Sima Junru smiled; it seemed even heaven was on his side.

He took a torn piece of silk from the male corpse.

"This kind of silk can only be found in Lijinxiufang in the north of the city. It is the Zhang family's specialty. Moreover, each pattern is only embroidered once. Every customer of Lijinxiufang is a distinguished guest."

Situ Heng was slightly taken aback: "Shangguan is indeed more knowledgeable."

"I heard it from the Emperor's father-in-law; he is their honored guest."

Situ Heng asked in bewilderment, "For a spy to be so particular is fatal."

Sima Junru said, "There's one thing you need to understand."

"A dog can't stop eating shit."

Situ Heng was slightly taken aback, not quite understanding the meaning of those words. After thinking for a long time, he finally understood.

A person's personality, habits, or hobbies are very difficult to change.

Even if they restrain themselves for a period of time, they will soon reveal their true colors again.

Because those are imprinted in every cell of the human body.

Clearly, this spy was someone who would be meticulous about his attire even if it meant losing his head.

Sima Junru would never want a subordinate like that; such a person's flaws are too obvious, and he's too much of a liability.

Sima Junru led Situ Heng towards Lijinxiufang.

Zhang Xun of Lijinxiufang was a famous wealthy merchant in Youzhou. Lijinxiufang was one of his properties, but it was also his most beloved property.

Although it couldn't compare to the four famous embroidery workshops of the Song Dynasty, Zhang's embroidery workshop was renowned throughout the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

Sima Junru likes to wear a black linen outfit and a straw hat on snowy days.

Time has etched a sense of composure and depth onto his face, which is not yet thirty years old, and his eyes are as calm as an ancient spring.

Of course, no one here knew that he was the head of the Imperial City Guard of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, nor could they tell from his clothing.

Once inside, Situ Heng was the one who asked the questions.

Knowing that the commander of the Imperial City Guard had arrived, Zhang Xun personally came to greet him.

"Master Zhang, was this embroidery done here?"

Situ Heng took out the piece of silk that had been cut off and presented it to Zhang Xun.

Zhang Xun leaned closer for a look and immediately said, "Isn't this Young Master Zhou's clothes?"

Are you sure?

“Situ Shangguan, the clothes in my shop are all unique. I know perfectly well who bought those embroidered clothes.”

Situ Heng joked, "No wonder Master Zhang's business is so big."

"Sir, please don't flatter me. I am where I am today only because of the guidance of the imperial court."

"Who exactly are you referring to as 'Young Master Zhou'?"

"Zhou Ling, the eldest son of the Zhou Yi family!"

Situ Heng stood up: "Thank you, Master Zhang."

"Shangguan, please finish your tea before you leave."

"No, goodbye!"

Sima Junru frowned: "Zhou Yi, isn't he a friend of the Emperor's father-in-law?"

"Shangguan, let's go to Master Zhou's house quickly. I know this Master Zhou. The Ministry of Commerce has his name on their list. That bastard is really bold. He has the government's secrets in his hands, but he's a traitor!"

Sima Junru's mind raced: "Who is this Zhou Ling?"

"A notorious playboy in Youzhou!"

What are his hobbies?

"I like visiting brothels."

The Imperial City Guard had complete control over the actions of these wealthy merchants, and even knew exactly what their children did on a daily basis.

Which brothel to go to?

"Moon Gazing Pavilion".

Sima Junru turned her horse around: "Quickly gather the brothers and surround Wangyue Pavilion!"

Why is that?

"No time to explain, get in the car... oh no, gather the men!"

Sima Junru rode his horse toward Wangyue Pavilion, his whole body boiling with excitement.

"Interesting, very interesting! A counter-infiltration operation has begun!"

Sima Junru had been sitting in the teahouse across the street for two cups of tea, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

Until the Imperial City Guard quickly surrounded Wangyue Pavilion, making it completely impassable.

The madam of Wangyue Pavilion, known as Yue Niang, was a beautiful and charming woman. As soon as she saw Situ Heng enter, she stepped forward close and said, "What wind blew you here, Situ Shangguan?"

"The Imperial City Guard is conducting an investigation; all unauthorized personnel must immediately move aside!"

Situ Heng said coldly, "Brothers, seal all the exits. Not even a fly is allowed to get out!"

Everyone shouted in unison, "Yes!"

When Yue Niang saw this, she was startled: "Situ Shangguan, what do you mean by this?"

Situ Heng said, "Yue Niang, I ask you, do you know Young Master Zhou Ling?"

"Yes, I know him. He's a regular here."

"Has he specified a girl he likes?"

"Of course, he especially likes Liu Qingqing."

When was the last time you came here?

Although she didn't know why Situ Heng suddenly asked these questions, Yue Niang still answered truthfully: "Three days ago."

"Take me to see Liu Qingqing!"

"This...she has guests in her room!"

"Take me to see her immediately, or I will seal off this Moon Gazing Tower!"

Yue Niang shivered. Although she had powerful backers, they were nothing compared to the Imperial City Guard.

Even Li Guang, the prefect of Youzhou, had to give face to the Emperor's personal guards of the Imperial City Guard.

Yue Niang led Situ Heng upstairs. Before they even reached the door, Situ Heng heard a noise coming from inside. He immediately rushed over and kicked the door open.

A man in black was holding a rope tightly around Liu Qingqing's neck, and Liu Qingqing's eyes were already rolling back in her head.

Without pausing for a moment, Situ Heng swiftly slashed out with his blade.

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