It was nearly dusk when everyone returned to the magistrate’s office.
As soon as they entered, Zhuyan was eager to meet Pan Chi. “He must be tired of waiting after all this time. I’ll go out for a bit. Don’t wait for me for dinner.”
Zhuyan bid farewell and was about to leave when Shen Du grabbed her. “Since this concerns the case, it’s partly my responsibility too. I’ll go with you.”
Zhuyan was speechless and about to argue when Mo Qianzhi suddenly spoke from behind, “Chief Investigator, during our patrol we reviewed the troop rotation work for Yingzhou’s military camp. It’s still early, why don’t we discuss it now…”
“No time,” Shen Du coldly interrupted before Mo Qianzhi could finish, gripping Zhuyan’s hand tighter.
Just as he was about to leave with Zhuyan, Mo Qianzhi hurriedly continued, “Chief Investigator, matters have different priorities. Military affairs can’t be delayed. Let Madam Shen investigate the Half-Faced Ghost case. Please discuss the troop rotation with me.”
“I have urgent business now. Can’t we talk another day, Lord Mo?” Shen Du sounded impatient.
But Mo Qianzhi persisted:
“Chief Investigator, your wife holds an official position and is adept at investigating cases. Your insistence on accompanying her either shows distrust in her abilities or an inability to part from her. This would delay the Yingzhou troop rotation, potentially disappointing the court’s expectations. Please reconsider.”
Mo Qianzhi’s words were cleverly phrased, using the Empress’s name to pressure Shen Du, implying he was neglecting his duties due to his attachment to his wife.
Zhuyan immediately sensed the impropriety and quickly grabbed Shen Du’s arm to persuade him. “It’s alright. Stay and discuss the troop rotation with Lord Mo. If there are any new developments in the case, I’ll share them with you when I return.”
Zhuyan spoke earnestly, but Shen Du showed no intention of letting her go.
His brows furrowed, his deep eyes full of gloom and displeasure. He might not know about case developments, but he knew if he let Zhuyan and Pan Chi be alone together, he’d regret it bitterly.
After much thought, just as he was about to refuse Mo Qianzhi again, Zhuyan suddenly added, “Pan Chi and I will be at the Kelai Residence. If you’re really worried, come find me after you finish discussing official matters with Lord Mo.”
Hearing this, Shen Du slowly released his hand. After all, work was important, and personal matters had to be set aside.
Seeing Shen Du agree, Zhuyan left without a second thought.
Watching her hurried departure, Shen Du clenched his fist. When would this woman focus all her attention on him?
By the time Zhuyan arrived, Pan Chi had been waiting at the Kelai Residence for a while.
Seeing Zhuyan arrive, he quickly rose to greet her. Zhuyan thought Pan Chi wanted to eat there and was about to order when Pan Chi looked at her mysteriously and said, “Change your clothes. We’re going somewhere.”
“Where?” Zhuyan was reluctant, feeling hungry after a busy day without dinner.
“You’ll see when we get there,” Pan Chi maintained his air of mystery, pushing Zhuyan into a side room where clothes were already prepared for her.
Zhuyan opened the package to find men’s clothing. What was this about? Hadn’t she had enough of dressing as a man today?
She was about to ask Pan Chi the reason but swallowed her words. Pan Chi wasn’t reckless; he must have his reasons for this plan.
However, when Zhuyan changed and arrived at the next location with Pan Chi, she was stunned.
Xiuxiang Pavilion – Yingzhou’s most famous brothel.
“A brothel!” Zhuyan’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Why have you brought me to such a place?”
“Naturally, we’ve found a lead,” Pan Chi said meaningfully, then led the way inside. Zhuyan had no time to think further and hurriedly followed.
As Pan Chi was a familiar face here, the madam had already arranged a fine room for them and summoned Xiuxiang Pavilion’s top courtesan, Xiuxiu, to entertain them.
Zhuyan’s facial muscles twitched. Pan Chi’s connections were impressive, even in a place like this.
But she couldn’t care about that now, being extremely hungry. Seeing the table full of food in the room, she lost control, grabbing chopsticks and shoveling food into her mouth.
“Everyone’s not even here yet. Are you that hungry?” Pan Chi found Zhuyan’s behavior amusing. He had called for the top courtesan, but Zhuyan showed no interest, instead helping herself to the food without restraint.
“I’ve been busy all day without even a sip of tea. I’m starving,” Zhuyan quickly swallowed her food and took a sip of tea before looking at Pan Chi. “You’re really something, with connections everywhere. I suppose you’re a regular here?”
Hearing this, Pan Chi hurriedly explained, “I’m a gentleman. Don’t think so poorly of me. I’m only here to investigate the case, nothing more.”
Seeing Pan Chi’s earnest expression, Zhuyan couldn’t help but smile. After a few more mouthfuls of food, she frowned and said:
“This Xiuxiu, being the top courtesan, must be very beautiful. I’d like to see how the beauty of Gannan compares to those in Chang’an.”
Hearing Zhuyan say this, Pan Chi’s eyes narrowed slightly. Speaking of beauty, the one before him was unmatched.
“Lotus can’t compare to a beauty’s makeup, the wind brings jeweled fragrance to the water palace.”
Pan Chi unconsciously recited a poem, and just as his voice faded, another voice continued:
“In the gentleman’s poem, the autumn wind is free, lotus flowers fragrant. It describes a woman so beautiful she’s like a lotus bud about to bloom. Even the dew-laden lotus can’t compare to the beauty before him, and the fragrance brought by the wind is more subtle than that of the lotus. I wonder to whom the gentleman dedicates these heartfelt words?”
As the words fell, Pan Chi looked meaningfully at Zhuyan beside him.
Zhuyan was clearly shocked, her eyes wide, food still in her mouth, staring blankly at the newcomer.
“A beauty dances like a spinning lotus, unseen by the world’s eyes…”
Zhuyan quickly swallowed her food and lavished praise on the woman before her.
Xiuxiang Pavilion’s top courtesan truly lived up to her reputation. With eyebrows like painted clouds, a straight nose, and thin lips, she carried herself with the grace of a noble lady. Moreover, she was well-read, able to interpret Pan Chi’s poem.
She was indeed a rare and remarkable woman…
Pan Chi’s poem was clearly meant to praise the beauty before them.
Xiuxiu asked her question, and Pan Chi’s expression became extremely unnatural. He lowered his eyes and smiled, “It doesn’t matter to whom it’s dedicated. What matters is that the beauty before us doesn’t understand its meaning.”
Hearing this, Zhuyan became more certain of her thoughts. Pan Chi had composed this poem to praise the courtesan before them.
But how could he easily win the heart of such a top courtesan?
Zhuyan felt a bit sorry for Pan Chi. This Xiuxiu was clearly not someone easily impressed by ordinary men. Though he was a handsome and talented young master from a wealthy family, he would need to put in considerable effort.