Chapter Seven, The Gambling God

It is said to be a love story between a house servant and the mistress. Qin Xiao said, "Master Zhao mentioned that since this is the last book, he will spare no effort to write the most wonderful story, and he has also invited Master Ma to illustrate it"

The God of Gamblers also glanced over, initially wearing a smug expression. Upon seeing the points, his old face flushed red, yet he maintained his posture, coughed lightly, and said: "This is a demonstration for you. Those incompetent individuals, the points they shake out are just like this. Such techniques in a casino will lead to losing everything." However, he secretly thought: "Recently, I have been too immersed in romantic literature, and my skills have deteriorated a bit; this won't do."

Dou Ba coldly laughed and said: "I understand now, you intend to sell things in the prison, no wonder... the people in those cells ahead must have all used silver, right?"

With a flick of Qin Xiao's hand, the sieve cup opened

"Money has never been a problem," the gambling god said boldly. "Has my sworn brother ever treated you poorly?"

"Gambling God Uncle, you see I have been keeping an eye on Master Zhao's final work for you, the illustrated version, with such dedication, can't you...!" Qin Xiao revealed a look of grievance

Qin Xiao unexpectedly took out a yellowed book from inside. Before he could say anything, the middle-aged man reached out, snatched it away, and quickly stuffed it into the bedding. He glanced outside the cell, looking guilty as if he were a thief, and whispered, "You didn't tell anyone, did you?"

Dou Ba's anger surged; he had just claimed that he would not engage in coercive buying and selling. Qin Xiao's words clearly implied that if one did not pay money to purchase items, they would be transferred to other cells with extremely poor conditions

Qin Xiao still wore a sincere expression and nodded, saying: "Uncle Dou, this is not an inn; it is a prison. Prisons have their own rules, and according to the regulations, not to mention fine wine and delicacies, even a needle cannot be easily brought in. Those in the A-shaped prison are all heroes and brave men. I have admired heroes since I was young, and seeing you suffer here pains me even more than it does you. " With a bitter smile and a shake of his head, he continued: "I have always thought about what I could do for you. Then I realized, since I can come and go freely in the A-shaped prison, if you are in need of something, couldn't I help bring it in for you?"

"Put down the pen?" Uncle God of Gamblers hurriedly asked, "What was the last book he wrote?"

The Gambling God was clearly excited, grabbing Qin Xiao's arm and saying, "Is there still an illustrated edition? Master Ma's painting skills are remarkable; I never expected he could also paint...!" Seeing Qin Xiao staring directly into his eyes, he immediately coughed twice and continued, "Master Zhao, a literary giant of his generation, has put down his pen so soon; what a pity, what a pity. Alas, it is mainly due to the unfavorable environment, which is unavoidable. Xiaozi, since this is Master Zhao's final work, you must help me get a copy, the one with illustrations."

"Do you not know what book it is?" The Gambling God looked at Qin Xiao with suspicion

The prisoner took the food and drink without saying a word, turning around to enjoy it himself

The Gambling God immediately wore a serious expression and nodded, saying: "What Master Zhao said is correct; these books are quite profound. You are too young; it is not yet the time for you to study these subjects." He gently patted Qin Xiao's shoulder and added: "I will be leaving in half a year. When I go, I will leave you these treasured books of mine, and then you can study them properly."

Room 6 was occupied by a slender middle-aged man. When Qin Xiao approached, the man did not come closer; instead, Qin Xiao opened the cell door, entered, and closed the door behind him.

Arriving at Cell No. 7, he stopped in front of the door, wearing a friendly smile. Inside lived a plump prisoner, who, upon seeing Qin Xiao and the librarian, approached with a beaming face. Qin Xiao opened the burlap sack and took out an oiled paper package, handing it over: "Uncle Chen, here is the braised pork knuckle you wanted, and also, this is the monkey wine from Tongqing Building. Please take it, the total is four taels of silver, which I have deducted from the account."

I... I want...!" Qin Xiao felt somewhat nervous: "I want... to be great!"

Do you want big or small? The gambling god also had a solemn expression: "There are five dice inside, the maximum number is thirty, and the minimum is five. Do you want big or small?"

The gambling god placed the dice cup on the table, crossed his arms, and looked at Qin Xiao with a smug expression, gesturing with his lips: "Open it yourself!"

Qin Xiaojian promptly provided a quotation, leaving Dou Ba momentarily stunned

The middle-aged man had a table and chairs in his room, with a sieve and several dice placed on the table. He was sitting cross-legged on the bed, seemingly in a state of meditation. When Qin Xiao approached and opened the sack, the middle-aged man only slightly opened his eyes, glancing sideways into the bag.

Qin Xiao nodded and said: "Uncle Gambling God, rest assured, I heard that it will be available by the end of this month. I will get a copy for you right away, but... the price will be quite expensive"

Dou Bad Dao: "Alright, you help others run errands, and it is only right to receive payment. However, the items just now, when totaled, would not exceed one or two taels of silver. You are asking for an outrageous nine taels of silver?" Pointing at the toilet, he continued: "To buy a young maid, it would only cost about twenty or thirty taels of silver, and she can do everything. Hiring an old woman to clean the toilet every day wouldn't even use up two taels of silver in a year. Yet you want me to pay you one tael of silver per month. I think you might as well go out and rob with a big knife."

