The village chief was puzzled, "Huh? A bet?"
Xia Wenjin said, "Yes, if Liu San is an accomplice, then the village chief shouldn't doubt me anymore; if Liu San isn't an accomplice, I'll find those women, alive or dead!"
The village chief was worried that the government officer would leave in disgust, and seeing that Xia Wenjin's bet was beneficial to the village either way, he quickly nodded, "Alright!"
The village chief, curious, asked, "Official, even if Liu San is an accomplice, who else might be the mastermind?"
Xia Wenjin said, "Uncover one at a time, no rush!"
The village chief nervously asked, "It's not someone from our village, is it?"
Xia Wenjin glanced at him, half-smiling, "Climbing up the cliff from the waterway with grappling hooks to take people down, villagers seem unlikely to have such skills!"
Upon hearing this, the village chief let out a gentle sigh of relief, though it was unclear whether he was reassured or still anxious.
