Chapter 8: One Must Repay Kindness

Qin Xiaodao: "Since the case has already been settled, what changes could possibly occur?"

However, Qin Xiao's duty is merely to guard the prison; he has no authority whatsoever to inquire into the case itself

Qin Xiao set down the burlap sack, leaned back against the chair, and Niu Zhi immediately poured a cup of tea and brought it over. Qin Xiao took it and placed it on the small table, remaining silent for a moment. He then got up and went to the corner to retrieve a thick volume from the file rack, bringing it back to the table to sit down and browse through it.

Niu Zhi lowered his voice and said: "Boss, we are merely the guards of the prison, tasked with watching over the prisoners. There is no need for us to inquire into the details of the crimes committed by the inmates. The sentencing is handled by the criminal department, and to stir up new troubles now would only involve us with authorities even more formidable than the criminal department. It is best that we do not interfere, to avoid bringing disaster upon ourselves"

Niu glanced outside the door, leaned closer to Qin Xiao's ear, and whispered: "Boss, Qiao Leshan and Wen Budao are sworn brothers. When Wen Budao was imprisoned, it stands to reason that Qiao Leshan would spare no effort to manage things behind the scenes. However, we have not received a single tael of silver from Qiao Leshan until now, which indicates that he does not care at all about how Wen Budao is faring in prison. The Golden Hook Gambling House is one of the largest gambling establishments in Gui City. After Wen Budao was imprisoned, Qiao Leshan took control of the Golden Hook Gambling House, and business has been booming. All the profits from the gambling house have gone into Qiao Leshan's pockets. If Wen Budao were to be released, do you think Qiao Leshan's life would still be easy?"

"Nonsense," the Gambling God chuckled, "You are still young. Once you marry a wife, you will understand the benefits."

If that is the case, is this time Wen Budao going to be sent to Fenggan Prefecture, and is it related to Qiao Leshan

"Qin Xiao, to be honest, you have quite a talent for gambling. The God of Gamblers still held his hands in front of his chest, smiling as he said: 'You can't be just a small jailer for your entire life. After a year, how much silver can you possibly earn? At the gambling table, sometimes in just one day, you can earn as much as you would in several years.'"

Niu Zhi Dao: "Boss, do you think he will be sent back?"

A trace of unusual color flickered in Qin Xiao's eyes as he forced a smile and said, "Le Shan is indeed the sworn brother of the elder, right? The major owner of the Golden Hook Gambling House?"

Niu Zhi, with an inscrutable smile, said: "Although I cannot be certain, this matter is undoubtedly related to Qiao Leshan."

The official letter from the Criminal Department states that he is to be taken away on March 8 and sent to Fenggan Prefecture, which leaves only three or four days. Qin Xiao pondered, "With the case being retried, it is estimated that it will take several more months."

Qin Xiao appeared quite calm and asked, "Are you saying that Qiao Leshan does not want Wen Budao to go out?"

Qin Xiao smiled and said, "Gambling God Uncle, you wouldn't be thinking of introducing me to work at the casino, would you?"

"Nonsense," the Gambling God immediately frowned. "Although I am here, the gambling houses are still mine. I will tell Leshan that you should spend a year and a half honing your skills in the gambling houses. When I get out, we will go to Kyoto together. For now, you should follow Leshan; the silver he gives you will be ten times more than what you get here"

After this old man entered the prison designated by the character "A", although he had a deposit of over ten taels of silver, he never considered changing into a prison uniform; nearly all of his money was spent on alcohol

Qin Xiao nodded slightly, said no more, and stood up, saying: "Uncle Gambling God, you go ahead with your work, I have some matters to attend to, I will come back later to talk with you."

Qin Xiao managed the prison, and naturally, he would not handle every task personally. Sometimes, he would delegate the delivery of water and meals to his assistants. The guard he selected was named Niu Zhi, who was quick and capable, and he could read and write, making him a valuable aide to Qin Xiao

Uncle Gambling God is very fond of your wife

The God of Gamblers, displeased, said: "Are you not happy? Truly unaware of the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth, this matter is one that others seek from me, and I would not agree. I kindly offered to promote you, yet you do not know what is good for you. Enough, enough, after I go out, you will see my glorious appearance, and then you can make your decision."

