“Understood.”
Responding to the attendant, Xu Qi An sat up, lifted the blanket, and began to dress.
Sensing movement from his bedmate, Song Tingfeng opened his eyes, mumbled something, then asked, “Where are you going?”
Xu Qi An replied softly, “I’m stepping out for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”
Song Tingfeng grunted in acknowledgment.
As their conversation ended, both men’s expressions suddenly froze, and they simultaneously shuddered.
“Get out, get out,” Song Tingfeng rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and cursed, “Disturbing my good dream.”
After Xu Qi An left, Zhu Guangxiao, who had been facing away from Song Tingfeng, silently turned over.
…
Moonlight shimmered like water, stars sparse in the sky.
The river surface was silent, rippling in the moonlight like shimmering silver scales.
Light shone from Governor Zhang’s room. Xu Qi An knocked on the door and, upon receiving permission, entered.
In the not-so-spacious room, Governor Zhang and Jiang Lüzhong sat drinking tea. The latter pointed to a nearby seat: “Sit. Pour your tea.”
Governor Zhang, with his goatee and serious expression, nodded slightly to Xu Qi An.
For this remarkable Bronze Gong who had appeared twice in court and twice defeated a minister, Governor Zhang showed the utmost respect and a friendly attitude.
Drinking tea in the middle of the night? Are they worried their sleep quality is too good? Xu Qi An sat down and asked casually, “What business do you have with this humble official, sirs?”
The Censorate and the Night Watchmen belonged to different departments but shared the same superior, Wei Yuan. Therefore, Governor Zhang could be considered one of their own, and Xu Qi An didn’t need to be too formal or polite.
Governor Zhang smiled, “Official Xu solves cases with divine insight and possesses extraordinary abilities. I’ve called you here late at night to discuss our mission to Yunzhou.”
Xu Qi An chose his words carefully, “What are your thoughts, sir?”
Governor Zhang said, “I’ve reviewed the case files. Zhou Min’s death shows no flaws – no wounds, no poisoning, just a perfectly normal death. Dying silently without leaving any traces is, in itself, a clue.”
Zhou Min was the undercover agent who had died mysteriously.
Jiang Lüzhong added, “Among the major factions, only the Dao Sect and the witches can achieve this. Based on feedback from the Minister of Works’ case, the Qi Party is colluding with the Witch Cult. The killer is likely a fourth-rank Dream Witch.”
Xu Qi An nodded, first acknowledging Governor Zhang’s intelligence. He was a clear-headed official, not muddle-headed, and knew what they were about to face.
This was comforting.
What he feared most was a superior who was more of a hindrance than a help.
He didn’t fear god-like opponents, but dreaded pig-like teammates. Honestly, seeing Governor Zhang so frail earlier, Xu Qi An had harbored such concerns.
Secondly, he affirmed Jiang Lüzhong’s speculation.
Any method of killing would leave clear traces – not clues per se, but a tangible impression that the person had been “murdered.”
Even if one destroyed the soul with an advanced technique, the deceased would still show a dazed or terrified facial expression.
Only the Dao Sect and the Witch Cult could make death appear as peaceful as sleep. It was a simple deduction.
“What do you think we should investigate when we reach Yunzhou, sir?” Xu Qi An humbly sought advice.
He was skilled in solving cases, but when it came to official circles and networking, he was a novice.
“Zhou Min was an experienced undercover agent. He wouldn’t keep important evidence on his person. Our job is to find the evidence he’s hidden. In this regard, Official Xu, you’re an expert. I hope you’ll put in extra effort when the time comes,” Governor Zhang said solemnly, expressing great trust in Xu Qi An’s professional abilities.
“I’ll do my best,” Xu Qi An suddenly thought of an issue and frowned, “Yang Chuannan is the Military Commander of Yunzhou, controlling both military and political power. Won’t this force him into rebellion? If so, we’ll be the first to face retribution.”
Officials with military power were different from those in the capital. The Six Guards of the Capital and the three major Forbidden Army camps were all under royal control, leaving civil officials powerless to resist.
But as a provincial Military Commander with troops at his command, how could he allow himself to be slaughtered?
“This is a risk we must take. Jiang Jinluo and I will mediate and handle it. When the time comes, you just follow orders,” Governor Zhang took on the responsibility.
“When we reach Yunzhou, I might be able to gather some help,” Xu Qi An said.
“Help?” Governor Zhang questioned.
“We’ll discuss it when we get there,” Xu Qi An didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep.
Governor Zhang nodded, not taking it too seriously.
“Governor Zhang, how much do you know about Yunzhou?” Xu Qi An asked carefully, “I mean about the bandit problem.”
Governor Zhang pondered briefly, then spoke slowly, “There’s a reason Yunzhou is called the Bandit Province. It’s recorded in the history books. We need to go back to the ‘Purge of the Court’ five hundred years ago…”
Xu Qi An originally knew nothing about this part of history where Emperor Wuzong usurped the throne, only learning about it through the Sangbo case.
“Back then, Emperor Wuzong led his army into the capital… and quickly pacified various provinces, but encountered fierce resistance in Yunzhou. The Military Commander of Yunzhou at the time was a famous general, skilled in warfare and especially in defending cities. Even with Emperor Wuzong’s strategy, he couldn’t conquer Yunzhou immediately.
“The two armies faced off, fighting a prolonged war for years. The people’s lives became unbearable, and in their desperation, many turned to banditry.
