My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Chapter 37 Doubt

Upon hearing this, everyone understood why Yu Bai felt there was something wrong with the so-called disappearances that were commonplace in Yongcheng's brothels.

If it were an ordinary courtesan, she might actually escape the brothel on her own, but the women Yu Bai was talking about were different.

The girls who are considered top contenders for the title of "Flower Goddess" must have been carefully selected and nurtured, just like Hua Ran from Xunfang Pavilion.

They were different from ordinary courtesans. They were waiting to show off their skills at the Flower Goddess Selection and become famous in Yongcheng and even other places. How could they possibly run away secretly?

Moreover, these are the same girls who have gone missing over the past few years, and none of them have been found.

There is a very high probability that they, like Hua Ran, also met with misfortune.

Flower Goddess, Flower Goddess.

It could be said that all these strange occurrences seem to revolve around this title.

But if it was done by the same person or the same group, then why was only Hua Ran's corpse shown to everyone?

A thick fog, like a heavy haze, hung heavy over everyone's hearts. No one knew whether another victim would emerge.

Uya, who was clearly not very interested in these matters, pursed her lips, looked around at the solemn group of people, and suddenly had a good idea.

"I have a great idea!"

She clenched one fist and slammed the other down, saying happily, "Since the goal is to become the Flower Goddess, why not let Brother Xie become the Flower Goddess instead!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was somewhat amused and exasperated. She was still just a young girl, her thinking was a bit too simplistic.

Putting aside the fact that we don't even know if the villains' target is actually related to the Flower Goddess, and even if Xie Yan were to go, with so many outstanding women vying for the title, how could Xie Yan possibly stand out...?

Despite thinking this, everyone's gaze still involuntarily drifted over, silently observing Xie Yan.

Xie Yan: "..."

Looking at my face is one thing, but take your eyes off my chest, waist, and lower body. Do you know that's sexual harassment?

For some unknown reason, everyone suddenly fell silent.

Everyone: ...Actually, maybe this is actually a good idea?

Xie Yan: ...Get out of my mind.

Chu Ling took a sip of tea, slammed the teacup down on the table with a crisp sound, and finally spoke: "That's a good idea."

Xie Yan: "!!"

"But we cannot guarantee that we can ensure that the perpetrators will target our own people."

Chu Ling promptly added the following paragraph.

Upon hearing this, everyone chuckled, sighed with a hint of regret, and quickly looked away from Xie Yan.

Indeed, no one knows the pattern of the crime, and pretending to be a courtesan is really too much trouble.

Seeing that her plan had failed, Wuya sighed regretfully and murmured, "I still wanted to see Brother Xie dance..."

Seeing that some people were still staring at him relentlessly, Xie Yan ignored them. He clicked his tongue and raised his hand to support his chin. "Speaking of which, I think that Shi Hanxi is very suspicious."

"Hmm?" Chu Ling looked up at him.

"That day, when I went to visit him with you, I saw that when he was preparing medicine for his younger brother, there was a painting of a beautiful woman under the fire."

The woman in that painting looked as if she were about to weep, her brows furrowed with sorrow. It was so vividly depicted that Xie Yan initially mistook it for a real person staring right at her.

Why would Shi Hanxi burn such a lifelike masterpiece that clearly conveys a lot of emotion from its creator?

Although half of the painting was burned, Xie Yan recognized it at a glance. The headdress on the beauty's head was the same flower goddess crown that he had seen Hua Ran wear at the flower goddess selection.

After listening to Xie Yan's account, Chu Ling also had some doubts. "This person is indeed suspicious, and he is also related to both Hua Ran and Tang Shicheng."

Now, of the two people connected to him, one has already passed away, and the other has been imprisoned as a criminal.

It seems we should test Master Shi again.

When I stepped into that bamboo forest again, perhaps out of suspicion, the bamboo forest, which should have been elegant and tranquil, now seemed dark and eerie.

Sunlight filtered through the dense bamboo leaves, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow that seemed to envelop the group like a cage.

But Xie Yan and Chu Ling obviously didn't think so; it was Meng Lan, who insisted on following them, who was suspicious.

This guy finally regained his energy and insisted on fulfilling his duty as a guard and doing his part in this matter.

Although he didn't know why, when he suggested going with Young Master Xie and the Prince, Xuanfeng and the others patted him on the shoulder with meaningful expressions.

But he will definitely follow closely and protect the prince, and will always follow the prince's lead!

Meng Lan made up her mind, and then for the seventh time mistook the bamboo for the two of them going astray.

Xie Yan and Chu Ling were silent for a moment, then tacitly decided to release Meng Lan.

After shaking off Meng Lan, the two were finally able to pick up their pace and soon arrived at the Shi brothers' residence.

Coincidentally, Shi Hanxi also seemed to be heading out, and the three of them bumped into each other at the door.

The painter was stunned for a moment, then realized that he didn't even think of inviting the two in, but instead closed the door behind him.

He probably thought the two of them were there to have something repaired, so he waved to them as he walked away and said, "It will take some time to repair the item. You two should go back and wait for news."

Then a folding fan blocked his way.

"Wait a minute, we've come to see Master Shi."

Shi Hanxi stopped in her tracks, somewhat puzzled: "Looking for me? What is it?"

Chu Ling withdrew his hand and placed his other hand on Xie Yan's shoulder, snapping the folding fan open in front of Xie Yan's chest.

He smiled brightly and said, "I've heard that Master Shi has superb skills, and I would like to ask you to paint a picture for the two of us."

Shi Hanxi was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses. Her eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, and she asked in surprise, "You...you two?"

Xie Yan curled the corners of her lips expressionlessly. "What, are we not allowed in the painting?"

"...It's not impossible..."

Shi Hanxi resumed his indifferent expression, but although he said he could paint, he still showed no intention of letting the two of them in.

"However, I still have to go to Qianjin Tower to paint for the ladies today, so please come another day."

When the two arrived, they saw that he was carrying his painting tools on his shoulder, so it seemed that what he said was true.

Qianjinlou is undoubtedly the name of a brothel.

Judging from this, Shi Hanxi would also go to brothels to paint on a regular basis. In this way, he would have more access to many courtesans.

Xie Yan narrowed her eyes, her tone heavy, and said, "Speaking of brothels, I wonder if Master Shi has heard of the case of Lady Hua Ran's murder?"

The two noticed that Shi Hanxi's movements froze for a moment, but they could not tell anything from his face. They only heard him say in a light tone, "I heard about this yesterday. It's a real pity."

His expression was indifferent, his eyes cold, showing none of the passion and fervor he displayed when painting for Hua Ran that night.

He seemed to feel little sadness or emotion at the death of the woman who had loved him so deeply. It was as if it were a trivial matter, completely unrelated to him.

Before the two could continue their probing, Shi Hanxi impatiently turned and left: "Alright! I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be going now!"