Shen Qinghuan was awakened by the noise outside the window.
He stretched lazily and rubbed his drowsy eyes. Last night, he had snuck into the Minister’s Residence and spent most of the night there. Although he was experienced in such operations, it had still drained some of his energy.
At that moment, the sunlight was just right, streaming through the carved window lattices onto the floor, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow. The air carried the fragrance of rice porridge from the inn’s kitchen, which somehow made everything feel unusually pleasant.
“Young master, you’re awake?”
The waiter standing outside the door heard the movement and pushed it open, a servile smile on his face. “Breakfast is ready. It’s the plain porridge with side dishes you requested yesterday, and the freshly baked meat buns—they’re still warm.”
Shen Qinghuan nodded, got up, washed, and then sat at the table to eat at a leisurely pace.
The waiter moved nimbly, refilling tea, but could not help muttering: “Young master, you wouldn’t believe it—today the city is buzzing!
Everyone’s talking about the theft at the Minister’s Residence. It’s unbelievable. I heard even the rice bins were emptied. Minister Shen was so angry he vomited blood on the spot. The entire residence is in chaos!”
Shen Qinghuan paused with a piece of side dish in his hand and looked at the waiter, feigning curiosity. “Oh?
Is that so?
I arrived late yesterday and didn’t hear anything. The Minister’s Residence is so heavily guarded—how could it have been cleaned out so thoroughly?”
“Exactly!”
The waiter lowered his voice and leaned closer. “The whole city says the thief must be some kind of supernatural being! Otherwise, how could so much treasure, along with all the food and household items, disappear overnight without leaving a single trace?
Some even say Minister Shen’s entire family had their hair and eyebrows shaved, and Eldest Miss Shen even had a big black turtle drawn on her face. Now they can’t even show themselves in public!”
At this, the waiter could not help covering his mouth and laughing. “You have no idea—those families who were oppressed by Minister Shen are secretly rejoicing today! They say it’s karma, that heaven has opened its eyes!”
Shen Qinghuan listened, a faint and subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips, though his face remained calm and impassive. He said lightly, “I see.
When officials truly abuse their power and meet such misfortune, it is, after all, self-inflicted.”
After finishing his meal and settling the bill, Shen Qinghuan slung a simple bag over his shoulder and left the inn.
The streets were indeed livelier than usual. Small groups of people gathered and almost all were discussing the theft at the Minister’s Residence. Their voices were neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for passersby to hear clearly.
“Have you heard?
The Capital Prefect’s constables have been investigating all morning but haven’t found a single clue! That thief’s skills are incredible!”
“I bet it’s the ‘Shadowless Hero’!
I heard about this person recently—someone who only steals from corrupt officials and gives the wealth to the poor. Maybe this time it’s him too!”
“Yes, yes!
It fits! Otherwise, who would steal things and then shave someone’s head, clearly intending to humiliate old Shen Chong’an?”
A young man in silk clothes shook his head and added, “You don’t understand! In my opinion, the thief must know some secret arts, otherwise how could they empty so much from the Minister’s Residence right under everyone’s eyes? Maybe he even flew on a sword and transported everything in a single night!”
Someone nearby scoffed. “You’ve been listening to too many plays, haven’t you? Flying on a sword? Why not control the wind and rain too! I say there must be a mole in the residence. Otherwise, how could it have been done so cleanly?”
Shen Qinghuan walked among the crowd, listening to these wild guesses and quietly smiling to himself.
He strolled along, stopping occasionally, and soon arrived at the largest brokerage house in Capital City, Juxian Pavilion.
The brokerage house had a wide facade. A gilded plaque hung over the vermilion double doors. Two well-dressed attendants stood outside. Seeing someone approach, they immediately stepped forward.
“This way, young master, please!”
Their faces smiling, they guided Shen Qinghuan inside. “Are you here to buy a residence, or are you looking for some capable servants? Everything in Juxian Pavilion is top quality. We guarantee no deception!”
Shen Qinghuan nodded, his gaze sweeping across the interior of the brokerage house.
In the main hall, several simple tables and chairs were arranged. A few plainly dressed men and women stood with their heads lowered, looking a bit timid—clearly servants for sale.
In another wing, several burly men stood at the doorway, seemingly armed, their eyes alertly scanning the area.
“Young master, please sit inside and have some tea while we talk.”
A middle-aged man in a long gown, sporting a goatee, stepped forward. He was the head broker of Juxian Pavilion, surnamed Liu, known as Broker Liu.
Seeing Shen Qinghuan’s refined attire and distinguished demeanor, Broker Liu’s respect deepened. He personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to him. “Young master, you seem unfamiliar with our city. You must have just arrived in Capital City. Please, tell me your needs; I will ensure you are satisfied.”
Shen Qinghuan accepted the cup, sipped lightly, and said calmly, “I’ve just settled in Capital City and lack some staff. I’ll start by selecting two clever maidservants to handle daily chores.”
“Of course!”
Broker Liu immediately replied, clapping his hands. “Call out the literate young maidservants, young master, and let him have a look!”
Soon, ten to fifteen young girls walked out from the backyard. Each wore twin buns and coarse cloth dresses, heads bowed and hands folded in front of them.
They were all girls from respectable families, either fallen on hard times or with parents in debt, which is why they had been sold to the brokerage house.
Broker Liu pointed to them one by one. “Young master, these girls are nimble and literate, and their temperaments are gentle. They are excellent at managing household chores.
This one on the left is Chuntao; she’s skilled with sewing. Next to her is Xia He, an excellent cook. At the back are Qiuju and Dongmei; one is good at bookkeeping, the other at cleaning. You can choose freely.”
Shen Qinghuan’s gaze swept across their faces, finally resting on Chuntao and Dongmei.
Chuntao had delicate features and an intelligent glint in her eyes, giving an impression of steadiness and reliability. Dongmei, though slightly younger, had bright eyes full of lively cleverness.
“You two, lift your heads.”
Shen Qinghuan spoke.
Chuntao and Dongmei cautiously raised their heads, their eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity as they looked at him.
“You are called Chuntao?”
Shen Qinghuan looked at the girl on the left.
Chuntao quickly nodded, her voice soft: “Yes, young master. This servant is Chuntao.”
“What can you do?”
“This servant… can sew, take care of rooms, and cook simple meals.”
Chuntao answered honestly, her eyes slightly tense.
Shen Qinghuan then looked at Dongmei. “And you? Apart from cleaning, can you do anything else?”
Dongmei blinked, her voice clear and cheerful. “Yes, young master. This servant can read some characters and also take care of people. At home, I often helped look after my younger siblings.”