Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 112 Aren't you going to thank Master Abstinence?

'Kill the Six Doors' chief constable?'

Even if a grandmaster helped him, with so many people here, it would be difficult to keep things clean.

What exactly is Luo Shijun trying to cover up that would drive him to such a dangerous gamble?

Zhan Zhao had a clear mind and analyzed the situation calmly.

He didn't care who the master was or which school he came from.

They also didn't care how Luo Shijun managed to win over a grandmaster and get him to hide in the Tianxiang Tower in his own villa.

Instead, it focuses on a core issue—

What truth could have driven Luo Shijun to consider murder to silence witnesses?
the other side.

Li Wuxing was completely unaware of this, and was simply analyzing the case: "If Sun Tao died first, then the analysis of the case will have to be completely overhauled. The primary crime scene is of utmost importance. As long as the primary crime scene is found..."

Luo Shijun pursed his lips: "So what?"

"Of course we can find out the clues and uncover the truth!"

Li Wuxing said in a cold tone, "Master Luo, the murderer is after you. To prevent this person from committing a third murder, we must apprehend the culprit as soon as possible!"

"Ah! Then this old man thanks Constable Li for his kindness!"

Luo Shijun's gaze was deep, and he was about to do something when a calm and pleasant voice rang out: "This humble monk has another humble opinion."

Li Wuxing and Luo Shijun turned their gazes toward him: "What are your thoughts, Master?"

Zhan Zhao said, "Detective Li, through the autopsy, concluded that Benefactor Sun was killed first and Ding Chen was killed later. Because the two crime scenes were far apart, he became suspicious of the first crime scene. But have you ever thought that this was precisely what the murderer did intentionally?"

Li Wuxing frowned: "Oh? Why?"

"It's very simple."

Zhan Zhao asked, "Were there people staying in this Tianxiang Tower last night?"

Li Wuxing raised his thick eyebrows: "Does the master mean there are eyewitnesses?"

Zhan Zhao nodded slightly: "Yes."

After a moment's thought, Li Wuxing also felt that this possibility could not be ignored. In addition, compared with the crime scene where there were no clues, the eyewitness testimony was more direct. He immediately looked at Luo Shijun: "Could you let the dancer in the building come out to meet us?"

"Originally, the Twelve Beauties of Heavenly Fragrance did not meet with outsiders..."

Luo Shijun hesitated for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "But at this point, it would be inappropriate to bring up the old rules again. Constable Li, go to the Embroidery Pavilion to ask him questions yourself. I will not get involved."

"it is good!"

Seeing that Li Wuxing was indeed leading two constables to record the statements and walk into the building, Luo Shijun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He wouldn't want to make that decision unless absolutely necessary.

Because the truth will eventually come out, if he really did that, he definitely wouldn't be able to stay in the capital. He would have to abandon the business he had painstakingly built up over the past ten years and leave for distant lands.

It's pretty good now.

The Twelve Heavenly Fragrance Maidens are all intelligent women, and they naturally know how to respond. Li Wuxing will only receive further misleading guidance from them, taking him further and further away from the truth.

Thinking this, Luo Shijun glanced at the ethereal monk beside him and secretly rejoiced: 'You've come at the right time! Master of Abstinence!'

With just one sentence, Li Wuxing's previous correct analysis was overturned, and he was headed wildly down the wrong path.

He's truly the best helper!

'Low martial arts skills mean you're easy to fool.'

Zhan Zhao observed Luo Shijun's emotional fluctuations and identified a crucial clue—

First, Luo Shijun knew how Sun Tao died.

Secondly, Luo Shijun was extremely anxious about the truth of Sun Tao's death. In order to cover it up, he did not hesitate to use the master-level experts hidden in Tianxiang Tower. However, after discovering that the truth could be covered up, he still had a fluke mentality and obviously did not want to suffer a desperate situation.

If you have this kind of conflicting mentality, then it's simple.

Even if the Grandmaster card is incredibly powerful, it's useless if you're unwilling to play it.

Just stay calm.

……

Li Wuxing, accompanied by constables, questioned the women and discovered that their accounts differed.

Especially the girls on the first to third floors, who all go to bed quite late. When the incident happened last night, some heard a faint sound of a heavy object falling to the ground outside the building, some saw a figure flash by, and some even heard what sounded like Sun Tao's voice.

Each person's description was vivid and detailed, as if it were a real event.

Li Wuxing knew very well that witnesses could lie.

Even if they are not the perpetrators, they have various reasons to give false testimony and mislead the direction of the investigation.

Seeking advantage and avoiding harm, emotional bias, cognitive distortion, obedience to authority, and self-expression...

The ability of a constable lies in extracting truly useful clues from these complex testimonies.

Upon reaching the seventh floor, looking at the two tightly closed rooms on the top floor, Li Wuxing asked, "Who lives here?"

