Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 104 - 90 - Life in Crisis! (Additional for Alliance Hierarch I am a Little Bookworm)

Chapter 104: Chapter 90 - Life in Crisis! (Additional for Alliance Hierarch I am a Little Bookworm)

Having dismissed Jia, Jiang Shouzhong headed to Silver Moon Tower but encountered an acquaintance on the way, who was none other than Zheng Shanqi, previously caught stealing at Zhao Wancang’s residence.

Back in the prison, Jiang Shouzhong had questioned him about Ge Dasheng, obtaining crucial clues.

Regarding Zheng Shanqi, Jiang Shouzhong did not have a good impression of him, as after all, gambling and stealing, and always running his mouth without a single truth certainly explained why he would associate with the likes of Ge Dasheng.

Upon seeing Jiang Shouzhong, Zheng Shanqi nodded and bowed, his face was full of smiles, "Good morning, Master Jiang."

Jiang Shouzhong smiled and asked, "Where are you planning to case this time to steal goods?"

The color drained from Zheng Shanqi’s face, and he immediately swore, holding up his fingers, "Master Jiang, I’ve really reformed. I’ll never gamble or steal again. I swore in front of Liao, I will be a good person this time."

Jiang Shouzhong tugged at the corner of his mouth.

You can’t believe a gambler’s words, not even half of them.

Suddenly remembering that during the last interrogation in prison, this fellow mentioned someone trafficking humans, Jiang Shouzhong casually asked, "Did you also tell Liao that you saw someone trafficking young girls?"

"I did, but he didn’t believe me."

Zheng Shanqi looked helpless.

Jiang Shouzhong sneered, "Knowing Liao’s nature, although he wouldn’t have believed you, he would definitely have checked. It seems like he didn’t find anything. Your mouth never says a single real word, always thinking of how to deceive."

Hearing this, Zheng Shanqi got anxious, "I really didn’t lie. I saw it with my own eyes, right near Xichu Pavilion."

Jiang Shouzhong, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, staring intently at him, "You said where?"

Zheng Shanqi, frightened by his gaze, stammered, "Near Xichu, sir."

Jiang Shouzhong furrowed his brows.

Why was it Xichu Pavilion again?

The demon fox had been hurt by Xichu Pavilion, the woman who was rescued on the first of the month was from Xichu Pavilion, and now there’s a connection with human trafficking... Of course, that’s if Zheng Shanqi wasn’t lying.

An idea to investigate Xichu Pavilion surfaced in Jiang Shouzhong’s mind.

But it was quickly dismissed.

Once involved with a place like Xichu Pavilion, the investigation would be like sinking into a deep mire, difficult to extricate yourself from. Especially since Oiran Qin Shier had already approached, which indicated a problem.

Having mingled with the Liushan Division in the Capital for half a year, Jiang Shouzhong was no newbie.

Some cases should be investigated, and some should be left unclear. Even if you wanted to investigate, higher powers could suppress it.

Seeing Jiang Shouzhong stop, Zheng Shanqi thought he was interested and hastily said, "My lord, if I am lying, may thunder strike me down. Among the girls I saw being trafficked, it seemed one was He Daya’s daughter, He Lianlan. How about you bring some men, and I’ll lead the way? However..."

Zheng Shanqi finally revealed his purpose, "If those girls are rescued, it would count as a great merit, right? Master Jiang, do you think you could help me find a position? Even if I can’t enter Liushan Division, a place in the county office would also do."

Jiang Shouzhong smirked, "You sure are scheming well."

Zheng Shanqi giggled awkwardly, "I really want to reform, but no one will take me. They even despise me at the docks for lifting cargo. Getting a public post would also bring honor to my ancestors, right? More importantly, I’ve fallen for a girl..."

Observing his twisting manner, Jiang Shouzhong’s stern expression softened slightly.

If he could reform for a girl, it wouldn’t be shameful.

Hearing him mention a girl named "He Lianlan," Jiang Shouzhong remembered the young lady whom the Silver Moon Tower’s madam had once asked him to help find, presumably He Daya’s daughter, He Lianlan.

Was this a case of fortune falling into his lap?

After some thought, Jiang Shouzhong patted Zheng Shanqi’s arm and said, "I’ll verify it. If you haven’t lied to me, I’ll spend some favors to help you land a good job. If you really marry that girl, I can even send you a wedding gift."

"Oh, then I must thank Master Jiang now, you’re like my rebirth parents."

Zheng Shanqi bowed repeatedly, exaggeratedly ready to kneel, but was kicked by Jiang Shouzhong, "Go home and tidy yourself up, you look quite dashing. Walking around unkempt, which girl would fancy you?"

"Right away."

Zheng Shanqi’s smile was radiant.

...

As the largest underworld force of the Dazhou Dynasty, the business of Silver Moon Tower was spread across numerous areas—taverns, tea houses, inns, gambling houses, security agencies, textiles, fragrances, resolving financial disputes, and various other diverse ventures.

It was even said that Red Makeup Pavilion, one of the three major pleasure districts of the Capital, was part of Silver Moon Tower’s property.

Currently standing under the luxurious building, Jiang Shouzhong looked up at the towering staggered roof ridges, the vermillion railings surrounding him, glistening with golden glints under the sun from the glazed tiles on the roof, and couldn’t help but be somewhat moved, "Truly worthy of being an Earthly Emperor, even one tile or brick could probably support me for several years."

Some people’s wealth was desirable, while others could only be admired from afar.

Hearing the purpose of his visit, the guard went to report it.

Soon, a familiar figure in black approached.

Just as Jiang Shouzhong was about to greet her, the woman in black coldly asked, "Was it you who saved my elder sister?"

Elder sister?

Jiang Shouzhong paused, staring at the young and pretty woman who looked exactly like Qiuye, and then he realized he had mistaken the person, it must be the youngest sister, Dong Xue.

Jiang Shouzhong bowed, "Greetings to Miss Dong Xue, it was I who saved your elder sister."

"Did my sister tell you my name?"

Dong Xue frowned and asked.

Jiang Shouzhong shook his head, "Previously at He Daya’s house, I heard that madam call two names, one ’Xia He’ and one ’Dong Xue.’ Since you call Miss Qiuye your elder sister, then your name must be Dong Xue."