The next day, at the Celestial Pivot Office.
Jia Huan said sternly:
"We have a lead. Tell the Strongmen to stop investigating, lest we beat the grass and startle the snake."
"Twin Whips, change into black clothes this evening and come with me to the Water Mirror Theater."
"Pass the word: no one leaves the office today. All Strongmen are to remain here awaiting orders!"
"Yes, sir!" his six subordinates answered in unison.
The other five looked at Twin Whips with envy, but he truly was steady, decisive, and quick to adapt.
It was already a quarter to six in the evening. After supper, Jia Huan and Twin Whips changed into black robes and went to Pear Garden Long Street in the southern part of the Divine Capital.
Jia Huan carried a folding fan. Twin Whips wore a small black cap and carried a book box on his back, dressed as a scholar's attendant.
"With all those wrinkles on your face, what scholar has an attendant this old?" Jia Huan glanced at him.
"I borrowed it at short notice." Twin Whips gave an honest smile. "Should I change into something else, sir?"
"Never mind." Jia Huan waved a hand.
Pear Garden Street was a sea of people, with theaters everywhere. After walking for several minutes, they reached a three-story theater with carved beams and painted rafters. Its plaque bore the two boldly flowing characters for "Water Mirror."
It lived up to its place among the top three theaters. Government runners patrolled outside, while inside every seat was occupied. Gongs and drums thundered, and cheers rose like ten thousand crows clamoring at once.
"Stop. Inspection!" A runner stopped Twin Whips and reached out to rummage through his book box.
"Make it quick. All this trouble just to watch a play," Twin Whips said, feigning anger.
After rummaging briefly, the runner let him through and cupped his hands. "For everyone's safety. Please forgive us."
Jia Huan surveyed the overcrowded hall. Most people on the ground floor were ordinary citizens and wandering Jianghu swordsmen, while wealthy young masters and the Capital's powerful elite headed upstairs. There must have been private boxes above.
"New guests, ten taels." A junior steward stood by the stairs, smiling.
Jia Huan gestured. "Pay him."
Twin Whips handed over the silver.
On the second floor, even a single private box was divided into four compartments by screens.
They went up to the third floor and paid a full five taels of gold. A maid led them to a secluded private room, where sandalwood incense curled through the air. Melon seeds, fruit, and tea were all laid out on the table, and an exquisite little couch stood nearby.
Twin Whips waved a hand.
"Don't come in unless we call for you."
"Of course." The maid left, swaying her hips.
"Boss, the Signal Arrow is in the inner compartment of the book box," Twin Whips said quietly.
Once the Embroidered Uniform Guard's specially made Signal Arrow was launched, guards from the Celestial Pivot Office would race over on horseback.
That was why he had brought the book box.
Jia Huan nodded. "Relax and enjoy the play."
Then he lay down on the little couch, closed his eyes, and slowly fell asleep.
At eleven that night, few lights remained.
"Boss, the play's over." Twin Whips nudged him awake.
Jia Huan opened his eyes, walked to the window, and looked out into the night before saying gravely:
"Go ahead and wait outside the theater!"
Then he stepped onto the windowsill and used Cloud Ladder Vertical Leap, springing up the wall to the sweeping eaves in the blink of an eye without making a sound.
Although he had acquired better lightness techniques, none could match even the lowest-ranked Cloud Ladder Vertical Leap when it came to scaling walls and traversing rooftops.
Jia Huan lay on the roof and gently opened a gap between the tiles, quietly looking down into the troupe's inner hall. Costumes and props were being carried about amid a jumble of voices.
He listened patiently.
It was all petty, sordid nonsense. Male performers who played female roles flirted with other actors, some even drawing the curtains to get down to business.
Fuck!
I'm a dignified Hundred-Household Commander, and I've been reduced to eavesdropping outside people's walls.
Still, for the merit, and to stamp out the wicked and protect the innocent, I'll put up with it.
Not until the third watch, deep into the night, did two men enter the now-empty inner hall.
