Chen Xian nodded his head.
After quite a while, Xiao Ailiu returned with a sullen expression and empty hands.
"What, you didn't manage to borrow a ladder?" Chen Xian's face also darkened.
"All the people in the village are so heartless; I asked several families and not one of them was willing to lend me a ladder," Xiao Ailiu fumed with anger. "They even said I was planning to use the ladder to climb over the wall and break into someone's home against the king's law. How is it breaking the law when I enter my own second brother's house!"
"Are you dumb, why did you tell them you needed the ladder to climb over a wall? Couldn't you just say you needed the ladder to..." Chen Xian couldn't come up with an excuse on the spot.
