Defeat
"I guess there will be news soon." Lu Qian stared at the portrait with a dark expression. "It's a pity that no matter how skilled the painters in the mansion are, they can't capture the essence of Miss Yu's painting."
Indeed, compared to the incredibly talented forensic artists in the yamen, Miss Linlang's painting vividly brought the subject to life on paper.
Governor Yu was astonished. He had never realized his daughter possessed such remarkable artistic talent.
It was strange. He had no knowledge of autopsy techniques, nor did he understand painting. Yet, his daughter seemed to be shrouded in mystery. He had to investigate her background thoroughly.
Who had she learned so much from during her twelve years in the small and isolated Nafu Village?
After a cup of tea, the guards who had been sent to Changle Gambling House to gather information returned and saluted respectfully.
"I have seen the prince, dear sir. The casino manager has identified the deceased from the portrait."
"Who is it?" Lu Qian asked solemnly.
"It is Niu Daji, the brother of Niu Erji—the previous victim."
Governor Yu almost jumped up. "This can't be a coincidence, right? It seems the murderer has a grudge against the Niu family. The one targeting them must be—"
"Don't be so hasty, Lord Yu. Don't forget that the first victim, Chen Ergou, was merely a street gangster. According to our investigation, he had no known ties to the Niu family." Lu Qian calmly pointed out.
Governor Yu's momentary clarity was quickly clouded again. He sank into his chair, dismayed. "Then why not bring the casino manager in for questioning?"
"Mr. Yu, my subordinates initially intended to bring him back for a brief investigation. However, when we arrived, we found that the entrance of Changle Gambling House had been surrounded by a large crowd."
The guard looked helpless. "If we had forcibly taken the manager, we would have been attacked by the angry mob."
Governor Yu was startled. "What's going on? Why is there a riot at the casino?"
"The crowd is demanding their money back. Before I left, I managed to gather some details. Many people had entrusted their money to the casino's second manager, believing he would secretly place bets on their behalf."
"They were all deceived. It appears the second manager ran off with the money."
The guard hesitated before bowing again. "Before I left, I also saw something else…."
"What did you see?" Governor Yu barked impatiently.
"I saw a servant from your mansion arguing with the casino manager, loudly demanding repayment while claiming to be from the Weizhou Governor's Mansion."
Governor Yu felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He turned to look at Prince Mu and the others.
The prince's expression remained unreadable, but Mu Feng, Chen Buyu, and the others exchanged looks of silent amusement.
"No!" Governor Yu hurriedly defended himself. "This is against the law of Great Qi. How could I allow such a thing? That servant must have acted recklessly without my knowledge. I must investigate this immediately!"
Mu Feng's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and the fire of gossip burned in his gaze. "Then let's go together, Lord Yu."
Although Prince Mu remained silent, his cold, scrutinizing gaze made Governor Yu's stomach churn with anxiety.
By the time the yamen officers arrived at the entrance of Changle Gambling House, the crowd was on the verge of rioting.
The scene was chaotic—several large men were violently attacking the casino staff.
Governor Yu roared several times, ordering the yamen officers to intervene.
Fortunately, he had brought hundreds of officers with him, and they quickly restored order.
As he surveyed the crowd, Governor Yu's gaze landed on a familiar figure.
Although Yu Qiuping reacted swiftly, grabbing Honglai's hand and shrinking into the crowd, Governor Yu had already spotted her.
To make matters worse, he also saw Ma Gui fleeing with the casino manager—just as he had previously seen his eldest daughter at the entrance of Changle Gambling House.
At this point, what else was there to misunderstand?
Yu Qiuping was boldly engaging in money lending?
The governor's household lacked for nothing—why would she feel the need to profit from gambling debts?
Governor Yu almost fainted on the spot. If not for the pressing crisis, he would have rushed home and disciplined his reckless daughter immediately.
Meanwhile, the casino manager felt he was about to die unjustly.
Seeing Governor Yu approach, the manager rushed forward, nearly in tears.
"Sir! I was deceived as well! The second manager who took the money has disappeared. I told these people that I have no connection to the missing funds, but they refuse to listen! They're demanding their money back from me!"
Governor Yu's face darkened.
"Enough! Arrest all troublemakers and take them to the yamen for questioning!"
Elsewhere…
"Miss, I've brought them back."
Yu Linlang looked up to see Jiujin leading two people into the room.
"Miss, we're back!" Baliang stepped forward with a smile.
"My dear girl, we've missed you terribly!" Madam Huang hurried forward, scanning Yu Linlang up and down. "You've lost weight! You must not have been eating or resting well these past two months."
Yu Linlang smiled gently. "I've been craving the bone soup you make, Madam Huang. I must have lost weight from missing it too much."
"Oh, my dear child! I'll make it for you every day! You won't miss a single meal!"
Yu Linlang nodded, her gaze soft. "Alright."
Madam Huang beamed and took Yu Linlang's hand. "You must listen to me, young lady. Let me take care of you. Once we accomplish our goal, we will make a grand return home!"
Yu Linlang asked warmly, "How is my adoptive father and mother? Are they well?"
"They're in good health," Madam Huang sighed. "But they miss you dearly. When she's free, the mistress often sits in your old room and stares at nothing, lost in thought. She longs for the day you return."
Yu Linlang's expression softened. "Sit down and talk with me." Then, she turned to Jiujin. "You're late. I thought you'd be here in time for lunch. What happened?"
"Don't even mention it! There was chaos at the city gates—some ruffians almost got into a brawl with the starving refugees. Then, on our way in, we were blocked by a mob in front of Changle Gambling House!"