Chapter 6, A Home Away from Home

Is it because of that dog that the Zhen family is involved?" The middle-aged prison guard said with lingering fear: "To offend the Zhen family and still come out unscathed, that is quite rare

Qin Xiao clasped his hands and smiled, saying: "So it is Master Dou, I have long admired you. Allow me to introduce myself, my surname is Qin, and my given name is Xiao, which means carefree. I am responsible for delivering meals to you three times a day, and I will also assist with various tasks, running errands and the like. If you need anything in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. I will do my utmost to fulfill your requests, and even for those I cannot accomplish, I will exert every effort. In any case, I will ensure that your stay here is comfortable, making you feel at home." He raised his hand and said: "Come, come, please! Please!"

Qin Xiao looked up and down at the prisoner, slowly walking around in a circle, as if inspecting goods, even sniffing with his nose.

Qin Xiao stopped in his tracks and respectfully said to the inside, "Mr. Xu, a new guest has just arrived, and your book has been found. It will be delivered to you shortly, please wait a moment."

Qin Xiao nodded repeatedly while taking notes: "Of course, of course, it can be a bit chilly at night. Although Uncle Dou is strong, it is still better to sleep with bedding at night. Don't worry, I will get you a set of bedding that is both warm and soft. Uncle, is there anything else you need? I will remember it all and bring it to you later." He looked up at Dou Ba with a serious expression: "What are your hobbies? Do you like calligraphy? Would you like a set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone? Or perhaps you like musical instruments; I can get you a bamboo flute or something like that."

Dou Ba sat down heavily on the wooden bed and said, "You may call me whatever you like"

The old woman seemed not to have heard and did not respond. Qin Xiao was accustomed to this, watching the hunched old woman go into the inner room, and sighed inwardly, knowing that if one day this old woman passed away, the oil shop would be completely closed.

Dou Ba nodded and said: "Indeed, one set of clothes is not enough. Please help me get another set. Thank you."

This has become a routine in his life, akin to eating and sleeping

Qin Xiao nodded and said: "Alright, alright. Uncle Dou, please listen, the items you need are as follows: one set of bedding, one set of prison clothes, two jars of ancient city wine from Wanfu Building, one serving of red oil pig ears from Yipinzhai, and in addition to the illustrated book, one pound of beef and one roasted duck. Furthermore, there will be someone to clean the toilet every day. Uncle Dou, is that all?"

Dou Ba, thirty-six years old, a bodyguard from the Four Seas Escort Agency, accidentally caused a death and was sentenced to six years in prison, with the case already concluded. The constable said to Qin Xiao: "You will be detained here for now."

Generally speaking, the words of the old man are seldom wrong, so for many years, as long as there are no special circumstances, Qin Xiao will undoubtedly rise early and practice a set of punches regardless of wind or rain

Before dawn, before the rooster crowed, Qin Xiao had already practiced a set of punches in his own room

This is the guardroom, the place where I usually stand duty, so that you can call on me anytime you need assistance. Qin Xiao, holding the burlap sack, said with a smile: "The A-shaped prison has only 16 rooms, with 8 on each side. You are in Room 8, which is the innermost one on the left. Please, after you!" He addressed the two prison guards: "You two have worked hard. I can take Master Dou inside, you may leave for now."

There are fewer than thirty households in total on both sides of Wood Lane, but those who have lived here for more than five years are less than half of that number

Dou Ba could not help but ask: "What are you doing?"

Qin Xiao understood that the middle-aged jailer did not mean any harm with his words, but with Captain Meng in trouble, he could not possibly remain uninvolved. He smiled slightly, said nothing more, and was just about to head into the prison when he heard a voice from behind: "Qin Xiao, wait a moment."

The magistrate is concerned about any potential issues and has taken me along to ensure that I can relay any important information.

The Mapo oil shop has been operating on this street for many years. Although the business is not particularly good, it has persevered all along

Hearing the noise, the old prisoner turned his head, and instead of even glancing at Dou Ba, he simply looked at Qin Xiao and said: "Xiaozi, have you found the few books that I wanted?"

Feel at home

As Qin Xiao passed by the oil shop, he noticed Mapo just coming out from the inner hall and immediately smiled at her.

Can this cursed place make me feel at home?

