Golden Branch

"Wang Fu, go and see what case Zhaixing Tower is involved in!"

After Wang Mian sorted out his thoughts, he called his manager.

Wang Fu was her confidant whom she had cultivated in her early years. He was capable and loyal. In order to win him over further, Wang Mian gave him the surname "Wang" according to the rules of that era.

Sure enough, Wang Fu, who was already loyal, became even more devoted after being given a surname.

A surname made him feel a sense of belonging to Wang Mian.

They, master and servant, became an absolute community of interests.

As long as he maintains this state, he will be able to achieve a class leap with his entire family in the next step.

For those struggling at the bottom of society, this is something they would never dare to dream of.

Wang Mian: ...So, when it comes to how to control subordinates, we still have to look to our charming ancestors.

After traveling through time for more than ten years, Wang Mian no longer wonders whether he has been assimilated.

She has not forgotten where she came from and has firmly maintained her original intention. For her, this is enough.

"Yes!"

Wang Fu is in his twenties and looks young, but he is steady and experienced in his actions.

He had already married the maid in Xiao Wuzhi's yard.

The marriage of Wang Fu and his wife was also based on "business interests" to a certain extent.

"Oh, right, take my husband's business card!"

Wang Mian thought about it and added another sentence.

She pulled out a bright red business card with gold sprinkled on it from the box. The maid beside her quickly reached out to take it and handed it to Wang Fu.

"Wang Fu, do not conflict with Zhou Jiming."

Wang Mian asked Wang Fu to take Xiao Wuzhi's business card, more because he didn't want to make things too awkward.

She wanted to remind Zhou Jiming that Zhaixing Tower was her, Wang Mian's, property, and she, Wang Mian, was Xiao Wuzhi's wife and Princess Langya's sister.

Zhaixing Tower may seem like just a restaurant, but there are complicated connections behind it. Even if Zhou Jiming wants to be a "lone minister", he can't really offend all the powerful people.

"Yes! Don't worry, my lord. It's from the Ministry!"

Wang Fu held the name card in both hands and responded respectfully.

……

"Boss, Zhaixing Tower is involved in several disappearances. I am now in charge of these cases, and I need your cooperation!"

Zhou Jiming strode into the lobby and saw a group of guests, some of whom were dressed in gorgeous clothes and some had elegant temperaments, scattering like birds and beasts. The originally lively and noisy lobby suddenly became empty and quiet.

He was not surprised. After a quick glance, his eyes landed on a middle-aged man who was walking towards him quickly.

Judging from the man's age, attire, and temperament, Zhou Jiming guessed that he should be the owner of Zhaixing Tower.

Zhou Jiming lifted up his skirt and sat down at a random seat.

"What? A missing persons case?"

The shopkeeper was a bit chubby, with a chubby face, and he looked kind even without smiling.

After hearing what Zhou Jiming said, he became a little anxious and quickly defended himself: "Sir, our Zhaixing Tower is a legitimate business, there is absolutely no dirty business."

They are not a black shop that sells dog meat under the guise of selling mutton.

Even if someone really disappeared in the store, it definitely has nothing to do with their Zhaixing Tower.

"A legitimate business? Oh, boss, don't worry. I never said this is a shady business!"

"I'm currently investigating several missing persons cases. Several of the victims had visited Zhaixing Tower before their disappearance!"

Zhou Jiming crossed his legs, his handsome face showing a leisurely expression.

His tone sounded casual, but his eyes were sharp.

He stared at the shopkeeper intently, not missing a single micro-expression of his.

"..."

The shopkeeper quickly digested Zhou Jiming's words and was suddenly at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

He couldn't help but want to protest, "Sir, our Zhaixing Tower is open for business. We have hundreds, if not a thousand, of customers every day."

"With so many people coming and going, it's inevitable that one or two might get into an accident."

"...I'm not afraid to tell you this, but the vast majority of people involved in many serious crimes and murders in Beijing have been to the East and West Markets!"

"Could it be that the East and West Markets have also become dens for thieves?"

What the shopkeeper said was indeed a bit "offensive".

But it makes damn sense.

Their Zhaixing Tower, like the East and West Markets, is a public place with a very large flow of people.

If anything happens to a guest who has been to Zhaixing Tower, they will come to Zhaixing Tower to demand an explanation. Then Zhaixing Tower will not be able to do business anymore, as they won’t have enough time to deal with lawsuits every day!

The shopkeeper was also angry.

In other words, he knew that they in Zhaixing Tower were not without supporters.

Zhou Jiming, the cruel official, was indeed "notorious", but Zhaixing Tower, with many backers, was not afraid of a mere fifth-rank censor.

If you want to cause trouble for Zhaixing Tower and arbitrarily put accusations on it, it depends on whether those nobles agree or not!

Zhou Jiming glanced at the shopkeeper and was not angered by his words.

Stroking the embroidery on his sleeve, he sneered, "Shopkeeper, why are you so anxious? When did I ever say that your Zhaixing Tower was a den of filth and corruption?"

"I just want you to cooperate with the investigation, help the authorities find clues, and solve the case as soon as possible!"

