Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 409 - 408: Cannibalism

"Shopkeeper, are you a local of this Lianxiang City?" Zhu Yu glanced at the shopkeeper, whose beard was slightly graying, giving the impression that he should be quite familiar with the surroundings. So, while the young assistant went upstairs to tidy the guest rooms, Zhu Yu seized the opportunity to chat.

The shopkeeper had just entertained a few generous guests who booked three premium rooms all at once, and he was in a good mood, naturally willing to indulge in a bit of conversation.

"Naturally, I was born and raised in Lianxiang City, and I’ve never left this area," he nodded promptly, responding.

"I’ve heard there’s a place called Little Mountain Building that’s quite famous in our Lianxiang City," Zhu Yu tried to sound as casual as possible, as if the topic just happened to come up in conversation, "but I haven’t come across any signboards with those words on my way into the city.

What kind of place is this Little Mountain Building? The name suggests a sense of unadorned elegance and inner beauty. Could it be... a gathering place for scholars and poets?

Where is this Little Mountain Building? Could you point us in the right direction, so we can take a look later?"

The shopkeeper’s expression became somewhat subtle when he heard her mention "Little Mountain Building," and upon hearing Zhu Yu’s latter half of the sentence, he quickly waved his hand: "Please don’t misunderstand. The Little Mountain Building is neither a gathering place for scholars nor a place that anyone can easily access.

You folks are from out of town, and perhaps you’ve been misinformed, which is why you’re curious. But please heed my advice: that place has no relation to you, and it’s not worth exploring. It’s just a building, nothing noteworthy."

"Could that place... possibly eat people?" Zhu Yu joked with the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper’s expression turned a bit peculiar, and he quickly waved his hand: "Of course not, but... you folks should still refrain from inquiring about the Little Mountain Building. It’s unnecessary. If you’re bored, you can visit the music pavilion across the river to listen to some tunes and unwind. The Little Mountain Building truly has no relation to you, especially... at any rate, once you finish your business here, it’s best to leave."

The shopkeeper’s words were spoken with an air of mystery, making Zhu Yu even more curious. However, since he clearly didn’t want to say more, she didn’t press further.

Soon, the assistant returned to inform them that the rooms were ready. They went upstairs, put down their luggage, and Rune went over to knock on Yan Daoxin’s door, handing him a set of clothes.

Yan Daoxin looked at the turquoise robe in his hands with some puzzlement: "What is this for?"

"Divine Doctor, my master said to have you wear this and meet him outside the downstairs entrance shortly," Rune respectfully handed over the clothes, answering.

Though puzzled, Yan Daoxin still accepted the clothes, and, after closing the door, quickly changed and went downstairs to find Lu Qing.

Downstairs, he saw Lu Qing and Zhu Yu standing outside. Both had changed out of their original Taoist robes, one wearing a moon-white outfit and the other light blue, with their hair fastened on top with jade hairpins, each holding a fan, appearing like elegant young gentlemen.

At this moment, Zhu Yu also saw Yan Daoxin in his new attire.

Ever since meeting Yan Daoxin, he had always been dressed in a Taoist robe, giving an aura of detachment from worldly affairs, cool and aloof.

Now, wearing the turquoise robe, he looked even more striking with red lips, white teeth, sword-like brows, and bright eyes, losing a bit of his otherworldly aura but gaining the elegance of a noble young man.

"Why have you had me dress like this? What are we going to do?" Yan Daoxin approached them, somewhat puzzled, and asked.

Lu Qing snapped his folding fan shut with a loud ’clap’ and pointed across the river: "To a music pavilion, to listen to some tunes."

Yan Daoxin was so shocked by this his jaw almost dropped: "You, you said we’re going where?!"

"To a music pavilion, to listen to tunes," Lu Qing replied naturally, raising a brow at Yan Daoxin. "Or are you afraid to go with me, worried I’ll read your mind and tell your master?"

Yan Daoxin clicked his tongue, shook his head, and pointed at Zhu Yu: "I don’t mind going. I have clear eyes and a clear mind; even in impurity, it remains pure.

But you, bringing your own wife to go to a music pavilion, that’s something unheard of and unseen."

Zhu Yu laughed and waved her hand: "It’s not the first time. Back in the Capital, I’ve gotten quite familiar with Yunyin Pavilion following him around."

"I suppose I’ve seen it all today!" Yan Daoxin had nothing to say, shaking his head. "You truly are a match made in heaven!

Let’s go, let’s go. Today, I’ll risk my life and join you two crazies in listening to some tunes!"

The three of them walked at a leisurely pace, crossing the stone arch bridge, strolling along the riverside near the music pavilion, eventually choosing a larger, more vibrant establishment. As soon as they entered, an exuberant madam greeted them, and Lu Qing handed over a silver coin, prompting her to lead them upstairs to a private room.

The private room was quite spacious, with a soft platform in the center, furnished with a low table and cushioned curved backrests, and a few low stools placed on one side.

As soon as the three of them sat down on the platform, a servant immediately brought over a wine pot and cups, followed by the madam bringing in several musicians holding instruments like lutes.

"Gentlemen, these are the finest girls with the best musical skills we have in this Flower Drum Tower. Each plays and sings beautifully. You can give them a listen, and if you’re not satisfied, you can send for me?" the madam said eagerly while keeping a close eye on the trio’s demeanor.

She had already marked these three as soon as they walked in the door, noting not only the inherent aristocratic air they carried, suggesting generous spending, but also each of them had unique charm despite their differences in stature and appearance, exuding a naturally appealing presence.

While musicians play and sing to entertain guests, it’s the same job, but who wouldn’t prefer to face such handsome gentlemen whose looks are captivating at first glance!

Lu Qing glanced over the musicians, seeing them exchanging amorous glances without the slightest hint of shame or reservation, seemingly satisfied, he nodded and waved for the madam to leave.

The madam left with a bright smile, couldn’t help but sneak another look at the three handsome gentlemen as she closed the door of the private room, while lamenting her faded beauty and youth, she hurried downstairs to attend to other guests.