Chapter 75 075 A Soft Heart

Chapter 75

Qi Jinyan reached out to take the account book, his fingertips quickly flipping through the pages.

As his eyes swept across the lines of records, his expression gradually darkened, and a layer of frost gathered between his brows.

With a thud, he slammed the account book onto the table and said in a cold voice, "Tell me in detail."

"Yes." Mu Shisan saluted with a fist, his voice steady. "I have been investigating Canghai County for two days and have discovered that the gambling house has increased security. The study where Master Zhang keeps his account books is heavily guarded, making it difficult to steal."

"To avoid alerting the enemy, I have taken the initiative to continue my investigation in Nanpu County, a hundred miles away."

Qi Jingyan turned the teacup in his hand and asked, "Of the several counties surrounding Canghai County, why did you choose Nanpu?"

Mu Shisan: "To answer your Highness, that night when I visited Zui Xiang Lou, I overheard the madam and a man who looked like a manager discussing something. They said that a high-ranking figure had recently arrived in Canghai County, and the situation was very tense. They didn't want to take in any new 'goodies' for the time being."

"She also mentioned that the women who had been kidnapped to pay off debts a few days ago needed to be sent away as soon as possible to avoid another incident like last time, where someone might come and forcefully ransom them, causing unnecessary trouble. The madam spoke with a look of fear, as if she were extremely apprehensive."

Upon hearing this, Mu Shan continued, "What they're worried about must be the incident where Miss Cai and Young Marquis Yu forcibly ransomed Qiu Lian."

Miss Meng didn't know about it, but they knew it clearly.

That day, Miss Cai and Young Marquis Yu wanted to redeem Qiulian, but Zuixianglou made things difficult for them and refused to let her go.

In the end, Miss Cai was so angry that she drew her sword and pressed it against the madam's throat, and only then did she manage to bring the person out.

Mu Shisan nodded and said, "It is this incident that has made them like frightened birds."

Qi Jingyan: "Go on."

Mu Shisan agreed and continued, "I was hiding in the dark, listening to the madam and the steward discuss for a full half hour, still undecided about where to send the new girl."

"The two couldn't make a decision, so the steward had no choice but to rush to Julongfang late at night to consult their boss, Master Zhang."

"Master Zhang didn't think much of it and simply ordered them to secretly transfer all the people to Zui Xiang Lou in Nanpu County, to keep them under strict supervision and to train them well."

"He also specifically instructed us to carefully produce a batch of 'high-quality goods' before the end of the year and send them to the capital for selection by the noble."

"This matter is of no small importance. I dare not delay and immediately lead my brothers to secretly follow the convoy escorting the woman and rush to Nanpu County overnight..."

After arriving in Nanpu County, Mu Shisan and others did not alert the enemy.

They either disguised themselves as traveling merchants or porters, hanging around in teahouses in the market, or climbed over eaves at night to investigate everywhere.

After many twists and turns and inquiries from many sources, I finally got a general idea of ​​the situation.

There is also a "Master Zhang" in Nanpu County. Master Zhang is in charge of all matters big and small in the gambling house and brothel. He seems to be very powerful, but in fact he is just a chess piece in front of the stage. The real person behind the scenes has never appeared.

What is even more shocking is that the scale of Julongfang and Zuixianglou in Nanpu County is far larger than that in Canghai County, and what they do is even more horrifying. They are simply arrogant and lawless.

Julongfang is a gambling house on the surface, but secretly it has hundreds of idle and vicious thugs.

These people stalk the streets like flies all day long, specifically looking for wealthy families with rich assets or ordinary people with a little extra money.

They set up traps one after another, using inducements, fabrications, sweet words, and even threats and coercion, using every possible means to drag people into the abyss of the carefully arranged gambling game.

No matter whether you are a wealthy squire or a good citizen from a small family, once you are targeted by them and step into the gambling world and become involved in it, it will be like falling into a bottomless swamp and you will never be able to escape.

Julongfang had made all the necessary preparations and secretly set up numerous traps to make the gamblers lose everything and become heavily in debt before they would give up.

When the gamblers have lost everything, these villains will show their hideous faces and use all kinds of cruel means to collect debts.

