.
This clearly demonstrates his composure and cunning.
If this matter isn't publicized and the knife doesn't fall, he can live off it for the rest of his life.
If we spread this around, it will lead to a lose-lose situation, and besides creating another irreconcilable enemy, there will be no real benefit.
"Sixth Uncle, I received important news today: Pang Qingyun has purchased a Silver Blood Pill and is preparing to advance to the Silver Blood rank."
Looking at his sixth uncle's calm eyes, Ren Yaohui's Adam's apple bobbed, and he said in a low voice.
His fists clenched tightly under the table.
Although Pang Qingyun's surname is Pang, he is a collateral branch of his family. It is not easy for him to buy a Silver Blood Pill. The reason why he can afford it is, of course, because he "contributes" the majority of the money.
"Where did you get this information?"
Ren Qingshan's eyes were calm and still as he tapped his knuckles lightly on the table.
Ren Yaohui: "The news came from the pharmacy. I have verified it from multiple sources and it is true."
"How many days does it normally take to refine a Silver Blood Pill?"
Ren Qingshan stared at the map of Pang Qingyun's house on the paper and asked without looking up.
"It will take anywhere from half a month to a month."
A bold guess vaguely surfaced in Ren Yaohui's mind—could it be that his sixth uncle wanted to take his elixir?
Upon realizing this, his eyes suddenly burned with intensity.
Eyes facing each other.
Ren Qingshan shook his head and smiled: "You want to take action?"
Ren Yaohui swallowed hard and nervously licked his lips.
"Your mindset is wrong..."
"With just that nervous look in your eyes, even an experienced constable would suspect you at a glance."
Hearing his sixth uncle's teasing, Ren Yaohui lowered his head, silently feeling ashamed.
Yes.
The moment the thought crossed my mind, my palms started sweating.
"Today I will convey eight more words to you: If your heart is as clear as ice, you will not be alarmed even if the sky falls."
"Carefully savor this artistic conception. When you can do it without even blinking, even if you were to personally stab Pang Qingyun to death, then this matter can be accomplished."
"Go to sleep."
When Ren Yaohui heard the words "Sixth Uncle," his heart suddenly trembled.
If the heart is pure as ice, one will not be alarmed even if the sky falls.
It sounds quite profound, like two sentences extracted from some kind of mental cultivation method.
"Yes, Uncle Liu should also get some rest."
Ren Yaohui stood up, bowed respectfully, and went out to his room.
……
the next morning.
After having breakfast, Ren Qingshan left the city and headed towards the mass graves in the west of the city, following the map drawn by Hu Xiaofeng.
That mass grave is more than 300 miles from the county seat; if you travel at a leisurely pace, two days should be enough.
Tsk.
My two good legs are really suffering.
They can't even afford a good horse.
The old horse in the village is over twenty years old, nearing the end of its life. It's not a good breed, and the food it eats is mediocre; it's no longer of much use.
Walking is still the most effective; it only consumes five kilograms of rice for a hundred miles.
Along the official road.
Ren Qingshan walked briskly forward.
As spring approaches, the remaining snow on the farmland along the official road has melted away, and the fertile black soil gleams in the sunlight, a truly delightful sight.
Ren Qingshan was envious.
If all these hundreds of acres were mine, I'd be set for takeoff.
However, the stone tablet by the roadside was engraved with an inscription that this was official land, belonging to the imperial court and the emperor... It was something to look at but not to see.
The old emperor was still in his prime. Although there were constant wars on the borders, the country remained stable and the collection of grain taxes was not a problem.
Okay, I've gone too far ahead.
Pulling his thoughts back, Ren Qingshan focused on continuing his journey.
He took off his shoes and walked barefoot along the official road with great speed.
By noon, they had already traveled more than sixty li.
Under the blazing sun, with hunger and thirst raging, Ren Qingshan quickened his pace and walked a few more miles before finally spotting a tea stall ahead.
"Hey buddy, a bowl of herbal tea, please."
Ren Qingshan looked at the signboard with great interest: "One penny to get your fill... and they even offer unlimited refills?"
After gulping down several bowls of cold tea, my mouth felt refreshed and I felt much better.
Keep running.
This run took up another afternoon.
As evening approached, the sky was ablaze with the glow of sunset. After traveling about 150 li, they entered the mountains, where the official road narrowed by half and was built along the river.
