Feng Xin Yao did not understand, but seeing Lu Nian Fu leave for the next shop with a calm expression, she quickly followed.
A few scattered coals were enough to make a show of strength, but Lu Nian Fu did not go home. Instead, she strolled from one shop to another along the street. Feng Xin Yao was, after all, a young girl. She had been consumed by hatred and hadn't thought of shopping for a long time, but as they browsed, she actually found some interest.
Things in the capital were, after all, different from those in Jiangnan.
As they walked, the two entered a clothing store.
Feng Xin Yao whispered, "Does Your Highness want to buy clothes?"
"You are buying."
"No, no, I have plenty of clothes. Aunt Qian even brought me two sets a few days ago."
Those clothes were made by Lu Nian Fu at the needlework workshop, so she naturally knew: "The clothes made in the mansion and those from outside each have their merits. For a young girl like you, it's only proper to have a few more sets."
Feng Xin Yao couldn't refuse, so she went into the shop to look.
These high-priced clothing stores generally catered to officials and nobles, with private rooms upstairs for customers to try on clothes. Lu Nian Fu picked out several sets for herself and Feng Xin Yao, intending to try them on slowly. She had been in mourning for three years and hadn't worn brightly colored clothes for a long time. Today, seeing them, she wanted to get a few sets.
As soon as she entered the private room, she felt a sharp pain in her neck and then lost consciousness.
Without any warning, the Dali Temple dispatched people to surround a small courtyard.
The onlookers were driven away, and a group of yamen runners rushed in like wolves. If any bystanders had remained, they would surely have been terrified. Who would have thought that this house, which seemed to be occupied by only an old couple, would hide more than a dozen outlaws?
Upon seeing the yamen runners approaching, they immediately drew their weapons.
Song Ming was immensely excited. After waiting for so long, they could finally catch these people in one fell swoop. With a wave of his hand, the two groups clashed.
The martial artists initially didn't take the yamen runners seriously. Even though they were outnumbered by half, they showed no fear, as they knew the capital too well; who with any real skill would become a yamen runner?
But as soon as they clashed, they knew they were wrong. These men were extremely ruthless, their every move deadly, not like yamen runners but like soldiers who had emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
Of course, Song Ming would never tell them that these were the men Gu Yan Chen had brought back from Yangzhou.
Their combat strength could not compare to the enemy's, and they were outnumbered by more than half. The outcome was, naturally, suspenseful. Within a quarter of an hour, the group was in full retreat.
Just as the two sides were fighting fiercely, a corner of the side gate of a nearby courtyard opened, and a woman carrying a bundle cautiously poked her head out. She looked around, then quickly hurried away.
Unfortunately, before she could take two steps, a rather plump woman appeared before her.
"Fourth Concubine, where are you going?"
"Bang." The bundle in Fourth Concubine's hand fell straight to the ground, and her face instantly turned pale.
The capture operation concluded perfectly. Song Ming and Qing Ya led the way, followed by a group of yamen runners and a line of prisoners, moving in a grand procession through the street. The prisoners were tied with ropes, and among them, a beautiful female prisoner was particularly conspicuous amidst the strong men due to her delicate features and beauty.
The woman was exquisitely beautiful with a slender and graceful figure, attracting frequent glances from the people on the street. Since the other party was in official uniform, no one would foolishly attempt a rescue.
Thus, they arrived at the entrance of the Dali Temple, and half the capital knew that the Dali Temple had arrested a string of important criminals today, rumored to be the culprits behind the Meng family's massacre, including a beautiful woman.
Some sharp-eyed individuals had already recognized her. Wasn't that the Meng family's Fourth Concubine, who had been massacred a few days ago?
The official Meng was quite pleased with this new concubine and took her shopping frequently. Many people recognized her. They had heard long ago that the entire Meng family had met a violent end, with only an insider on the run. Without a doubt, this concubine must be the insider.
Tsk, tsk, she looked so alluring and charming, yet she turned out to be a soul-snatching evil spirit.
A shrewish woman grabbed her husband's ear and said, "Still looking, still looking? Don't you know the Meng family was massacred because of this woman? You men are all worthless. You have good lives but only think of taking concubines. Well done, you took in a beautiful snake, and your whole family was ruined."
This statement contained a great deal of information, and immediately, people gathered around to ask, "Oh, this elder sister seems to know a lot of inside information. Tell us about it."
"Of course. My family lives directly opposite Magistrate Meng's residence. Magistrate Meng, don't you know him? The one who was massacred a few days ago. Let me tell you..."
At the entrance of the Dali Temple
Song Ming dismounted his horse: "Qing Ya, thank you for today. Wait a moment, I'll treat you to a meal after I hand over the prisoners to the boss."
Qing Ya turned her horse around and said listlessly, "I have no appetite. Eat by yourself."
"Don't! You helped me a lot. You must eat this meal."
"What time is it now? It's still early for a meal. Besides, wouldn't you be busy after capturing the fugitives? Another day, then."
"Alright, consider it a meal I owe you."
Qing Ya waved her hand and left.
Song Ming, pulling the rope, walked inside: "Behave, don't force me to use force."
As soon as he entered, he saw Jian Shi Jie hurrying towards him: "Didn't Lord Song go to Prince Rui's mansion for duty? Why do you have time to come to the Dali Temple?"
Song Ming looked at him with a complicated expression: "Lord Jian, are you foolish? My Prince is the Minister of Dali Temple. What's the difference between his affairs and Prince Rui's mansion's affairs?"
So, these crude fellows were truly detestable. Didn't they know what subtlety and tact were?
Forget it, he wouldn't understand even if I told him. Jian Shi Jie, choked by his words, looked at the woman behind him: "Lord Song must be tired after a busy day. I'll take over the interrogation."
"No need for Lord Jian's concern. My Prince is already waiting inside, so I won't be tired."
"In that case, Lord Song, please proceed."