It seems that Lu Qiulian's family and Lin Wang's family were both victims of this vicious conspiracy.

Because of this vicious plot, countless wealthy families in Nanpu County lost their fortunes overnight, and countless harmonious families were separated in the blink of an eye.

It is not uncommon in Nanpu County for husbands and wives to turn against each other, fathers and sons to break off their relationship, and even for men to sell their wives and children to pay off their gambling debts.

Qi Jingyan's face was gloomy. "How could the Nanpu County Magistrate do nothing?"

Mu Shisan bowed and replied, "Your Highness, I originally thought that Canghai County Magistrate Chen had committed dereliction of duty and perverted the law by condoning the Zhang family's rampant behavior."

"But after this investigation into Nanpu County, I realized that there is always someone better than you. Compared to the Nanpu County Governor, County Magistrate Chen actually has some integrity."

Qi Jingyan: "How do you say it?"

Mu Shisan: "Although County Magistrate Chen turned a blind eye to the Zhang family's evil deeds, the root cause may be cowardice or self-preservation. He never accepted money from the Zhang family and even secretly restrained them many times, demanding that they not act too ostentatiously."

"So even if there are cases in Canghai County, most of them are gambling houses setting up scams in secret, and they dare not openly harm the people."

"But over in Nanpu County," Mu Shisan's voice suddenly dropped, "from Magistrate Lu himself to his subordinates and yamen runners, they've all been sated by the Zhang family's money."

"Not only did Magistrate Lu accept a large bribe, he also directly held shares in Julongfang and Zuixianglou, dividing the spoils among himself."

"The entire Nanpu County government has become a vicious dog kept by the Zhang family, aiding and abetting the evil and acting as accomplices to the tiger."

"The Zhang family is extremely arrogant in Nanpu County, like local tyrants. They set up gambling games in broad daylight to steal family property and abduct women in the street. They are committing all kinds of evil!"

"The people of the county are complaining bitterly, but have nowhere to turn to."

"Sometimes, victims, unable to bear it any longer, would beat drums to protest their grievances and submit their petitions to the yamen. Magistrate Lu would either evade responsibility or distort the truth, minimizing major issues and making minor ones disappear."

"If there really is someone so stubborn and unyielding, insisting on seeking justice, and causing unmanageable trouble..."

"In just a few days, this person will disappear for no apparent reason. No one will ever see him alive, and no one will ever find his body after he dies."

"After just a few days of investigation, we have already uncovered three such unsolved cases. I'm afraid the actual circumstances are even more horrifying."

At this point, Mu Shisan pointed to the books on the desk and said, "As soon as we got the account books, we didn't dare to delay for a moment and evacuated Nanpu County overnight."

One of these three account books records in detail the details of the Zhang family's bribes to officials in Nanpu County over the years. The amount is huge and shocking.

The other one contained irrefutable evidence that Magistrate Lu took dividends from Julongfang and Zuixianglou and divided the spoils among them.

The last one records the details of their regular transportation of gold, silver, treasures and women to the capital.

Qi Jingyan tapped the account book with his fingers: "Did we alert the other party during the operation?"

Mu Shisan shook his head firmly, "Your Highness, don't worry. We haven't alerted the enemy. After we succeeded, I secretly set a small fire in Master Zhang's study. Now it's a ruin. The Zhang family thought it was the candlelight that accidentally ignited the curtains, never expecting the account books to be stolen."

Qi Jingyan nodded: "Very good."

Mu Shisan asked, "Your Highness, what should I do next? Do you want me to lead my men and immediately take down the gambling house and brothel in Nanpu County?"

Qi Jingyan's eyes were deep and gloomy. "This matter has far-reaching implications, is deeply entangled, and has no bottom. We must not act rashly."

"Yes, I was reckless." Mu Shisan replied with his head down.

Qi Jingyan was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Do you still remember the unidentified corpse you fished out of the river near Chang'an County?"

Mu Shisan's brows tightened. "I remember that it was me who led the burial of the corpse."

"That's right." Qi Jingyan said, "Take your men to Chang'an County and see if there are any gambling houses or brothels belonging to the Zhang family within the county."

