Sun Miao'er recalled that she had caught a glimpse of Shan Qiu going to Tingyue Pavilion from upstairs earlier. Could it be that he was going to find Dongli Xiaoxiao?

"Manager Hu, what happened?" Driven by curiosity, Sun Miao'er felt that Dongli Xiaoxiao's robbery at the lantern festival was inexplicable, and her subsequent appearance in the woods was also unbelievable. Now it seems that Shan Qiu is still suspicious about this matter.

How did Dongli Xiaoxiao escape from the group of assassins with knives and swords that night, when even a few scoundrels were powerless to resist?

Moreover, it was just a sprained ankle, with almost no serious injury.

Hu Tingzhi was truly furious, but he still forcibly suppressed his anger and spoke to Sun Miao'er, "The head constable of the yamen really thinks too highly of himself. He's just a lowly constable, yet he insists on picking on Xiaoxiao!"

"Is Officer Shan still investigating that matter?" Although Sun Miao'er hadn't had much contact with Shan Qiu, Shan Qiu was straightforward and wore his heart on his sleeve.

Once he sets his mind on something, he's determined to do it, and no one can stop him.

Hu Tingzhi sighed, then thought of Shan Qiu and said angrily, "I already said I didn't want any more trouble. I'm just grateful that Xiaoxiao escaped this time. But Shan Qiu insists on finding those robbers. I'm really afraid that if we investigate further, we'll anger those villains! Xiaoxiao might not be so lucky next time."

"How is Xiaoxiao doing right now?" Hu Tingzhi asked, turning his head.

The servant replied, "Miss Xiaoxiao smashed the glass pot and two vases from the previous dynasty. She's currently in a rage inside and has even kicked the maids out."

"Alright then." Hu Tingzhi stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Miss Sun, Miss Wang, Young Master Wei, I'll take my leave now. Today's dishes are on me."

While Hu Tingzhi and Sun Miao'er were exchanging pleasantries, Wang Xueru sat to the side and finished a whole plate of lotus flower pastries. She had gone out into the corridor when the commotion started outside, and only now was she slowly strolling back.

His face still carried an air of gossip.

Sun Miao'er teased, "What fun stuff did you find out? Miss Wang, why don't you tell us?"

Wang Xueru picked up a teacup from the table, striking a pose like a storyteller, while Sun Miao'er grabbed a handful of melon seeds and began cracking them open with great interest.

"I heard that the day Constable Shan rescued Miss Xiaoxiao, he fell in love with her at first sight!"

Sun Miao'er almost choked on a sunflower seed. Had she heard correctly? Love at first sight?

Could Shanqiu, that cold-faced Yama, really fall in love at first sight with a courtesan? Impossible!

However, it's not entirely impossible. Dongli Xiaoxiao's face is so beautiful that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her a femme fatale. I reckon even the emperor would have the thought of "of all the waters in the world, I only want to drink from one gourd."

No matter how cold and ruthless Shan Qiu may be, he is still a man. How could he remain unmoved in the face of such a beauty?

Wang Xueru's eyes were full of sincerity, "That's what everyone's saying outside. I heard that Constable Shan has been going to Duhuan Tower for several days in a row, under the guise of investigating a case, he wants to see Miss Xiaoxiao..."

"They also said that Constable Shan abused his power for personal gain, since even money couldn't get him to see Miss Xiaoxiao. There's a group of people outside who are discussing going to the yamen to expose Constable Shan!"

Sun Miao'er was speechless. She thought that even Lord Zhang himself probably didn't believe that Shan Qiu had abused his power for personal gain. She had heard that Shan Qiu's official robes were brought from northern Shandong and had several patches on them.

Back then, the yamen was nearly emptied by the previous county magistrate, and the people were living in misery. It was only thanks to Lord Zhang and Head Constable Shan that they contributed their savings that the immediate crisis was alleviated.

Inside, people were chatting enthusiastically about gossip, but outside, a commotion suddenly broke out.

Sun Miao'er craned her neck to look and almost fell off the building.

The thugs of Duhuanlou formed a circle around a man, who was none other than Shan Qiu, dressed in plain clothes.

Yes, if he really wanted to abuse his power for personal gain, he shouldn't have come in civilian clothes.

Standing atop the three-story pavilion, Hu Tingzhi shouted, "Guards, arrest this freeloader!"

However, what surprised Sun Miao'er the most was that Shan Qiu did not resist, but instead put his hands behind his back, ready to be caught.

His actions undoubtedly implied his guilt, which is a serious matter. If things really escalate, he'll likely end up in jail for a few days.

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of people went up, tied Shan Qiu up with ropes, and dragged him away.

From the top of the building, Hu Tingzhi's voice rang out, "Dongli Xiaoxiao is the crown jewel of my Duhuan Tower. If anyone harbors ill intentions in the future, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Sun Miao'er was completely confused. What did he mean by "harboring ill intentions"? Could the rumors be true? Was Shan Qiu not here to investigate the case, but rather to win the heart of a beauty?

I didn't eat much, but I listened to my fill of gossip.

Dan Qiu's outburst at Duhuanlou added even more color to their dinner table:

The upright and incorruptible head constable was bewitched by a stunningly beautiful woman and never recovered.

Duhuanlou was a gathering place for all sorts of people, and in just half an hour, no fewer than dozens of rumors spread, and some people even started writing stories about the constable and the famous courtesan.

Seeing that it was getting late, Sun Miao'er and the others packed up and prepared to go back. Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, a maidservant came and bowed respectfully to Sun Miao'er, saying, "My manager invites you to listen to music at Tingyue Pavilion. He said he wonders if you would do me the honor."

You should know that the music in Tingyue Pavilion is different from that in the hall. The musicians in Tingyue Pavilion are all trained by famous masters and have received instruction from court musicians. It is said that listening to a piece of music in Tingyue Pavilion has the miraculous effect of cleansing the ears and purifying the soul.

She would naturally grant her this favor; otherwise, with her current meager funds, she probably wouldn't be able to enter Tingyue Pavilion for who knows how long.

"Miao'er, I didn't realize you had such a grand entrance!" Wang Xueru followed behind, feeling quite pleased with herself. She hadn't expected to get a free meal and then get to hear a famous musician play music. It was truly wonderful.

Sun Miao'er waved her hand, "Perhaps my master really did save Manager Hu's life!"

That was all she could think. After all, he was the richest man in Pingnan City. If it weren't for saving her life, why would he treat her so well?

If dining places are considered commonplace, then Tingyue Pavilion is a refined option.

Passing through the corridor, the broken glass pot had been quickly cleaned up, and a faint fragrance of sandalwood could be smelled from afar, instantly making one forget their troubles.

The maids and servants here were all dressed the same, in plain sky-blue clothes, with their hair tied in a single bun. Unlike the obsequious smiles of those in the front hall, the smiles on these people's faces were gentle and pleasant.

The difference between free and paid services is truly immense. Having come this far, Sun Miao'er couldn't help but admire Hu Tingzhi's business acumen, which was something she could learn from. Customers were also divided into different classes, and the appropriate order of service had to be tailored to the specific dishes served.