It involves not only the costs of repairing ditches and embankments, but also the costs of ice tribute and charcoal tribute.

Using ice in summer and charcoal in winter, originally a welfare benefit provided by the imperial court, gradually became a means for officials to openly bribe!

In order to get promoted or receive government funding, lower-level officials have to offer bribes to their superiors at every level. If you want to stay out of trouble, you will inevitably be ostracized and your career path will be difficult.

What should we do then?

They all offered tribute together, which led to rampant corruption!

Those in power are all making a fortune, living a life of luxury, and their private coffers are comparable to the national treasury. How can His Majesty be happy?

Liu Yi rubbed his temples and looked up to see a thin figure standing not far away, pacing back and forth, looking somewhat hesitant and uneasy.

A thought struck him, and he stepped forward, asking, "Miss Jinxiu, what are you doing here?"

Upon hearing the voice, Jinxiu looked up with delight: "Lord Liu! I came here specifically to see you!"

"Looking for me?" Liu Yifu couldn't help but become more curious. "Did something happen?"

"It's related to Miss Pingting." Jinxiu bit her lip and mustered her courage to hand him a bundle.

Liu Yi was startled and subconsciously reached out to take it.

Jinxiu hesitated for a moment: "The fire at Chunfeng Tower that night destroyed a lot of things, but the Jingzhao Prefecture arrived in time, so Pingting's room is not too bad."

"I found this while sorting through her belongings. I've never seen anything like it before... It looks rather strange, so I thought I'd send it to Lord Liu."

Liu Yifu straightened her expression and said solemnly, "Thank you, Jinxiu. Your caution was correct."

Jinxiu blushed and lowered her head, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise. After a moment, she said earnestly, "My lord, Miss Pingting is a good person. She rescued me from Mama Hua's clutches and often encouraged me, telling me that even when I'm in a quagmire, I shouldn't give up on myself. I always felt that she wouldn't commit suicide so easily; there must be another reason behind it!"

Seeing the glimmer of tears in her eyes, Liu Yifu was deeply moved: "Don't worry, I will do everything in my power to ensure she can die in peace."

Jinxiu was relieved and smiled gratefully: "Thank you, sir."

——

Liu Yi returned home before opening the bundle.

The contents rolled onto the table, startling him.

It was an extremely exquisite dance dress. He unfolded the dress, its design novel, something that had never been seen before in Yanjing.

The dance dress is well-preserved, showing that its owner took great care of it.

In addition, there was a strangely shaped mask with a blue face and fangs, resembling a demon.

Liu Yi picked up the mask again; it felt icy cold to the touch. The demons carved on the mask seemed to be breaking free of their cages, ready to devour anyone who might be caught.

As far as he knew, most girls liked delicate and cute masks, like foxes and rabbits, and such a ferocious and terrifying mask was really hard to connect with a girl like Pingting.

Liu Yifu frowned deeply, completely baffled.

...

The next day, Liu Yifu planned to go to Jinxiu to find out more about Pingting's situation, but when he arrived at Chunfeng Tower, he was told by Mama Hua: "Jinxiu? She went out yesterday and hasn't come back! That brat, who knows where she's hiding to slack off. When she comes back, I'll skin her alive!"

Liu Yifu's brow twitched, and a bad premonition immediately arose.

Sure enough, not long after, someone from the Jingzhao Prefecture reported the case.

A female corpse was found in the alley behind Chunfenglou.

The deceased was Jinxiu; the cause of death was a slit throat.

Liu Yifu was struck dumb: "..."