Jiang Si mercilessly quashed A Man’s idea: “Things are different now. Going out alone is less conspicuous. You and A Qiao should guard the courtyard well. If anyone comes, find a way to cover for me.”
This was the inconvenience of daytime.
Due to the rumors of ghosts at Red Moon, Jiang Qiao and the others were forbidden by Old Madam Feng to go out. As a result, they visited their sisters more often during the day. Jiang Si had even entertained Jiang Qiao yesterday.
She had to go out today, and it would be troublesome if someone else came to visit.
Knowing A Man’s impulsive nature, Jiang Si specifically instructed A Qiao before leaving: “I’m entrusting Haitang Residence to you.”
“Don’t worry, Miss.” Having experienced waiting up late at night several times to open the door for her mistress, A Qiao suddenly felt she could handle anything calmly.
Sneaking out disguised as a little maid during the day was no big deal.
For Jiang Si, going out indeed wasn’t a problem.
She disguised herself as a little maid with slightly darker skin and unremarkable features. Anyone who saw her would vaguely feel she looked familiar, like the kind of maid commonly seen around the manor, but couldn’t quite recall her name.
Looking familiar was enough; who would pay attention to a little maid’s name?
Jiang Si arrived at the side gate and slipped the gatekeeper a string of copper coins, saying she wanted to buy some hair oil and powder from a peddler. She left the manor without any trouble.
The sky outside suddenly seemed vast, unlike the small patch visible from within the Earl’s manor.
Jiang Si quickened her pace, soon arriving at the meeting place she had arranged with Yu Jin.
Their meeting place was a teahouse. After Jiang Si gave the name of the private room, a waiter led her upstairs.
Long Dan was guarding the door of a private room.
Jiang Si signaled the waiter to leave and walked over.
Glancing at the approaching little maid, Long Dan coldly tried to shoo her away: “Little girl, you’re not allowed near here. Big brother will hit you if you come closer.”
Jiang Si gave Long Dan a deep look.
She never imagined this was how Long Dan behaved in front of unfamiliar girls!
Long Dan felt perplexed by Jiang Si’s gaze and had an ominous feeling. This feeling made him want to chase her away even more—out of sight, out of mind.
He quickly glanced at the door to make sure his master wouldn’t know, then gave Jiang Si a leering smile: “Little girl, how about big brother takes you for a cup of tea?”
Instead of the expected panic and flight, the little maid just stood there motionless.
Long Dan was at a loss now, rubbing his chin.
Could it be that she was smitten by his good looks?
That wouldn’t do; he wasn’t that kind of frivolous person!
Jiang Si couldn’t bear it anymore and spoke up: “Long Dan, it’s me.”
Long Dan’s eyes widened instantly.
Fearing he might not recognize her voice, Jiang Si added, “Miss Jiang.”
Long Dan: “…”
Oh no, how embarrassing!
At that moment, the door opened. Yu Jin reached out to pull Jiang Si inside, giving Long Dan a meaningful look. He said with a hint of a smile, “I can take you for a cup of tea later.”
The door closed again, leaving Long Dan leaning against it in despair.
Yu Jin looked Jiang Si up and down, smiling as he said, “So this is how you disguised yourself to sneak out.”
Jiang Si tugged at her clothes, asking with a smile, “Does it look convincing?”
Yu Jin looked at her and sighed.
Jiang Si raised an eyebrow.
“If you had just married me earlier, you wouldn’t have all these troubles. Then you could do whatever you want, go wherever you please, and I’d accompany you.”
Jiang Si didn’t respond. She sat down and poured herself a cup of tea. After taking a couple of sips, she asked, “Where is that person?”
Yu Jin felt a bit disappointed but quickly cheered up again.
This time when he brought up the topic, A Si didn’t object.
Not objecting was almost the same as agreeing, right?
“That person is a ruffian active in the Kangping district, called Old Fish. Our people are keeping an eye on him now.”
Kangping district?
Jiang Si pondered for a moment.
Yu Jin suddenly said, “It happens to be on the way to the Hanlin Academy.”
Jiang Si’s eyelid twitched as she looked at him.
Yu Jin smiled casually, “I’m just saying. A Si, I still don’t know why you’re looking for someone like him.”
Jiang Si very much wanted to roll her eyes at him.
If she hadn’t known this man for so long, she might have been fooled by his act.
Yu Qi wasn’t the type to have intricate, deep thoughts. He often acted on impulse, but in some aspects, he had an astonishing acuity.
For instance, right now, she hadn’t said anything, yet he had already mentioned the Hanlin Academy.
Since returning from Baiyun Temple, she had reported to the Zhu family. Although Yu Qi hadn’t asked much, he had likely already guessed her intentions.
It wasn’t hard to guess. If her elder sister had been harmed, Zhu Ziyu would naturally be the prime suspect. No matter how devoted he appeared as a husband, at least that’s what she believed.
And clearly, Yu Qi thought the same.
At this point, Jiang Si saw no need to conceal anything and said directly, “I want to see if that person has any connection to the Zhu family.”
“That’s simple. Those kinds of ruffians have no backbone. Once caught, they’ll spill everything before we even start interrogating,” Yu Jin said, then sighed quietly.
That man in the long robe still hadn’t opened his mouth. He wasn’t as cooperative as these ruffians.
“I want to question him myself.”
Yu Jin was startled for a moment, then quickly nodded, “No problem, I’ll arrange it right away.”
Kangping district was a gathering place for all sorts of people, and it was bustling at this time.
Old Fish emerged from a dark alley, walking forward with sleepy eyes. He soon ran into some of his usual companions.
“Hey, Old Fish, looks like you’ve been living it up. Those dark circles under your eyes—you better take it easy.”
Old Fish waved his hand happily, “Get lost, I finally don’t have to rely on my hands. Don’t jinx me!”
The person who spoke up asked enviously, “Come on, Old Fish, you’ve been flush with cash these days. Where are you making your fortune?”
Old Fish glared at him, “Mind your own business!”
Seeing Old Fish staggering towards the alley entrance, the man spat, “What are you so proud of? If you were really rich, why aren’t you at Golden Water River—”
The rest of his words were suddenly cut off.
The man watched in horror as Old Fish was quickly knocked unconscious and carried away at the alley entrance. It took him a while to regain his composure.
Looking around, the man ducked his head and ran out, fleeing as fast as he could.
As for calling for help for Old Fish? Impossible. Old Fish hadn’t invited him along when visiting the brothels, after all.
When Old Fish regained consciousness, he found himself in a pitch-black, narrow space. He felt around and touched hard, lukewarm walls.
Where was this place?
Old Fish was puzzled and terrified. He shouted.
The sound seemed to be trapped in this small space.
Old Fish became even more frightened. He shouted while flailing his limbs around. Inadvertently, he pushed upwards and heard a noise.
Old Fish was instantly scared stiff but soon reacted, pushing hard against the top.
As the gap slowly widened, the light seemed to brighten.
Old Fish crawled out of the confining space. When he got a clear look, he was so terrified that he lost control of his bladder.
Good heavens, it was a coffin!