“Yunzhou’s numerous mountain ranges made it easy to defend and hard to attack. Combined with fertile land, it became a breeding ground for mountain bandits and outlaws. By the time Emperor Wuzong reclaimed Yunzhou, he found it overrun with bandits.
“Years of bitter fighting had severely weakened the Great Feng army, leaving it unable to suppress the bandits. Emperor Wuzong had no choice but to return to the capital, planning to deal with the situation after recuperating.
“Later, the court organized several campaigns against the bandits, each time suffering heavy casualties. As one group of Yunzhou bandits was eliminated, another would appear, like spring grass growing anew. Eventually, it became a haven for court fugitives and martial world outlaws.”
Governor Zhang sighed, “A chronic illness is hard to cure.”
So it’s a historical legacy issue… If the founding emperor couldn’t solve it, later emperors would find it almost impossible. Firstly, they lack the ability, and secondly, they tend to settle for comfort. Xu Qi An nodded slightly, indicating he understood.
The three men continued their discussion for a while before parting ways.
…
Returning to his room, unsurprisingly, Xu Qi An woke up Zhu Guangxiao and Song Tingfeng again. As Qi Refining realm experts, their senses were keen, and any slight movement would disturb them.
His two colleagues didn’t mind and quickly fell back into deep sleep.
Xu Qi An didn’t sleep. He lit an oil lamp, sat at the table, and took out the small jade mirror.
[Three: Number Two, I just received news that the court has sent a Provincial Governor to Yunzhou.]
Sending a group message in the middle of the night was rather inconsiderate. The members of the Earth Book chat group were all awakened, each reaching for their Earth Book fragments with different emotions to check the message.
[Five: Number Three, you’re so annoying. Don’t disturb my sleep in the middle of the night.]
The little wild girl from the Southern Borderlands protested.
Others didn’t respond, silently watching the chat.
[Two: Is it related to the Qi Party?]
[Three: Smart. A Night Watchman undercover agent in the Military Command discovered that Yang Chuannan, the Military Commander of Yunzhou, has been secretly aiding mountain bandits, supplying them with military resources, and nurturing the bandits for his benefit. By the way, this Yang Chuannan is the Qi Party’s representative in Yunzhou.]
[Two: That’s impossible. I don’t know if Yang Chuannan is part of the Qi Party, but I know he’s not the type to nurture bandits or supply them with military resources.]
Number Two’s reaction was quite intense… Does she know Yang Chuannan and have a good relationship with him?
Xu Qi An was glad he hadn’t made any promises to Governor Zhang, or he would have been in trouble. At the same time, he mentally noted to be careful about his identity when they reached Yunzhou and not to reveal himself.
First, identify who Number Two is, then observe her (his) relationship with Yang Chuannan. Confirm whether Number Two is a wolf or a civilian.
[Four: There’s nothing impossible about it. The Minister of Works has fallen, so something had to be revealed, right? Number Two, think about it. The Qi Party is colluding with the Witch Cult and secretly supporting mountain bandits, but they’re thousands of miles away in the capital. To get things done, they need a representative. Just prove that Yang Chuannan is part of the Qi Party, and he definitely can’t be innocent.]
[Two: I’m very good at judging people. Yang Chuannan isn’t that kind of person.]
… Is Number Two always this subjective? Feels like a woman; women are usually emotional and subjective. Xu Qi An inwardly grumbled but didn’t say it out loud. After all, if Number Two was a feminist, she’d be furious right now.
[Five: Number Three, why do you always have so much information? Are you an information broker?]
Number Five couldn’t help but complain. She felt a bit deflated; she had finally “sold” the news about the Gu God’s revival, making everyone owe her a favor.
Yet Number Three kept dropping bombshells in the group chat.
Everyone tacitly chose to ignore Number Five’s pointless comment.
Xu Qi An teasingly sent a message: [Hmm, Number One should have known this news earlier. Didn’t Number One tell you? Tsk tsk, Number One, that’s not right.]
Number One seemed quite cunning; the silent ones were always the most treacherous and profound.
[One: Go to hell.]
Xu Qi An had thought Number One wouldn’t respond, but unexpectedly, the reaction was so intense, opening with such flowery language.
Have I offended Number One? It was just casual teasing; why such a strong reaction?
Xu Qi An felt confused and a bit angry. He ignored Number One and sent another message: [Number Two if you don’t believe it, you can cooperate with the Provincial Governor’s investigation when they arrive. If Yang Chuannan is innocent, it’s a chance to clear his name.]
[Two: Alright.]
This way, Number Two was roped into the plan! Xu Qi An nodded with satisfaction.
[Two: By the way, how is Emperor Yuanjing’s health?]
[Three: His health should be fine. Why do you ask?]
[Two: Bah, the Dao Lord is blind. How is the old emperor not dead yet?]
The Dao Lord is blind? Number Two seems to be an old malcontent. I’m increasingly curious about his (her) identity. If I find out you hold an official position… Xu Qi An chuckled to himself.
Having successfully “greeted” Number Two, Xu Qi An remembered the second purpose of initiating this group chat.
[Three: By the way, I don’t think I’ve told you about the true identity of the sealed object beneath Sangbo.]
The true identity of the sealed object beneath Sangbo?!
This caught everyone’s attention, not just the other members of the Tian Di Hui, but even Number Five was now fully awake and alert.