Gu Chi said, "He didn't meet with anyone."
That answer was beyond Shen Tang's expectations.
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "He didn't meet with anyone? That's interesting. Is there anything suspicious about his identity or background?"
How many coincidences could there be in the world?
She had randomly picked an inn to stay at, and it just happened to have someone who knew all the answers? Someone had to be pulling the strings!
Gu Chi lowered his voice. "Though that tea drinker didn't meet anyone, there is something to his identity. He's probably a broker."
"A broker? You mean a pimp?"
Gu Chi nodded lightly. "Yes, a broker."
And he wasn't the only broker pulling strings like this.
They specialized in lying in wait at inns for merchants from out of town, coaxing and tricking them into going to Qujiang Lake to find that pleasure boat and request its top courtesan. Then, through the courtesan, they would borrow what was supposedly an official loan from a high-ranking local official operating behind the scenes.
"These people are something else. They've really mastered the art of 'the higher-ups make the rules, and the people below find ways around them.'" A cold Killing Intent flickered in Shen Tang's eyes. Furious, she laughed instead. "I banned officials from doing business or getting involved in commerce, so they had their relatives, servants, and trusted aides take charge in their stead. I block one road, and they immediately play the rabbit with three burrows. Official loans, huh? Heh. Official loans! Borrow nine, repay thirteen..."
Everyone had times when they hit rock bottom. Borrowing money to get through a rough patch was perfectly normal. The borrower could make it past the crisis, while the lender earned a little interest. People lent money for the interest. Why would