Gu Qinlan did not choose to return to her own residence, but instead chose to stay at Aunt Lian's house, patiently waiting for the latest news.
Jin Tianming was highly skilled in intelligence gathering, and after only an hour's journey, he personally returned with the intelligence.
As soon as he stepped inside, without even wiping the sweat from his forehead, he eagerly prepared to bow to Gu Qinlan.
Gu Qinlan quickly and gently stopped him, saying kindly, "Uncle Jin, you don't need to be so formal. Tell me the news first."
Jin Tianming swallowed hard, his expression grave, and said, "Alright, then I won't beat around the bush. According to my investigation, those jewels came from some of the thugs at Xiaoxiang Pavilion."
Gu Qinlan's eyes immediately sharpened: "Xiaoxiang Pavilion? Uncle Jin, are you sure?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Jin Tianming's eyes: "Does Madam know anything about Xiaoxiang Pavilion?"
How could she not understand!
Xiaoxiang Pavilion is the most famous brothel in the city, with extremely booming business. It also has chain stores in other major cities, while the main store is located in the capital.
The master behind Xiaoxiang Pavilion is none other than the Third Prince.
This brothel was not only a tool for the Third Prince to amass wealth, but also an important place for him to gather intelligence and corrupt officials.
If it weren't for her past life's experiences, Gu Qinlan would never have known these inside stories.
She also knew that many of the women in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion were from respectable families who had been abducted. They came from distinguished families, were well-educated, and were completely different from the prostitutes, which is why they were so popular with the customers.
These clients, who lure respectable women into prostitution and try to reform them, are inherently evil.
In her past life, countless women suffered at the hands of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
Thinking of the misfortune that Zheng Huiyi might encounter, Gu Qinlan's heart jumped into her throat.
Although she didn't like Zheng Huiyi, she never wanted Zheng Huiyi to suffer misfortune, and she didn't want to see her fall into such a situation.
As a woman, she deeply understands the hardships women face, so even if she doesn't like women, she will only keep her distance and will not wish them any misfortune.
Of course, Gu Qinlian is an exception!
Gu Qinlan tried to calm her inner turmoil and asked Jin Tianming, "Uncle Jin, are your men able to find out what's going on inside Xiaoxiang Pavilion?"
Jin Tianming shook his head helplessly: "Since Madam has some knowledge of Xiaoxiang Pavilion, she should also be aware of the complexities behind it. To be honest, since discovering the source of the jewelry, I have not dared to investigate further."
Although he longed to climb the social ladder by associating with the prestigious Prince Duan's mansion, he was well aware of the consequences he would face if he offended Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
To seek opportunities amidst wealth and honor, the prerequisite is that one must survive amidst numerous dangers.
If he offends Xiaoxiang Pavilion, even if immense wealth were to pour down like rain, he would not be able to enjoy it, for his life would not be able to bear it.
Jin Tianming sighed deeply: "Madam, I am unable to provide assistance with the following matters. I hope you will understand."
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly, indicating her understanding.
After all, Xiaoxiang Pavilion is backed by an incredibly powerful force that Jin Tianming cannot contend with, and even the Duan Prince's Mansion does not dare to easily confront it head-on.
However, since lives are at stake, a rescue effort must be made.
At this moment, no one knew Zheng Huiyi's situation in Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but Gu Qinlan understood that letting her stay in that dangerous place for even a moment longer would increase the risk and difficulty.
Therefore, she must be rescued as soon as possible.
Gu Qinlan forced herself to remain calm and tried hard to recall all the details about Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
After calming down, she remembered a crucial piece of information.
The person in charge of Xiaoxiang Pavilion was a woman named Luo Yifeng, known in the underworld as Mama Luo. She used to be the top courtesan at a prestigious brothel in Beijing. Although she was not exceptionally beautiful, her skillful tactics made many men fall for her.
Even the fifth prince at the time, who is now the emperor, once went on an incognito visit and personally experienced her charm.
But then, Mother Luo mysteriously disappeared for more than ten years. When she reappeared, she had transformed into the head of Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
Many people find it hard to connect her with the former top courtesan. It was only after Gu Qinlan delved into the Third Prince's network of connections that she learned of Luo Mama's identity, thus uncovering the secret behind her sudden retirement.
Back then, Luo's mother became pregnant with the child of a certain nobleman. She dreamed of becoming a prominent person by virtue of her offspring, so she chose to live in seclusion to raise the child.
However, she overestimated the child's importance.
How could that important person possibly allow the outside world to know that he had an affair with a courtesan and even had a child with her?
Therefore, the son that Luo's mother gave birth to with all her might was eventually kidnapped by villains and never heard from again.
Although Madam Luo yearned for advancement through her son, she harbored genuine love for her child and had been searching for her missing son for years. The Third Prince exploited this weakness, frankly promising to help her find her child after achieving his ambitions, thus making Madam Luo willingly serve him.
In the past, the loyal Madam Luo devoted her entire life to serving the Third Prince, working tirelessly until the end of her life, yet she was never able to see the face of her own flesh and blood.
Just then, Gu Qinlan grasped a clue about the child.
In her past life, she had gathered countless intelligence reports for Ji Yinli's future, especially knowing everything about the Third Prince, including the secrets of that child. However, she wasn't sure if Madam Luo would believe her.
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