'Oh my god, I feel like I'm going to die …' Xu Qi'an felt like he had stayed up for 72 hours and was forced to run a kilometer.
His heart was pounding, hovering on the edge of overload.
Fortunately, he had a solid foundation in the Spirit Refining State. His body was tough and durable. If it was him in his previous life, he would have been queuing up at the funeral parlor … No, he would have passed away with a smile on his face on the fourth or fifth day of cultivation.
'At least I got the attention of the other party. I can communicate with them … What I hate the most is non-violence and non-cooperation. Can't we be more gentle, sit down and have a chat?' Xu Qi'an thought to himself. He pretended to be calm and said in a clear voice,
"General Xu, do you know what case Commander Yang Chuannan is involved in?"
Xu Huchen nodded and said in a low voice, "This matter has already spread in Yunzhou's officialdom. But the commander has been wrongly accused."
"It's not up to you to say whether he's wrongly accused or not. The inspector's words don't count either. We have to investigate to know. "Xu Qi'an patiently explained.
"The inspector came for this case. Currently, we do have evidence against Sir Yang. However, the inspector did not make a rash judgment. He has already gone to the Commander's Office to verify the evidence.
"Lord Xu doesn't care about anything and brought three thousand troops to the city. He's forcing Lord Yang to the path of death."
Xu Huchen snorted, "Don't try to frame me. Last night, there was a secret report from the Commander's Office. The inspector led a team to attack the Commander's mansion. Sir Yang was severely injured by a Jinluo and is on the verge of death.
"Even if Sir Yang is guilty, he will be tried by the three departments. You didn't go to court and trespassed the mansion. Aren't you trying to force a confession?"
'What do you know? This is called speed. Don't give the opponent a chance to react … If Yang Chuannan is really the mastermind, he would have rebelled by now.'
"The inspector has his own way of doing things. I know you are not afraid of death. However, I still have to remind General Xu that if you want to use force, you can. But don't act impulsively. Three thousand troops can't overturn the White Emperor's City, let alone Yunzhou. "
After Xu Qi 'an finished speaking, he saw Xu Huchen's eyes widen, as if he was angered by his words. He added,
"But you have to think about Official Yang. He's still in the relay station and hasn't been convicted yet. Is General Xu going to sentence him early?"
He is still in the station and hasn't been convicted. Are you going to sentence him early? "
"Look, the case hasn't even been solved, and General Xu is already like this. When the inspector reports to the imperial court, he will say that Yang Chuannan has his own army and is threatening us with force … At that time, it won't be the inspector who will come. "After Xu Qi 'an finished threatening them, he comforted them.
"General Li and the Commander are good friends. You don't believe me. You don't believe her."
Seeing that both sides were looking at her, Li Miaozhen muttered to herself, "The current situation is indeed unfavorable to the Commander, but a military remonstrance is not the right way. General Xu, don't be rash. Give the inspector some time. "
But the problem was that it didn't work. The Commander could only mobilize the Commander of the Guards in the White Emperor's City. The other Guards in Yunzhou were under the management of the Commander. However, the Commander did not have the power to command the battle.
The Commander could only mobilize the Guards in the White Emperor's City. The Guards in the other prefectures and counties in Yunzhou were under the management of the Commander. However, the Commander did not have the power to command the battle. During the war, the Imperial Court would only appoint temporary generals.
Because of these restrictions, Li Miaozhen's Flying Swallow Army was born.
With just the three to five thousand soldiers of the Imperial Guard Commander's Office, it was impossible for them to shake the authority of the Inspector-General. They would be sacrificing themselves in vain.
"Hmph! I can wait. But if Inspector Zhang can't give me a satisfactory answer, even if I agree, the thousands of brothers under me won't agree. "Xu Huchen admitted defeat.
Phew … Done! Xu Qi'an heaved a sigh of relief.
When faced with this kind of conflict, one must not be impulsive. One must know how to smooth things over. If one acted like the other night watchmen, this matter would be troublesome.
The famous detective Xu Baihuo was instinctively against war. A lot of people would die. And this matter did not have to be solved by war.
As for how to deal with the aftermath, it would be a headache for the Inspector.
…
On the other side, the Commander.
Inspector Zhang, who had just finished reconciling the accounts, was still in a state of anger. He slammed the table and scolded the officials: "Trash, all of you are trash.
"That Yang Chuannan deserves to die. Even if he wasn't the mastermind, this crime of dereliction of duty can still get him exiled.