"That is only natural," the Gambling God said with a hint of pride. "Have you ever seen her? She is a true beauty, virtuous and kind, and there is no woman better than her in the entire Xiling. " A trace of anger appeared between his brows: "Qin Xiao, I have asked you several times to speak to the authorities and allow my wife to come visit. Have you helped at all? I have been here for almost six months, and my family has not come to see me. The regulations in this prison are generally acceptable, but the rule against family visits is truly inhumane. Qin Xiao, this rule must be changed." I have been here for almost six months, and my family has not come to see me. The regulations in this prison are generally acceptable, but the rule against family visits is truly inhumane. Qin Xiao, this rule must be changed.

The letter "A" has its own rules; when there is money, one can enjoy the best treatment here. However, once the money runs out, it is time to leave.

Qin Xiao remembered the kindness of Wen Budao, so after Wen Budao was sentenced and imprisoned, Qin Xiao deliberately used his connections to transfer Wen Budao to the A-Class prison, where he would be well-fed and warmly clothed. However, Wen Budao was unaware that all of this was specially arranged by Qin Xiao; he only believed that it was due to Qiao Leshan from the Golden Hook Gambling House who was working behind the scenes.

"Boss, while Wen Budao's situation here is manageable, the old beggar in Cell 16 is quite a problem." Niu Zhi's voice interrupted Qin Xiao's thoughts: "This old fellow drinks continuously every day. The silver he saved up the day before yesterday has already been spent. I see that he is now completely broke. Should we transfer him out of the A-cell?"

Qin Xiao stared into Niu Zhi's eyes and asked, "Do you think that Wen Budao's trip to Fenggan Prefecture involves significant matters behind the scenes?"

Qin Xiao found it utterly incomprehensible; if this old beggar truly had silver hidden away, why would he need to steal wine from the tavern, thereby landing himself in prison?

Although the conditions in the prison are quite good, it is still a prison, and many people tend to feel down at times. However, this old man is very easygoing; apart from drinking, he mostly sleeps. Every time Qin Xiao sees him, he is either drunkenly talking to himself or lying in bed asleep, rarely awake. It would be more accurate to describe him as an old drunkard than an old beggar.

I will go ask him if he still has any silver. Qin Xiao put away the booklet, left the cell, and headed straight to the right side of the prison. Upon reaching the end, he arrived at Cell No. 16. Through the door bars, he saw an unkempt old man with disheveled hair lying on the wooden bed in the corner, snoring loudly.

A beggar, of course, could not possibly qualify to enter the A-Class Prison, so at first, no one paid him any attention. However, after the old man had called out for two or three days in the cell, Qin Xiao, upon hearing about this matter, found it strange and specifically went to find the beggar. When the old beggar learned that Qin Xiao was the head of the A-Class Prison, he secretly told Qin Xiao about a place, claiming that there was silver hidden there

Qin Xiao smiled faintly, neither affirming nor denying.

Qin Xiao sighed and said, "I understand your meaning. However, Wen Budao still does not know that there has been a change in the case; he still believes that as long as he stays in the A prison for another six months, he can regain his freedom"

"Boss, are you still hiding this from him?" Niu Zhiwei frowned and said, "In a few days, he will be leaving, and there are many things that cannot be concealed from him any longer." Noticing Qin Xiao's somewhat serious expression, he spoke softly, "He only thinks that the expenses over the past few months have been sent over by Qiao Leshan, but he does not know that since he entered the A-Class prison, the Golden Hook Gambling House has not sent a single tael of silver; instead, it has been you who has been putting in silver."

A few days ago, the Criminal Department sent an official document stating that on March 8, Wen Budao would be taken away and sent to Fenggan Prefecture for a new deliberation. At that time, Qin Xiao knew that something was amiss; a case that had been settled suddenly being re-examined could only mean that someone was manipulating things behind the scenes

Uncle God of Gambling, I know you mean well, but with * pictures * and * books * here, it is of no use for me to go to the gambling house.

