Chapter 71: Drumbeat

“Of course, it’s the competitors in the same industry,” Chen Xin said without hesitation. This was her familiar territory, and even without Ling Shu’s input, she could guess who it was. She simply used Ling Shu’s words to confirm her own answer.

“You’re right, it’s the mastermind behind the Fragrant Restaurant, Miss Xu, who sent someone to poison them.”

“I didn’t expect her to be so bold, even targeting the mother of the Head Sheriff’s Tian!”

At this, Chen Xin’s expression froze. “The person who died was the Head Sheriff’s mother?”

Surprised, Ling Shu asked, “Mistress didn’t know?”

Chen Xin smiled helplessly and nodded. This made her realize that setting up an intelligence organization was urgent.

The Qingwu Sect is a righteous martial arts sect, and they could easily convince their people if others suppress them. However, getting them to carry out assassinations and gather intelligence was a different matter altogether. Not only would it be risky, but they might not agree with or be accustomed to such a lifestyle, as it went against their supposed righteousness.

“Today, during the court session, Shopkeeper Li kept pleading innocence, saying she was framed, but she couldn’t produce any evidence. The Magistrate ordered her to be flogged fifteen times and imprisoned. She’s scheduled for execution tomorrow.”

Listening to this, Chen Xin absentmindedly stroked Chao Feng’s mane, seeming unconcerned. Then suddenly, she said, “Do you know who poisoned them?”

Ling Shu immediately replied confidently, “Based on various clues, it must be someone from the tavern.”

Chen Xin nodded approvingly. “Correct. Any suspicious individuals?”

“I haven’t had time to investigate. When I heard about this incident, I rushed to find out who was causing trouble. I refuse to believe that the food at the tavern could kill someone. Either the Head Sheriff’s mother fell ill and died by coincidence, or the food was poisoned,” Ling Shu analyzed, rolling her eyes.

Then Chen Xin asked about something she had been unclear about, “Did the yamen conduct an autopsy? Or couldn’t they determine the cause of death?”

The people were saying that the food killed someone, but not by poisoning.

“They did, but the Magistrate didn’t mention ordering an autopsy. They quickly closed the case.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Xin said solemnly, “We must save Shopkeeper Li today. It seems ¹there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

After instructing Ling Shu on what to do next, Chen Xin whispered to Chao Feng, “Why do you think they keep provoking me? Last time, I didn’t even hold them accountable, and now they’re getting bolder? Or is it just because they’re bored on normal days? … It’s probably human greed.”

“Dong.”

“Dong.”

“Dong.”…

The heavy drumbeat resounded outside the yamen.

At this moment, the surrounding people rushed over to watch, forming a circle and speculating about who was bold enough to beat the drum and plead for justice.

“Who’s beating the drum?” the two constables guarding the yamen gate shouted loudly.

“I’m Xian Xiaoxiao, here to plead for justice,” came the reply.

The person was none other than Xian Xiaoxiao, who had been brought out of the second-floor window by Chen Xin, while Chen Xin herself quietly watched from among the crowd.

The two constables glanced at each other and one of them hurried inside, presumably to report to the Magistrate.

Soon, Xian Xiaoxiao was brought inside, while the others could only watch from outside. Chen Xin looked through the black curtains and saw the words “Bright Mirror, High Hall” hanging high in the hall, with a stern and inscrutable expression.

“Wei…Wu…” accompanied by the sound of the drumstick hitting the ground.

The middle-aged fat Magistrate slammed the gavel and shouted loudly, “Who’s below?”

“I’m Xian Xiaoxiao,” suppressing her anxiety, she knelt down and replied calmly.

“What are you pleading for?” The Magistrate asked solemnly, but his eyes were vacant, clearly elsewhere.

Xian Xiaoxiao immediately cried and said, “I’m the shopkeeper of the tavern. We were framed for the death. The deceased was the mother of the Head Sheriff. I request the Head Sheriff to listen in person and hear me out to clear our name.”

—

¹”there’s more to this than meets the eye” means that the situation is more complex or involves more hidden details than it initially appears. It suggests that there are underlying factors or secrets that are not immediately obvious.