"Make way..."
"The yamen is investigating a case. Everyone, please disperse..."
Suijin Street was packed with pleasure establishments. Those who could afford to amuse themselves here were all wealthy merchants and dignitaries of the Capital City, so public order was far better than in other streets. Drunken brawls might happen, but murders were exceedingly rare. A marquis's retainer being killed while accompanying noble young men from the capital to drink with courtesans was certainly enough to cause a sensation.
Shortly after the body was discovered, all the young noblemen enjoying themselves in Spring Fullness House rushed out. Then patrons of the surrounding famous establishments heard the news and came to Spring Fullness House's entrance to inquire.
Fortunately, Li Guangxian, the Marquis of Jingyang, and the others all held considerable standing. Having trouble at a brothel was hardly glorious to begin with, and, fearing outsiders would spread outrageous rumors about "taking turns riding until he died in the saddle," they immediately had their guards keep everyone outside while they waited for the yamen to take over and handle the aftermath.
Cao Aning arrived first with the Twelve Offices' assistants. Seeing the dense crowd of prominent figures outside Spring Fullness House, he realized this case would be tricky.
In a place like this, an unofficial lackey like him could hardly shout orders and tell the bystanders to get lost. Only by speaking politely all along the way did he manage to squeeze through to Spring Fullness House's entrance.
After an incident like this, Spring Fullness House's business would certainly slump for a while. The owner was inwardly cursing up a storm, but he could not afford to offend any of his patrons. At present, he was all smiles as he apologized to the customers whose enjoyment had been interrupted.
Seeing the Twelve