"You guys too. The Commander sent military supplies to the mountain bandits. The amount is so shocking. The entire Yunzhou court didn't notice it? All of you deserve to die. "
After reconciling the accounts, they found out that almost a quarter of the military supplies sent by the Ministry of Works to Yunzhou were missing. Among them were bows, gunpowder, firearms, iron ores and so on.
The officials lowered their heads and silently endured Inspector Zhang's spittle. They did not dare to talk back.
After spitting out the fragrant words, Inspector Zhang took a sip of tea. Just as he was about to start the second half, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside.
A Brass Gong barged in without any notice and said loudly, "I'm here to see you.
"Inspector Zhang, White Emperor's Commander of Guards, Commander of Guards Xu Huchen led three thousand troops and gathered outside the Southern City. They said that if you don't let them go, they will enter the city."
Entering the city was a euphemism. In fact, it was to attack the city.
Inspector Zhang stood up in shock. The dozen or so officials present were in an uproar.
"When did this happen? What's the situation now? "Inspector Zhang asked.
"That Xu Huchen spoke arrogantly. He asked you to meet him within an hour. The hour has already passed …" After Inspector Zhang said that, he saw the officials' expressions changed. He quickly added:
"Xu Qi An brought Ranger General Li Miaozhen out of the city to negotiate. The situation is still unknown."
Inspector Zhang's scalp went numb. He did not expect Yunzhou's army to be so fierce. They did not follow the rules.
At the moment, he was shocked and angry. At the same time, he was anxious and worried.
Although Xu Ningyan was good at solving cases, Inspector Zhang knew that he was a greenhorn. He did not even have much experience in killing, let alone dealing with an unreasonable army.
"Who allowed him to go? Who allowed him to go?"
Inspector Zhang slammed the table and roared.
That copper gong curled his lips. "It was Xu Ningyan who insisted on taking the lead. Originally, the silver gongs wanted to bring Yang Chuannan to defend the city and wait for reinforcements.
"Xu Ningyan even said that he would take responsibility."
In all fairness, the strategy that Xu Ningyan adopted was more reliable and correct. The imperial court would usually take pacifying measures against mutinies by the soldiers. Then, they would execute the leaders as a warning to others.
They would try not to use weapons if they could.
However, in Inspector Zhang's eyes, this was clearly beyond the scope of Xu Ningyan's capabilities.
"Sir Song, immediately inform the Five City Warden's Office. Gather the troops and rush to the Southern City. Mobilize all the bailiffs and bailiffs to maintain the order of the city … "
Inspector Zhang quickly made the deployment. He was panicking but not panicking. He showed the qualities that an inspector should have.
…
"Hyah, hyah …"
Inspector Zhang spurred his horse forward. His old bones almost fell apart from the jolting. He didn't even dare to complain about Jiang Lüzhong because the cold wind would blow in. He only dared to shout "Hyah" a few times.
According to Inspector Zhang's original plan, Jiang Lüzhong should be the first to rush to the Southern City. A fourth-rank Jinluo was the most suitable person to hold the fort.
However, Jiang Lüzhong was as steady as a dog. He refused to leave the inspector's side. He was afraid that the inspector's worthless life would be taken away by an assassin.
Jiang Lüzhong was also worried. However, he wasn't worried about the army attacking the city. Instead, he was worried about that brat Xu Ningyan's life.
As someone from Jinluo who had been on the battlefield, he knew very well that the army was difficult and unreasonable. Xu Qi 'an was quite impressive in the capital. He had even killed someone in front of the Ministry of Justice's yamen.
Actually, it was precisely because it was in the capital that the big shots in the imperial court held back from taking action.
This was Yunzhou, the Yunzhou that was plagued with bandits. Anyone who put their head on their belt, no matter if they were bandits or soldiers, was not a pushover.
There was a high possibility that they would pull out their swords and kill someone.
Gradually, they approached the Southern City. Jiang Lüzhong's ears moved slightly. He listened attentively for a moment and said with relief, "Sir Inspector, there's no need to rush. Slow down."
Inspector Zhang didn't want to speak, so he ignored Jiang Lüzhong's words.
"The battle hasn't started," Jiang Lüzhong said.
Hmm?
Inspector Zhang was stunned. As expected, he reduced his speed. He pulled on the reins and changed from a wild gallop to a trot.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Jiang Lüzhong was a high-ranked martial artist. If there was a fierce battle outside the city, he would be able to sense it.
"Looks like the situation is relatively stable." Inspector Zhang breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he looked at Xu Qi 'an in a different light. "Is it Xu Ningyan who has stabilized the situation?"
Jiang Lüzhong shook his head. "You'll know when you reach the Southern City."
