Chapter 37: Two More Dead

Chapter 37: Two More Dead

After their laughter, the group's words became even more outrageous.

The man, perhaps wanting to show off his knowledge, continued, "Don't doubt it. People who have had too much luxury might crave simplicity. Brother Ma, having seen many wild flowers and grasses, might have found this refined lady intriguing, wanting a change of taste."

Upon hearing the logic in his words, everyone chimed in agreement.

"Indeed, indeed," another said. "I thought he was cultivating his moral character. Turns out he just wanted a change of flavor. But it's better not to switch, or else such an incident might not have happened... Courtesans are so much easier—money talks, and they'll not only entertain you but also cater to your whims. A young lady like Miss wouldn't be so accommodating..."

Jiang Yunxin didn't care about these matters at heart; she had no intention of marrying in this era. However, she couldn't tolerate being defamed without retaliation; there was no reason for her to suffer such injustice.

Moreover, it would be a disservice to the original owner of this body.

Having taken over someone else's life, she must cherish it well.

As Jiang Yunxin pondered how to retaliate, footsteps suddenly echoed, signaling someone entering from outside. This small space allowed everyone to witness every entrance and exit.

Not to mention just one or two individuals.

To everyone's surprise, the newcomers were Fang Mingyan and Long Qiao, followed by several law enforcers.

Ah, what could they possibly be here for? Could it be that they found something at the brothel?

Just as Jiang Yunxin and Xue Dongyang were about to rise, they saw Fang Mingyan give a subtle signal to stay put.

Jiang Yunxin was momentarily puzzled, but Xue Dongyang, who had been with Fang Mingyan for years, naturally understood the unspoken message from a mere glance.

Thus, Xue Dongyang pulled Jiang Yunxin back down, and they both sat again.

The crowd's attention was on Fang Mingyan and his entourage entering, so no one noticed the odd actions of Jiang Yunxin and Xue Dongyang.

Fang Mingyan entered with an intimidating aura, making his way to the adjacent table.

Everyone at the table froze, looking up in unison at him.

With a grim expression, Fang Mingyan fixed his gaze on the man who had spoken earlier.

The entire table was filled with dilettantes, devoid of knowledge and morals, relying on their wealthy backgrounds to engage in mischief in the capital without crossing any major lines, but also not doing any good deeds. They frequented brothels, imagining themselves as talented and refined, when in reality, they were nothing more than a group of privileged brats.

Though their ages were similar to Fang Mingyan's, their auras were vastly different.

Upon Fang Mingyan standing by the table, the chatter instantly ceased.

One of them, who had been particularly talkative, cautiously asked, "Sir, do you have some business with us?"

Fang Mingyan wasn't dressed in an official uniform, nor were his men. However, this was the capital, where law enforcement was relatively strict. It was rare for a gang of thugs to brazenly block someone on the street, let alone in such an open manner.

Of course, the most significant factor was that Fang Mingyan exuded righteousness.

He didn't give off the vibe of a street thug, which made the others cautious.

They weren't completely oblivious to their own status.

Ordinary citizens or unaccompanied young women could be bullied or flirted with without much consequence, like how Ma Xiuneng had attempted to tease Cui Yun at the tavern. However, upon encountering Fang Mingyan, they immediately transformed into courteous gentlemen.

Ma Xiuneng knew Fang Mingyan, but these others did not. Even so, they sensed the danger.

Fang Mingyan's gaze swept across the group, icy and detached, before he spoke.

"I just heard you discussing Ma Xiuneng. Do you often interact with him?"

The group immediately grew nervous. "Who are you?"

Fang Mingyan replied, "I am Fang Mingyan from the Imperial Censorate's Department of Punishment. I'm currently investigating the case of Ma Xiuneng's murder. I'd appreciate it if you all would come with me."

Jiang Yunxin thought to herself, Excellent, take them all away. Beat them up in the Department of Punishment, and no one will see a thing.

Upon learning that Fang Mingyan was an official, the group promptly stood up.

Then, they began to hastily explain themselves.

"Lord Fang, although we know Ma Xiuneng, we haven't seen him in several days."

"Lord Fang, we have no knowledge of whatever happened to Ma Xiuneng."

However, Fang Mingyan had no patience for their chatter. He waved his hand and said, "Take them away."

The six individuals were helpless. After all, they weren't being taken for any nefarious purpose; it was just to inquire about the situation. However, a murder case was a serious matter, not suitable for discussion in public.

Thus, they had no choice but to rise and follow along.

When they all exited, Yunxin and Xue Dongyang also trailed behind.

As Yunxin walked, she rolled up her sleeves, leaving Xue Dongyang speechless.

"Little Jiang," Xue Dongyang said, "even if you want to teach them a lesson, it's not appropriate to resort to physical violence right away."

Though the reputation of the Criminal Justice Bureau wasn't stellar, they couldn't tarnish it further.

Besides, she wouldn't stand a chance in a fight.

Upon reflection, Yunxin let down her sleeves.

Long Qiao intentionally lagged behind by a few steps, waiting for them.

Once the trio reunited, Xue Dongyang asked, "Did you find anything at the brothel? Why did you come here as well?"

Long Qiao said, "Something indeed has happened. Two more people have died."

Both were startled. "Who?"

"They were two lackeys by Ma Xiuneng's side," Long Qiao continued. "One was called Niu Xiu, the other Li Lu. Both were found dead in an alley, with multiple knife wounds on their bodies."

Jiang Yunxin and Xue Dongyang involuntarily quickened their pace.

Ever since Ma Xiuneng was murdered, everyone had been wondering why his two usual lackeys weren't with him that day and couldn't be found even after searching for them.

But they hadn't thought much of it at the time. After all, it was often Ma Xiuneng who made enemies, and his lackeys, though despised, were merely following orders.

Who could have guessed that the perpetrator would leave no room for mercy?

Recalling how she and Cui Yun were stopped at the teahouse the previous day, Jiang Yunxin thought about the wicked things Ma Xiuneng's ugly minions had done while assisting their master.

Good deeds reap good rewards, while evil deeds reap evil consequences – wasn't this what the people wanted to see?

Still, the murderer needed to be found. Of course, if the killer had acted out of desperation, such as having been victimized by Ma Xiuneng before, leniency could be considered.

He soon returned to the Bureau of Punishment.

There was no sign of nightfall within its premises.

As Jiang Yunxin was an undertaker, she first examined Niu Xiu and Li Lu's corpses.

Both bodies had already been transported to the Bureau of Punishment.

The family of Ma Xiuneng was anxious to retrieve his body immediately for funeral arrangements. However, no one seemed to care about these two servants.

It was unknown where their families were, or if they even had any. After their corpses were delivered to the bureau, a notification was sent to the Ma family, prompting their steward to come and take a look. The main request was for the swift apprehension of the culprit, with no further comments made.

As for these two bodies, they would remain in the bureau's morgue until the murderer was found. Then, they would be casually buried somewhere once the bureau deemed them unnecessary.

With the master gone, who would bother to remember the servants?