The sun climbed high, and daylight flooded the land.
Chen Mo munched on a meat-filled flatbread as he ambled toward Huaizhen Ward, looking like an old man out for his morning stroll.
Clip-clop, clip-clop—
Hoofbeats sounded behind him, followed by a clear, bright female voice:
"Lord Chen."
Chen Mo turned around. Several constables were riding toward him, led by Lin Jingzhu.
She wore a white martial outfit beneath a dark blue short jacket. She looked dashing and efficient.
She drew up beside Chen Mo, reined in her horse, and swung down from the saddle. With a smile, she said, "What a coincidence. We meet again."
Chen Mo nodded. "Is your injury feeling better, Chief Lin?"
Lin Jingzhu waved a hand, unconcerned. "It's just a flesh wound. Nothing to worry about."
Chen Mo knew she had a special constitution, so he didn't ask further.
"Lord Chen, why aren't you riding a horse? And you haven't changed your clothes... This doesn't seem to be the street where Chen Estate is, either." Lin Jingzhu sounded curious, but as soon as she finished speaking, she realized she'd overstepped. "Sorry, it's a professional habit. I didn't mean to pry into your private affairs."
Chen Mo replied calmly, "It's fine. I went to the Music Bureau last night."
"..."
The constables behind them lowered their heads, stifling their laughter.
Lin Jingzhu looked a little awkward, but quickly recovered.
Thinking back to when they'd been drinking the day before, Chen Mo had said he was going to the Music Bureau to listen to songs and feel up some thighs. It seemed he hadn't been joking... Lord Chen was quite the ladies' man.
"Regarding the case involving the Demon Race, I have a few thoughts..."
Lin Jingzhu leaned closer and whispered.
After listening, a flicker of surprise crossed