Hu Xiaofeng marked on the map that there was a gang of bandits here.
They were called bandits because they didn't have a fixed name. They were usually just farmers from nearby villages, but if the opportunity arose, they would occasionally rob people. They gathered like fire and scattered like stars.
However, he was very measured in his actions, only robbing money and not killing people, so as to avoid being killed by the government.
This was also one of Ren Qingshan's "inspection projects".
I, Ren Qingshan, am a man of integrity. I am not here to fight crime, but to punish bandits and protect the local people!
……
Moon stars are rare.
The mountain road was quiet.
At the corner, a solitary house stands, several dogs barking wildly, and an old man at the door beckons and welcomes customers.
"Young man, it's getting dark. We dare not go into the mountains; there are bandits inside. Would you like to stop for a bite to eat?"
Ren Qingshan stopped, panting heavily, and feigned weakness, timidly asking, "How...how much?"
"Cheap, cheap, only fifteen coins for a bite. When it comes to food, it's up to you whether you're rich or poor."
The old man said with a chuckle.
He immediately took my arm and half-pulled me inside, appearing quite enthusiastic, but actually using force in the meantime.
Ren Qingshan had a sudden thought and knew that he was testing his strength, so he pretended to stumble when he was pulled.
Several silver coins fell to the ground.
Under the moonlight, it shimmered with an alluring silver light.
"Hey! What are you doing? Why are you dragging me like that?"
Ren Qingshan quickly bent down, picked up the silver, and looked at the old man with a wary expression... barely suppressing the smile in his heart.
Just know!
Those who dare to solicit business here are likely colluding with bandits, or even being their informants.
Those who work in vehicles, boats, shops, and even as prostitutes, should be killed even if they are innocent!
This old man clearly had some martial arts skills and was quite strong.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm an old man who works hard every day, I have a lot of strength."
"Please come in, sir. Besides serving meals, we also have some lovely young women here. It's cheap! Only one hundred coins!"
The old man held up one finger, his wrinkled face beaming with joy.
"You...you can't be running a shady business, can you?"
Ren Qingshan hesitated for a moment, but a hint of interest appeared on his face.
"What are you saying, sir? This old man dares to set up his stall here because of his own abilities. How could it be a shady business?"
"My nephew works in the government office, and even the bandits dare not mess with him."
"Upright and honest, with a clean record, fair and honest dealings, and high-quality products at reasonable prices!"
The old man patted his chest and spoke with conviction.
Ren Qingshan chuckled to himself.
You're spouting rhymes all the time, are you preparing for graduate school?
However, does his family have connections with the government?
Come to think of it, you either have to rely on officials or bandits. Otherwise, what good person would open a shop in such a godforsaken place?
With his stomach rumbling, Ren Qingshan followed him into the courtyard and through the gate.
The main room resembled an ordinary restaurant, with four tables. The old man lit an oil lamp and slowly asked, "What would you like to eat, sir?"
"What?"
"We have everything: rice, noodles, beef, chicken, duck, fish, pork head meat, peanuts, and alcohol."
Ren Qingshan's Adam's apple bobbed.
"A pot of wine, three catties of rice, a catty of beef, a chicken, and a fish."
He paused, then asked, "Your shop wouldn't use sleeping pills, would it?"
In short, fill your stomach first.
If we point it out first, they probably won't administer the medicine first... to avoid wasting food.
"You young man, you're quite handsome, but your words are terribly unpleasant. My family runs a legitimate business; I'll get it done for you right away!"
The old man seemed a bit angry, blowing his beard and glaring.
This fat sheep has an attitude of "knowing a little about the rules of the game, but not much," which is disgusting. We'll deal with him slowly later.
Ren Qingshan smiled apologetically.
"It was my first time traveling so far from home, and I was scared, really scared."
"How about I sit in front of you while you cook? I can lend you a hand."
"If that's not the case, I won't eat it."
The old man was completely speechless.
He stared at him for a few moments, his lips twitching slightly, but thinking of the loose change that the fat sheep had dropped earlier, he reluctantly agreed, saying in a low voice, "If you want to look, then look. You live such a boring and unsatisfying life."
Ren Qingshan smiled without saying a word, and simply followed him toward the kitchen.
"Straightforward...wouldn't that make you an idiot?"
My third nephew is quite straightforward.
……
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