The mundane and monotonous lives of these people repeat day after day

If it weren't for seeing that the people in the few cells ahead were indeed living quite comfortably, both Tu Bada and I would have thought this young man was mocking us. After a moment's thought, I said: "I usually enjoy fighting crickets, but it's not very convenient here, so let's forget about that. How about this: I like to drink, so if it's convenient for you, please bring me two jars of wine, specifically the ancient city liquor from Wanfulou. Also, get some snacks to go with the wine; beef and roasted duck would be fine. Oh, and if you can manage to get some red oil pig ears from Yupinzhai, that would be even better."

Dou Ba opened his eyes wide, feeling utterly bewildered. For a moment, he had the illusion that he had truly entered a prison.

He only thought that the prison would be filthy and would emit a sour stench

Upon arriving at the Jiazi Prison, Qin Xiao was holding a burlap sack in his hand. The middle-aged prison guard at the gate immediately approached and whispered, "I heard that Captain Meng returned last night. Everyone is saying that you went to the Zhen Marquis's residence together with the Captain of the Guards"

However, there are not many people in Wood Lane. Even newcomers, as long as they adapt for a period of time, can become familiar with their neighbors. The people of Wood Lane also do not easily trouble one another, each keeping to their own doorstep

"Uncle Dou, you are too polite, it is no trouble at all, it is what I should do," Qin Xiao said with a smile. "Except for the toilet cleaning, which is paid monthly at one or two taels of silver, the total for the other items comes to eight taels of silver. Uncle Dou, you surely do not have silver on you. I do not know where your home is; you can tell me the exact location, and I will come to collect it!"

Qin Xiao smiled and said, "It's just a small misunderstanding. With the presence of the esteemed General, is there anything that cannot be resolved?"

Qin Xiao followed closely behind Dou Ba. After Dou Ba entered, he discovered that on the right side was a row of prison cells. Passing by the first cell, he looked through the wooden bars and saw an elderly man in his fifties inside. To Dou Ba's surprise, the scene in the cell was completely different from what he had imagined before.

Upon entering the iron gate, there are stone steps leading downwards. Ahead lies a relatively spacious corridor. After walking forward for about twenty steps, a room comes into view, its door closed. To the left and right, there are additional corridors, but they too are secured with iron gates. Through the iron bars, one can see that the interior is quite dim.

Dou Ba felt somewhat bewildered

The oil shop diagonally across the street opens first every day, while the pancake shop's owner only knows how to grin foolishly. The father and son from the coffin shop wear long faces every day, resembling the grim reapers.

This old woman wears a thick black robe all year round, with a black headscarf covering her head. She hunches over, perhaps due to her old age, being hard of hearing and having poor eyesight. She rarely communicates with others in her daily life. Every day, when Qin Xiao passes by and sees her, he always greets her.

Bajiquan was taught by the old man when Qin Xiao was six years old. The martial art itself is not complex, and is even somewhat simple. However, the old man mentioned that Bajiquan strengthens the body and, with long-term practice, can enhance physical fitness and make one's mind more agile

After the two guards left, Qin Xiao finally approached and opened the iron gate on the left, politely gesturing for Dou Ba to enter. Dou Ba hesitated for a moment but ultimately stepped inside first

In the alley of wood, some come and some go, arriving suddenly, and departing quietly without a sound

Proceeding forward, there were eight prison cells. Except for Cell No. 8, which Dou Ba was to occupy, the first seven cells were surprisingly occupied. As Qin Xiao passed each cell, before the occupants could speak, he had already called out: "Wait a moment, I will be there shortly!"

Proceed straight to the eighth cell, above the prison door is a circle with the character "捌" written inside, which naturally indicates cell number 8

The elderly prisoner, Mr. Xu, let out a soft hum and continued reading, at ease and content.

Dou Ba Dao: "Not bad, let's start with these, thank you for your trouble"

Guicheng is a significant stronghold in Xiling, serving as an important hub for merchants and travelers. It has a large floating population. Additionally, those who violate the law within the borders may also be exiled to Xiling.

In this first cell, it was clean and tidy; apart from a bed in the corner, there was even a desk with quite a few books placed on it. The old prisoner sat in a large chair by the desk, holding a book in his hand, reading under the oil lamp on the table, presenting a leisurely and relaxed appearance, which did not resemble that of a prison but rather that of a study in his own home

Dou Ba let out a sound of surprise, saying, "Can I have anything I want?"

Dou Ba furrowed his brow and could not help but say: "Qin... Qin Xiao, why are the things here so rudimentary? Where are the tables and chairs?"

