Chapter 36
The windows and doors of the hall were tightly closed, making it virtually impossible to escape immediately.
Pei Lingjun lowered his breathing and moved his feet according to the location of the person who came, at the closest point he was only two bookshelves away.
Pei Lingjun hid in the shadows, silently observing the newcomer.
The person was dressed as a guard on duty, but he was warily covering his face with a black mask, making it impossible to tell his age. However, he walked with slightly heavy steps, his upper body was habitually leaning forward, and his back was bent into a non-straight arc.
He was probably in his thirties.
Pei Lingjun watched as he frantically searched the room, his steps frantic, constantly watching for any movement outside.
Before long, as if they hadn't found what they wanted and were afraid of making too much noise and attracting the attention of the guards, they hurriedly left.
In the darkness, Pei Lingjun emerged from behind the bookshelf, his expression inscrutable.
On the carpet of the desk in the hall, a mottled footprint was clearly imprinted.
Pei Lingjun held the tinderbox and swept it over; it was left by the person from before.
He clicked his tongue lightly and silently curled his lips. Was he afraid that Wen Tao would not know that he had sneaked into the government office at night, leaving such a fatal clue inside?
Pei Lingjun's brows relaxed as he looked at the footprint, and suddenly an idea came to him.
——
Two incense sticks' worth of time passed, and Cui Pei waited anxiously at the agreed location, but his boss did not arrive for a long time.
A strange unease welled up from the bottom of his heart. It was the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), and the guards at the government office were changing shifts. The newly arrived guards would patrol immediately, at which time they would be at greater risk of being exposed.
Cui Pei hesitated for a moment, then made up his mind and turned to sneak towards the northeast courtyard.
At that time.
In order not to waste the fresh footprint, Pei Lingjun reopened the secret compartment.
Once Wen Tao was alerted and the guards at the government office were strengthened, it became difficult for them to enter.
Three silver threads, one horizontal and one vertical, gleamed brightly. Pei Lingjun held a tinderbox close to illuminate them and saw that the innermost wall of the cubicle was covered with tiny holes, which most likely concealed silver needles.
The prefect of Anyang's method of hiding things was not particularly clever.
The tinderbox was placed under the silver thread. Pei Lingjun dodged to the side. Although the silver thread was sharp, it was not something that was impervious to water and fire. In a short while, the silver thread burned through completely, and several silver needles shot out from the compartment and pierced the wooden pillar opposite with two whooshing sounds.
Having solved the puzzle, Pei Lingjun pulled out the letter inside, stuffed it into his pocket, and immediately escaped through the window.
Cui Peizheng reached the corner of the room when suddenly someone climbed out of the window. He instinctively ducked back, but after a moment, he quickly stepped forward after getting a clear look at the person.
"Boss!"
Lights appeared where Cui Peilai was; it was the guards on duty at Hai Shi (9-11 PM) patrolling the government office.
"Shhh-go."
...
Inside the quiet side courtyard of the Wen residence, Pei Lingjun had changed into casual clothes and had just received the 'clue' handed to him by Cui Pei.
His slender fingers gently grasped the rolled-up 'clue,' and the delicate texture made him raise an eyebrow slightly.
Pei Lingjun turned his gaze immediately, without suspecting anything. He pinched the red paper and shook it, revealing the gold-painted characters on it.
The list was filled with all sorts of items, from wedding jewelry to precious stones, gold ornaments, satin skirts, and more!
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