Yuzhou bordered the capital, with the Wei River flowing through it. For several dynasties, it had been a prosperous region, and the docks of its prefectural city, Jin Yang, were bustling with crowds and constant shouts.
As a large passenger ship docked, laborers carrying shoulder poles and ropes, dressed in short work clothes, gathered around waiting for jobs. They understood the rules, however, and consciously left a path for passengers to disembark, not daring to get too close to the nobility.
Hua Zhi, wearing a hood, was assisted off the ship by Nian Qiu, with Little Six guarding her on the other side. With the intimidating presence of Jia Yang and Yu Mu as additional escorts, even fellow passengers made way, wary of offending someone they shouldn’t.
Nian Qiu glanced around and whispered, "Miss, I’ll go to the carriage house to rent a carriage. We’ll need one over the next few days."
Hua Zhi sent Chen Si, whom she had brought along for errands, to handle the matter. Her mind was preoccupied with many things, but she couldn’t afford to neglect matters in Yuzhou. That’s why she had brought Nian Qiu. Among her maids, Nian Qiu wasn’t the boldest, the most capable, or the most strategic, but she was the most meticulous—and that was precisely why Hua Zhi valued her.
The group went directly to Jin Yang’s largest inn and generously booked an elegant courtyard. Nian Qiu efficiently tidied up the kitchen and directed Chen Si to purchase a variety of supplies. By mid-afternoon, the courtyard was filled with the aroma of cooking.
Little Six sniffed the air as he entered the room and sighed, "Nian Qiu is so capable."
"With careful training, anyone can become capable," Hua Zhi replied absently, her mind occupied with where to begin. Xiao Liu'er, however, took these words to heart. Hua sister’s maids weren’t just capable—what he envied most was their loyalty. Such people were rare. He didn’t need many; just four would be enough.
"Yu Mu, go to Jin Yang’s gambling dens tonight and gather information on the situation."
Yu Mu acknowledged the order, but Little Six asked, "Why go to the gambling dens? Isn’t Hua sister here in Yuzhou to do business?"
Hua Zhi lowered her eyes and sipped her tea. After a moment’s thought, she decided not to hide it from him. "Previously, Yan Xi found official silver here engraved with the Chao Li Tribe’s mark. It’s been confirmed that they don’t control any silver mines, so there’s only one possibility: they have a highly profitable business in Da Qing. Jin Yang is likely a crucial stronghold for them."
Little Six still didn’t understand. "Why isn’t this being investigated by Da Qing’s officials?"
"For them, even if Da Qing were on the verge of collapse, they’d probably first consider whether surrendering would benefit them more." After a pause, Hua Zhi smiled. "Of course, not everyone is like that. Yan Xi and I had our suspicions and previously agreed to come to Yuzhou. Later, I was conscripted by the Emperor, which delayed things. Now that he’s gone north because of me, I’m here to check the situation for him. I also need to see what business opportunities are suitable here."
Thinking of the court officials who were still bickering over their own interests, Yan Xi brother who was always rushing around, and Hua sister, who, despite being a woman, had come to Yuzhou, Little Six found it all rather absurd. The court nowadays seemed to exist merely for dividing up benefits.
That night, Jia Yang and Little Six’s men guarded the inn, while Yu Mu led his team to join forces with the Seven Constellation Bureau. Disguised in various roles, they infiltrated the gambling dens. By the next morning, Hua Zhi had received their report."There are six major gambling houses in Jin Yang, four of secondary rank, and countless smaller ones. Five of the six major gambling houses belong to the same owner, backed by Jin Yang Prefecture’s Assistant Prefect Zhu Ling."
Hua Zhi nodded slightly. Since Yuan Shifang’s identity was exposed and he was captured, the position of Yuzhou’s Chief Administrator had remained vacant, with Deputy Administrator Lü Xinming temporarily overseeing the duties. The court had wrestled over this position countless times, yet the Emperor had not given his approval. It was unclear whether he intended for Lü Xinming to take the role.
"Does the Deputy Administrator have no involvement?"
Jia Yang nodded. "Yes, the Seven Constellation Bureau had previously dispatched several people to investigate this matter. I learned of the situation from them. Lü Xinming is extremely cautious and has long been at odds with Zhu Ling. Since he took over the Chief Administrator’s duties temporarily, their relationship has become even more hostile. It’s impossible for both of them to be backing the gambling houses. In fact, Lü Xinming has even caused trouble for the gambling houses."
"What is the situation with the gambling houses?"
"I’ve visited all six major gambling houses. Their business is thriving, and they seem to tolerate the existence of another major gambling house without engaging in cutthroat competition. The sixth one is backed by a prominent local family. From what I observed, it appears they are collaborating to suppress the growth of the other four gambling houses."
"Are those four owned by the same proprietor?"
"No, they each have different owners, but they maintain connections with one another."
Hua Zhi understood: the major gambling houses had formed an alliance, and in response, the four others had united against them.
She felt tempted to visit the gambling houses herself to see the situation firsthand, but she dismissed the idea. Such places were trouble-prone. Her own exposure was a minor concern; what worried her more was the possibility of alerting the enemy if there were any connection to the Chao Li Tribe.
"Do any of you know how to play the games in the gambling houses?"
Yu Mu and Jia Yang exchanged glances. "We know a little."
"Show me."
They didn’t know what the young lady had in mind, but they understood she wouldn’t ask without reason. They went out to fetch the tools and began demonstrating.
The games here were not as varied as in later times. The most common were dice and dominoes, with dice having the most variations. Even Yu Mu, who wasn’t particularly skilled, knew over ten ways to play with dice, but no matter how many variations, they were still just dice.
Hua Zhi felt that taking a share of the gambling business would be effortless. Simply introducing a deck of playing cards would add several new games, and bringing out Mahjong would be enough. There was no need to introduce more complex or advanced games.
What she needed to consider was whether to collaborate with the existing gambling houses or start her own venture.
"Are there any suspicious aspects about those gambling houses?"
"Our colleagues in the Seven Constellation Bureau suspect all of them." Yu Mu paused before sharing their conclusion. "The gambling houses in Jin Yang coexist too peacefully, almost as if they’re working together to prosper."
Hua Zhi’s interest was piqued. "Gambling houses are places where fatal disputes easily arise. What is the situation here? What rules do they follow?"
Yu Mu felt he was on the verge of grasping something, but the insight slipped away. He cupped his hands respectfully. "I will investigate this immediately."
Hua Zhi picked up the dice and rolled them in her palm. The dark side should remain dark—even if it doesn’t appear entirely black, its foundation is still dark. Yet Jin Yang seemed too peaceful. Moreover, why were five of the gambling houses backed by an Assistant Prefect instead of the former Yuzhou Chief Administrator, Yuan Shifang?
Yuan Shifang was confirmed to be a remnant of the Chao Li Tribe—the one most likely to amass wealth for them. Yet he had overlooked the highly lucrative gambling houses, which made no sense at all.Could it be that he was avoiding suspicion?
Or was the inspector Zhu Ling's identity questionable? No, that shouldn't be the case. The Seven Constellation Bureau had already thoroughly investigated all the officials in Yuzhou. If he truly had issues, he would have been apprehended long ago, not delayed until now.
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