"Of course, this is a toast! If you don't know what's good for you and insist on drinking a penalty drink, I won't be stingy!"

Having said that, Zhou Jiming curled the corners of his mouth and revealed a sinister smile.

The shopkeeper felt a cold wind on his back. This man was so scary.

This was clearly the lobby of Zhaixing Tower, but his smile gave it a chilling feeling as if it were from Hell.

"Haha, my lord, you're joking! I don't dare!"

The shopkeeper resisted the urge to wipe his sweat and couldn't help but bend down.

He said flatteringly, "My dear, if you have anything to say, just ask! I will tell you everything I know."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at the door out of the corner of his eye.

The servant should have already run to the master's house to report the news. Once the lady receives the information, she will definitely take appropriate measures.

Alas, I only hope that what happened today is just as Zhou Jiming said, that he just came to ask questions, and not -

"On the thirteenth day of the second month of the third year of Yuanzhen, is there a twenty-year-old, five-foot-tall, beautiful woman coming to Zhaixing Tower for dinner?"

"On the 21st of February in the third year of Yuanzhen, a young man, nineteen years old, six feet tall, with a fair complexion and no beard, and a mole on the tip of his nose..."

"On the first day of the third month of the third year of Yuanzhen, a young woman, six feet three inches tall, was pregnant..."

Zhou Jiming didn't read any information and started to tell the situation of several victims.

The shopkeeper's expression grew uglier the more he listened.

How do I find this?

There are so many guests coming to Zhaixing Tower every day, how can he remember the specific details of any one of them?

It is even more impossible to know where the other person goes after having dinner!

They are just restaurants!

He is not an official investigating a case, nor is he a madman responsible for stalking and tracking!

"Why? Can't you tell?"

Zhou Jiming talked about the situations of several victims in a rapid succession, but heard no response. He narrowed his eyes slightly.

The shopkeeper smiled bitterly and said, "Sir, I really don't have any impression of the people you are talking about."

"Perhaps, they have been to Zhaixing Tower, but there are hundreds of people coming in and out of our Zhaixing Tower every day. Unless someone is causing trouble or there is an accident, I might still pay attention to it."

"If there hadn't been an accident, I wouldn't have known what the guests coming and going in this building looked like!"

He really didn't know, and it was not an excuse.

However, Zhou Jiming was full of disbelief and believed that the shopkeeper was "uncooperative".

"Since you're so uncooperative, you can't blame me for not giving you face!"

"Looks like I need to search thoroughly! I need to confirm whether this Zhaixing Tower has any hidden passages or secret rooms..."

"A healthy and living person disappeared in Zhaixing Tower. There must be an explanation!"

Zhou Jiming really didn't care.

After all, ordinary people may not know the owner behind Zhaixing Tower, but it is no secret to the powerful.

This is the property of Princess Wang. I heard that Princess Langya and even the nobles in the palace have shares.

In fact, it is not just the Zhaixing Tower. All industries opened in Beijing are secretly supported by powerful people.

Even if it is not "directly operated" by the powerful, there are corresponding shares.

There is no way. The capital is under the feet of the emperor, and there are many powerful people.

It’s okay to be a small trader, but if you want to expand your business, you must rely on a noble person.

A luxurious tavern like Zhaixinglou that ranks among the best in the capital must have powerful forces behind it.

Why is it difficult to run Jingzhao Prefecture?

The reason is here.

As a Beijing official, Zhou Jiming should understand and abide by certain unspoken rules according to common sense.

Unfortunately, Zhou Jiming has long since deviated from the "rut". He is now on a thorny road that is destined to be dangerous but also has rich rewards.

Reaching out his finger and flicking the nonexistent dust off the hem of his clothes, Zhou Jiming gave the order directly: "Come! Search!"

The shopkeeper's face suddenly changed.

His eyes swept over the dozen or so officials Zhou Jiming had brought with him, and his heart was pounding.

If these wolf-like and ferocious men really start a search, Zhaixing Tower will inevitably suffer a disaster.

The key point is that Zhaixing Tower was searched in broad daylight for no reason. If the news gets out, how can Zhaixing Tower still survive in the capital?

How did the nobles behind the scenes get slapped in the face?!

He subconsciously opened his arms and stood in front of the officers: "Sir, wait a minute!"

He tried to force a smile, "My dear, this is the Star-Picking Tower, it is—"

"I know that Madam Wang of Changle Marquisate's estate has Princess Langya and many other nobles as her backers!"

"However, since Zhaixing Tower is involved in the case, and I am in charge of the investigation, I will treat everyone equally."

"Or is it that your noble tavern is above the law? Can it refuse to be scrutinized by the Hundred Cavalry Division?"

Zhou Jiming continued to smile, but there was no warmth in his eyes.

In fact, he didn't act this way against Wang Mian.

It is true that Wang Mian had a connection with him in the past, but that was all in the past.

Zhou Jiming is a very ruthless person with a "no regrets" attitude.

He does not regret breaking off the engagement back then, just as he does not regret his current choice.

These are all decisions he made after careful consideration, and he will accept them no matter what the results are!

What he really wanted to target was the person behind Wang Mian——

Duke of Qi and Shaoqing of the Dali Temple Lou Yu!