Chapter 17 To the Highest Bidder

“Oh, chief, how are you so clever? No wonder you’re our leader.” The handsome constable slapped his thigh, his eyes shining.

“If we really bring back twenty taels of silver this time, sir will surely reward us.” The tall, thin constable was also beaming with excitement.

“Of course! Why else would I be your chief? You’d best learn from me in the future.” Constable Zhao looked smug, twirling the dogtail grass in his hand. Only when he glanced back toward the Qin family’s courtyard did he notice Qin Youtian standing not far off.

He quickly patted his two excited juniors, prompting them to fall silent and stand up.

Seeing that the three had noticed him, Qin Youtian hurried forward with a smile. “Brother Zhao, if you don’t mind, please come to the thatched cottage for a cup of fresh spring water.”

“Oh, no need for that. We’ll just wait here.” Constable Zhao looked to be in his thirties, with a dark, sturdy build. He had the air of a wise fool, and ever since his wife left him, he’d only wanted to muddle through life, avoiding trouble wherever possible. He was known for letting things go if he could.

“Very well. If Brother Zhao needs anything, please say the word. I’ll be waiting here.” Qin Youtian had never been good at forging connections, and for a moment, he didn’t know what else to say.

“Qin Youtian, is it?” Constable Zhao stroked his little mustache.

“Yes!”

“Come sit with us. Standing there, you’re blocking my view.” He beckoned, then sat again.

Qin Youtian’s face stiffened, unsure what to do, so he smiled awkwardly and walked over.

“That young lady just now—is she your wife?” Constable Zhao slapped Qin Youtian on the shoulder, startling him for a moment before he quickly composed himself. “She is.”

“She’s quite a fine lady!” Constable Zhao mused, eyeing the strange mask covering half of Qin Youtian’s face with curiosity. “You look like this—I mean, with your appearance, does your wife…”

At those words, Qin Youtian blushed faintly, lowering his head in silent self-consciousness. “She’s wonderful.”

“I can see that! You rascal, I never would’ve guessed you’d be so lucky!”

“Is… is that so?” Qin Youtian couldn’t quite place the feeling in his heart. When it came to Hua Qinci, he was anxious—perhaps nervous about the scars on her back.

Meanwhile, Hua Qinci had pulled Qin Mingyue back into the house and asked if there was any silver left at home. Qin Mingyue shook her head. When asked if there was anything valuable, Qin Mingyue’s face was still clouded with worry.

“Forget it, Mother. Don’t worry. Sit here for a while. If you want to save Youtian, don’t go anywhere, don’t interfere, leave everything else to me. Understand?”

“Yes,” Qin Mingyue replied feebly, nodding.

After settling Qin Mingyue, Hua Qinci went to the backyard and pulled up a medicinal herb.

The herb resembled ginseng. She figured outsiders wouldn’t be able to tell if it was real or fake, and since the original owner was skilled in medicine, if she claimed it was genuine, no one would know better.

Resolved, Hua Qinci took the prepared root outside.

She then moved a table and chairs into the courtyard, set out paper and brush, and began to call out.

“Come and take a look, everyone! This is priceless wild mountain ginseng, found unexpectedly by my husband and me on the mountain this morning. We’d planned to sell it for money, but got delayed by today’s trouble. Now, I’m auctioning it off at a low price—the highest bidder wins!”

Her call drew a crowd, everyone pushing forward to examine the root—uncertain whether it was anything valuable at all.

“Qin family’s wife, is this real or not?”