Chapter 184: Complicated and Confusing
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Third said, “Fifth Sister, these tools are already worn. They should have been used for a long time.”
Tao Yizhou squeezed over and sniffed the herbs. He suddenly asked a question. “With Tan Maozhi’s personality, will he really do this for a servant girl?”
Chu Qingzhi nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s go and see that girl. Then, we’ll go to the Tan family.”
Hundred Flowers Tower.
It was the largest brothel in the county. The girls here were fat and thin, each with their own merits. It was said that there was also the best wine in the county, attracting many people who liked wines.
After the constable explained the purpose of his visit, the brothel madam led everyone to the entrance of a small courtyard from the back door. “Go and ask. Red Crane is here.”
They were a little surprised, not expecting there to be such an elegant courtyard in a brothel.
When Red Crane heard the commotion outside, she walked out with the help of a servant girl.
She was charming and attractive. She was slender but also plump where plumpness was needed. She was undoubtedly a beauty. The corners of her eyebrows were raised slightly. She was very seductive and had the ability to bewitch men.
She walked up to them and bowed slightly. Every movement was flirtatious. “Sirs, please come in and sit inside.”
Chu Qingzhi went straight to the point. “Miss Red Crane, we don’t have time to go in and sit. We’ll leave after asking you a few questions.”
She turned to Chu Third and the two constables and said, “Go and take a look.”
The three of them nodded and entered the house.
Red Crane’s gaze swept past the three of them and landed on Chu Qingzhi. She was very surprised that a young lady had the ability to command two constables. She was a little envious. “Miss, what do you mean?”
Chu Qingzhi said, “If you answer my question, I’ll answer yours at the end.”
Red Crane nodded and said, “Miss, please ask away.”
Chu Qingzhi looked into Red Crane’s eyes. “How long have you known Tan Maozhi?”
At the mention of Tan Maozhi, Red Crane looked nervous for a moment, but she quickly relaxed. She said, “I’ve known Young Master for six years.”
What is she so nervous about… Chu Qingzhi asked, “Does Tan Maozhi like you very much?”
Red Crane lowered her head slightly and said in embarrassment, “Young Master treats me a little differently. Ever since I was sold to the brothel, he has placed me in this courtyard. It has been three years. Young Master has always been very good to me.”
Chu Qingzhi asked, “Does Tan Maozhi’s mother know about this?”
“She does.” Red Crane said with a sigh, “Young Master said that if she doesn’t agree, he will quit his study. That’s why her mother compromised, but she also won’t allow Young Master to redeem me.”
Chu Qingzhi found it a little strange. “Why doesn’t his mother want him to marry you?”
Red Crane looked sad. “I’m the descendant of a criminal official. Marrying me will affect Young Master’s career.”
Descendant of a criminal official? Chu Qingzhi frowned. There was another story behind this case. “Show us the incense Tan Maozhi sent you.”
Red Crane signaled to the servant girl. The servant girl went into the room and took out a rouge box. The box was the size of a palm and was filled with Red Soft Jade, a kind of red powder.
Chu Qingzhi picked up some powder with her fingers and sniffed it. It was the same as the incense found under Tan Maozhi’s bed. “Does he often send you incense?”
Red Crane looked at Red Soft Jade with a gentle gaze. “Once I’ve used it up, Maozhi will send it to me. It’s never stopped for three years. Moreover, he specially learned to make this incense for me. Maozhi treats me especially well.”
Chu Qingzhi looked at Red Crane. “Then, IVLiss Red Crane, other than Tan Maozhi, do you serve other customers?”
Red Crane’s face turned red, and she said hurriedly, “Miss, don’t spout nonsense. 1 only have Young Master in my heart.”
Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Has there been anything abnormal about Tan Maozhi recently?”
Red Crane thought about it carefully. “Something abnormal…” She hesitated for a moment. “By the way, recently, Maozhi keeps saying that he’s tired even though he has enough sleep.”
Liu Yuanping also said that Tan Maozhi was sleepy all day long. This matched. “Why didn’t he come to look for you last night?”
Red Crane blushed. “Maozhi said that he was too tired, so he slept in the dormitory last night and would come and find me when he’s in good spirits.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss. I’m done asking.”
Red Crane mustered her courage and asked, “Can you tell me now why you came to ask me these questions?”
Chu Qingzhi paused for a moment and replied, “Tan Maozhi is dead.”
Red Crane staggered and fainted.
The servant girl hurriedly supported Red Crane, but the rouge box fell to the ground. The red powder spilled all over the ground. When the wind blew, it slowly mixed into the soil and disappeared.
Chu Third and the rest came out very quickly. Then they went to the Tan family.
On the way, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Third Brother, did you find anything?”
Chu San said, “That girl’s room is very clean and luxurious. There are many articles written by Tan Maozhi on the table, as well as some books. In addition, I found a black robe.”
“Black robe?” Chu Qingzhi curled her lips. “That means Red Crane probably knows martial arts.”
Tao Yizhou guessed, “Could it be that she snuck into Tan Maozhi’s dormitory and killed him?”
Everyone’s gazes instantly landed on Tao Yizhou. Bao Linjiang was dissatisfied that he was rude to Chu Qingzhi, so he retorted, “Why did you follow us?”
Tao Yizhou raised his chin and said matter-of-factly, “I’m investigating the case.”
Bao Linjiang glanced at him. “Can’t you investigate elsewhere?”
Tao Yizhou said self-righteously, “It just so happens that you are also going where I want to go.”
Yuan Hongjun ignored him and asked, “Master, did you just say that Red Crane knows martial arts?”
Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Not only does she know martial arts, but she also has the smell of another man on her. However, they are not in that kind of relationship, so I guess she must be plotting something with that man.”
The head constable suggested, “We can come and spy on her at night.”
Chu Qingzhi agreed. “That’s a good idea. Now that Tan Maozhi is dead, if Red Crane knows who is responsible for Tan Maozhi’s death, she will definitely look for that person.”
Tao Yizhou asked suspiciously, “Why are you so sure?”
Chu Qingzhi glanced at him. “Because Red Crane really likes Tan Maozhi.”
Tao Yizhou was still unconvinced. “How do you know?”
Bao Linjiang said impatiently, “After she found out that Tan Maozhi was dead, she fainted. Can’t that explain it?”
“Hmph!” Tao Yizhou crossed his arms and quickened his pace.
Tan mansion.
When they arrived at the Tan mansion, everyone was surprised to find that there were white curtains hanging at the door, and the air was filled with grief. It was obvious that a funeral had just been held. Who died?
The door was wide open, but there was no one guarding the door. The head constable went forward to take a look. There was only an old man dozing off at the door.
The constable crouched down. “Old man!”
The old man was taking a nap. When he heard the voice, he opened his eyes and saw that it was a constable. He was very nervous and asked, “Sir, what happened?”
The head constable asked, “Where’s your master?”
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