Tap, tap.
The gate to the small courtyard was gently knocked, with a very polite rhythm.
Wang Chen, who was preparing dinner in the inner room, heard it and went out to open the gate.
He had no idea which neighbor had come to visit.
As he opened the door, he saw a monk standing there, lean and gaunt in stature.
The visitor appeared to be in his thirties or forties, somewhat ugly, with a shifty and sleazy air about him.
Wang Chen frowned slightly, "Taoist Friend Hou?"
This uninvited guest was someone he recognized, named Hou Zheng, who lived in the most rundown house at the very end of the alley.
He was usually idle, rumored to be involved in shady businesses to make a living.
His reputation among the neighbors was very poor.
"Taoist Friend Wang, I'm sorry for the intrusion,"
Hou Zheng rubbed his hands, giving Wang Chen a sycophantic smile, "I have something very important to discuss with you that concerns your life and possessions!"
"An important matter?"