After half an hour, they saw the outline of the city wall. Inspector Zhang squinted his eyes and looked at it. The city defense troops at the top of the city wall looked like they were facing a great enemy. There were soldiers ready in front of the ballistae and cannons.
Inspector Zhang squeezed his horse's abdomen and galloped away. He pulled on the reins and stopped at the side of the city wall. He lifted the hem of his official robe and climbed up the steps in a hurry.
The crimson official robe symbolized his identity. No one dared to stop him.
"Sir Inspector, you're finally here."
The moment the square-faced, triangular-eyed Qian Hu saw Inspector Zhang, he felt as if the boulder in his heart had finally been lifted. He let out a long sigh.
Inspector Zhang, who was still burning with anxiety during the journey, put away all his emotions when he reached the top of the city wall. His expression was dignified and expressionless.
He stood at the top of the city wall and looked for a while. He ordered, "Use the hanging basket to lower me down."
The Qian Hu said, "I'll open the city gate directly. That bronze gong and Ranger General left from the city gate."
Nonsense … The corner of Inspector Zhang's mouth twitched. "If Officer Wei's troops really had the intention to attack the city, the city gate would've been lost."
The Qian Hu immediately lowered his head.
"There's no need for the hanging basket. I'll bring Sir Inspector down." Jiang Lvzhong pressed on Inspector Zhang's shoulder. In the next moment, Inspector Zhang's vision blurred. He was already outside the city. He was only a hundred feet away from Xu Qi 'an and the rest.
On Xu Qi 'an's side, he also noticed Jiang Lvzhong and Inspector Zhang. Everyone's expression was different. Li Miaozhen's expression did not change. Xu Qi 'an's tensed expression relaxed slightly.
Xu Huchen's body instantly tensed up. The hand that was holding the long lance tightened.
Inspector Zhang was not scary. What was scary was that Jinluo who was following beside him.
Inspector Zhang said loudly, "Xu Huchen, get down from the horse and talk."
Xu Huchen frowned. He held the long lance tightly again. After weighing the pros and cons, he hung the long lance on the horse hook. He faced Inspector Zhang empty-handed.
"Sir Inspector!" Xu Huchen cupped his fists.
"How dare you." Inspector Zhang sneered. "Today, even if I let Jiang Jinluo kill you on the spot, he can still suppress the three thousand soldiers behind you."
Xu Huchen did not say anything.
"No matter what you say, you just want to save Yang Chuannan. Let me ask you, if Yang Chuannan really committed a crime punishable by death, will you save him or not? "
"Sir Yang is innocent."
"I'm only asking you, will you save him or not."
"Save him!"
Inspector Zhang laughed out loud. "You're indeed a courageous man. I appreciate you. It's still too early to make a conclusion about Yang Chuannan's case. Since you believe in Sir Yang's character, then I'll also guarantee you here that as long as Yang Chuannan is innocent, I'll definitely clear his name. "
After a pause, Inspector Zhang suddenly turned hostile. He said harshly, "But you led the troops without permission and the troops came to the city. It's a crime punishable by death!"
Xu Huchen cupped his fists unwillingly. "I … know my mistake. As long as Sir Inspector can clear Sir Yang's name, I'll let you punish me however you want."
"Forget it. Seeing that you didn't act recklessly, as long as you lead the troops back to the military camp, I'll let bygones be bygones." Inspector Zhang was magnanimous.
"Since Sir Inspector has made a promise, then I'll believe you." Xu Huchen got the answer he wanted. He turned his head and nodded slightly at Xu Qi 'an.
Luckily there was this gong to mediate between them. The situation didn't worsen to the point of no return.
Xu Huchen led the troops to make a ruckus. He wanted a result, or a promise. He was afraid that the Inspector from the capital would wrongly accuse the Commander for his merits.
At the moment, the Inspector had made a promise. The case was still under investigation. The Commander hadn't been convicted yet.
This result was already very good.
Following that, Imperial Inspector Zhang comforted him with a pleasant expression, displaying the attitude of a courteous scholar. This made Xu Huchen feel flattered.
Uncouth men were like this. They wouldn't even frown when fighting on the battlefield. But once someone showed concern for them, they would feel grateful. They couldn't be fierce.
Especially a high ranking official like Inspector Zhang.
In the end, everyone was happy. Xu Huchen was able to answer to the soldiers. Inspector Zhang resolved the military remonstrance. It didn't cause any trouble.
… …
On the way back to the relay station, Inspector Zhang praised Xu Qi 'an. "You really understand the human heart. You know how to resolve conflicts. Ning Yan, you've done a meritorious deed again. "
Xu Qi 'an waved his hand. He didn't continue the conversation. Because he was too tired, he lost interest in talking.
