Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Awang stared at the gleaming silver ingot on the table, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down, and he almost couldn't hold back his saliva.

He swallowed it back forcefully, but the greed in his eyes flared up like a flame, impossible to hide.

Ten taels of silver.

With this money, he could sneak out of Ping'an County at night and escape to other places to make a living.

He'd had enough of this wretched place long ago. The work in the kitchen was tough and tiring, and the manager was always yelling at people.

But then he thought again, fearing that he might have the money but not the chance to spend it.

The young nobleman before me was dressed in fine clothes and had an extraordinary air about him. His follower was even more ruthless, with fierce eyes. He was clearly no pushover.

He couldn't figure out what the relationship was between these two and that brat Liu Tao'er.

An enemy?

Or something else?

If taking the money leads to trouble, it would truly be a case of losing more than you gain.

Awang hesitated, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together under the table.

At this moment, Xie Jingxing spoke slowly and deliberately. His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority: "Liu Wei, why are you being so fierce? Don't scare people."

He paused, his gaze falling on Awang's face, his tone softening slightly, "Hey buddy, if you've seen the person in this painting, just say so."

I keep my word and won't make things difficult for you.

You don't need to be afraid.

Ah Wang felt relieved, mustered his courage, and finally nodded: "Young master, I..."

"I have indeed seen the girl and young master in this painting."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Jingxing's eyes lit up, and his voice was filled with excitement: "Liu Wei, give another ten taels of silver!"

Without saying a word, Liu Wei took out another silver ingot from his sleeve and placed it in front of Awang with a "snap," the crisp sound making Awang's heart tremble.

"Hey buddy, here you go."

These are all yours, a gift from my young master.

You got off easy!

Ah Wang held the silver in both hands, his fingertips trembling, and repeatedly thanked him, "Thank you, young master!"

Thank you, young master!

"Your kindness and virtue, sir, is something I will never forget!"

He thought to himself: This young master is too generous. He must really be a young master from a wealthy family with a very solid financial foundation.

Xie Jingxing picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked unhurriedly, "Waiter, what's your name?"

"My name is Awang, young master."

Awang bowed deeply, showing utmost respect.

Xie Jingxing put down his teacup and tapped the table lightly with his finger. "Awang, you just said you've seen the girl and the child in this painting. Is that true?"

When did you meet?

Do you know them or not?

And do you know where they live now?

He asked a series of questions, his gaze never leaving Awang's face, as if he were weighing the truthfulness of his words.

He added at the end, "If you can lead us to them, I will reward you handsomely."

He looked Awang up and down, left and right.

This man had a snobbish look on his face, and his eyes were darting around; he was clearly a greedy person.

But this made him feel more at ease.

Xie Jingxing knew in his heart: this kind of person is actually easier to deal with; once they have money in hand, they can't hide anything.

Ah Wang's demeanor just now, where he seemed to want money but also afraid of getting into trouble, didn't seem like he was lying.

Moreover, if he had never met Liu Tao'er before, he wouldn't have shown that surprised, delighted, and hesitant expression just now.

Liu Wei, standing to the side, couldn't understand why the young master was being so kind and gentle to this Awang, which was completely unlike his usual manner.

This Ah Wang looks like a petty scoundrel; there's no need to be polite to him at all. He doesn't deserve it!

Awang nodded repeatedly, as if afraid the other party would change their mind, and hurriedly said, "Young master, I really did see the two of them, it was just a few days ago."

That girl's name is Liu Tao'er, and it was by chance that I met her.

We had a few words exchanged over something trivial.

He chuckled twice and rubbed his hands together, looking a little embarrassed.

"Young master, I know where they live now."

"If you need, I'll show you the way."

He could tell from their demeanor that these two were definitely not friends with Liu Tao'er; it seemed more like they were there to settle scores with her.

That's perfect. He can lead the way, which will allow him to avenge Liu Tao'er's humiliation and also earn a considerable reward—a win-win situation.

Once he gets the money, he'll leave overnight. The world is vast, and he can make a living anywhere.

By some strange twist of fate, I ended up delivering wine and food to this young master today, and it seems I made the right choice.

We have to thank Chef Liu and that guy.

After hearing this, Xie Jingxing smiled.

It's true what they say, "You can search high and low without finding it, but then it comes to you effortlessly."

Unexpectedly, Liu Tao'er still stayed in Ping'an County and didn't leave.

Since that's the case, he doesn't need to travel all night and get exhausted like a dog.

"Awang, you did a good job."

Xie Jingxing stood up, patted off non-existent dust from his robes, and his tone suddenly turned somber, like the cold wind of December.

"But let me make this clear: if I find out you dare to deceive me, you'd better watch your life."

What I hate most is being lied to.

Awang trembled with fright and hurriedly waved his hands and shook his head: "Young master, you are wise, I dare not, I absolutely dare not!"

"How dare I, with my lowly life, deceive you, sir!"

Xie Jingxing nodded in satisfaction, then turned to look at Liu Wei, lowering his voice slightly: "Liu Wei, you go with him."

Let's find out first, so as not to alert them.

Once you've decided on the location, come back and let me know. Remember, don't make any decisions on your own.

Liu Wei clasped his hands in a salute and replied in a deep voice, "Your subordinate understands."

"I'll go check right away."

He then gestured with his chin to Awang, "Awang, lead the way."

Awang turned around and led Liu Wei outside.

Before leaving, Liu Wei greeted the shopkeeper, casually left a five-tael silver ingot, and said that Awang was going out to take care of something and would be back in an hour.

The shopkeeper weighed the silver in his hand and replied with a smile.

Anyway, it doesn't matter if the kitchen is short of a helper; we can just let the waiters fill in.

Once outside, Liu Wei hired an inconspicuous blue cloth horse-drawn carriage, had Awang give directions, and drove off at a leisurely pace.

Upon arriving at their destination, they dared not get too close, hiding at a distance around the corner of the alley.

Not long after, the courtyard gate creaked open, and Liu Tao'er came out carrying a basin of water. She splashed the water on the stone path in front of the gate and then turned back inside.

That face was so clear, exactly like the one in the painting.

Liu Wei carefully selected the location, noted the surrounding terrain and several possible escape routes, and then led Awang back to the inn.

Liu Wei entered the guest room and reported in a low voice, "Young master, that Awang did not lie."

Liu Tao'er is indeed still in Ping'an County, and has rented a small courtyard to live in. It seems she doesn't plan to leave anytime soon.

He paused, then asked, "Should I take men there now and arrest her and the child?"

Xie Jingxing did not answer immediately.

He walked to the window, stood there with his hands behind his back for a while, gazing at the setting sun outside, and shook his head after a long while: "It's broad daylight now, not a good time to make a move."

The streets are crowded; causing a commotion would only lead to trouble.

He turned around, a slight smile playing on his lips, a confident composure in his expression.

"Since she has already rented a courtyard and settled in, there's no need to rush."

Get a good night's rest tonight, recharge your energy, and we'll make plans tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tao'er and the others in the courtyard were unaware that danger was quietly approaching.