The servant leading the way said, "On the night of the Four Seasons Banquet, the master will stay here overnight; no one stays here on other days."

Li Wuxing stepped forward and gently wiped the crack, saying calmly, "You guys clean very diligently, wiping it constantly, leaving it spotless..."

The servants hung their heads, not daring to speak.

Li Wuxing understood the working style of his subordinates. No matter how much they respected their masters, like the palace eunuchs and maids, they still had oversights when dealing with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

Because the palace was large enough, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor only needed to use those areas, and the rest could be dealt with easily.

Similarly, if Luo Shijun only came up to stay four nights a year, the seventh floor would never be so tidy, and it even felt more meticulously maintained than the first six floors combined.

'People must have lived here for a long time.'

Furthermore, the servants at Tianxiang Tower held this person in utmost respect and dared not be negligent in the slightest!

'A master secretly recruited by Luo Shijun?'

Li Wuxing reacted just as quickly, without alerting the enemy, and turned to walk downhill.

Upon reaching the sixth floor, a beautiful and charming face appeared. It was Shi Xiaoxiao, the leader of the Twelve Beauties of Heavenly Fragrance: "Detective Li, would you like to come and have a chat?"

Li Wuxing had just asked Shi Xiaoxiao a question, but he also walked over and asked, "Has something come to mind, young lady?"

Shi Xiaoxiao glanced at the head constable behind Li Wuxing and whispered, "This servant does indeed have something important to report..."

Li Wuxing's eyes flickered, and he said to those around him, "Wait for me outside."

The two constables looked uneasy: "Second Master!"

What if, as soon as they leave, this glamorous woman suddenly throws herself into their arms and starts screaming?

Wouldn't that make things unclear? "It's alright! Miss Shi is a wise woman. We are here to help Luo Shijun catch the culprit. If she plotted to harm him, she would be admitting it without being asked!"

Li Wuxing left a sentence behind and walked in with his head held high.

Inside the embroidered chamber, the maids had already been dismissed. Shi Xiaoxiao made her way to the inner room and suddenly knelt down gracefully, pleading, "Please, Constable Li, save me from this sea of ​​suffering!"

Li Wuxing showed no pity or tenderness, but simply looked at her and said, "Speak."

Shi Xiaoxiao's shoulders trembled as she sobbed, "I come from the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution). I studied under Gao Juan, the former 'leader,' and was proficient in poetry and music. I performed in the palace three times, but later I offended the palace servants in charge and was demoted from 'Nian Nu Jiao' to 'Kui Niang.'"

As the name suggests, "行首" (xíngshǒu) refers to the leader of an industry. They were no longer just famous courtesans, but rather frequented the palace and participated in the choreography of court dances and music, thus gaining a significant social status.

The Queen of Flowers, however, did not have such a high status, but she placed more emphasis on her beauty and talent. She had to be elected the Queen of Flowers for two consecutive years in order to be called the Queen of Flowers.

Shi Xiaoxiao is Kuiniang. Her features are exquisite, but what is most alluring is her temperament, like a finely painted portrait of a lady with a touch of bewitching charm, making people itch with desire.

There was a secret to it: "The fact that I became the champion is largely thanks to Granny Lin of 'Nian Nu Jiao'. She taught me the secrets of women's life and how to socialize, which is why so many noble young men vied for my services, and I was able to win the championship in one fell swoop!"

Li Wuxing had heard of "Nian Nu Jiao" and knew that it was the most famous brothel in Xiaotianshui Lane, and that it had stood firm for twenty years, which was especially rare in the world of brothels. He said in a deep voice, "Why are you talking about this?"

Shi Xiaoxiao said, "It is not that I am being presumptuous, but this Granny Lin is very important. She has trained more than one outstanding student. Among the current Twelve Beauties of Tianxiang, many are guided by her. And now, Master Luo... wants to send her to the Pang family."

Li Wuxing asked, puzzled, "Why?"

Competition in the brothel district has always been fierce. A mother-in-law who can train a beautiful woman is like a hen that lays golden eggs. What use would she be to the Pang family?
Faced with the questioning, Shi Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment, her eyes filled with fear, but she finally whispered, "I only dare to say that two things are about to happen. The Emperor is of age and will be holding a selection of concubines. Master Luo also intends to send Miss Pang into the palace..."

Combining these two things, Li Wuxing's face instantly darkened: "Do you know what you're saying?"

The mother-in-law who trained Nian Nu Jiao to be the most beautiful courtesan was sent to the Shao Shi's mansion to teach the Shao Shi's daughter professional skills such as the art of lovemaking, so that she could enter the palace and compete for the emperor's favor in the future.

This is no longer the Tang Dynasty. The harem was dissolute and licentious. If this were to spread, it would surely cause an uproar in the court and among the people!

Shi Xiaoxiao nodded and said, "What I said is absolutely true, and I dare not utter a single falsehood!"

Li Wuxing stared at her, and began to believe her somewhat.

