“Think about it – how would you feel if you found Miss Jiang visiting a house of male courtesans?”
Yu Jin considered it.
Better not think about it…
“Master, you should go escort Miss Jiang instead. Those flower boats receive guests every night, whether you investigate today or tomorrow won’t make a difference.”
Yu Jin nodded in strong agreement.
That old Zhen Shicheng was too persuasive, making him forget his original purpose for coming to the Ministry of Justice.
He had only come to appease the Emperor, did he need to become some legendary righteous official solving cases?
Yu Jin suddenly felt his earlier decision not to escort Jiang Si was completely foolish. Those who didn’t know better might think he enjoyed visiting flower boats.
“Do this – you go check out the next flower boat, but don’t startle anyone.” Yu Jin instructed.
Long Dan immediately agreed with a bright smile.
Yu Jin looked at him suspiciously.
Long Dan quickly resumed his serious expression: “Or master, you could investigate while I escort Miss Jiang.”
“Get lost.”
The crescent moon climbed higher, making the ground appear covered in a thin layer of frost.
A Si noticed Old Qin walking strangely and asked: “Old Qin, what’s wrong?”
Old Qin replied embarrassedly: “My leg was kicked, it’s somewhat painful. That subordinate of Young Master Yu has excellent martial arts.”
In his younger years, he could have fought that opponent to a draw, but now his stamina couldn’t keep up.
Of course, in a real life-or-death battle, he was confident he wouldn’t be inferior to Long Dan – at worst, they would take each other’s lives.
“Apply some blood-activating wine when we return.” Seeing Old Qin’s self-reproach, Jiang Si consoled him, “His subordinates are chosen from thousands – you did well to hold your own.”
Whether it was the smiling Long Dan or the taciturn Cold Shadow, on the battlefield, they were cold-blooded killers who had truly waded through piles of corpses.
The hired carriage was parked in an inconspicuous corner. A Fei had grown anxious waiting and hurried forward when he saw Jiang Si and Old Qin approaching one after another.
“Miss, you’re finally out!”
Any longer and he would have wondered if Miss Jiang had taken a fancy to one of the Yan Chun Troupe’s flower girls.
“Get in the carriage first.” Jiang Si lifted her skirts and nimbly entered the carriage, glancing back at the brightly lit Jin Shui River.
The Jin Shui River seemed even more lively than when she had first arrived. Music, laughter, and songs – all sorts of sounds seemed wrapped in an invisible fragrance of powder and rouge, merging into an indistinct yet heart-stirring melody that crept into one’s ears.
Those who heard it felt their ears tingle and their hearts flutter, and the unrestrained pleasure boats floating on the Jin Shui River were the perfect place to scratch that itch.
Which flower boat had he boarded now?
With his appearance, the leading courtesan would surely be eager to accompany him.
The image of Yingying, the star courtesan of the Yan Chun Troupe, suddenly appeared in Jiang Si’s mind.
A long red dress, loosely arranged hair, fair bosom, and a pair of feet with red-painted toes…
Jiang Si pressed her lips together and shook her head.
She had said she didn’t mind, so why was she imagining such things?
Ducking under the curtain into the carriage compartment, Jiang Si silently criticized herself.
But soon, these girlish worries popped like bubbles.
Jiang Si’s body tensed, and she asked as calmly as possible: “Who’s there?”
The cold dagger pressed against her lower back moved slightly.