After Qin Xiao finished speaking, he turned and left, casting a sidelong glance at Cell No. 8, a strange smile appearing at the corner of his mouth

He shook the sieve while conversing with the illustrated book, his face unflushed and his heart steady, exuding calm composure

Bang

As the gambling god shook the dice cup, Qin Xiao's expression also became serious

"I am a constable, how could I commit robbery?" Qin Xiao immediately shook his head: "Even if I starve to death, I will not engage in illegal activities. You say the items are too expensive, but think about it, I am taking on a huge risk to bring these items in. The rules in the yamen are very strict; if this matter were to be discovered by the higher-ups, my position would be over, and I wouldn't even be able to receive my salary to support my family in the future. This matter must be kept under wraps, and I must take care of my brothers; each person needs to receive a bit of hush money. Therefore... the rules in the yamen are very strict; if this matter were to be discovered by the higher-ups, my position would be over, and I wouldn't even be able to receive my salary to support my family in the future. This matter must be kept under wraps, and I must take care of my brothers; each person needs to receive a bit of hush money. Therefore... Uncle Dou, this is actually very cheap already. In my business, I emphasize genuine goods and fair dealings, never forcing anyone to buy. If you need it, I will do my utmost to assist you; if you do not need it, I will never pressure you to buy."

Five dice, three of which show three points, one shows four points, and one shows six points, totaling nineteen points

Qin Xiao smiled broadly, displaying an innocent and carefree demeanor: "Uncle Gambling God, to be honest, I don't really enjoy reading; I prefer gambling. I've almost mastered the trick of substitution you taught me last time. Could you teach me some other techniques?"

Just now, in front of the guardroom door, the jailer was signaling to Qin Xiao. At that time, Dou Ba had not yet understood what was happening, but now he realizes that the jailer's intention was simply to indicate that there was a new business opportunity coming in.

"Aren't these things free of charge?" Qin Xiao said in astonishment, "Uncle Dou, then tell me, where can I find things that don't cost any money? I will rush over immediately."

Seeing Dou Ba staring at him intently, Qin Xiao remained calm and composed, speaking in a very polite tone: "To clean the toilet, a one-month advance payment is required, so altogether it will amount to nine taels and - picture - book silver. Of course, Uncle Dou will be staying here for two years, and he will certainly need many things in the future. You can make an advance payment, and I will keep a record of it, so you won't have to come to collect the payment all the time. Rest assured, I, Qin Xiao, may not boast about other things, but when it comes to integrity, I claim the second place; I doubt anyone would dare to claim the first. For long-term business, integrity is fundamental, and I will not make a mistake with even a single coin."

Dou Ba let out a cold snort, his face filled with disdain

Qin Xiao extended his hand, grasping the dice cup, and glanced at the gambling god. The gambling god, with his arms crossed over his chest, appeared confident and inscrutable, nodding slightly at Qin Xiao, encouraging him to open the dice cup

At this moment, Dou Biao Shi finally realized why the people in this prison lived so freely and comfortably, with food and drink, and a pleasant place to stay; it turned out they had all spent money

Dou Ba rolled his eyes and said, "Then get out of here, I don't want anything!"

The gambling god coughed and said: "Today I want to study knowledge, I have no time, let's talk about it in a couple of days"

Dou Ba's face already showed signs of anger: "Are you saying that these items still require payment?"

"Uncle God of Gamblers, rest assured, absolutely no one knows," Qin Xiao said in a lowered voice. "This book, 'Jade Group Fragrance,' is very hard to find. I leveraged my connections and finally managed to buy a copy from Master Zhao. I heard that the scrutiny is strict now, and after Master Zhao finishes the last book, he plans to put down his pen for good"

"Running errands, that is naturally my responsibility, but everything requires money. My monthly salary is only two taels of silver, and I have to support my family. I cannot afford to pay out of my own pocket either." Qin Xiao sighed, putting the small notebook into his bosom, looking utterly helpless.

Qin Xiao nodded sincerely: "You know, I can't read many characters, and I don't recognize these books placed in front of me. When I received the books, Master Zhao also instructed me, saying that I am still young and that the knowledge in these books is too profound, so I should not sneak a look. He is a person of great virtue and reputation, and I naturally abide by his words"

Qin Xiao glanced at the bedding and asked in a low voice, "Uncle Gambling God, what exactly is this book? I thought you didn't like reading since you used to run a casino."

The God of Gambling pondered for a moment and finally said: "Very well, today I will teach you my ultimate skill that I have kept hidden. You must never pass it on to others." He extended his right hand to grasp the dice cup, swiftly sweeping it up with incredible speed, managing to collect all the dice on the table into the cup. Shaking the cup, he said with a serious expression: "This ultimate skill is called 'The Celestial Being Descends to Earth.' Back in the day, I was a beggar on the streets, and I became one of the top masters in Xiling, ultimately being known as the God of Gambling, all thanks to this skill. Once you master this technique, you will be invincible in the casino, and it will be an easy feat to open ten or eight casinos and have beautiful wives and concubines."

"Uncle Dou, please do not get upset. When business does not go through, we still have our principles. Since you do not need anything, please take a good rest." Qin Xiao's expression remained unchanged, still speaking kindly: "However, if you need anything, you can bring it up when I come over." He picked up the burlap sack, exited the cell, and locked the door behind him. As if recalling something, he addressed Dou Ba inside: "Uncle Dou, there is one more thing I almost forgot to tell you. The A-section of the prison is the best place in Turtle City Prison, and many people wish to stay here. If Uncle Dou does not need anything within ten days, then you will not be able to make use of my services, and you will have to move to the B-section or even the C-section." After saying this, he slightly bowed towards Dou Ba inside: "Good night, Uncle Dou!"

"Gambling God, what is this...?" Qin Xiao originally thought that the Gambling God would surely roll a thirty, but to his surprise, it was only nineteen, and a look of disappointment immediately appeared on his face