Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

An unexpected visitor arrived...

Quan Wushuang faced this unexpected visitor with a smile on his face.

Although he had to try hard to suppress the turmoil in his heart so that the fluctuations of emotions would not make his cheeks tremble slightly.

"Oh, it is indeed a difficult task."

The visitor's face was covered with a thick beard, and he wore a pair of monocles on his nose. He looked calm and composed, fully demonstrating the composure and indifference of a middle-aged man.

Although he was wearing military uniform, every movement he made revealed the temperament of a civil servant, as if he was a scholar well-read in poetry and books.

Those narrow eyes, like a cunning fox, sparkled with wisdom and concealed an indescribable passion.

This man, known as the wise general, served as a military advisor.

If he were born in another era, he might be hailed as the reincarnation of Taigong Wang, but in this era, he is just a peculiar individual.

He came from a prominent family. He was over 40 and still had not married. He only adopted a nephew and entrusted all family affairs to his nephew.

General Zhimou has a special liking for Go, Shogi and small talk. Even if the other party is unwilling, he will force them into his world.

Recently, the reason why he frequently attacked Quan Wushuang was because Quan Wushuang hired a woman who was related to Hongxia Tower as a maid.

Although this story is true, if the news of hiring maids from brothels gets out, it will ultimately damage the reputation.

Although she is nominally a maid, how others will interpret her is still an unknown.

However, this middle-aged man, who was also keen on gossip, spread nonsense everywhere, causing the entire military office to mistakenly believe that Quan Wushuang had redeemed the woman.

Never mind, it's not entirely wrong though.

Quan Wushuang let the middle-aged man's topics, which came from nowhere, pass by his ears, while he solemnly stamped the document handed to him by Gao Zhongcheng.

"Speaking of this, I did have a confidante in Hongxia Tower in the past."

Quan Wushuang couldn't help but be surprised when he heard this.

He originally thought that this person had no interest in romantic matters.

"What kind of woman is she?"

Quan Wushuang couldn't help but ask.

General Zhitu smiled triumphantly and slowly poured the juice he brought into the crystal clear glass.

He leaned against Quan Wushuang's bed, his posture relaxed, as if he was sitting in his own room.

"She is indeed a stunning beauty, and extremely proficient in both Go and shogi. I can be slightly better at shogi, but I always admit defeat at Go."

Being able to defeat the military advisor, her chess skills must have reached an extremely high level - Quan Wushuang thought to himself.

"I think it's hard to find another woman as interesting as this in the world. I once thought about ransom her, but fate played a trick on me. Two wealthy businessmen happened to offer her money."

"Really..."

The cost of redeeming a prostitute was sometimes as high as a sum of money enough to build a palace.

Even the wise general couldn't afford it, so this must be the case.

Bringing up such a topic, what on earth does this person want to do?

"She's a remarkable woman, selling her art but not her body. Worse still, she never treats her customers as guests. Even when she pours tea, she doesn't treat them like VIPs. Instead, she looks at them with the condescending gaze of someone giving alms to a beggar. Some people just love this. Many men are captivated by her attitude, drawn to it. In fact, I'm one of them. That spine-tingling feeling is truly irresistible."

"..."

Quan Wushuang felt uneasy and his eyes wandered involuntarily.

Gao Zhongcheng, who was standing by, also pursed his lips tightly, as if trying to press them into a straight line.

There are so many people like me in this world.

General Zhimou seemed unaware of the other party's subtle thoughts and continued:

"At that time, I secretly prayed that I could get close to her one day."

The man grinned, a crazy spark in his eyes.

"However, I couldn't let go of her after all. In desperation, I had to resort to some despicable means. Simply put, if she is too expensive and unaffordable, then lower her value."

I had lowered her value myself, that's how he admitted it.

"Want to know how I did it?"

Through the monocle, those fox-like eyes were smiling cunningly.

Unknowingly, he had pulled the other party into his trap. This is what makes him so terrifying.

"Since the military advisor is already here, why bother being so mysterious?"

Quan Wushuang realized that his tone had unconsciously become cold.

General Zhimou looked at him with a smile.

"Hey, don't be so anxious. Before we continue, I have a small matter to trouble the butler with."

General Zhimou clasped his fingers together and stretched.

"What exactly happened?"

"The steward's newly-appointed maid seems quite interesting."

This topic again?

Quan Wushuang almost sighed, but the next sentence surprised him.

"She seems to be pretty good at puzzles, doesn't she?"

General Zhimou seemed to have keenly noticed the slight tremor in Quan Wushuang's body. He continued:

"I know a gold engraver employed by the imperial court. He passed away a few days ago without designating a successor. However, he had three apprentices."

Quan Wushuang thought to himself, "It's strange that I get to know a craftsman," and responded with an "Oh".

"My old friend passed away before he could pass on his unique skills, and I feel very sad. I think he must have left behind some items needed to teach his skills, but we haven't found them yet."

"Commenter, please tell me."

Quan Wushuang spoke frankly, and General Zhimou immediately took off his monocle.

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just a small matter. I was just wondering if there was a way to find this secret technique. For example, could I ask a clever maid to help me investigate."

"That deceased man was indeed a strange person. He died leaving behind only these meaningful last words. It is indeed curious."

"..."

Quan Wushuang remained silent, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"In short, could you please explain the cause and effect of this matter in detail?"