Chapter 7

Jin Shu had been pondering the question all the way there—and still hadn’t figured it out.

The carriage rocked gently as it rolled toward the Dingzhou fishery. On the way, Zhou Zheng made a detour to the Dingzhou magistrate’s office, instructing Liu Cheng’an to bring reinforcements.

The case was nearly solved. The clues were all but laid bare. Only one crucial piece remained: the motive.

Dingzhou had only one fishery, founded a century ago by a merchant surnamed Su. Over time, it had grown into a renowned business empire.

Standing before the grand storefront, Jin Shu scanned the surroundings. In a nearby alley, carts loaded with barrels of live fish came and went. The ropes securing the barrels were three-stranded hemp—matching the size and texture of the marks on the girl’s wrists.

“Is that the rope?”

“Mm. The thickness, the weave—it’s a match,” Jin Shu replied, then paused. She turned and saw Li Jin standing beside her, also studying the rope with focused attention. After a moment’s hesitation, she couldn’t help but ask, “Young Master… how did you connect that rope to the fish at the restaurant?”

Li Jin lowered his gaze slightly and smiled. “A rope is a tool. And every tool has a purpose and value. Two-strand hemp suffices for common folk. So why use three?”

“Ah, I see!” Jin Shu’s eyes lit up.

Three-strand hemp was cheap, but sturdier and more water-resistant than regular rope—typically used by those working with aquatic goods.

Seeing her enlightened expression, Li Jin chuckled. “Actually, it was intel.” He flicked open his fan with a flourish, watching her freeze in place.

Rather than speculate about industries or users, Li Jin preferred to trust his own network of “Shadows”—a secret, elite group trained to gather intelligence for him.

“Yesterday, I just wanted fish. The question was incidental.” He walked ahead, laughing.

The fish was a pretext. The real goal was to bankrupt her—forcing her to rely on the Six Gates salary.

While they spoke, Zhou Zheng was blocked at the entrance by two attendants.

“We only sell wholesale. If you want fish, go to the city market.”

Expressionless, Zhou Zheng glanced at the empty fishery behind them and pulled out a badge—A black rectangle engraved with a dragon motif, bearing three golden characters in seal script: “Six Gates.”

“Official investigation. Get your master.” His commanding presence made the attendants exchange nervous glances. One quickly ran inside; the other plastered on a smile. “Please wait, sir. We’ll inform him right away.”

Polite words, but no intention of letting them in.

Li Jin watched, then leaned toward Jin Shu and said quietly, “During investigations, address me as Gate Master.”

Behind him, Jin Shu took a deep breath, suppressing her ten thousand objections. She mentally repeated “stay calm” and forced a smile. “Yes, Gate Master.”

This man was trouble incarnate. Offending him meant financial ruin. For the sake of Jin Rong’s school fees next month, she had to endure.

“Later, Master Jin, investigate freely.” Li Jin saw her frustration and, for reasons unknown, felt like teasing her. He stepped closer and clapped her shoulder like a buddy. As he patted her, he said solemnly, “From now on, if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”

From now on?

Jin Shu looked horrified, leaning away as far as she could. Li Jin, satisfied, withdrew his hand and stifled a grin as he joined Zhou Zheng.

Jin Shu was stunned. So this was how the capital’s playboys behaved—flirting with a “man”?

Just then, the attendant who had run inside returned, panting and bowing. “Apologies for the wait, sir. Our master invites you to the guest hall.”

“Such airs for a mere merchant,” Li Jin said, folding his fan with a smile. “Lead the way.”

The Six Gates held immense power in both court and underworld. Yet this fishery hadn’t even offered a proper reception. A century-old business should be savvy. The Su family’s fishery must be hiding something.

“Master Jin, do you recall what the restaurant manager said yesterday?” Li Jin slowed his pace to walk beside her.

“He said the rope was treated like a secret. No one else could touch it. Even after delivery, it was reclaimed.”

“And now, with Six Gates at the door, not even a steward comes to greet us…”

He narrowed his eyes. “What do you make of that?”

What did she make of it? Jin Shu couldn’t hold back. She sneered, “Whatever the Gate Master’s intel says, that’s what I say.”

Li Jin wasn’t offended. He smiled. “Mm. Seems we agree.”

She was baffled. How was that agreement?

They passed through the corridor behind the shop and entered through an ornate gate. Only then did the fishery’s master arrive, smiling.

“Ah, officers! Forgive the delay. Please, come in!” Dressed in fine robes, his temples graying, he carried himself with the elegance of a noble and the shrewdness of a merchant.

Li Jin gave him a once-over and asked directly, “Where is the second son of the Su family?”

“This…” At the mention of his son, Su Youwei’s scalp tingled. He hesitated.

“The Gate Master is asking. Do not lie,” Zhou Zheng said, stepping forward with force.

“Ah!” Su Youwei panicked and dropped to his knees. “I didn’t know the Gate Master—Prince Jing—was here. I deserve death!” He crouched low and frantically signaled the stunned attendant. “Go! Drag that unfilial son out here!”

Clearly, the Su patriarch knew exactly who the Six Gates were.

What followed was unexpected. The second son of the Su family was furious, shouting all the way in. His hands and feet were bound, his body wrapped in a bedsheet, cursing nonstop as four men carried him into the hall.

“I want to see Xiao Li! Let me down! You bastards! I’m the second young master! Are you blind?”

Jin Shu looked toward the voice—and saw the rope binding his limbs. It was identical to the one Li Jin had tied around her wrists the day before.