It was just beginning to get light.
As soon as the news reached the Prefecture Governor's Mansion, it dispatched several teams to investigate the various sites where incidents had occurred.
The Da Jin Merchant Association's headquarters.
An elderly man gazed at the intact meeting hall for a long while before turning around. The disciples of the Da Jin Merchant Association stood before him, frightened and trembling slightly. He addressed them sternly:
"There's no need to be afraid. I know what happened here had nothing to do with you. Just answer my questions honestly, and I can guarantee your lives will go on just as before, with little change."
His words soothed the anxious, panicked disciples. A middle-aged man mustered his courage and stepped forward, bowing slightly as he introduced himself:
"My lord, I'm Zhang Mu, a middle-ranking steward of the Da Jin Merchant Association. I know this area fairly well. You can ask me whatever you need."
The old man nodded, thought it over, and asked:
"When did you first notice something was wrong here?"
Zhang Mu answered without hesitation:
"This morning.
"I had something rather important that needed the head of the association's approval before I could proceed.
"But when I went to his bedroom to report it, I couldn't find him. I asked around and learned that the head and deputy head had discussed matters in the meeting hall last night and stayed there all night. They never left. But when I went in, neither of them was there.
"I realized something was wrong and reported it."
He explained everything in careful detail.
The old man's expression tightened slightly as he continued questioning him:
"Not a single person on guard nearby noticed anything unusual all night? No strange noises?"
He felt the Da Jin Merchant Association's guards had