It is absolutely necessary to teach a pampered young lady how to bewitch a man, especially the most distinguished man in the world.

But the problem is, isn't it a bit too much to directly transfer Nian Nu Jiao's nanny?
Why can't you find a mother-in-law with a respectable background to raise your niece?
That way, you won't give others a handle to use against you, and your reputation will be much better.

The reason is simple: Luo Shijun deliberately interfered, wanting his cousin to be closely associated with the Pang family and thus solidify his own position!
This "Golden-Faced Yama" has connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds, acts solely for personal gain, and has always been ruthless. It's not surprising that he would do such a despicable thing.

But the reason I only believed a small part of it was because there were still many details I needed to know: "How did you know that?"

"Granny Lin doesn't want to go to the Pang residence!"

Shi Xiaoxiao said, "She's worried that once she goes there, she won't be able to come out..."

Li Wuxing nodded slightly.

People in the marketplace have their own wisdom, and Granny Lin's concerns are quite reasonable.

Once she taught Pang Xiaoniangzi, the Pang family would never allow this stain to exist, and the old woman disappeared without a trace afterward.

But then another question arises: "Why did Granny Lin tell you this?"

Shi Xiaoxiao said sadly, "It's all because I was too curious and overheard this. Then Granny Lin threatened me, saying that if things came to light, I would be buried with her!"

'That's ruthless.'

Li Wuxing said silently.

Shi Xiaoxiao continued, "I am usually under guard, and everyone I see is closely related to Master Luo. They would never stand up for someone like me. Today, I have finally met Constable Li, and I beg Constable Li to save my life!"

Having said that, he kowtowed repeatedly.

At this point, Li Wuxing was already half convinced.

The matter the other party spoke of was of great importance, and they would not have known in advance that they would appear in Tianxiang Tower, so their testimony is indeed credible.

As for why it's only half?
Because the matter the other party was talking about was so important, and the sudden announcement made him feel somewhat suspicious, and he dared not fully believe it.

If this is true, it is indeed an unexpected bonus.

Go back and tell your elder brother that once he makes some arrangements, he will be able to sow discord between Luo Shijun and the Pang family.

Given Pang Ji's status, how could he allow his beloved daughter to learn skills from a brothel matron?

For a young lady from a prestigious family like Pang Xiaoniangzi, this was nothing short of a great humiliation.

The two families will inevitably become estranged, and once Luo Shijun loses the Pang family as his backer, he can easily take them down.

The Four Constables never strayed from the means of their actions. With this thought in mind, Li Wuxing reached out to support Shi Xiaoxiao, saying, "I understand what you have to say. Given the chance, I will definitely save you and help you escape to safety."

"Thank you so much, Detective Li! Thank you so much, Detective Li!"

Shi Xiaoxiao was overjoyed. She looked up at Li Wuxing and added, "I will repay your great kindness in my next life!"

Li Wuxing looked at her, his gaze flickered, and he asked again, "Who lives on the seventh floor?"

Shi Xiaoxiao was taken aback: "This servant did not know. I only know that he is a distinguished guest invited by the master. His status is extraordinary, and he strictly ordered us not to go upstairs."

"Ah."

Li Wuxing remained noncommittal: "Get up!"

As Shi Xiaoxiao straightened up, she only saw Li Wuxing's departing figure. A complex expression appeared on her face as she silently said, "Detective Li, you're a good man. Don't blame me..."

'If this woman suddenly told me all this, it's fine, but if it's false, is it to distract me from my investigation?'

'What bigger secret is she trying to cover up that would make her, as the leader of the Twelve Heavenly Fragrance Maidens, do this?'

With thoughts in mind, Li Wuxing descended the steps and returned to the lobby on the first floor.

Luo Shijun was seen whispering something to the high monk of Daxiangguo Temple, appearing humble and eager to learn.

Li Wuxing did not have a good impression of the Great Xiangguo Temple. Whether it was the wandering monks with bad karma or the lawless people sent in by local temples, they were all disliked by the Six Doors.

But I felt an inexplicable sense of closeness to this master of abstinence, as if he were different from others.

Looking back now, I realize that making a judgment in front of Luo Shijun was rather arbitrary. I should learn from my elder brother to keep my thoughts to myself and remain calm.

Thanks to this eminent monk for the reminder.

In light of this, Li Wuxing deliberately put on a look of great satisfaction and stepped forward to bow: "Thanks to your guidance, Master, I have gained a lot from this trip. I will continue the investigation from the eyewitness line."

'clever.'

Zhan Zhao glanced at the divine constable, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, and clasped his hands in a salute: "I dare not accept such praise."

'Ha! This idiot has completely gone astray!'

Luo Shijun chuckled inwardly, but forced a smile to his lips. He clasped his hands together and said earnestly, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I hope the truth will come to light soon!"

Why don't you join me and thank the master of abstinence?

(End of this chapter)