Chapter 4: Even Thieves Have Their Principles

If conditions permit, he could turn petty theft into a refined endeavor. Unfortunately, given the current modest circumstances, he can only adapt to the situation, prioritizing results over elegance.

Therefore, no matter how lazy Liu the Monkey is, he would not dare to make a joke of his own reputation

"I don't want to..." Xiao Liulang shook his head vigorously and said, "I won't tell anyone."

What an extraordinary hobby... Although Chen Sanlang knew this method was effective, he couldn't help but marvel each time. He crouched down and gently stroked the back of the large black dog's neck with just the right amount of pressure. The large black dog, while savoring the delicious food, also enjoyed the massage, feeling so happy that it was almost in tears, emitting a contented purring sound.

The old witch is about to go on a rampage; you wouldn't want Third Brother to get beaten, would you

"Could it be that she has finally received her just deserts?" The workers had long been weary of the miserly Hou family, but due to the unfulfilled contract, they had no choice but to endure in silence. Now, seeing her finally suffer a setback, they all began to revel in her misfortune.

With the absence of the rooster's crowing, everyone in the venue slept exceptionally soundly, only to be awakened by the sharp scolding of the old woman when daylight broke. Rubbing their sleepy eyes, the hired workers noticed that the sun was already out and couldn't help but wonder why the rooster did not crow today

He then relaxed, slowly stepping out of the shadows, sniffing a bit, and soon found his target outside the door. He joyfully crouched down and used a small twig to poke at the object. To his surprise, it turned out to be a smelly shoe

He coaxed his two younger brothers to sleep, and outside, the sky turned dark. In rural areas at this time, people worked at sunrise and rested at sunset; once night fell, they would go to bed. Chen Sanlang quietly made his way to the workers' sleeping quarters outside, and after a short wait, he began to hear the sound of snoring rising and falling.

Lady Chen has made it clear that we are honorable individuals, and we will not tolerate your slander Liu the Monkey immediately jumped up in anger and said, "You might as well inquire around; have I, Liu the Monkey, ever been accused of having unclean hands at any of the coal yards I have worked at?"

Indeed, they guessed correctly. When they put on their clothes and walked to the courtyard, they saw the old woman, Madam Hou, standing in front of the chicken coop, agitated and gesticulating wildly, spewing foul language: "Where did that murderous thief come from, daring to steal my chickens? I will find him and crush his eggs!"

However, based on the memories of this lifetime, the reason that the free-range Lu Hua rooster has been living so proudly until now is that there is a fierce large black dog near the chicken coop; whenever the dog barks, it naturally wakes people up

Do not be misled by the fact that these people work for her; they are not like those in previous dynasties who sold themselves into lifelong servitude. The Song Dynasty prohibited the buying and selling of slaves. All hired workers are free individuals. Their status is that of a gentleman, and they enter into contracts with their employers at the government office for a period of three to five years, during which they sell their labor.

This is precisely his secret weapon against dogs ... ... Everything in the world has its irresistible temptation, just as cats can become obsessed with the scent of wood ear mushrooms, dogs cannot resist the aroma of butyric acid. Butyric acid is a foul-smelling acid found in salted fish and cheese, yet it is not as pungent as the smell of stinky shoes and socks.

As it was getting late, Chen Sanlang extinguished the campfire with water, buried the chicken bones, and then took turns with Wulang carrying the sleeping and exhausted Liulang, quietly sneaking back to their nest

Oh... Goro swallowed his saliva and reached out to tear off a piece of chicken breast to enjoy heartily

Taking advantage of the moment, the three brothers shared a large chicken. In no time, like a whirlwind, only a pile of white chicken bones remained. The three brothers leaned comfortably against each other, and Xiao Liulang, while licking his fingers, said with lingering desire: "I really wish I could eat this every day..."

It is laborious to speak of, yet from beginning to end, it is merely a few breaths. Chen Sanlang, with an air of composure, rolled up his garment and secured the large rooster on his back. He then beckoned to the big black dog, which eagerly approached, nuzzling its head affectionately.

Moments later, the big black dog completely defected and pledged allegiance. If at that moment Chen Sanlang were to untie the dog leash, it would certainly follow him. However, even thieves have their principles; leaving no trace behind is the kind of reckless act only bandits would commit. A refined thief like Sanlang has always been one to steal chickens while leaving the dogs, or vice versa, never going to extremes.

As long as Liu Lang behaves, every now and then, San Ge will treat you to a feast!" Chen Sanlang said with a smile, patting his little belly, "However, you must promise that you won't mention anything about eating chicken today, no matter what!"

Liu the monkey, the most cunning and sly of them all is you; I suspect you are the one who stole it! Hou is currently unable to find anyone to vent his anger on, and immediately curses, saying: "Quickly return my chicken!"

"No wonder the rooster isn't crowing today; it turns out that Lady Chen has taken its place." Those with sharp tongues began to jest.

Chen Sanlang did not explain to them, but quickly set about making a fire. After a while, a sweet aroma began to waft from the clay. As the wet clay dried and turned yellow, the fragrance that seeped through the cracks in the burnt clay became increasingly rich. The two children, their fingers itching with anticipation, circled around the fire like little dogs, unable to contain their excitement as they urged, "Is it ready?" "Is it almost done?"

