In order not to disturb Qin Yao's morning nap, Liu Ji took his book to the inn's main hall early in the morning, warming himself by the hearth while having breakfast and reciting the book.
The shopkeeper saw he was quite diligent and looked handsome, so he gave him an extra bowl of piping hot mutton soup.
The soup was simmered over a low flame all night using sheep bones, infusing it with the most essence, making it fresh and fragrant, so flavorful that Liu Ji felt like he was floating.
Just as he was enjoying this fragrant bowl of mutton soup in the winter, a commotion came from outside the inn.
His curiosity piqued, Liu Ji held his soup bowl and walked to the inn's entrance, where he saw a group of market women gathered, excitedly talking about last night's murder case in the city's south.
A murder case? How thrilling!
Liu Ji was instantly interested, joining the crowd curiously, asking, "Ladies, who was killed?"