On the day Wen Budao was imprisoned, Qiao Leshan never considered letting him out; otherwise, he would not have remained indifferent to Wen Budao's situation in prison. Niu Zhi sneered and said, "Boss, think about it. If Wen Budao were to learn the truth, would he let Qiao Leshan off the hook after getting out? Since Qiao Leshan dares to act this way, it means he is certain that Wen Budao will not be able to leave the prison."

However, there are all kinds of people in Turtle City. Driven by curiosity, he specifically went to the place mentioned by the old beggar and unexpectedly found a package there, which contained over ten taels of silver. As the saying goes, one should do a favor for those who provide financial support. It was only then that Qin Xiao brought the old beggar into the A-shaped prison and treated him to food and drink.

Wen Budao, with his exceptional gambling skills, established a territory in the chaotic Turtle City, enjoying a period of great prosperity. On one occasion, he offered an umbrella to Qin Xiao, who was drenched like a drowned rat in the rain. Perhaps it was simply a moment of good mood, or perhaps he truly felt pity for the boy.

Is it not possible

"Go about your business." The gambling god waved his hand, and after a moment of thought, said: "You should think it over carefully first. If you really want to go to the gambling house, just let me know."

Niu Zhicao glanced over and said: "Boss, Wen Budao will be sent away in a few days. Over the past few months, he has suffered because of you; otherwise, he wouldn't be enjoying such good days now"

Qin Xiao thought for a moment and then said: "Uncle Gambling God, it seems that you have a family."

This case of Wen Budao was interrogated by the Criminal Division six months ago, resulting in a sentence of one year in prison. Niu Zhi said: Now that it is suddenly to be sent to Fenggan Prefecture, there must be some changes.

The God of Gamblers laughed and said: "I told you, you are clever. You know, I have three gambling houses in Turtle City, and several more in other places. If it weren't for that incident last year that forced me to stay here for a few years, I would have already prepared to go to Kyoto to make a fortune. " He reached out and patted Qin Xiao on the shoulder: "In the past six months, you and the library have treated me well. We are destined to be together, so naturally, I will take you along to make money.

Qin Xiao is a person who believes in simplicity; he repays kindness without fail, regardless of whether the favor is great or small

Qin Xiao emerged from the cell and returned to the barracks. A guard, around seventeen or eighteen years old, was tidying up inside the room. Upon seeing Qin Xiao enter, he immediately approached with a smiling face and said, "Boss"

Niu Zhi sighed, "Boss, I know you value loyalty. That year on a rainy day, you passed by his gambling den, and he gave you an umbrella, which you have kept in mind ever since. When he committed a crime and was sent to prison, it was you who thought of ways to transfer him to the A Block, and you have taken care of him all along. The kindness of one umbrella, with your level of care, can be considered as fulfilling one's duty of benevolence and righteousness."

However, Qin Xiao has always kept it in his heart. In fact, when Wen Budao first met Qin Xiao in prison, he truly did not remember giving this young man an umbrella back then

He is two years older than Qin Xiao, yet he shows utmost respect towards Qin Xiao

He is my sworn brother, but he is not the owner of the Golden Hook Gambling House. The God of Gamblers raised his hand and pointed to his own chest: "There is only one big owner of the Golden Hook Gambling House, and that is me"

The old beggar from Cell No. 16 was certainly well-known to Qin Xiao. This old fellow had stolen wine from a tavern two months ago, and after being discovered, he got into a brawl, even injuring someone with a long bench. The constables took him back to the yamen, where the Ministry of Justice sentenced him to five months of imprisonment. Normally, such a prisoner would be thrown into Cell No. C or even Cell No. D, but for some unknown reason, after being placed in Cell No. C, the old fellow started shouting that he wanted to be moved to Cell No. A.

Qin Xiao learns things quickly and does not take much time to grasp the so-called methods of celestial beings descending to the mortal realm

Qin Xiaodao said: "Money is not a big deal, but he has always regarded Qiao Leshan as a brother in life and death. If he were to know that Qiao Leshan is indifferent to him, he would surely feel distressed"

In the past two months, the old beggar has not been very particular about his meals, but he insists on drinking alcohol every day. After two months, that more than ten taels of silver has already been exhausted