On his way back to the County Office, Guan Xinrui sent the two constables away and took a considerable detour to a gambling den in town.
The men at the entrance clearly had sharp eyes. As soon as they saw Guan Xinrui approach, the highest-ranking man stepped forward. But at the look Guan Xinrui swept his way, he swallowed the title on his tongue and merely approached with a smile, bowed, and asked quietly,
"My lord, what brings you here today? Would you like to play a few rounds, or...?"
A personal visit from the County Magistrate was no small matter, and no one had ever seen him come to gamble before. The speaker chose his words carefully.
Of course, Guan Xinrui had not come to gamble. Unless he wanted to savor the thrill of winning, why would he need gambling to get money?
Guan Xinrui said nothing in response to the doorman and walked straight toward an alley to one side. While the man stood there frowning in thought, Guan Xinrui glanced back at him. He hurried after him at once.
Once inside the alley, Guan Xinrui checked that no one was ahead or behind them, then beckoned. The man who had followed immediately drew closer.
"Have your manager come find me."
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
Guan Xinrui nodded and went on his way without another word, though he did not walk particularly fast.
Less than half a cup of tea's time later, a well-dressed man seemingly happened upon Guan Xinrui in the town's evening streets. He bowed in greeting and accompanied him for a stretch.
The newcomer was none other than Chai Wang, who had repeatedly slipped into the County Office and had caused the murder at the inn back then. That murder, however, really had had nothing to