CHAPTER 30: CHAPTER 30: BROTHERHOOD

The leading constable was named Wu Mountain, who received a report saying two people from Fu Ze Village were missing, suspected to be killed by Chen Mo.

Originally, matters outside the city were completely ignored by Wu Mountain, even if it was a homicide. If there was no benefit, he wouldn’t get involved. As per the County Magistrate’s words, the lives of the peasants outside the city are worthless; dead is just dead.

Investigating in these chaotic times is nothing but a thankless task; after all, the people in the city are barely surviving, while the rascals outside have no benefits to offer, not to mention those suspected to be murdered.

However, when he learned that Chen Mo had obtained a wild boar hide from the hands of the missing persons, his thoughts changed.

A wild boar hide could easily sell for a thousand coins, which was quite a lot of money.

With benefits at hand, he decided to take action, called upon three friends, and made a trip to Fu Ze Village.

Initially, the informant mentioned that Chen Mo was somewhat capable in fighting.

But upon seeing him, "somewhat capable" did not suffice.

It seemed he was already a Grade-Entering Martial Artist.

Even Chief Peng was a Martial Artist, and Wu Mountain was aware of the differences between martial artists and ordinary people.

Grade-Entering Martial Artists possess unrivaled strength.

Wu Mountain felt somewhat uneasy; if the opponent suddenly resorted to killing, the four of them wouldn’t stand a chance.

"No...need, we’ll just stand here. We just want to understand a few things from you, and then we’ll leave." Wu Mountain said awkwardly.

Naturally, Chen Mo wouldn’t attack them unless it was an extreme situation; he wouldn’t kill government officials.

After all, killing government officials equates to rebellion.

This Song Dynasty is not the previous Song Dynasty, and the Court won’t offer amnesty for rebellion; it would only annihilate you, and he wouldn’t survive.

What he displayed earlier was merely to express that he couldn’t be easily manipulated.

Without provoking the government office, in this chaotic world, the government wouldn’t apprehend him for a few powerless dead men.

Besides, the government has no evidence.

Indeed, Chen Mo guessed that their visit was either about Wang Xi or the three men he killed that day, Yi Yong and the others.

Wu Mountain and the others didn’t sit, and Chen Mo wouldn’t insist, he chuckled, "What do you wish to know, my lord? I won’t hold anything back."

"My lord... have some tea." At this moment, Han Anniang also walked over.

"Please wait for a moment, my lords."

Seeing Han Anniang a bit nervous, Chen Mo took the teapot from her hands, patted the back of her hand to reassure her, then whispered a few words in her ear and asked her to go inside.

"Come, my lords, have some tea."

The Chen family’s teacups were made of bamboo, and Chen Mo, like a teahouse waiter, poured tea into them and handed it over.

Wu Mountain, being a constable from the government office, had met all sorts of people from all walks of life and was most adept at observing and reading people. Chen Mo’s act of humility and kindness was completely noticed by Wu Mountain, who felt relieved, and his attitude became more courteous, saying:

"It’s a minor matter, just that yesterday someone came to the government office to report that Chen... brother, it’s about the disappearance of Wang Xi and Liu Ergou from your village, and you had conflicts before. They said the two were killed by Brother Chen.

Brother Chen, you know, it’s a homicide case reported, and as per the regulations, we need to come and investigate. Your understanding is appreciated."

Before crossing over, being the son of a battlefield boss, Chen Mo had naturally encountered various people, had dealings with government offices, and had a certain understanding of what is goodwill, what is flattery, and what is honeyed words.

Chen Mo smiled and said, "May I know how to address my lord?"

"Brother Chen, just call me Wu Mountain."

"I wouldn’t dare, if Lord Wu doesn’t mind, could I call you Brother Wu?"

"Certainly."

"Brother Wu, your diligence is admirable." Chen Mo cupped his hand, getting to the main topic: "Indeed, I had conflicts with Wang Xi and Liu Ergou. The two harassed my sister-in-law, and as her younger brother-in-law, if I didn’t intervene when my sister-in-law was insulted, it would be a disgrace. So, I taught them a lesson.

However, their disappearance has nothing to do with me. After all, we are from the same village, fellow villagers. As a scholar, how could I kill them?"

"What Brother Chen said is very true." Wu Mountain nodded and said, "Upon meeting for the first time, I felt like Brother Chen has a compassionate appearance, incapable of such acts. It’s clear the two must have wandered off somewhere, causing the informer to mistakenly think they were missing and thus misunderstand Brother Chen."

"Brother Wu, your words are reasonable." Chen Mo replied.

"Since it’s a misunderstanding, Brother Chen, we won’t disturb you any longer, farewell." Wu Mountain put down the cup and cupped his hand.

With that, Han Anniang also emerged from the house, with strands of fear on her face. Chen Mo took the item she handed over and followed them out: "Brother Wu, let me see you off."

Upon sending the four out of the courtyard, taking advantage of the closeness, Chen Mo gave the money pouch to Wu Mountain and laughed: "Brother Wu, take care, this time was troublesome for you all, next time let’s have a drink."

"Certainly, Brother Chen, if you come to the city, just come straight to Wu Family Alley in the west end of the city, the very house at the end is mine."

Wu Mountain had prepared for a wasted trip upon guessing Chen Mo was a martial artist, pleasantly surprised by an unexpected gain. He weighed it secretly, and his smile became more genuine, internally praising Chen Mo for being a capable man.

Before leaving, Wu Mountain whispered to Chen Mo: "The person who reported was an old woman."

The sight of the constable and Chen Mo chatting and laughing was observed by the villagers of Fu Ze Village, their bodies trembling, growing deeper respect for Chen Mo.

Brother Mo was truly promising.

Many began to consider following Chen Mo.

...

Back in the house, Chen Mo’s originally smiling face immediately turned cold.

"Old woman?"

Chen Mo had already roughly guessed who it was.

"Uncle, is everything alright?" Han Anniang hurriedly approached, her face filled with worry.

After all, with the constable showing up at the door, she was just a powerless village girl, how could she not be frightened? She feared for Chen Mo’s well-being as she had completely taken Chen Mo as her reliance.

"Everything’s fine." Chen Mo held Han Anniang in his arms, gently patting her back, speaking softly.

"Uncle, I’m sorry, I caused you trouble, I was too flustered just now." Han Anniang realized her behavior earlier could arouse suspicion.

"Silly, that’s only human nature, why apologize to me." Chen Mo kissed her forehead, "Don’t worry, everything’s fine."

Han Anniang didn’t inquire about whether Wang Xi’s disappearance had anything to do with Chen Mo, she didn’t want to know, she only wanted Chen Mo to be safe and sound.

She placed her face against Chen Mo’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.

In this bone-chilling winter, she only felt warmth, so warm.

After calming down, Han Anniang reverted to her gentle demeanor, looking up at Chen Mo: "Uncle, did you give all the money to them earlier? That was our remaining money."

Chen Mo caressed her hair, and kissed her cheek hard, smiling: "I kept some for going into the city."