An Unexpected Encounter

From these few exchanges, Zeng Anmin formed a basic impression of the young man before him, named Shen Jun.

By normal logic.

His deceased uncle, Shen Liu, had no children.

That meant Shen Jun was the sole legitimate heir of the merchant Shen Manor.

He didn't need to do anything—just follow the natural course—and he would inherit Jin Taiping's Fleet, becoming the richest man in Two Rivers Prefecture.

By all reason, there was no need for him to kill his aunt in the Spirit Hall.

After being seduced by his aunt... he went to the Jiaofang Division.

This was a young man full of youthful vigor.

Moreover, in their conversation, this person spoke clearly and fluently.

If he hadn't carefully rehearsed this in his mind, it proved he wasn't lying.

If he had carefully planned it...

Someone with that kind of intelligence, how could they run off to the Jiaofang Division after committing murder?

If they had that kind of intelligence, they wouldn't have killed anyone at all.

They could simply wait to smoothly take over Jin Taiping's Fleet, then deal with everything afterward.

So now there were two possibilities.

First, someone in the Shen Family didn't want him to inherit the fleet and deliberately orchestrated this case, sending someone to report the crime right after he left the Spirit Hall.

Second, the murderer really was Shen Jun, and he was a complete idiot who acted without rhyme or reason...

Between these two possibilities, Zeng Anmin felt the former was more logical.

After all, in merchant households like this, such underhanded scheming was all too common.

What Zeng Anmin needed to do now was go to the Jiaofang Division and find that courtesan, An Shiyi, to ask a few questions.

To see if this Shen Jun really was a complete idiot.

Among everyone involved in this case, ninety percent were from the Shen Family.

But now, the Shen Family was also a prime suspect in Zeng Anmin's eyes, and he didn't trust them.

The Jiaofang Division.

It was an official brothel.

In every dynasty, the Jiaofang Division was a place only nobles and high officials could enjoy.

Because here, just a single tea party cost a full thirty taels of silver!

And even that didn't guarantee a night's pleasure—it still depended on whether the girl was willing.

To ensure a smooth investigation, Zeng Anmin directly brought two squads of Red-robed Guards from the Xuanjing Division.

"Xuanjing Division on official business! Clear the way!!"

As the hoofbeats rang out, the Red-robed Guard at the front shouted in a rough, intimidating voice.

At these words, all the commoners scattered like startled birds.

In an instant, the Jiaofang Division's doorstep was deserted.

Zeng Anmin dismounted slowly, with Dachun following respectfully behind him.

Looking at the fear in the eyes of the young ladies and the pimp's underlings at the door.

Zeng Anmin's face was expressionless.

"Sir, our Jiaofang Division runs a legitimate business... Young Master Zeng?!"

The madam rushed over hurriedly, and when she looked up and saw Zeng Anmin, her face showed surprise.

Seeing this madam, Zeng Anmin couldn't help but pause for a moment.

A perfect plump figure!

Still full of charm!

After a glance, Zeng Anmin snapped back to reality.

TV dramas really were all lies!!

This seductive madam had been portrayed so badly in those shows...

A memory surfaced.

His predecessor seemed to have had some dealings with this madam, Yun Niang.

"The usual... uh."

Zeng Anmin quickly stopped himself, his face turning serious:

"Yun Niang, this official is here today on a case. Summon Courtesan Shiyi at once—I have a few questions for her."

As he spoke, Zeng Anmin led Dachun toward the door.

Yun Niang followed behind, her still-charming face troubled: "Miss Shiyi is unwell today... it's not convenient."

Despite the many girls around, Zeng Anmin kept his gaze straight ahead. Hearing Yun Niang's words, he furrowed his brow slightly.

Finding a random chair, he sat down and said flatly, "This official said today I'm here on business. Just a few questions—it won't be a problem."

"This..." Yun Niang's distress deepened. She glanced around, bit her lip, then slowly approached Zeng Anmin and gently knelt down.

Whether by accident or design, she brushed against his head.

Sss~

What a fine head-cushion move... Zeng Anmin mused inwardly. Since when did meat merchants become so savvy?

This body was, after all, a sixteen-year-old full of youthful vigor. But he still remembered his station.

Just as he suppressed the stirring within, he heard Yun Niang's fragrant whisper: "Young Master Zeng, to be honest, there's an honored guest with Shiyi right now... it's not convenient."

Oh~

Zeng Anmin raised an eyebrow, instantly catching her meaning. But today was his first day on duty, and he wasn't about to grant anyone favors.

"Honored guest? How honored?" In all of Two Rivers Prefecture, who could be more honored than my dad? Besides, this official is here on business!

Zeng Anmin sneered, "I'll give you one last chance. If you're smart, have her come to me. If not, I'll go to her!"

"Young Master, can't you make an exception just this once..." Yun Niang was nearly in tears, blinking her pitiful eyes. "Next time you come, this servant will make sure you're well attended..."

She truly looked pathetic.

But Zeng Anmin was dead set on handling the case today. His expression turned icy.

"SLAP!!"

He suddenly slammed his hand on the table beside him.

At that motion, the two rows of Red-robed Guards instantly drew their waist blades in unison.

"CLANG!" The synchronized sound of drawn swords was utterly intimidating.

Yun Niang and everyone in the Jiaofang Division turned pale.

"Since you're so uncooperative, don't blame this official for being rude." Zeng Anmin's face was expressionless as he abruptly stood and strode forward, calling out, "Dachun!"

"Here!"

"Upstairs!"

"Right away!!"

"Thump, thump, thump."

The two moved swiftly, and no one dared to stop them.

They reached the second floor and crossed a courtyard.

Looking up at the sign reading "Flower Pavilion," Zeng Anmin cast a contemptuous glance down at Yun Niang, who was now sweating with anxiety, and said, "This official promises—just a few questions, then I'll leave."

With that, he hesitated no longer and shoved the wooden door before him.

"Creak~"

The wooden door opened, and an intensely rich fragrance of flowers wafted out, making one feel refreshed and invigorated.

"The Jiaofang Division's flower queen, An Shiyi, has loved growing flowers all her life. Her waterside pavilion is filled with the scent of blossoms, soothing the heart and mind—it seems the rumors are true."

Zeng Anmin looked deeper into the room.

What came into view was a graceful... uh?!

Zeng Anmin's eyes instantly widened, his expression turning utterly spectacular.

The air fell silent.

After a long time.

Zeng Anmin forced a single word from his throat with great difficulty:

"Father?"

Inside the room, Zeng Shilin stood as straight as a bamboo pole, his face as heavy as water, not uttering a word.

His imposing eyes carried an unspoken authority.

"Weren't you off on a spring outing?"

Zeng Anmin recalled the words his father had spoken before leaving that morning, still remembering the stern tone of his voice.

So it was a bed outing instead!

His father asked in a low voice, fixing his gaze on Zeng Anmin: "What are you doing here?!"