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“Fifth sister, this morning, various people came to the county office to report the counterfeit money issue. The county magistrate handed the case over to me to investigate, but…” Chu Xujin scratched his head awkwardly, his lips pursed in a slight smile, looking quite distressed. “I’m at a loss on how to proceed…”

After a while, Chu Qingzhi spoke, “Do you have any of the counterfeit banknotes?”

Chu Xujin quickly replied, “Yes, I’ve asked people to bring in the counterfeit banknotes for recording. We’ve already collected several thousand of them.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and said, “You can start with the banknotes.”

“Firstly, producing banknotes requires paper, and the paper for these banknotes needs specific trees. Where do these trees come from? Which workshop produces them? Or who has been cutting down these trees in large quantities?”

“Secondly, printing counterfeit banknotes requires ink. Which workshop does this ink come from? Who is buying it? Although it’s likely not recorded in the shop’s account books, you’ll need to follow them covertly. People doing illicit things, no matter how upright they appear, will always look different from those conducting legitimate business. You need to observe carefully.”

“Thirdly, the place where the counterfeit banknotes are produced is likely hidden. Look for places where it seems unlikely for people to enter, but where many people are seen coming and going. There’s definitely something suspicious there.”

“Fourthly, the printing tools are made of iron, so there must be a blacksmith shop secretly aiding them. After the job is done, they might be paid handsomely or silenced permanently. Look for a blacksmith shop that suddenly becomes wealthy, or where accidents have occurred.”

“Fifth, offer a reward. The eyes of the public are keen. Let them report anyone suspicious. With collective wisdom and effort, you might achieve your goal.”

The more Chu Xujin listened, the brighter his eyes shone, realizing his own shortcomings. “Fifth sister, it sounds so simple when you explain it. Why didn’t 1 think of that?”

Chu Qingzhi comforted him, “You lack experience. You’ll get better with more cases in the future.”

Chu Xujin silently encouraged himself, “Fifth sister, I’ll work hard and won’t let you down.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “1 look forward to the day you become a great detective, third brother.”

Chu Xujin’s lips curled into a smile, “I’m off to investigate the case.”

“Go ahead.”

Chu Xujin quickly walked out to the courtyard, excitedly sharing Chu Qingzhi’s suggestions with everyone.

Upon hearing her advice, everyone had a moment of clarity, admiring Chu Qingzhi’s insight. They immediately returned to the county office to start their investigation.

In the evening, the abbot arrived in Chu Village with Chu Qingning to pick up the little monk.

Dressed in simple monk’s robes and holding prayer beads, his hands clasped in front of his chest, he moved with composure, whether walking fast or slow, exuding the demeanor of a venerable monk.

The little monk was unaware that the abbot had come to pick him up. At the moment, he was eating an orange-flavored ice cream bar, sitting on a swing, watching Chu Qingyan apply makeup to Chu Hongxiu.

Chu Hongxiu and her three friends had become Chu Qingyan’s makeup practice subjects, but Chu Qingyan was generous. She paid them ten copper coins each day for cooperating with her makeup sessions.

As soon as the abbot entered the village, he was surrounded by villagers.

“Master, have you come to beg for alms?”

“Master, my son is planning to get married. Can you pick a good date for it?”

“Master, we’re planning to build a house. Could you help us choose an auspicious date?”

It’s not often that one sees an abbot; in temples, only ordinary monks are usually seen. Encountering an abbot like this was a rare opportunity that the villagers didn’t want to miss.

The abbot’s expression was amiable, and his tone was gentle.

Chu Qingning felt that the situation was a bit overwhelming and said, “Everyone, please calm down. The abbot has come to pick up his little disciple. Let’s allow him to meet his disciple first, and then you can ask for help, okay?”

Someone then mentioned, “The little disciple? Is he the little monk? He’s in your family’s swing pavilion.”

Chu Qingning immediately led the abbot to the swing pavilion.

As the abbot entered the courtyard, he saw his little disciple enjoying himself, holding an ice cream bar and gently swinging, his face beaming with happiness.

The master monk called out softly, “Jing Chen.”

Hearing his Buddhist name, the little monk instinctively looked over and, seeing the abbot, hurried over, exclaiming, “Master!”

The abbot looked at his disciple, whose eyes sparkled and whose mouth was red from the cold ice cream bar. “Have you forgotten me?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” the little monk quickly apologized, feeling too engrossed in the fun and forgetting the time.

The abbot said, “Go say goodbye to benefactor Chu. It’s time for us to leave.”

The light in the little monk’s eyes dimmed, and the ice cream bar in his hand no longer seemed sweet. He drooped his head, “Oh-”

Seeing his disciple’s reaction, the abbot’s heart softened, “Remember, benefactor Chu has invited us to visit her home tomorrow. Have you forgotten?”

The little monk’s spirits revived instantly, and he excitedly said, “1 remember now! Master, I’ll go say goodbye to Benefactor Chu right now. We’ll come back tomorrow.”

The abbot smiled slightly, “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you at the courtyard gate.”

The little monk nodded vigorously, “Mhm mhm mhm.”

Chu Qingzhi was discussing the sale of soybean paste in the old house with Chu Xuhua when she saw the little monk running in cheerfully, “Benefactor Chu, 1 have to leave.”

Chu Qingzhi was puzzled, “Where are you going?”

The little monk’s soft voice carried a hint of reluctance, “My master has come to pick me up. We’re going to the county city, but I will come to see you again tomorrow.”

Chu Qingzhi walked towards the little monk, “I’ll take you to your master.”

“Ok.”

Chu Qingzhi escorted the little monk to the courtyard gate, “Master Abbot.”

The abbot bowed to Chu Qingzhi, “Thank you, Benefactor Chu, for taking care of Jing Chen. I’ve come to take him to the county city.”

“Just a moment,” Chu Qingzhi went inside and brought out a paper-wrapped chestnut pie, handing it to the little monk. “This is a chestnut pie, made with vegetarian ingredients. Take it with you to eat.”

The little monk looked up at the abbot.

The abbot, unable to say no to his disciple’s deer-like eyes, bowed again to Chu Qingzhi, “Thank you, Benefactor Chu. Jing Chen, express your gratitude.”

The little monk bowed properly, beaming, “Thank you, Benefactor Chu.”

“Be good, take your time, and come early tomorrow.” Chu Qingzhi not only invited the two monks but also Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu. With these two ladies looking after Chu Qingyue once she marries into the capital, no one would dare to bully her.

Seeing the villagers still waiting around, the abbot announced, “Tomorrow, I will return to Chu Village. If you have any questions to ask, 1 will answer you then.”

Hearing this, the villagers respectfully made way for them to pass.

The little monk, holding the chestnut pie, followed behind with small steps. His little bald head, small monk’s robe, and chubby body were endearingly cute, making him look truly adorable..