Chương 60: Three Feathers City (Final)

Despite the heavy winds from the sea, Three Feathers City was extremely hot during the day. There was also a constant flow of people walking through narrow streets at any given time. A ship's cargo had to be unloaded as quickly as possible, stored in rented warehouses, and then transported again, either to other ships, reselling points, or artisans who would refine raw materials into finished products.

Because of this, the city's structure was heavily concentrated along the coast, allowing more ships to dock while ensuring sailors did not have to walk too far to manage their stock. As a result, most shops and artisans were also located near the sea, clustered around warehouses and brothels. These were places people entered, completed their business, and left as quickly as possible, keeping the flow of traffic constant and efficient.

Taverns, restaurants, and sleeping quarters, such as inns, were situated further inland. After all, those seeking food, drink, or rest could afford the extra time to walk. Beyond those districts lay the rest of the city, divided into various sectors, including the slums. And in those slums, watching a narrow alley through the bustling crowd, two women sat leisurely on the balcony of a fruit stall, sharing a watermelon.

They wore simple linen clothes, their faces smeared with dirt, blending perfectly with the filth and stench of the streets below.

"Sister Yi," the one with longer legs and tinted blue clothing said.

"Lady Caihong will come to check today. Should we make a move?"

"No, Sister Mu," the other woman replied, scratching her pockmarked face while chewing on a watermelon seed.

"We keep watching." Sighing, Sister Mu grabbed a dirty cloth and wiped the sweat from her face.

"We found him three days ago," she muttered, her tone more weary than angry.

"He's been moving all over the city and even partnered with a new shop. It's obvious he found a backer. Why not interrogate him?" Before Sister Yi could answer, a small old woman appeared in front of them, as if emerging from nowhere. Both young women stood immediately, their expressions turning respectful as they bowed slightly.

"Good morning, Lady Caihong," they said in unison, stepping aside to make way. Lady Caihong nodded and slowly walked inside the house behind the stall. The interior was dark, but with a casual wave of her hand, two candles lit up. Then, she sat on an old yet comfortable mattress on the floor. She wore a gentle smile and tapped the wooden boards beneath her twice. Understanding the gesture, Sister Mu and Sister Yi knelt before her.

"Mu'er, do not be so impatient," Lady Caihong said, her voice soft despite her age.

"Were you planning to storm in, grab poor Little Crab by the legs, and deliver him straight to Elder Sister Mei?" A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Sister Mu paled and shook her head quickly, remaining silent.

"What about you? Do you remember your mission?" Lady Caihong asked, turning her gaze to Sister Yi, her smile deepening.

"To find out where the deformed smuggler Little Crab is, who was responsible for his disappearance, or both," Sister Yi answered quietly.

"Yi'er," Lady Caihong said with a chuckle.

"You were too cautious. You knew his whereabouts, yet chose to observe for more clues. What if he disappeared again? After all, your sisters in the Red District did not see who took him. Don't tell me you are more perceptive than they?" Biting her lip, Sister Yi lowered her head and said, "I was wrong." Waving her hand lightly, Lady Caihong chuckled.

"Not wrong, not wrong. We paired you so you could learn from one another. The truth is, you completed the mission days ago. It's just that… Hm, how can I say... Ah, the threads are knotted in a way we did not foresee!" Puzzled, Sister Mu frowned.

"What do you mean, Lady Caihong? Little Crab was easy to find, and the shop he partnered with must belong to a wealthy backer. It should not be difficult to discover where the threads lead." Instead of answering, Lady Caihong turned her gaze to Sister Yi. Lowering her head, Sister Yi clenched her fist before looking up again.

"There is something wrong," she said, her brows furrowing.

"I can feel it, but I cannot explain it. Following him has been simple, yes. We avoided the other forces and did not follow him into the noble district, but wherever he went, we tracked him without difficulty… It was too easy." Nodding, Lady Caihong then looked at Sister Mu, who was frowning and glancing at Sister Yi with incredulity. Noticing the attention, Sister Mu coughed.

"I think we are wasting time. We have learned nothing new. We should capture him and question him directly. This mission came from Elder Sister Mei! We can't disappoint her!" Sister Yi clenched her teeth, but instead of arguing, she looked at Lady Caihong.

"How delightful it is to be among young girls," Lady Caihong said sweetly.

"You should cherish your youth. Find a good man to marry and bear a dozen children." Both sisters blushed instantly.

"Ah," Lady Caihong sighed, waving her hand.

"This old woman is rambling again. Forget it. Just know that both of you are right, in your own way." The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Lady Caihong's eyes narrowed.

"Curious birds are also watching that poor Little Crab," she said with a faint sneer.

"Whoever took him that day did so without making mistakes. No one saw a thing. And yet, not a day later, Little Crab was walking the streets, bribing guards and preparing the docks for smuggling." Before the sisters could respond, Lady Caihong shook her head.

"We didn't tell you, but we discovered that other people are following him," she continued, a faint trace of disappointment in her smile.

"We thought it signaled a major force was using him. But even with you two watching him, and our own probes, those observers didn't make a move." Sister Mu could not hold back.

"But we were careful. Maybe they failed to notice us, just as we failed to notice them!"

"Oh, silly girl," Lady Caihong chuckled softly.

"Those watching Little Crab are cultivators." That single sentence made Sister Yi tremble and forced Sister Mu to bite her tongue.

"I came openly today to see if they would react," Lady Caihong continued, slowly rising to her feet.

"But it seems these birds are merely stalking, following the small bug to eat the greater worm. You two must be more careful from now on."

"Wait, Lady Caihong," Sister Mu said, her face pale.

"Should we keep following Little Crab? What if the cultivators make a move?" Sister Yi remained silent, but fear was evident in her eyes.

"Then you report it to me," Lady Caihong replied calmly.

"Do not worry. Before coming here, I spoke with Elder Sister Mei. I will remain in a nearby inn until Madame Ching decides what to do." At the mention of Madame Ching, both girls' eyes widened in shock. Never in their wildest thoughts had they imagined this mission would draw the attention of their prestigious boss. While Sister Mu was thrilled by the discovery, Sister Yi had a feeling they were in serious trouble. None could foresee just how troublesome this would get.