Xu Mutou didn't want to reveal so much, but when everyone had asked him about the value of the stolen goods earlier, he had inflated the amount. If he held back now, the numbers wouldn't add up.
'How was he going to get out of this?' The arrest officer was already repeating the question, asking him exactly what valuables he had been carrying.
He quickly collected his thoughts, steeled himself, and recited the list one more time.
"And what were you doing with a thousand taels of gold?"
"It was a last-minute decision," Xu Mutou said. "I wanted to purchase some leather..."
"Buying leather now? In the spring?"
"No, not entirely. I was also looking to see if there were any valuable medicinal herbs. As you know, sir, herb prices are quite depressed right now."
"Oh? So you're an herb merchant?"
"..."
"Then show me your road permit as an herb merchant."
"..."
"I am asking you a question. Answer truthfully, and quickly."
