Because of Pingting's case, Chunfeng Tower's business has declined significantly. In the past, it would have been packed with people by this time, but when Shen Tangning and Liu Yifu arrived, the place was deserted.

"Please come in, sir. You look unfamiliar, is this your first time here?" After waiting for so long, a young lady's eyes lit up as she warmly greeted him.

Just before the other party was about to pounce, Liu Yifu raised his hand to stop them, his brows furrowed and his expression serious: "Please call your leader here."

The girl paused in her smile, as if realizing something, and awkwardly stopped what she was doing, saying politely, "Please wait a moment."

Shen Tangning glanced at Liu Yifu's overly tense appearance and couldn't help but curl her lips: "My lord, there's no need to be so nervous, otherwise everyone will know that we're here to investigate a case."

Liu Yi froze for a moment, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes. She managed to suppress it somewhat, at least the aloofness she exuded was much less pronounced.

Overwhelmed by the bleak business, the madam, who had barely slept all night, yawned listlessly and said impatiently, "Who wants to see me?"

When she saw Liu Yifu, she paused for a moment. In their line of work, the most important thing was to have a keen eye. The man's demeanor didn't seem like that of a customer looking for pleasure; rather, it seemed like...

When she realized what was happening, she had already put on a cautious smile: "Look at these clueless people, they didn't even tell me we had distinguished guests! May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

Shen Tangning raised an eyebrow in surprise: The madam of Chunfeng Tower is quite a clever person.

Indeed, no one is a fool to be able to gain a foothold in a place like Yanjing.

Liu Yifu had no intention of making a big fuss, and said in a low voice, "Liu Yifu, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, has been ordered to investigate Pingting's case."

"So it's Lord Liu!" Madam Hua's expression became much more cautious and polite, clearly showing her deep fear of the Dali Temple's unyielding attitude. "May I ask what brings you here, Lord Liu?"

Liu Yi raised his eyelids slightly and went straight to the point: "I would like to see where Miss Pingting lives. Would that be convenient?"

Madam Hua breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Of course it's convenient. I specially kept Pingting's room and haven't let anyone touch it. This way, sir."

Her gaze swept over Shen Tangning, lingering on her earlobe, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Shen Tangning looked up as if she sensed something, and calmly curled her lips. Mama Hua's smile faltered, and she pretended not to notice and looked away.

Mama Hua led them to a door: "Sir, this is the room where Pingting used to live. Ever since that child had the accident, I had her room locked up so that she wouldn't have to see things that remind her of her."

Hua's mother unlocked the door with the key, a hint of sadness on her face, whether genuine or an act for them to see.

Liu Yifu didn't rush to push the door open and asked, tilting his head, "Where is the maid who served Pingting? I want to find out some things from her."

Madam Hua suddenly realized, "You mean Jinxiu, sir? I'll have someone bring her over right away."

Liu Yi nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble."

"Oh dear, you're being so polite with me!" Mama Hua covered her mouth and chuckled, then turned and left, swaying her hips.

Liu Yifu's temple twitched slightly as he pushed open the door and entered. A woman's sweet fragrance wafted towards him. He stood at the door for a moment, feeling somewhat at a loss, before finally stepping inside.

Shen Tangning followed her in and gently closed the door.

There were other guests in the building, and their large group was bound to attract attention.

Pingting's room was decorated very elegantly, like the boudoir of an ordinary young lady, and the owner's refined taste was evident everywhere.

Shen Tangning carefully observed and gained a general understanding of Pingting's preferences. She liked light colors, especially the sky blue after rain, and the room's decorations were mostly based on this color scheme.

Tea, snacks, and a pot of Cymbidium goeringii were laid out on the long table by the window.

Liu Yifu stared at the carefully tended Cymbidium goeringii for a moment, then glanced at the painting hanging on the wall.