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Lu Shiyi paused here, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

Gu Changjin said, "Inspector Lu, please speak your mind freely."

Lu Shiyi replied, "The main pirate forces in the southern Jiangnan seas come from several factions of pirates originating from Di Luo and Mo Kingdom. Among them, the Di Luo pirates are the most powerful. These pirates use Four Square Island as their base, with Di Luo pirates often leading the attacks on Great Yin. However, in recent years, I've noticed that the Mo Kingdom pirates have been gaining strength on the island, no longer allowing the Di Luo pirates to dominate unopposed. It seems to me that the pirates on Four Square Island are now at odds with each other, secretly vying for control of the island."

Lu Shiyi's words were veiled, but after a moment of contemplation, Gu Changjin responded, "Inspector Lu suspects that Liao Rao is colluding with the Mo Kingdom pirates, using them to counterbalance the Di Luo pirates."

Nodding thoughtfully, Lu Shiyi stroked his chin and said, "Liao Rao has ample military resources and is an experienced general. Yet, his battles against the Mo Kingdom pirates seem superficial, not reaching their core. They differ greatly from his previous tactics. Ah, yes—"

Suddenly, Lu Shiyi paused and looked at Rong Shu. "About the 'Madam Phoenix' you asked me to investigate, I've made some progress."

Rong Shu exchanged a glance with Gu Changjin before asking, "Who is this 'Madam Phoenix'?"

Lu Shiyi didn't beat around the bush. "Very few would dare to use the character 'Phoenix' in their name. In the past two years, a famous woman has emerged in the southern seas, and her name includes the character 'Phoenix.' She used to be the beloved concubine of a notorious pirate lord, known as Jiaofeng."

With a smile, he glanced at Rong Shu again. "I've even shared the story of that pirate lord with you before. You're just like your mother, fond of these tales of the jianghu."

Upon hearing this, Rong Shu's memory was jogged.

"Could it be the Water Dragon King from Mi Kingdom? That man must be the leader of the Mi Kingdom's sea bandits," someone speculated.

"That's right. I've always suspected that Liao Rao had some secret dealings with the Water Dragon King," Lu Shiyi said. "But last year, this infamous 'Water Dragon King' of Four Square Island mysteriously died, and many people believe the Di Luo were behind it."

Rong Shu indeed had a deep impression of the Water Dragon King. As a child, she had heard countless tales about him.

The Water Dragon King's father was a Mi Kingdom pirate, while his mother was a captured citizen of Great Yin. Following in his father's footsteps, he was ruthless and became one of the most notorious pirate leaders in these waters at a young age, specializing in plundering ships at sea.

After Emperor Jiande imposed a maritime ban, the Water Dragon King turned his attention inland, partnering with pirates from Di Luo to attack the coastal counties of Great Yin. Later, on Four Square Island, he sold the stolen goods to other countries.

Such an infamous person had actually died?

Curious, Rong Shu asked, "Then who was his beloved concubine?"

"Not much is known about Jiaofeng except that she's a woman from Great Yin. After the Water Dragon King's death, she swiftly took over his position with great force. Now, his men follow her without question. This woman is truly remarkable; I wonder if she's the 'Madam Feng' you mentioned."

Rong Shu instinctively looked at Gu Changjin and saw a glimmer of realization in his eyes.

"I originally asked Miss Rong to inquire about this matter," Gu Changjin acknowledged, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Inspector Lu. The 'Jiaofeng' you mentioned should be the 'Madam Feng' that I'm searching for."

Upon hearing this, Lu Shiyi's gaze involuntarily shifted between Rong Shu and Gu Changjin.

Something about what was said seemed off, didn't it?

Rong Shu wasn't as perceptive as Gu Changjin; she completely missed the hidden meaning in Lu Shiyi's gaze.

Her heart was currently roiling with turmoil due to Gu Changjin's earlier words.

Unconsciously, she turned to Gu Changjin and said, "Lord Gu, I had thought that you came to Yang State Prefecture to investigate Pan Xueliang's case of cheating."

Pausing abruptly, she continued.

In her previous life, after Pan Xueliang's death, Gu Changjin specifically went to the palace to meet the Emperor. Soon after, he secretly left the capital and didn't return until near winter, injured.

It was also in August of that year when enemies from the South China Sea fiercely invaded Yang State Prefecture. The attack was sudden and fierce, resulting in the death of Governor Liao Rao and serious injuries to General Liang, the commander of the garrison.

Gu Changjin, together with Inspector Liu Yuan and countless citizens of Yang State Prefecture, managed to turn the tide, successfully defending the city.

Rong Shu had always believed that Gu Changjin came to Yang State Prefecture secretly to clear Pan Xueliang's name in the cheating scandal. But now, it appeared that his visit wasn't solely for that purpose.

He was investigating the enemy raiders, as well as those traitors from Great Yin who had collaborated with them.

Rong Shu's heart skipped a beat. "Is the case of the exam cheating connected to these enemies? And what about the connection between the Dragon Phoenix and Pan Xueliang?"

Gu Changjin's usually composed face showed a slight surprise at first, then his lips curled up slowly.

She truly was an incredibly intelligent young lady.

"Yes. The former Minister claimed he did so at the request of an old friend, which is why he delayed his endorsement for Pan Xueliang. I suspect that this old friend was Liao Rao. Liao Rao had sent a letter to the former Minister, explicitly asking for his assistance."

Rong Shu finally understood the meaning behind Gu Changjin's words in her previous life.

In her past life, when Liao Rao died in battle, many citizens of Yangzhou had erected a cenotaph in his honor, praising the Governor for sacrificing himself for the country. But now, based on Uncle Shi Yi's hints, it seemed that this Governor Liao had some secret dealings with the Water Dragon King.

Knowing that Gu Changjin was also investigating Liao Rao, Rong Shu's heart pounded with anticipation.

In her previous life, the Shen and Rong families were accused of treason, collaborating with pirates from the outer seas.

Was there a possibility that Liao Rao was also involved in the Shen family's case of collusion with the enemy?

Might Shen Zhi have a secret connection with Liao Rao behind closed doors?

She intended to use Gu Changjin's influence to investigate Shen Zhi.

With this in mind, Rong Shu said to Lu Shiyi, "Uncle Shi Yi, I've been meaning to meet Auntie Guo as well. Why don't I accompany Lord Gu to the Spring Moon Building?"

...

When it came to gossip and whispers, there was no place like gambling dens and brothels.

Lu Shiyi was acquainted with the madams of Yang State Prefecture's most prominent pleasure houses, and many of his men worked as enforcers in those establishments. Through these connections, one could often uncover hidden secrets that couldn't be exposed in daylight.