Shen Qingtang's business empire in Loulan gradually expanded. He not only opened a trading post in the capital that integrated shops, workshops, and warehouses, but also distributed high-yield crop seeds from the Central Plains to farmers in the surrounding areas.
Special personnel were assigned to provide guidance on farming techniques.
In just a few months, the grain production of Loulan Kingdom increased significantly, and the people's granaries gradually became full.
The textile machines she introduced doubled the local fabric production.
The colors and patterns became increasingly diverse, and the goods were sold to surrounding city-states by caravans, with demand exceeding supply.
Along with this, supporting industries such as restaurants and teahouses also flourished. The streets and alleys of the capital were bustling day and night, with a constant stream of pedestrians, and everyone's face was filled with a satisfied smile.
Elizabeth became increasingly convinced of Shen Qingtang's abilities and entrusted her with the management of some of the city-state's trade, leading to closer cooperation between the two countries.
Along the trade route, camel caravans and horse-drawn carriages laden with goods came and went in an endless stream, presenting a thriving scene.
But just as things were going smoothly, a strange murder case suddenly broke out in the capital.
At first, it was just that a beggar in the suburbs died suddenly and mysteriously. His body was shriveled like a dead tree and his face was filled with a look of terror. Everyone thought that the beggar had died of illness.
They didn't pay much attention. But a few days later, three people in the city died in the same way: a merchant, a craftsman, and even a servant of a nobleman.
Without exception, all the dead had their life essence drained, leaving them emaciated and in a horrific state.
This sudden series of murders shattered the peace of the capital, plunging the city into panic.
Those old nobles who already harbored resentment towards Shen Qingtang jumped out again, pointing the finger directly at her: "It must be this woman from the Central Plains who brought this disaster! The strange and ingenious skills she brought were already ominous, and now she has killed our people!"
Rumors spread like wildfire, and more and more people were gripped by panic, echoing, "Yes! Ever since she arrived, first there were rumors, and now there's been a murder. She must be using evil magic to harm people in order to steal our fortune!"
"Drive her away! Drive her and all her people away! Otherwise, more people will die!" Some people even gathered outside Shen Qingtang's trading post, shouting curses and demanding that she hand over the "evil magic manual" to pay for the deaths.
When Shen Qingtang received the news, she was inspecting the newly arrived goods. Upon hearing that many people had died tragically and that she had been framed for the crime, she was filled with shock and anger.
She rushed to the morgue and examined the body herself, her fingertips touching the deceased's withered skin.
I felt a chill, as if some strange force had completely drained the life force and essence from my body. This method was sinister and ruthless.
Unlike any martial arts or poison techniques she knew, "It wasn't an ordinary murder; it was a case of life force being drained by some evil entity."
Shen Qingtang's expression turned solemn, and she vaguely guessed that the person behind this was probably the same group as the mysterious force that had spread the rumors before.
She didn't offer much explanation, only asking Elizabeth to order the crime scene to be sealed off and to prevent the spread of rumors.
At the same time, he secretly mobilized his own people to investigate the case together with Lyon's guards.
Following the deceased's whereabouts and the faint traces left at the scene, Shen Qingtang's people finally found a clue in a dilapidated temple on the outskirts of the city: a talisman stained with black energy and a few animal hairs that did not belong to ordinary people.
This dilapidated temple was the very place where Lu Jiaojiao had previously hidden.
Shen Qingtang immediately led her guards straight to the dilapidated temple. At this moment, Lu Jiaojiao was hiding in a corner, looking at the evil magic doll in her hand and giggling foolishly.
Her face was contorted with glee. Hearing footsteps, she looked up abruptly and saw Shen Qingtang barging in with her entourage. Her face instantly turned deathly pale.
She turned to run away. But Shen Qingtang had already laid down her defenses, and the guards quickly surrounded her, cornering her tightly.
"Run! Try running again!" Shen Qingtang approached step by step, her eyes as cold as a sharp blade in winter. The pressure emanating from her body made Lu Jiaojiao tremble all over, and her legs went weak and she collapsed to the ground.
Seeing the undisguised murderous intent in Shen Qingtang's eyes, she was so frightened that her teeth chattered, but she still forced a vicious expression: "Shen Qingtang... don't come any closer! You jinx, you'll get your comeuppance sooner or later!"
Shen Qingtang grabbed her collar and pulled her up from the ground.
His other hand gripped her neck, tightening his grip: "Did you kill the people in the city? Who ordered you to do it? Was that life-draining evil creature given to you by someone behind you?"
The icy breath hit Lu Jiaojiao's face, and the hand gripping her neck felt like an iron clamp, making it hard for her to breathe and turning her face bright red.
"Let me go... let me go!" Lu Jiaojiao struggled desperately, waving her arms and legs wildly, but she couldn't break free from Shen Qingtang's restraints at all.
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