"Yes, yes, Dou Biao Shi... this title feels too unfamiliar to me. I wonder if I may call you Uncle Dou in the future?" Qin Xiao said with a sincere smile: "This would make our relationship closer."

Although the old prisoner is wearing a prison uniform, he is nonetheless clean and tidy, with his hair styled very well

In the city of Turtle, merchants, thieves, criminals, and rangers intermingle, with a diverse array of people from various professions and backgrounds coexisting, making it a place where fish and dragons are mixed together

Two constables exchanged glances, and one of them smiled at Qin Xiao without saying a word. However, Qin Xiao wore an expression that suggested he understood perfectly. Dou Biao Shi observed this and felt a tightening in his heart, secretly wondering if these two were exchanging signals, perhaps harboring some unspeakable secret. Could it be something detrimental to himself?

Upon seeing the prisoners being escorted over, Qin Xiao immediately set down the sack, his face breaking into a broad smile as he quickly approached them

"It is said that, but last night was quite perilous," the middle-aged prison guard sighed. "You are good in many ways, but you are just too young and impetuous, Qin Xiao. To speak a word that should not be spoken, it is better to avoid certain matters; do not seek to stand out, otherwise, you will only bring trouble upon yourself"

Qin Xiao turned around and saw two constables escorting a man dressed in prison garb approaching.

Good morning, Mapo!

Qin Xiao had already run over to unlock the iron door of the armor-shaped prison. After pushing the door open, he picked up the sack and stepped aside, still wearing a smile that made one feel as if they were basking in the spring breeze: "Master Dou, please come in. Room 8 has been empty for quite a while. I clean it thoroughly every day, just waiting for your esteemed presence. Everyone inside is talented, and they speak beautifully; some people come and don't even want to leave."

Two prison guards then escorted Dou Ba inside. As they entered, Dou Ba couldn't help but glance at Qin Xiao, who was looking at him with a warm and friendly smile. Dou Ba felt a bit puzzled and thought to himself, has the service in this prison become so attentive and considerate now?

Qin Xiao set down the sack in his hand, raised his hand and said: "Master Dou, please take a seat. You have just arrived, and there are many things you have yet to understand. Allow me to introduce them to you." Pointing to the handcuffs binding Dou Ba's hands, he continued: "For the first three days after entering, the escort must endure a bit and wear this thing. After three days, it can be removed. Room 8 has a bed and a toilet, both provided free of charge. If the escort needs anything from now on, whether it be food, drink, or entertainment, as long as it is within the permissible range, just let me know, and I will get it for you immediately"

"You're too polite. Uncle needs a new set of prison clothes, and I will bring it to you shortly." As Qin Xiao spoke, he took out a small notebook from his pocket. After opening it, he found a thin charcoal pencil made of charcoal tucked inside. He made a note in the notebook with the pencil and then smiled as he asked, "What else does Uncle need?" Before Dou Ba could respond, he pointed at the toilet and said, "Uncle Dou, do you need someone to clean the toilet for you every day?"

"It's quite convenient; all these things can be arranged, it's a trivial matter." After Qin Xiao noted this down, he asked, "What else do you need?"

Before the first rays of dawn fell upon the earth, Qin Xiao had already taken a cold shower. He then prepared a bowl of noodles for breakfast. After finishing his meal, he tidied up, hung his wine gourd, and stepped out, casually closing the courtyard door behind him

Qin Xiao opened the prison door, entered first, and lit a lamp. As the room brightened, Dou Ba realized that this cell was indeed kept very clean. However, compared to the furnishings in other cells, this room contained only a wooden bed in the corner and a toilet beside it, with nothing else.

Dou Ba thought for a moment before shaking his head and saying, "Let's leave it at that for now. If I need anything, I will come to you again."

Dou Ba immediately said, "That is only natural." Looking at the empty wooden bed, he frowned and said, "There isn't even a set of bedding, how can one sleep? Can you help me get a set of bedding?"

"Good job." Qin Xiao was even more enthusiastic: "Uncle, I have said that whatever you need, I will do my utmost to get it for you. From now on, you can consider me your junior, and please do not stand on ceremony with me. For instance, this prison uniform of yours, you certainly cannot wear the same set every day. If you need it, I can immediately get you another clean set, so you can change every day. If your clothes get dirty, just let me know, and I will have someone wash them thoroughly for you. If you have any requests, such as embroidering a flower on the clothes, I can arrange that as well."