Mu Shisan's expression suddenly turned stern. "Your Highness, are you suspecting that the deceased was murdered by the Zhang family? Your Highness, be wise! Nanpu County has had several cases of unexplained disappearances, so there's no guarantee that Chang'an County doesn't have similar activities."

Qi Jingyan nodded slightly: "Just check it out and you'll know."

Mu Shisan immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and accepted the order: "I will lead my men out at dawn tomorrow and will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Qi Jingyan warned again: "Remember, you must investigate the clues, but when you are out, your own lives are the most important. When encountering problems, make decisions immediately and don't be stubborn."

Mu Shisan's heart warmed, and he replied sternly, "I obey your command."

Qi Jingyan: "Go back and rest."

Mu Shisan bowed and took his leave.

---

After Mu Shisan took the order and left, there was silence in the study for a while.

Qi Jingyan's face was as gloomy as water, and he said in a cold voice: "This king may be unable to reach other places, but in this small piece of Canghai County, there is absolutely no room for such a place that harbors filth and dirt. It pollutes this king's eyes!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Shan immediately stepped forward, clasped his fists, and offered, "Your Highness, in that case, how about I follow the example of Young Marquis Yu and Miss Cai, bring a team of elite men, disguise ourselves as bandits, and take advantage of the dark of night to wipe out those two hideouts?"

Mu Jiang, who had been waiting quietly nearby, could no longer contain his excitement. He rubbed his hands, eager to give it a try: "Your Highness! This matter is best left to me! Look at my appearance and physique. Even if I'm not pretending to be a bandit, I'll look like a bandit. I guarantee that I can do it cleanly and efficiently, and won't arouse suspicion!"

Qi Jingyan's eyes swept over Mu Jiang's sturdy figure and fierce face, and the corners of his lips rose slightly: "Well, this matter is indeed the one that no one else can handle."

Upon hearing this, Mu Jiang looked at Mu Shan proudly, grinned, and laughed.

Unexpectedly, Qi Jingyan changed the subject: "There's no need to disguise yourself or hide anything. Just go there openly under the banner of Prince Shen's Mansion."

Mu Jiang's smile froze instantly, and he asked in astonishment, "Your Highness, why is this happening? Such a grand gesture! What will happen if word gets back to the capital and reaches His Majesty?"

Qi Jingyan did not answer directly, but just turned his gaze to Mu Shan beside him.

Mu Shan immediately understood and turned to the still dazed Mu Jiang, patiently explaining, "Let me ask you, our Highness has been sent all the way from Kyoto to Lingnan. Do you think he harbors any resentment?"

Mu Jiang scratched his head, secretly glanced at his own prince, and said in a silly voice: "I didn't really notice this."

Mu Shan asked again: "In your Majesty's heart, do you think His Highness should have resentment?"

Mu Jiang glared and said, "How can I know what your majesty is thinking?"

Mu Shan asked again, "Then let me ask you again, Your Highness, do you feel resentful for the troubles you've encountered?"

Mu Jiang immediately became furious: "Of course I do. I even have the urge to kill someone."

Mu Shan nodded. "Well, now that you see these filthy people harming the people and corrupting public morals on your land, aren't you angry?"

Mu Jiang pounded his fist on his palm and said angrily, "Angry, of course I'm angry, I wish I could pick up a knife and chop those bastards right now. Asking this, aren't you angry?"

Mu Shan: "Of course I'm angry. All the brothers in the mansion are furious."

Mu Shan's voice darkened as he spoke, "So, this time, I want you to vent all the anger that our entire Shen Wang Mansion has been holding back!"

"Just go after the Zhang family's gambling den and brothel. Make a big fuss, do whatever you want to vent your anger. Make sure they're in chaos, everyone knows about it, and they're completely shut down. Do you understand?"

Mu Jiang was stunned for a moment, then he slapped his thigh and suddenly realized: "I understand."

Your Highness, you are doing this for His Majesty to see.

Your Highness has suffered such a great disaster. If you continue to swallow your anger, Your Majesty will think that Your Highness is deep-minded and has ulterior motives.

