Chapter 368: Visiting the Du Family
Tan Xun was clearly trying to help Lin Jin and Lin Jin could tell. This was a last-minute trip and Lin Jin came here thinking that he would return immediately after he got what he wanted. But now, it seems that he would have to stay for a few more days, at least until the Jade Dragon Festival was over.
As he had to make arrangements for Maple City, Lin Jin wrote a letter home, in which he mentioned two things.
The first was to temporarily put Maple City’s Beast Appraisal Association in Jia Qian and Zhao Ying’s hands. With the rest of the elders supporting them, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Next, was Reed City’s Qiao family.
Although Lin Jin had already left White Ape behind to guard the family, he was alone. If more than a few demonic appraisers showed up, he wouldn’t be able to fend them off single-handedly.
Hence, in his letter, Lin Jin instructed Shang’er to take Goldy along to guard the Qiao family and to leave their home under the Shadow Wolf and Little Five’s care.
Despite how measly the reinforcement looked to the average person, the combined strength of Shang’er and Goldy was equivalent to having Lin Jin around. Together with White Ape, even if the Demonic Appraisal Association sent Rank 4 beasts, they shouldn’t be able to win, at least without losing a lot of blood.
This was the purpose of Lin Jin’s letter.
After sending it out, Lin Jin planned to visit the family, who fell victim to the demonic beast appraisers for the sake of examining that unconscious young lady.
Lin Jin wanted to know more about her condition since it was directly tied to his enemy. Since the Jade Dragon Festival would only happen the day after tomorrow, he had an ample two days to dig deeper into last year’s incident.
Of course, that was his excuse to the public. Lin Jin was actually just too fascinated by this incident that he had questions that needed answers to. So, not only did he plan to visit the comatose young lady, but he also planned to pay the demonic appraiser a visit, wherever he was being held before he gets executed by the authorities.
Something told Lin Jin that there was more to the case than meets the eye.
However, Lin Jin had no idea where that prominent family was. Here in the royal capital, Lin Jin realized he had no real acquaintances apart from Lu Bin and He Qing.
Master Gu was also from the royal capital but he wasn’t home right now. The man must still be traveling the world with his sword at the moment.
Meanwhile, Lu Bin wasn’t in the city and He Qing was a princess. It would be difficult, if not impossible for her to leave the palace. What’s more, for someone who had spent her life exclusively within the palace walls, He Qing was probably no better off than he was when it came to maneuvering around the city.
‘Looks like I can only trouble Appraiser Tan,’ Lin Jin mused. However, after seeing how busy Appraiser Tan was, Lin Jin swallowed his words.
Just then, Lin Jin noticed a chubby silhouette standing outside.
Ouyang Tong.
Hadn’t he gone back to rest?
Perhaps Ouyang Tong noticed that Lin Jin’s gaze on him, so he hurried forward. With a respectful expression, he said, “Appraiser Lin, is something the matter? If you need any help, just give me the instructions! I grew up in this city and I’m fairly confident when I say that I know everything about it.”
Stunned, Lin Jin thought, ‘This Ouyang Tong means well.’
Perhaps when Lin Jin had asked him about the demonic appraisers, Ouyang Tong had made a mental note that Lin Jin might be interested in investigating the case so instead of leaving the association, he waited patiently outside.
Lin Jin was aware of Ouyang Tong’s intentions, but he really did require help from someone like him. Hence, instead of rejecting the offer, Lin Jin asked with a smile, “Appraiser Ouyang, aren’t you tired from staying up all night?”
Ouyang Tong answered effortlessly, “I’m used to it. I’m not tired.”
Lin Jin could tell he wasn’t lying. Indeed, Ouyang Tong looks like he had grown used to the odd sleep schedule. In other words, he was definitely bullied and neglected by his peers here, and it was no wonder he was so adamant about securing his opportunity to mingle with someone like Lin Jin.
