Xuanqing Guard

Returning once more to the tea room of the Jingxi Governor’s Office, Shen Hao found that the previously noisy chatter quieted down significantly the moment he entered. Scanning the room, he noticed that everyone was deliberately avoiding his gaze, and even after he sat down, those seated nearby became noticeably tense.

"Lord Shen, you may have to wait for a while. Lord Jiang is currently meeting with guests. I’ll inform you as soon as he’s done. Would you like some tea while you wait?"

"Mm, thank you."

Shen Hao took the teacup and casually placed it on the small table beside him, then closed his eyes to rest. He knew that most people around were wary of him. By now, his reputation as an Evil Star was no longer confined to the region around Fengri City. After leading the raid on the Xu Mansion, his notorious title had reached the Imperial City itself, and within just two days, the news had spread like wildfire.

Generally speaking, someone like him, whose infamy had become the talk of the town, would not last long in Officialdom. But when it came to the Xuanqing Guard, a place that could not be gauged by common sense, many chose to keep their distance from this "Evil Star."

Notoriety was still a kind of fame. Shen Hao had no right to be picky now; besides, it’s better to be feared than to be underestimated, right? Moreover, the duties of the Black Banner Battalion were never associated with kindness—the more people avoided him, the more competent he appeared.

After sitting for about an hour, the Small Banner Officer from the tea room finally came to call Shen Hao, informing him that Jiang Cheng’s guest had left and it was now time to go in.

As usual, Shen Hao entered, bowing formally with cupped hands. He would not straighten up until Jiang Cheng responded. He had never once erred in proper decorum.

"Sit. Is everything ready?" Jiang Cheng’s face bore a touch of displeasure, as if he had just lost his temper.

"Yes, my lord. The dossier for the ’Ma San Case’ is ready for your review." Shen Hao replied, handing over a duplicate of the dossier he brought with him. At the same time, his nose twitched; he detected an odd scent in the public office—like the lingering fragrance of a sachet used by women.

Why would there be the scent of a woman’s sachet in Jiang Cheng’s public office? Shen Hao didn’t dwell on it, but he did find it odd.

Taking the dossier from Shen Hao, Jiang Cheng began to peruse it. Since he’d heard no small number of case reports before, it was easy enough to string everything together from the dossier, and his reading was swift.

"Leave this with me. I’ll report it to Lord Pang in due course. By the way, did you know there’s been a development in the case where you were attacked?"

"Ah? Has there?" Shen Hao honestly hadn’t paid attention, thinking to himself it must be Tang Qingyuan who’d found something in the Local Government Office’s prison. Most likely, though, nothing had been done yet; otherwise, there would’ve been at least some rumor of it.

Sure enough, Jiang Cheng continued, "Kuang Shengyuan reported that he’s found the cultivator who attacked you. Care to guess where that man is right now?"

I know, but I can’t say. So Shen Hao pretended to ponder for a while, then shook his head to indicate ignorance. He’d promised Tang Qingyuan not to speak out of turn, and besides, there was no point snatching someone else’s credit.

Jiang Cheng smiled, "I doubt you’d guess. Hehe. I hear your old superior Tang Qingyuan is in charge this time. Who would have thought he had such tricks up his sleeve."

What could Shen Hao say? He simply put on a curious expression, waiting for Jiang Cheng to "explain" further.

"The dungeon! The cultivator who tried to take your life with an Illusionary Kill is hiding in the Local Government Office’s jail in Fengri City. After the failed assassination, the fellow disguised himself as a street thief, and deliberately got caught stealing, was hauled into the Government Office, and locked up. By regulation, if no one pays his fine and forfeiture he’ll be held for half a month. Hmph, in half a month, there’s no way Fengri City stays sealed up like now, and he’ll be able to walk out unimpeded."

Shen Hao followed up with the proper remark, "My lord, does that mean he’s been caught?"

"No, merely found. Given the man’s identity, Kuang Shengyuan sent an urgent report. I told them, act only when there’s no chance of failure, and be certain to take him alive. They’ll probably move tonight. Want to know who the man is?"

Shen Hao, naturally, yielded to the moment. Since Jiang Cheng had said this much, it was clear he intended to dig deeper. Although Shen Hao had already heard Tang Qingyuan’s version, since this involved the Royal Guard, he was also curious about Jiang Cheng’s view.

"The Royal Guard—have you heard of them? Kuang Shengyuan and the others suspect the one who came after you may be a Royal Guard. If so, now things get truly interesting."

"I don’t believe I have such enmity with any member of the royal family, my lord. Even if someone wished me dead, I doubt they’d choose such a risky method."

"Not worthwhile, you say? Haha, you are prudent indeed. Yes, assassinating a Hundred Households of the Xuanqing Guard in broad daylight is treason of the gravest kind. Compared to carrying such a crime, your life is hardly worth the cost. But perhaps killing you was not their true intent—the response from Xuanqing Guard and the ensuing water and fire with the Ministry of War may have been their real aim.

Of course, the man is not yet apprehended, so all this is speculation. But this is not just my conjecture; Lord Pang suspected as much before Kuang Shengyuan’s people even realized your attacker could be from the Royal Guard. He said, the one who wants you dead is likely a bystander watching from the shore—could be a civil servant, member of the royal family, or a rich tycoon. The chance it’s someone from the military is low."

Shen Hao thought about it, still puzzled. "My lord, how do these people benefit from muddying the waters? The southern front is about to see military action—if we have internal trouble now, it could lead to calamity."

"Heh, some care nothing for the Dynasty’s troubles; they mind only their own interests. Besides, unrest isn’t limited to just the south. The vibe in the Imperial City has grown increasingly strange these past years. I say a storm is coming." Jiang Cheng’s remarks were veiled, as if he alluded to something, but gave no further explanation to Shen Hao.

After a moment’s pause, Shen Hao raised the other purpose of his visit. "My lord, the ’Ma San Case’ may now be considered closed. The follow-up matters have also largely been resolved. But as for the detainees held in various local jails, I request your instruction on their disposition."

Keeping over a thousand people locked up wasn’t a solution. Release them? Out of the question. But before any action could be taken, the Jingxi Governor’s Office must provide an official order.

Jiang Cheng nodded at this, took a copper rod from his drawer, and handed it to Shen Hao. "Since the case is closed, you may take this order. Follow its instructions, and be cautious—don’t let word of this leak out."

Shen Hao acknowledged, then unfurled the copper rod. The surface was densely packed with names, and after each name were several words: "Beheaded, immediate execution."

Beheading—a relatively merciful way to die. But there would be no public executions; everything would be handled in secret, with no announcement made thereafter.

"I accept the order!"