Now that Your Highness is acting so 'willful and reckless', taking out his anger on gambling houses and brothels, if His Majesty knew about this, he would probably think that Your Highness is straightforward and frank, and would be able to truly feel relieved.

Upon hearing this, Mu Jiang slapped his chest with his palm-leaf fan-like hand and said in a resounding voice, "Don't worry, Your Highness! I'll take care of this matter. I will destroy this filthy place to pieces and will never bring shame to Your Highness."

As he spoke, his face, covered with hideous scars, was filled with eagerness to try: "Your Highness, when will I go?"

Qi Jingyan said indifferently, "I have been holding this anger in my heart for a long time. If I hold it in any longer, I am afraid I will get sick. You can go tomorrow."

Mu Jiang clasped his fists and bowed, his voice as resonant as a bell: "Yes."

---

It was late at night when Qi Jingyan returned to Yanfu Residence.

But I saw that the candle in the inner room was still burning, and a warm yellow light shone through the window.

Mu Shan pushed him into the door, and he turned his wheelchair into the bedroom by himself.

When I entered the room, I saw Meng Yuning lying on the bed, kicking her legs out of boredom.

The loose trouser legs slid down to the knees as she moved, revealing a section of her calves as white as jade, which shone with a delicate and warm luster under the candlelight.

Yi'er was sleeping soundly beside her with his little belly bulging.

His heart softened, and the corners of his lips curved up in an imperceptible arc. He turned his wheelchair forward and spoke in a very soft voice: "Why haven't you rested yet, An Ning?"

Meng Yuning sat up upon hearing the voice, her long black hair draped over her shoulders, her eyes sparkling under the lamplight. She whispered, "Your Highness is back. How was Thirteen and the others' trip? Did they find any important clues?"

Before Qi Jingyan could answer, she suddenly remembered something and cried out, "Ah!" and jumped down barefoot: "Your Highness hasn't bathed yet, has he?"

As he spoke, he quickly walked into the bathroom next to him, reached out to feel the bucket of prepared hot water, and found that it was not hot enough.

She turned and ran to the small stove by the window, picked up the copper kettle that had been warming on it, went back into the bathroom, poured hot water into the bucket, tested the water temperature, and came out when she felt it was appropriate.

She walked behind Qi Jingyan, naturally pushed his wheelchair, and took him to the bathroom, pushing him next to the bathtub. She said softly, "Your Highness, please wait a moment. I will call Mu Shan to serve you."

After saying that, she was about to turn around, but Qi Jingyan gently grabbed her wrist.

His palms were slightly cool at night, but his tone was gentle and firm as he whispered, "No need, Ah Ning will help me."

Meng Yuning was startled when she heard this, then her eyes lit up. The little thoughts in her heart started to stir restlessly. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to Qi Jingyan's slightly open collar, and her voice was a little halting: "This, this, this, this is not in accordance with etiquette, right?"

Although she had wanted to see his abdominal muscles for a long time, this was still a bit inappropriate. Didn't the ancients believe that men and women should not be too close to each other? What if she saw him and he came back to rely on her?

Qi Jingyan looked at her eyes, which were wide open and seemed to wish they could get into his collar. After hearing her insincere rejection, he finally couldn't help but chuckle, "What are you imagining?"

Meng Yuning raised her eyes to look at him: "Didn't Your Highness ask me to help you take a bath?"

Qi Jingyan was both amused and annoyed, his tone filled with a hint of helpless doting, "I'm saying, please help me get into the tub. I can take care of myself when it comes to bathing."

Having her thoughts exposed, Meng Yuning felt her face flush red. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. She quickly replied vaguely, "Oh, oh, okay, I was mistaken. Don't blame me, Your Highness. I'll come and help you."

As he said this, he went to hold his arm, intending to lend him a helping hand.

Seeing the girl's red cheeks, Qi Jingyan felt a pang of irritation and wanted to tease her: "A Ning, do you want to help me?"

Meng Yuning saw through his joke and secretly rolled her eyes. Taking the opportunity to help him up, she secretly pinched his arm hard, but her face was serious: "Your Highness, please don't joke around."

Qi Jingyan deliberately hissed and looked at the smirking girl with a somewhat resentful look: "A Ning is so cruel."