Li Miaozhen didn't follow him back to the relay station. She brought her private troops back to the barracks.
Jiang Luzhong frowned. "Sir Inspector's delaying tactic can only work for a while."
Inspector Zhang smiled coldly. "I know. Jiang Jinluo, tonight, go to the Guards barracks. Invite Xu Huchen and the other generals to the city. Tell them I have a secret matter to discuss. It's related to the Commander's case."
Xu Qi 'an's heart sank.
Inspector Zhang said calmly. "After bringing them out of the barracks, kill them all. Don't leave a single one alive."
"Sir Inspector …"
Looking at Inspector Zhang who turned hostile so quickly, Xu Qi 'an looked like he had eaten a dead rat. It was hard to describe what he was feeling right now.
Inspector Zhang acted like he didn't hear him. He continued. "Without a leader, the ordinary soldiers are like a plate of loose sand. They'll be fine after a little pacification. Yang Chuannan's trusted subordinates are only three to five thousand soldiers from the Guards. Once we get rid of this hidden danger, we won't have to worry about dealing with Yang Chuannan. "
"But, there's obviously more to this case." Xu Qi 'an said in a low voice.
"That's another matter. If we can find out, I'll clear Yang Chuannan's name. However, Xu Huchen is determined to rebel. I must nip the seeds in the bud. "Inspector Zhang said faintly,
Inspector Zhang said faintly. "I'll send people to gather soldiers from all the Guards in Yunzhou. There won't be a second time."
The Inspector had the authority to mobilize the troops from all the Guards.
After he finished, Inspector Zhang took a look at Xu Qi 'an. He sneered. "Ning Yan, mercy doesn't command the army. Be it the imperial court or the battlefield, hesitation will lead to defeat. Being soft-hearted will harm others and yourself. "
"I understand the logic …" Xu Qi 'an sighed silently.
Jiang Lvzhong had experienced many ups and downs. He was calm. He asked, "By mobilizing the troops from all the Guards, does Inspector Zhang want to use this incident to suppress Yunzhou's bureaucracy?"
Inspector Zhang nodded slowly. "If Yang Chuannan isn't the mastermind, then the mastermind is in the city. Officials of the fourth rank and above are all suspects. I'll prepare for a rainy day to prevent the other party from doing something desperate. "
Returning to the courier station, after drinking a cup of tea, the Stalwart Tiger Guard on duty came in to report. "Inspector Zhang, Minister Song and other officials are asking for an audience."
Inspector Zhang dismissed the irrelevant people and received the officials in the hall. They were here for Yang Chuannan's case.
"The evidence for this case is conclusive. I hope Inspector Zhang can make a decision soon." Minister Song said.
Yunzhou's magistrate and other officials agreed.
They're here to "force me to abdicate" … Xu Qi 'an thought.
If the mastermind was among these people, it wasn't hard to understand why Inspector Zhang would incite the officials to force him to abdicate after he finished examining the evidence.
But he was a little anxious …
The Guards Department's troops had just withdrawn, but he couldn't wait to force Inspector Zhang to close the coffin on the case. It really didn't seem like something an experienced and astute person would do.
It could only mean that Liang Youping didn't have any clues, making the other party feel like they were sitting on pins and needles. They couldn't wait to push Yang Chuannan out as a scapegoat.
The more anxious he was, the easier it was to give himself away … Jiang Jinluo would behead Xu Huchen and other generals and then mobilize the troops from all the Guards Department. The Inspector Zhang would then be able to sleep peacefully and play with the mastermind. So, it's enough to stall for time … Xu Qi 'an thought flashed.
Sure enough, Inspector Zhang agreed to the officials' request. But he said he still had to interrogate Yang Chuannan today, and the next day he would be interrogated again.
In any case, he'd just put off today.
After sending the officials away, Inspector Zhang drank his tea and sighed. "There's not much time left for us."
Killing Xu Huchen was to stabilize Yang Chuannan, and mobilizing the troops was to stabilize the mastermind. After all, once the truth of the case came to light, the other party would definitely fight to the death.
Xu Qi 'an muttered, "When Jiang Jinluo is done with his business tonight, we can get someone to disguise as Liang Youping and lure the snake out of its hole."
Just as he finished speaking, the Stalwart Tiger Guard on duty came in again and said, "Inspector Zhang, there's a group of escorts outside who claim to be from Fu Shun Escort Company. They say they want to see Inspector Zhang."
"Fu Shun Escort Company?" Inspector Zhang frowned. He had no impression of this escort company.
