The Yao Emperor and His Human Doctor.

Chapter 57 - Throwing a Bait

"All the girls attacked were not just courtesans, they were famous dancers or musicians. I believe that the killer did not attack them randomly, as there is a pattern. He saw them perform, then watched them and attacked them when they were less busy..." Su Ning continued. "The girls and servants at the house were warned to spread the word that this latest victim did not resist. If the killer knew that she was alive, he could come after her. Furthermore, she may have some clue as to the identity of this person."

Qiang Yong was listening intently, leaning back on the sofa. Su Ning had already made many arrangements himself, which in a way was very good. But Qiang Yong was worried about how far he would go this time as the doctor was used to acting alone. You are no longer alone now. He thought sadly.
"So for now  we depend on the girl's testimony?" Ren Loo inquired as he cracked melon seeds offered to him on a luxurious snack tray.

Su Ning took out some paintings from a pocket on his sleeve. "These are the pamphlets from the victims' presentations. An Shu got them for me."
The snake yao indirected his spine, he  was feeling proud of his quickness in achieving this. Some posters were old and it was almost impossible to get them in such a short time. He was a good assistant and Su Ning had praised his performance in this.

He didn't notice Ren Loo's eyes falling on him full of jealousy. You've been visiting all these houses to get this????
"We also got a map of the houses in the area, that's how we saw that the women were from different places." An Shu said, taking the opportunity to really show how efficient he was. Qiang Yong opened the map on the table. There was a cross over the victims' houses and three more houses circled.

Su Ning explained: "There are many more houses in the region but these are the only ones that hold performances open to the public."
"So these houses will probably be the killer's next targets." Qiang Yong said. "We need to warn them."
"Yes." The doctor agreed. "However, I thought it would be prudent to see if any of the women would agree to serve as bait, under our protection, of course. But I don't know if they will agree, they are all already very scared without even knowing much..."

"How could they refuse with us as security?" Ren Loo laughed. She and the Emperor offered to search the houses discreetly and try to convince the girls to collaborate. The doctor was very grateful, An Shu was having to do double duty, being his assistant and having to help with the investigation. Now he could dedicate himself to the treatment and surveillance of the victim.

Ren Loo squeezed the snake yao's shoulder with a little force. "Huhu, you must have had fun walking around here, huh?" An Shu's white face seemed to become whiter. "No way! I'm just focused on performing my tasks!"
"Do you really think I believe that?" Ren Loo laughed aggressively.
This time the snake turned its face, dark.

He had even received some flirtations, but he remembered that he no longer had a clan. It was as if he was a scum of this world, what name could he offer to any woman?
"I... have nothing to offer anyone." He left with his head down, leaving the dragon perplexed. Only later did she understand but the snake had already gone to check the condition of the bedridden girl. Madam Ren decided to have a serious talk with him when she returned. It's such nonsense, name, clan, status...

A woman who didn't recognize his qualities because of that didn't deserve his dedication.
Meanwhile, Qiang Yong himself began his approach. Su Ning didn't notice but he was a mess of vinegar. "You know the houses here well." The doctor nodded absently.
"I've been called to almost every one. This district always has problems,  people here don't take the necessary precautions. But I didn't expect there to be this kind of problem."

The emperor's expression softened. Su Ning only cared about his work, so much so that he looked at Qiang Yong strangely.
"What is wrong?" The Emperor asked.
"You're pale. And you've lost weight too." He made to take her pulse, but the dragon didn't allow it. The doctor looked upset. "I thought you didn't distrust me anymore."
"I don't suspect it anymore. But you don't need to worry. I had to travel these days, I couldn't rest or eat properly, that's all."

Qiang Yong smiled mysteriously. "I'm glad you care about me, in fact, I really need to talk to you after this problem is resolved."
"Uh... Right." Su Ning was really confused and curious. Could it be something related to Xing Ou Yang? He didn't remember anything that had happened.
"When we resolve this we'll talk. I'm anxious too, doctor." Qiang Yong said goodbye, watching him for a long time with such intensity that Su Ning felt heat rising up his neck.

They He felt a strange sensation, almost as if his entire body was numb. At the same time, he realized that he felt very comfortable with the Emperor around, helping him.
An Shu saw the two brothers leave together. He turned to the master. "They seemed strange today. In fact, why did the Emperor himself come here to resolve this?"

"As far as I'm concerned, your Tonzhun is like a barn full of straw ready to catch fire." Su Ning went up to check on the patient through the bed curtain. The girl's breathing was weak but regular. "Sooner or later he would have to intervene here. I hope the courtesans agree to help us, otherwise it will be more difficult to catch the culprit."
"And if they don't accept it, what will we do?" He asked apprehensively.

"Um, one of us can introduce ourselves as one of them then."
An Shu laughed softly. "That would be very interesting to see. Have you ever thought about the emperor dressed as a woman?"
"Perhaps Madame Ren would agree to help, but she doesn't seem to be interested in these arts... nor does Qiang Yong."
"You're right, they're both warlike warriors. They've probably never even played a kite." An Shu said thoughtfully.

The doctor laughed. "And you? Can you dance or play?"
The snake hissed in embarrassment. "I only know what the master taught me about pharmacology so far, hehe."
Su Ning sighed. "I already imagined it would be difficult. I don't have much hope for the girls, they are feeling like rabbits being hunted by a wolf. Maybe it's better not to expose them anyway."

An Shu looked at him in doubt. "So, what do you want?"
"Help me prepare this recipe." Su Ning took out his papers to write down the recipe. "If the Emperor and Madame Ren can't convince them, we have to have another plan in hand and quickly."
An Shu took the paper and looked up in disbelief.
"Dr. Su, what don't you know how to do???"

Author's Note

Even I who am writing felt this look from Qiang Young. Su Ning, this is what it's like to be devoured with your eyes. But I think the Emperor is hiding something important from you.