Wu Lingyuan’s heart palpitated with fear. He hurriedly said, “No need, no need! I’ve been betrothed since childhood. Once I achieve success, I’ll go to marry her.”
An Jiu patted his shoulder and left without a word, leaving him feeling rather unsettled.
As a renowned assassin on the Konghe List, Xue Sha found the role of chief constable effortless.
Since the government couldn’t afford uniforms yet, he spent his days sitting on the street in ordinary clothes, making and selling silk flowers. When he noticed anyone stealing or causing trouble, he’d approach and give them a sound beating with his stick. Having been an assassin for so long, he habitually concealed his presence. None of those beaten ever saw who hit them. As word spread, people began to believe Hexi County was protected by spirits. Soon, no one dared to commit crimes, and in a short time, Hexi County became a place where people didn’t pick up lost items on the road and didn’t lock their doors at night.
With no more criminals to catch, Xue Sha grew bored and started beating those who didn’t take good care of their children.
There weren’t many children in Hexi County, to begin with, and all parents doted on them, leaving Xue Sha with no opportunities to intervene.
When An Jiu came to the street, she saw Xue Sha sitting cross-legged under a willow tree, wearing a dark blue outfit. His hair was casually tied up with a dry willow twig as a hairpin. His overly pale complexion made him look like a frail scholar. He was quite ordinary-looking, someone you wouldn’t give a second glance in a crowd, but among the Konghe Army, he stood out as peculiar.
An Jiu watched his slender fingers move swiftly, creating beautiful flowers at his fingertips. A blue cloth was spread beside him, displaying many completed flowers.
“Mister, your silk flowers are so pretty,” a seven or eight-year-old girl stopped in front of him.
Xue Sha’s movements paused briefly as he looked up at her.
The girl was startled by his cold gaze but quickly regained her composure.
Xue Sha smiled and handed her a pink peach blossom.
The girl relaxed slightly and smiled, shaking her head, “I don’t have money to buy it.”
The girl’s clothes were clean and tidy but faded, with patches in some places.
Xue Sha said nothing, standing up to pin the peach blossom in her hair. He whispered, “It’s free.”
The girl was delighted but soon frowned. She took the silk flower off and returned it to Xue Sha, saying, “Mother says we shouldn’t take things from strangers, or we’ll be punished by spirits.”
The girl reluctantly put the flower down and quickly ran away.
Xue Sha held the peach blossom, looking at it. With a flick of his hand, the flower landed precisely on the girl’s head.
“Looks like you’ve adapted well,” An Jiu remarked.
Only then did Xue Sha notice An Jiu’s presence. “I’ve never been able to discern your level of martial arts. How can you easily evade my detection when you have no internal energy? Is it some advanced external technique?”
He had never heard of any formidable external martial artists in the Konghe Army.
“Guess,” An Jiu squatted in front of the blue cloth, examining the silk flowers on the ground. They were even more vibrant and eye-catching than real flowers. “Your craftsmanship is indeed excellent! Where did you get the fabric?”
“I bought it in Bianjing before,” Xue Sha replied.
An Jiu was speechless. He didn’t think to bring money when killing, yet he knew to buy fabric. What could she say?
“You’re getting on in years. Want to find a wife?” she asked, still bothered by Wu Lingyuan’s rejection of her good intentions.
“Find one for Li Qingzhi. I’m not interested in that,” Xue Sha said.
An Jiu thought to herself, could he be another Gao Dazhuang?
Xue Sha seemed to read her mind. “I had a few lovers in the Konghe Army. For me, male or female relationships were just a way to relieve stress. I’m fine now and not interested in that aspect of life.”
People living in darkness often had hearts like ice, but in certain aspects, they could be wild and unrestrained, such as in matters of sex. An Jiu had heard about people finding partners within the Konghe Army. Seeing that he truly had no interest in this matter, she didn’t push further. Instead, she asked, “Do you know if there are any other former Konghe Army members around?”
Xue Sha thought for a moment. “There might be some in Zhending Prefecture.”
“That’s great. Come with me tomorrow,” An Jiu said happily.
Zhending Prefecture wasn’t far, only about thirty miles away.
An Jiu said, “I just discussed it with Mo Sigui. He’ll examine you today.”
“Good,” Xue Sha smiled.
The two returned to the county office and went straight to Mo Sigui’s room.
As usual, his place was filled with misty smoke, making one drowsy upon entering.
In the haze, a gray-haired man in cyan clothes sat cross-legged on a rush cushion, his handsome face exuding an otherworldly aura.
Xue Sha thought this was the legendary Doctor Mo and was about to pay his respects when a lazy voice came from deeper within the mist, “Come here, let me take a look.”
An Jiu nodded to Xue Sha.
He glanced at the gray-haired man and walked further in.
In the dim light, Xue Sha saw a man in a loose gray-blue robe reclining on a low couch. His left hand held a long pipe, while his right hand held a thin letter. His brows were furrowed, his peach blossom eyes partly thoughtful, partly weary, truly embodying the rumored image of a dissolute and unrestrained character.
Mo Sigui tapped out his extinguished pipe and looked up, his gaze sweeping over Xue Sha’s face as he reached out to take his pulse.
(To be continued)