Since the horse bandits had specific targets, that meant they had inside informants in town to ensure their raids succeeded. Without this, they might arrive empty-handed.
But among all the townsfolk, it was hard to directly identify these informants.
…However, an informant would have a task, right?
To monitor all the information in town, especially about wealthy households, someone had to keep watch constantly.
The servants of rich families couldn’t just roam outside, so these watchers had to be outdoors. There couldn’t be too many of them—enough to gather the necessary intelligence but few enough to avoid detection. They had to monitor goods, money transfers, and the movement of supplies.
Who could better know when shipments came in and out?
The town wasn’t large. It had a main road connecting to Yicheng, but official patrols made hiding along it difficult.
The problem remained within the town itself.
Although Ganhe Town was small, it had gates with simple stone walls and two commemorative pillars on either side. There was no guard; nearly all goods passed through the north and south gates. Other exits were uneven paths, unsuitable for transporting supplies.
To enter safely, the bandits needed lookouts at the two main gates. Otherwise, they risked encountering soldiers while raiding.
Li Shu also realized the horse bandits in Yunjiang Pass were organized into factions. A small town attracted only a ragtag bunch, inexperienced and opportunistic. Close to military encampments, they had to strike quickly and leave immediately, never lingering.
“When does the new grain arrive? Morning or afternoon? I want to get some early, to avoid missing out,” Li Shu asked before leaving.
The shopkeeper smiled. “Usually it arrives before nightfall, sold early the next morning.”
Li Shu nodded and waved goodbye.
Time was getting late. She walked in the opposite direction toward the town entrance.
No beggars were at the gate. As the shopkeeper said, most travelers returned before dark, some pulling carts if heavily laden.
At the gate stood a three-story inn, business not very good. Nearby was a money exchange. From the inn, one could observe the gate and money house.
After a while, only two or three people came and went.
Without hesitation, Li Shu entered and used the remaining money to stay at the inn.
Half an hour later, a hunter arrived, bringing wild rabbit meat and discussing business with the innkeeper.
“Lately, the shop hasn’t needed these. Later, you can try the Ma family—they’re preparing for the boy’s tenth birthday. Children like this stuff,” the innkeeper advised.
The hunter nodded silently.
Li Shu didn’t rush to her room, sitting in the hall to eat while listening. She asked, “I’m new here. I’ve heard the horse bandits are rampant. Have you seen them?”
The hunter glanced at her. The innkeeper froze briefly, then smiled. “Who hasn’t? It’s common. Are you visiting family or on business?”
“My father is in the army. With the war, I worry no one will bury him if he dies. So I came to stay here. Earlier, when buying supplies, a man—Li Linsheng, I think—approached me, insisting on talking, looking fierce like a bandit. Scared me half to death.”
“Li family’s eldest, huh? A bit fierce-looking, but capable for his age,” the innkeeper chuckled.
“He was lecherous, wouldn’t let me go, claiming he’d protect me if bandits came. He has a knife, can kill three in one strike…” Li Shu patted her chest. “The men here are rough—ready to fight or kill.”
Her tone was nervous, eyes wary.
Through her hood, she studied the hunter carefully.
Luck favored her. After waiting a short while, she found what she sought.
The inn’s front door was wider than others on the street. After ordering, the innkeeper ignored her, sitting at the counter, eyes occasionally darting outside, one hand on an abacus, the other pretending to keep accounts—but why would a bookkeeper need to watch like that?
More suspicious was the hunter.
Earlier, Li Shu had studied horse bandits.
Horse bandits: those who ride horses.
They knew the terrain, villages, and troop layouts, and had many horses. Their raids were swift, leaving no trace. From their mountain hideouts to towns took time, even on horseback.
Frequent riding shaped their bodies: strong back, hips, and legs, toned inner and outer thighs, calves—distinct posture from ordinary people.
Clothing and shoes bore wear: stirrup marks, calloused hands from reins. The hunter didn’t match these signs.
The rabbit pelts at his waist also looked off. Li Shu knew how to skin rabbits neatly; the hunter’s pelts were sloppy.
Although the hunter may be inexperienced, his friend—the innkeeper—treated him generously. Li Shu noted anyone suspicious.
When Li Shu mentioned Li Linsheng, the innkeeper seemed to explain to the hunter: “Recently, false rumors of bandit raids caused two bridal carriages to be misplaced. The Li family girl married the wrong man, leading to a lawsuit. So Li family had resentment. Mentioning bandits, it’s understandable they’d act rude.”
“Because of this, Li Linsheng said: if he encounters a bandit, he’ll kill them all.”
“Curious, are bandits that easy to kill? Guess what he said?” Li Shu’s voice grew excited. “He said, bandits seem fierce but are actually cowardly. They only rob and flee—nothing to fear!”
“When he becomes a city gate guard, he’ll gain merit killing them!”
“Judging by his words, maybe one day, when he’s an official, he could really pacify these bandits…”
“……”