From those few exchanges, Zeng Anmin had formed a basic understanding of the young man before him named Shen Jun.
By ordinary logic.
His dead uncle, Shen Liu, had left behind no children.
That meant Shen Jun was the only legal heir of the Shen Manor, the ship merchants.
He did not need to do anything. So long as he followed the proper course, he could take over Jin Taiping's Fleet and become the richest man in Two Rivers Prefecture.
By both reason and sentiment, he had no need to murder his aunt before the Spirit Hall.
After being seduced by his aunt... he had gone to the Jiaofang Division.
This was a hot-blooded young man.
And during their conversation, the man's words had been clear and his speech fluent.
If he had not carefully plotted it out in his heart, then it proved he was not lying.
But if he had carefully plotted it...
How could someone with such intelligence run off to the Jiaofang Division after killing someone?
If he had that kind of intelligence, he would not have killed anyone in the first place.
He only needed to take over Jin Taiping's Fleet smoothly, then make his move and settle everything afterward.
So there were now two possibilities.
First, someone in the Shen Family did not want him taking over the fleet, so they deliberately orchestrated this case and had someone report it the moment he left the Spirit Hall.
Second, Shen Jun really was the murderer, and he was a complete idiot who did things without playing by the rules...
Of those two possibilities, Zeng Anmin felt the first fit logic better.
After all, in merchant households like this, such lowly schemes of intrigue and backstabbing were easily born.
What Zeng Anmin needed to do now was go to the Jiaofang Division and ask the courtesan An Shiyi a few questions.
To see whether this Shen Jun really was a complete idiot.
Of everyone involved in this case, ninety percent were members of the Shen Family.
But the Shen Family were now major suspects in Zeng Anmin's eyes as well, and he did not trust them.
The Jiaofang Division.
It was a state-run brothel.
Throughout every dynasty, only high officials and nobles could enter the Jiaofang Division to enjoy themselves.
Because merely hosting a tea gathering here cost a full thirty taels of silver!
And even then, it did not guarantee that one could sleep with anyone. That still depended on whether the girl was willing.
To ensure the case proceeded smoothly, Zeng Anmin directly brought two squads of Red-robed Guards from the Xuanjing Division.
"The Xuanjing Division is handling a case! All idlers, clear the way!!"
As hoofbeats rang out, the Red-robed Guard at the front shouted in a rough voice filled with intimidation.
The moment those words were spoken, all the commoners scattered like birds and beasts.
In an instant, the Jiaofang Division stood empty as a deserted gate.
Zeng Anmin slowly dismounted, while Dachun followed respectfully behind him.
Looking at the fear in the eyes of the young women, the tortoise servants, and the attendants at the entrance.
Zeng Anmin remained expressionless.
"Sir, our Jiaofang Division conducts lawful business... Young Master Zeng?!"
The madam hurried over. The instant she looked up and saw Zeng Anmin, shock filled her face.
The instant Zeng Anmin saw the madam, he was briefly stunned.
Exquisitely plump!
Her charms still lingered!
After one look, Zeng Anmin came back to his senses.
Television dramas really were all lies!!
Such a bewitchingly graceful madam had been portrayed like that in television dramas...
Memories surfaced.
His predecessor seemed to have had some dealings with this madam named Yun Niang.
"The usual ru... uh."
Zeng Anmin hurriedly stopped himself, his expression turning stern.
"Yun Niang, this official is here to handle a case today. Summon Courtesan Shiyi at once. I have a few questions for her."
As he spoke, Zeng Anmin led Dachun inside.
Yun Niang followed behind them, difficulty written across her still-charming face.
"Miss Shiyi is unwell today... it is not very convenient."
Despite the many girls around him.
Zeng Anmin still did not so much as glance sideways.
Hearing Yun Niang's words, his brows lightly furrowed.
He casually found a chair and sat down, saying blandly.
"I said this official is here to handle a case today. I only need to ask a few questions. It will not be a problem."
"This..."
The difficulty on Yun Niang's face deepened as she looked around.
She lightly bit her lip, then slowly came before Zeng Anmin and bent down.
Whether intentionally or not, she accidentally brushed against his head.
Hiss~
What a fine use of a head cushion...
Zeng Anmin sighed inwardly. Were flesh merchants all this considerate now?
This body belonged, after all, to a sixteen-year-old, hot-blooded youth.
Fortunately, he still remembered his identity.
Just as he suppressed the unrest in his heart, he heard Yun Niang's fragrant breath whisper.
"Young Master Zeng, to be honest, there is a distinguished guest with Shiyi... so it is not convenient right now."
Oh~
Zeng Anmin's brow rose slightly. He instantly understood Yun Niang's meaning.
But today was his first day in office, and he had no intention of giving anyone face.
"A distinguished guest? How distinguished?"
In all of Two Rivers Prefecture, could anyone be more distinguished than my father?
Besides, this official is here to handle a case!
Zeng Anmin sneered and said.
"This young master will give you one last chance. If you know what is good for you, have her come see me. If you do not, then this official will go find her himself!"
"Young Master, can you not make an exception just for today..."
Yun Niang was nearly crying. Her big, pitiful eyes blinked as she said, "The next time Young Master comes, this servant will make sure to serve you to your satisfaction..."
She truly looked heartbreakingly pitiful.
But Zeng Anmin was determined to investigate the case today. His expression abruptly turned cold.
"Smack!!"
He suddenly raised his hand and slapped the table beside him.
At his movement, the two rows of Red-robed Guards instantly drew the sabers at their waists in unison.
"Clang!" The neatly synchronized sound of blades leaving their sheaths was immensely intimidating.
Yun Niang and everyone else in the Jiaofang Division turned deathly pale.
"Since you refuse to recognize what is good for you, do not blame this official for being discourteous."
Zeng Anmin was expressionless as he abruptly rose to his feet and strode forward, calling out.
"Dachun!"
"Here!"
"Upstairs!"
"Right away!!"
"Tap tap tap."
The two moved swiftly, and for a time, no one dared stop them.
They went all the way to the second floor and rushed into a courtyard.
Looking at the plaque before them that read "Flower Pavilion."
Zeng Anmin gazed down imperiously at Yun Niang, who was already sweating profusely with anxiety below, and said.
"This official guarantees that I will leave after asking only a few questions."
With that, he hesitated no longer and shoved open the wooden door before him.
"Creak~"
The wooden door opened, and an exceptionally rich floral fragrance drifted out, making one feel refreshed and invigorated.
"Courtesan An Shiyi of the Jiaofang Division loved growing flowers above all else. The fragrance in her waterside pavilion was said to be overwhelming and to gladden the heart. It seems the rumors were true."
Zeng Anmin looked deeper into the room.
What entered his sight was a gracef... huh?!
Zeng Anmin's eyes flew wide open, and his expression became utterly spectacular.
Even the air fell silent.
After a long while.
Zeng Anmin painfully squeezed a single word from his throat.
"Father?"
Inside the room, Zeng Shilin stood straight as a bamboo pole. His face was as dark as water, and he said not a word.
Those imposing eyes of his carried authority even without anger.
"Didn't you say you were going out to enjoy the spring?"
Zeng Anmin recalled what his father had said before leaving that morning, and he still remembered the grave tone in which he had spoken.
So he had meant enjoying the bed!
His father looked at Zeng Anmin and asked in a deep voice, "What are you doing here?!"
Before you continue