One looked refined and mild-mannered, with a goatee; the other was powerfully built, with two throwing knives strapped to his arm.
The man with the goatee ordered:
"Stunt master, pick out five fair-skinned, obedient children and bring them over first thing tomorrow morning."
"Yes." The stunt master nodded firmly.
Jia Huan committed that face to memory, then slipped soundlessly down from the eaves.
Outside the Water Mirror Theater, a few taverns still had their oil lamps burning. Theatergoers who had not had their fill were merrily singing in imitation of the performers.
The powerfully built stunt master climbed into a carriage and left.
"Can we find a carriage now?" Jia Huan asked.
"Boss, there's one in that alley."
Twin Whips was indeed efficient. He had prepared a carriage well in advance, along with a fine horse and even a donkey cart for hauling firewood.
"Well done. Let's go!" Jia Huan gave him an approving look and headed into the alley.
Twin Whips drove, trailing behind their target.
Pear Garden Street was in the south of the city, but the stunt master's carriage headed north.
They followed at a leisurely pace. Over two hours later, the carriage ahead turned into a maze of alleys laid out like a chessboard.
"If we keep following, we'll be easily spotted."
"Twin Whips, with your strength, don't risk yourself. That stunt master is probably at the postnatal realm peak. If I'm not back in an hour, launch the Signal Arrow!"
Jia Huan's tone brooked no argument. He stepped out of the carriage and used One Reed Crossing the River, following like a shadow through the darkness. Then he used Cloud Ladder Vertical Leap to scale the walls, never letting the carriage out of his sight.
Another quarter of an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of a residence.
The stunt master glanced around out of habit, then gently tapped the ring held in the door's beast-head fitting.
"What is it?" A lean man came out.
In the distance, Jia Huan's expression turned grim.
High cheekbones, deep-set eyes, a hooked nose. This man looks like a Tatar!
Tonight's effort wasn't wasted!
The stunt master smiled. "The troupe leader sent me to pick out a few pretty, obedient boy favorites. Some powerful patrons are eager to enjoy them."
"Come in." The lean man nodded.
They entered the residence and shut the gate.
Jia Huan hurried along the rooftops.
"Boy favorites" was Pear Garden Street jargon for young catamites. Quite a few wealthy young men in the Capital had a taste for the cut sleeve.
No wonder Xue Pan had mentioned rumors of powerful patrons spending fortunes at the Water Mirror Theater. Most likely, they were paying vast sums to purchase these boys.
A dozen or so figures were scattered about the courtyard. The stunt master greeted them in turn, following the lean man into the stable.
The lean man bent down and moved aside several long wooden planks, revealing an extremely spacious underground chamber.
"Keep quiet."
They descended the wooden stairs. The chamber below was brightly lit, with rows of plank beds, each holding two young children. There were over a hundred children in all, none older than ten!
Seven older women in coarse clothing walked back and forth carrying long sticks.
"Sir." Their faces were respectful.
The lean man ordered:
"Pick five fair-skinned, obedient boy favorites. Wash them clean, put powder on them, and dress them in pretty clothes."
The women obeyed, carefully selecting five boys with delicate, handsome features.
"If any of you dare cry or make a fuss, you'll get a savage beating!"
The five boys were pale with utter terror.
The other children buried their heads beneath their blankets and trembled.
Jia Huan climbed over the courtyard wall and moved along its dark edge to stand behind a locust tree. He had only seen the two men enter the stable and lift the floorboards; they had yet to reappear.
Half an incense stick later, the stunt master and the lean man emerged with five children, accompanied by three women in coarse clothing.
Suddenly.
"Who's there?"
A guard carrying a lantern came out to relieve himself. He happened to look up toward the locust tree by the courtyard wall, spotted a shadow, and immediately shouted.
Jia Huan's face was icy as he stepped out with an unhurried stride.
In an instant, the lean man's face twisted with rage, and he roared at the stunt master:
"You useless fool! You didn't even know you were being followed!"
Before you continue