Who in the world does not know you?

Chapter 51 Monk

Ning Qi had been a constable in Ningzhou Prefecture for several years.

Although his father, Ning Mu, was a head constable in the yamen, and he never denied that he became a constable because of that connection, no one would think that he was just loafing around as a constable.

When it comes to being conscientious and responsible, even his father, a constable who also worked in the yamen, could only feel ashamed of himself.

As dawn broke, Ning Qi led the remaining constables from the yamen to various parts of Ningzhou Prefecture, carrying portraits and searching and sweeping through every household along the streets.

The people, still fast asleep, opened their doors and saw the constable with a dagger at his waist, a bushy beard, and a square face. The annoyance and resentment on their faces vanished instantly.

"Brother Liu, have you seen this person before?"

Ning Qi unfolded the portrait, and the monk in the portrait appeared before Liu Wei's eyes.

Liu Wei paused for a moment, then quickly recalled the answer in his mind and gave a drawn-out reply.

"without……"

Ning Qi frowned and slightly extended his left fist, then raised a thumb.

Liu Wei smiled helplessly, then made the same gesture, except his thumb moved back and forth, as if responding to Ning Qi.

To prevent the public from being afraid to tell the truth when searching for criminals because the criminals threatened their wives, children, and elderly parents at home, Ning Qi came up with this method.

If a constable makes a fist and raises his thumb, the other party must immediately respond with the same gesture and move his thumb back and forth; otherwise, it will be considered that the criminal is at home and has posed a threat to his family.

The notice was posted on the bulletin board of Ningzhou Prefecture for seven days and seven nights, which amused the people of Ningzhou Prefecture. Whenever they met, they would clench their fists and give a thumbs up as a sign of greeting.

Qingchuan even mocked Ningqi for this, because if the notices were posted in a big way, the local residents of Ningzhou Prefecture would know, and the local prisoners would also think of this, which would easily increase their vigilance and backfire.

Ning Qi felt that something was better than nothing, since local criminals were often easily agitated when committing crimes and probably didn't think of this.

Criminals from other areas, unaware of this, are highly likely to lose due to the tacit understanding between officials and the people.

"Officer Ning, the procedures are all complete. Can you give me some information? What kind of criminal are we arresting this time? The person in this portrait... looks like a monk?"

"According to reliable sources, this person has roamed around other prefectures and cities in the surrounding area, robbing several branches of money shops and killing them all to cover it up, leaving no one alive. If it weren't for the night watchman hiding in the corner and seeing his face and attire by moonlight, we probably still wouldn't know what the murderer looks like. Judging from the route, this person has most likely already fled to Ningzhou Prefecture, so we should be careful."

Ning Qi glanced at the monk in the portrait a few more times.

A monk is just a monk; there's nothing particularly special about his appearance. I wish I had a beard like him.

Last night, he received a message from the other government offices. They only said that the person might have already fled to Ningzhou Prefecture, but they were not entirely sure. However, out of concern for the safety of the local people, Ning Qi woke up the constables in the government offices early in the morning, and they put on their clothes and took their knives to take precautions.

While he and his team of constables were searching for suspicious individuals in the early morning, his father, who was a head constable, was still fast asleep at home.

"He's robbing a bank, not us ordinary people, so you don't need to go to such lengths so early in the morning..."

"Since they haven't come to kill you, you naturally feel it's none of your business. But wearing this uniform means you have a duty to protect the people; otherwise, what kind of official are you? Go back to sleep; I'm leaving now."

After Ning Qi finished speaking, he turned around and left without looking back. Liu Wei peeked out of his house and saw Ning Qi knocking on the gate of the next house. He couldn't help but sigh.

The people of Ningzhou Prefecture all know that Ning Qi is a good man with a strong sense of justice.

He really is a good person.

Ning Qi searched the streets of the city alone, while the other constables were assigned to various locations. He neither knew nor cared whether the others were as dedicated as he was.

Qingchuan is located in Qingzhufang, which is on the east side of Chengnan Street.

Inside the boudoir on the third floor, Amo, who had just been splashed with a cup of wine by Qingchuan, was still in shock when Qingchuan overturned the table.

Since a commotion had already been made, those outside who heard the noise would naturally rush to inform the madam, Hua Niang. Before long, Hua Niang hurriedly pushed open the door and entered.

What she saw was Qingchuan's tall, straight back standing by the window and the mess all around.

Fine food and drinks, along with bowls, plates, and cups, were scattered on the ground. Amo's face was wet, and the fine rouge and powder no longer served to enhance the beauty but instead became the first flaw revealed when beauty was torn apart.

Although Hua Niang had seen countless people, her ability to play along was far superior to that of ordinary people.

But she realized almost instantly what had happened inside the boudoir, not because of her extensive experience with people, but because of the young master's strange temperament.

Hua Niang felt a chill run down her spine.

Even though she was perfectly clear-headed at that moment, for her own safety, she had to pretend not to know and try her best to make a big deal out of a small matter and a small matter disappear.

"Oh dear! Look what's going on here, Young Master Qing. What did this girl do to upset you so much that you're making such a fuss?"

Hua Niang's voice sounded exaggerated and shrill, and Qing Chuan didn't even turn around.

"Let me ask you, before you let her see me, did you tell her that she was not allowed to have any contact with me?"

"Young Master Qing, this isn't the first time you've known me, Hua Niang. Of all the brothel madams in the entire Ningzhou Prefecture, I care about you the most. How could I not inform her of something like this beforehand?"

"Then I didn't blame her."

Qingchuan's nonchalant response revealed not a trace of emotion.

Hua Niang's slightly plump body instantly became extremely flustered. She knew all too well what serious consequences she would have to bear for angering the eldest son of the General's Mansion.

"You shameless wretch! I thought you were quite handsome and talented, so your price wouldn't be outrageous. I heard you used to seduce high-ranking officials, but when that was exposed, your reputation was ruined by their wives' revenge. I never expected you to set your sights on our young master! Our young master is a dragon among men; how could a shameless wretch like you possibly seduce him?"

Hua Niang said through gritted teeth, then raised her hand and slapped A Mo across the face, leaving a bright red handprint on her perfect face.

Amo covered her cheek and looked at the tall, straight figure by the window with a resentful expression. She considered herself to have seen countless people and had met many men who claimed to be gentlemen, but only this young master was someone who considered even a brief, tentative embrace forbidden.

Women who work in brothels often dream of being taken away from their painful lives by powerful and influential people.

Qingchuan is young, has an outstanding appearance, and a noble status, making him the most suitable candidate.

Even setting aside his illustrious family background, his handsome appearance alone is enough to attract the attention of many women in the world.

"It seems you already knew she came from illegitimate sources."

Qingchuan turned around, tilting his head to smile at Hua Niang.

His laughter was hearty, but to Hua Niang it was incredibly sinister and terrifying.