Under regular circumstances, Lin Jin had no use for people like him, but now, he genuinely needed a helping hand so he nodded and let Ouyang Tong lead the way.
Being the clever man that he was, Ouyang Tong knew how to keep his mouth shut when dealing with matters that did not concern him, in spite of his burning curiosity. Instead, he played the role of a diligent guide for Lin Jin quite well.
This left a positive impression on Lin Jin, who figured that Ouyang Tong would be of great use to him here at the royal capital.
It was still early out when the Capital started waking up for the day. Civilians started appearing on the streets as the first stalls and shops opened up for business. As usual, they would start the day with a bit of tidying up.
In the royal capital, the wealthiest of families lived on the east side of the city. The roads here were wider and cleaner with large mansions dotting the landscape. All of these mansions came equipped with deep courtyards and tall structures.
Ouyang Tong approached one of the mansions and said to Lin Jin, “Appraiser Lin, this is the Du Manor. They have a pretty impressive business empire, comprising many brocade shops here in the capital. Thanks to that, they’re part of a few prominent families here.”
Lin Jin nodded. Their gate was enough to tell how wealthy this family was. It was wide and majestic. The entrance to the houses of common folk would usually be one person-wide. Those who were above average would have gates that were two people-wide. Here, the Du Manor’s gates were more than ten feet wide. There were even stone statues placed on either side of the entrance, on a walkway paved with bricks. These bricks were fairly intricate as well. They were unique ‘azure patterned bricks’, found exclusively in Gu City, which was hundreds of miles away.
Could a regular family even afford this luxury? Of course not.
Lin Jin didn’t even want to get started on the quality of the wood beams. If one had to describe the huge mansion with a single word, it would be ‘extravagant’.
A family this prominent could surely afford powerful pet beasts or hire strong guards to protect their house.
Lin Jin was currently lost in thought.
Ouyang Tong had already gone over to knock on the door and soon, it was answered. Someone who was presumably a servant poked his head out of the door. It was clear that there was a look of caution on his face.
Despite how respectful Ouyang Tong was toward Lin Jin, he put on airs when it came to outsiders.
He spoke in a loud voice, “Is Du Lianheng home?”
Seeing how forceful this visitor was, the servant replied apprehensively, “My master isn’t at home. May I know who the both of you are…”
As he spoke, he noticed the one-ringed sleeve guard on Ouyang Tong’s arm.
“We’re from the Beast Appraisal Association. This is Appraiser Lin and I am Ouyang Tong. I know your master so go and inform him of my arrival.” Ouyang Tong clearly didn’t want to waste time with this servant, who hurried off into the building. Moments later, a nicely dressed old man came out with a smile on his face.
“I didn’t know that Appraiser Ouyang would visit us so early in the morning. Please excuse us for not receiving you sooner,” he said.
‘So they did know each other.’
Ouyang Tong smiled. “Old Master Du, come, allow me to introduce to you my friend here. He is a Rank 3 beast appraiser from HQ, Appraiser Lin. He’s here specifically to visit your daughter.”
Lin Jin stepped forward. Upon hearing that Lin Jin was a Rank 3 beast appraiser, Du Lianheng wasted no time in saluting the man. Out of politeness, Lin Jin returned the salute.
“Appraiser Yang just visited the day before yesterday. Did something happen?” Du Lianheng suddenly asked.
Appraiser Yang?
Noticing Lin Jin’s puzzled expression, Ouyang Tong responded quickly, “Appraiser Lin is primarily based in Maple City but he’s extremely skilled in treating complex diseases. He may not be a physician but his skills are undoubtedly on par, if not better than Appraiser Yang. Upon hearing what happened to your daughter, he came here specifically to check on your daughter.”
His excuse was so flawless that it impressed Lin Jin, who nodded along.
Looks like he made the right call in bringing Ouyang Tong along. Had Lin Jin come here alone, he wouldn’t have known what to say.