Chapter 6

I was feeling a bit down, so on my way back I sat for a while under the bridge.

After quite some time, I finally saw my sister come out of Shitou Lane, her steps light as she headed home.

By now, it was dark and deserted. The street was silent, and in the distance, I could faintly hear the night watchman’s clapper.

It was the first watch of the night-curfew was about to begin.

I got up as well, patted the dust off my backside, and prepared to go home.

But just as I took a couple of steps, I heard a splash from the water, as if someone had thrown a stone in.

“Who’s there?” I called out warily.

“Your father.”

A lazy male voice drifted down from the bridge. Looking up, I saw a shadow standing tall and straight as a pine on the cliff-it was none other than that infuriating ruffian leader, Chao Jianan.

I felt a surge of annoyance and was about to snap at him, but he spoke first: “It’s curfew-why are you still out? Hurry up and go home.”

“None of your business.”

“Things haven’t been peaceful in town lately. I don’t have time to look after you, so get home quickly,” Chao Jianan said.

Even though I didn’t like him, I knew my father was right-Qingshi Town couldn’t do without him.

Everyone called him Third Master, and even Magistrate Zhao and Squire Cao treated him with respect-the reason was obvious.

The bandits from Heiling always started stirring around the autumn equinox every year.

Several towns near Qingshi Town had all suffered raids to varying degrees.

As for why prosperous Qingshi Town remained unscathed, it wasn’t just because the county yamen kept a tight watch, but also because Third Master Chao’s reputation preceded him.

He could rally the whole town with a single call; those unruly ruffians and hooligans all obeyed him, gathering in droves, willing to risk their lives for his word.

Yet looking at him, he seemed only in his early twenties, with striking brows and eyes, a handsome face, but an air of casual indolence about him.

I said, “You, Chao San, are the biggest tumor in Qingshi Town. Of course things aren’t peaceful with you around.”

But my legs didn’t hesitate at all-I quickened my pace and jogged all the way home.

Behind me, I heard him laugh.