Fang Wenxu's cold sweat trickled down his cheeks: "I...I was just greedy for a bargain. The shopkeeper promised to give me a 10% discount for every business I referred."
He was a good-for-nothing scoundrel who had once studied, but failed the imperial examinations repeatedly and had to give up on that path. However, he was ambitious but lacked practical skills and could not find a suitable job to make a living, so he had a crooked idea.
Liu Yifu raised a question and asked, "Then how did you get in touch with the Treasure Pavilion?"
Fang Wenxu's face stiffened, and he stammered, "It started because I lost money at the gambling den, and the debt collectors came to my door and beat me up. The people from Cangzhen Pavilion paid off my debts!"
He pursed his lips, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. "Pah! A bunch of snobbish bastards! When I had money, they'd practically kneel down and lick my shoes!"
Liu Yifu tapped the table coldly, his eyes carrying a warning: "Don't say anything that's irrelevant to the case."
Fang Wenxu shrank back sheepishly: "Yes, sir!"
As if struck by a thought, a deep glint flashed in his eyes: "Do you know Qingyufang?"
"Qingyufang?" Fang Wenxu looked bewildered. "Sir, I've never heard of it!"
Upon receiving a look from Liu Yifu, the person next to him immediately stepped forward with a branding iron: "You'd better think carefully before you answer!"
Fang Wenxu's face paled, and he shook his head: "Sir, I have truly never heard of any green jade or purple jade! You could ask me a hundred times and I still wouldn't know!"
Liu Yi frowned again and added another stroke to the paper.
The case was progressing quite smoothly, but Liu Yifu's expression grew increasingly somber. After leaving the prison, others congratulated him, saying, "This case has finally made progress. I believe it will be closed soon, and His Majesty will surely reward Lord Liu!"
Liu Yifu's expression was solemn, his brows furrowed slightly: "This case has gone a little too smoothly."
He faced numerous obstacles when he first started his investigation, but now it seems as if someone has placed the answer in front of him, waiting specifically for him.
He rubbed his forehead, feeling inexplicably uneasy.
"Go to the Treasure Pavilion."
Fang Wenxu had mentioned that there was a hidden door in the backyard of the Treasure Pavilion, but it was unknown where it led or what secrets it held.
——
The following afternoon, Shen Tangning was examining the newly tailored clothes.
It's April now, the spring sunshine is warm, and we're gradually wearing lighter clothes.
A few days ago, she had someone tailor several new outfits for Chi Yan, including her own and Chi Yan's parents.
Xueqing exclaimed from the side, "This material is truly beautiful. I heard it's a shimmering brocade from the Qi Kingdom, and it's even more dazzling in the sunlight!"
Shen Tangning paused, her hand stroking the fabric. "Qi Kingdom?"
"Yes," Xue Qing said, looking puzzled. "But is something wrong?"
Shen Tangning smiled and said, "It's nothing. I just remembered that the envoy from Qi is coming to pay tribute."
As they were talking, Yuan Zhao rushed in, his face not looking too good: "Master, Lord Liu has been imprisoned!"
Shen Tangning was startled and suddenly stood up: "Do you know why?"
Yuan Zhao frowned: "Someone anonymously reported him for embezzlement and bribery. The Jingzhao Prefecture dug up a large amount of wealth from his courtyard and has already reported this to His Majesty."
"..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
