As soon as Cao Xiaosi reached the entrance of the inn's lobby, he heard a patrol team asking at the counter: "Have you seen two children? The girl is about nine years old and is wearing a white brocade robe; the boy is about twelve or thirteen years old and is wearing a light blue cloth robe."
The innkeeper thought for a moment and realized that this must be referring to the two children who had just checked in.
Cao Xiaosi immediately stopped in his tracks, listened intently, and did not go any further.
The shopkeeper reached into his sleeve and touched the mid-grade spirit stone that Mi Xi had given him, then asked with a forced smile, "Gentlemen, the young city lord's Daoist banquet is about to begin, and the city is bustling with people. I imagine you're all quite busy. But why are you looking for two children? Could it be that some young lady and gentleman from some family have been mischievous and run off to play without permission, requiring your help to find them?"
"Why are you asking so many questions? Is this something you should be asking about?"
"If you've seen them, just say you've seen them and tell us where they are. If you haven't seen them, don't talk nonsense, or you'll regret it!"
"This is someone the city lord personally ordered to be found. I advise you to tell the truth. Otherwise, if it is found that he is here, or if you conceal the truth, even if you have the Kanglong Chamber of Commerce behind you, I'm afraid you won't be able to protect yourself!"
The shopkeeper was still hesitating whether or not to tell these people about the little god of wealth's whereabouts.
After hearing their cold and sarcastic rebukes, the shopkeeper calmed down and said with a smile, "So this is the person City Lord Tianque is looking for. I really wouldn't dare to fool you all. I have indeed seen this person before."
Upon hearing this, Cao Xiaosi, who was stationed at the city gate and the back gate, became nervous:
Where are they?
"Speak quickly!"
The city guards immediately pressed for answers.
Cao Xiaosi also turned around, preparing to go back and report to Ji Fenghua.
The innkeeper said unhurriedly, "Those two kids ran in and asked me for the best rooms. As you know, our Sifang Inn is the best inn in Tianque City. Recently, there have been many people coming to witness the ceremony for the young city lord. Not to mention the best rooms, even the ordinary rooms are fully booked. Because of this, that little girl even spat in my face. The young master next to her didn't look too good. The two of them hurriedly walked forward."
The shopkeeper's words were half true and half false.
Indeed, it was pretty much what the city guards had found out outside;
No, it's fake. People come and go in this inn, and not many people have the time to pay attention to whether two teenagers stay or leave.
Cao Xiaosi's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was finally at ease, and he continued to eavesdrop by the back door.
"You'd better tell the truth. You dare to try and fool us, huh!"
"Go! Hurry up and chase after them!"
The city guards uttered a fierce threat and then went off in groups to continue their search.
Only then did Cao Xiaosi come out from the back door, asking curiously, "Uncle Pang, what's wrong? Why are the city patrol guards even checking the shop?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask," Manager Pang whispered a warning, then winked at Cao Xiaosi and said, "Go and send some wine and food to those two gentlemen who just checked in. Tell them that the city is probably peaceful these days, so they should stay in the inn and not go out too much. Once the young city lord's wedding is over and everyone has left, things should be peaceful again."
This was a clear message to Cao Xiaosi, instructing him to deliver a letter to Mi Xi and Ji Fenghua.
"Alright, I'll go right away," Cao Xiaosi replied, quite cleverly, and obediently followed Manager Pang's orders.
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