Chen Sanlang then picked up the smelly shoe and left

In the deep blue sky hangs a crescent moon, beneath which lies an endless sea of bamboo. Beside the bamboo sea is a shimmering lake, and by the lakeside, all is silent. Only a slender boy, pinching his nose, stealthily approaches the shed where the bamboo charcoal is piled up, carrying a stinky shoe... Even the most eccentric of families would not raise a dog solely to protect a chicken; the primary task of the large black dog is to guard the bamboo charcoal that has been produced. The rooster merely roosts within its watchful range.

Hmm, I remember, the pancake is sleepy..." Xiao Liulang nodded seriously.

After finishing his meal, Chen Sanlang no longer disturbed the dog from enjoying its delicacies. He walked to the side of the chicken coop, first laying his tattered clothes on the ground, and then gently opened the cage door, revealing the proud rooster that maintained its lofty posture even in sleep.

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However, this is not difficult for an expert. The term "stealing chickens and touching dogs" is essentially one and the same. He has several methods to capture that foolish dog and the clumsy chicken all at once. However, considering the appetite of the three brothers and the difficulty of cleanup afterward, he has temporarily decided to focus on that foolish dog for a meal of dog meat.

Under the cold moonlight, there was only a tattered, delicate-looking young boy, slowly and steadily extending his hands, emitting low "cooing" sounds from his mouth. Strangely, the proud rooster, usually so lively, seemed to be trapped by a mysterious force, neither making a sound nor escaping, obediently allowing the boy to hold it in his hands. The boy plucked a long feather from its wing and steadily inserted it into the back of its head—then with a flick of its leg, it departed to another world, not making a sound throughout the process, nor shedding a drop of blood.

The most breathtaking scene occurred, but unfortunately, there were no spectators

Chen Sanlang took a deep breath, quickly tore apart the whole chicken while it was still hot, pulled off a chicken leg and handed it to Xiao Liulang, saying to Wulang: "Don't just stand there, eat!"

"Well, if others ask what you ate last night, just say 'pancakes'. If they ask what you were doing, just say 'taking a nap'. Remember that?" Chen Sanlang instructed.

By the time they returned, it was already late at night. The two brothers were extremely fatigued, did not wash their faces, and simply covered their heads and fell asleep

Chen Sanlang patted the dog's head, but with a gentle kick, he sent the stinky shoe out of the dog's reach

After they asked seventy-two times, Chen Sanlang laughed heartily, using a wooden stick to move the beggar's chicken, which had been roasted into a mud brick, from the fire pile to the clean large bluestone. He struck off the mud shell in one go, and the chicken feathers fell away with the mud. The chicken skin appeared golden in color, ... with a rich aroma wafting through the air, causing the two children to drool immediately ...

After repeatedly reminding his younger brother several times, Chen Sanlang turned to Wulang. Seeing that face filled with deep grievances, he felt a sense of reassurance and simply patted him on the shoulder

As he drew closer, he nearly lost his breath: "Goodness, it stinks..." This must be the worst kind of foot odor, from a pair of shoes that have been worn to tatters without ever being washed, resulting in an intoxicatingly foul smell.

Watching him smear mud on the chicken, the two endlessly hopeful children were left dumbfounded, wondering how this could possibly be eaten. However, they had blind trust in Third Brother and obediently watched him prepare it, though they couldn't help but feel anxious inside

Chen San and the bookish Lang Shishiran walked in front of the big black dog and placed the stinky shoe on the ground. The big dog let out a low howl and pounced on the stinky shoe, indulging in its scent and licking it.

Why? " Xiao Liulang stared in confusion.

The large dog immediately began to whimper in grievance, and only after comforting it a few times did it seem somewhat relieved

The large dog reluctantly wagged its tail to bid farewell, of course mostly unwilling to part with its delicious food

In the past, whenever I arrived here, the big black dog would start barking. However, today that dog merely poked its head out of the kennel, sniffing with its nose and wagging its tail, fixated on that stinky shoe, emitting a soft, ingratiating whine from its mouth

Once their term is completed, they can leave freely. If they wish to seek employment elsewhere or change professions, a clean record is a prerequisite. This also involves the so-called mutual guarantee among neighbors and within the industry. Any dealings with the authorities, such as purchasing a house, opening a shop, or obtaining a travel permit, require guarantees from neighbors or colleagues. Once one's reputation is tarnished, it becomes exceedingly difficult to proceed.

Chen Sanlang also tore off a piece of chicken, bringing it to his mouth to taste. To his surprise, it was exceptionally fragrant and rich in chicken flavor, with a tender and crispy texture. Remarkably, without the use of any seasonings, not even salt, it was enough to satisfy this seasoned gourmet.

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After putting the stinky shoes back in their original place, Chen Sanlang returned to carry the firewood, called his two younger brothers, and led them through the mountains and valleys. After walking several miles, they finally reached a pond nestled among a bamboo grove, where they eviscerated the large rooster, cleaned out its insides, and without plucking its feathers, wrapped the chicken tightly in a ball of mud mixed with water.

In his previous life, Chen Sanlang lived in the countryside during his childhood. He knew that chickens are particularly docile after they settle into their nests; as long as one is not too rough, they can be handled in any way.