Chapter 028
Chapter 28: The Case
Zhang He, thrown fiercely to the side, clutched his face in fear, not daring to utter a word.
Seeing this, the man in the green robe hurried forward to ease the tension and said gently, “Lord, this matter isn’t entirely the Young Master’s fault. The people from Six Gates have long planned against us, catching us completely off guard.”
Gao Chang Rui took a moment to steady his breathing. He shot a fierce glare at Zhang He before turning his gaze toward Guan Shan Xue.
After pondering briefly, he instructed the green-robed man, “Zhu Zhi, notify Six Gates. Let them handle this woman. As for today’s incident, we shall let it rest here.”
Hearing this, Zhu Zhi’s face showed confusion, and he hesitantly asked, “My Lord, are we really letting it go just like this?”
“What else can we do? The Seventh Prince is still imprisoned. The Ministry of Revenue is leaderless, and even Minister Lord struggles to maintain his position under pressure from those Princes fighting for power.” Gao Chang Rui sighed deeply, his face weary and burdened.
“Everything must wait until the Seventh Prince’s issue is settled. In such troubled times, choosing any side rashly would be unwise.” As he spoke, he looked at Zhu Zhi, gently patting his shoulder, “We must tread carefully at every step, for one misstep could send us plunging into ruin. Remember, from now on, caution is key. You may go.”
Zhu Zhi nodded silently, turning to leave without another word.
Gao Chang Rui himself did not linger, walking toward the door. Passing by Zhang He, he gave the young man a harsh kick and snapped, “Get out of my sight!”
“Maternal Uncle, forgive me! I promise I’ll never speak carelessly again!” Zhang He shrank his head, shouting apologies while scrambling away.
Yet as he turned his head, a fleeting, vicious look crossed his face.
…
At the heart of Vermilion Bird Avenue stood the Six Gates General Yamen, its imposing entrance marked by three towering doorways and exactly six gates in total.
The lofty scarlet gate beams and great bronze doors were guarded by majestic martial lions, emanating an air of grave authority.
Common people who passed by were all awed, keeping their distance out of respect and fear.
The Six Gates Yamen was one of the three major agencies under the direct control of Emperor Yuan Wu of the Great Li Dynasty. Aside from capturing criminals and investigating crimes, it held the crucial responsibility of overseeing Martial World sects throughout the realm.
Its unique role elevated it to prominence both in the imperial court and among the martial artists of the Jianghu.
Indeed, some martial artists whimsically dubbed Six Gates the fifth greatest sect, ranking alongside the renowned Four Great Sects of the Martial World.
At this moment, Ji Fei Yun leaped gracefully from his horse in front of the Six Gates General Yamen, striding swiftly inside. Constables stationed at the entrance promptly saluted. Province Chuan and Guo Ning’er hurriedly followed close behind.
Once inside, Province Chuan’s gloomy face spoke with heavy remorse, “Chief, this was my fault entirely. I accept any punishment.”
Ji Fei Yun moved steadily through the inner courtyard without a glance, waving dismissively, “This is not your fault. If not for Guan Shan Xue’s interference, you might have succeeded.”
Speaking, Ji Fei Yun entered an official hall, seated himself behind a wide table, and swiftly penned a letter. Handing it to Guo Ning’er, who stood before him, he said, “Ning’er, take this letter to Steward Lin at the Fifth Prince’s residence.”
Then, sweeping his eyes over the trio, Ji Fei Yun said, “After today, Gao Chang Rui will certainly be on alert. Don’t waste further efforts on him for now.”
Pausing thoughtfully, he turned his attention back to Province Chuan, “Help me follow someone.”
“Just say the word, Chief. Who is it?” Province Chuan eagerly asked. Skilled in hidden weapons and swift as a shadow, he was unmatched at tracking. Within Six Gates, he was even nicknamed “Meteor Flying Leg.” Ji Fei Yun naturally valued his talents, and Province Chuan hoped to redeem himself.
“You saw the young man with Cang Yin Yue today. That’s the person I want you to track,” Ji Fei Yun said slowly.
Province Chuan paused, confused as to why he’d follow a seemingly irrelevant stranger.
Noticing his bewilderment, Ji Fei Yun tapped his finger thoughtfully against the desk and explained, “My instincts, honed through many years in Six Gates, tell me this man isn’t ordinary. He stayed too calm facing Guan Shan Xue and myself.”
“I suspect he possesses considerable martial skill and perhaps even a powerful movement technique.”
Ji Fei Yun shook his head slightly, smiling softly, “Moreover, I’m also considering Brother Fu’s well-being. An unknown young man suddenly appears at Cang Yin Yue’s side, looking so handsome… It’s prudent to be cautious!”
Guo Ning’er giggled softly behind her hand and said playfully, “Chief, you truly care for Constable Fu like a brother. But someone as remarkable and exceptional as Constable Fu is truly rare. I’m sure Constable Cang knows whom to choose.”
“Let’s hope so. I only wish she doesn’t make a foolish decision,” Ji Fei Yun murmured, narrowing his eyes briefly before waving his hand dismissively, “Alright, go ahead with your tasks.”
Province Chuan and Guo Ning’er nodded obediently and left the hall. Cao Po, the big man who had remained silent, scratched his head and asked, “Chief, do you have any task for me?”
Ji Fei Yun rose from behind the desk, his gaze sharp and resolute, “Indeed, and it’s no small matter. Later, you’ll accompany me to Aurora Pavilion.”
Cao Po’s expression grew surprised, “Has something happened at Aurora Pavilion?”
He shook his head, murmuring, “But Heavenly Brocade Guard patrols there, guarding inside and out. There shouldn’t be trouble.”
Ji Fei Yun gave a cold laugh, stepping outside the hall as he spoke, “Last night, five people suddenly died at Aurora Pavilion. The Heavenly Brocade Guard couldn’t uncover the reason, so they handed the case to our Six Gates.”
“The Divine Constable originally tasked Brother Fu with this investigation, but he’s tied up with another important case. Hence, it’s fallen to me.”
Cao Po quickly followed, eyes lighting up as he said, “All eyes in the Imperial Capital are fixed on Aurora Pavilion right now. If you solve this case, Chief, you’ll gain tremendous merit and your name might even shake the entire capital!”
Ji Fei Yun’s eyes gleamed momentarily before shaking his head soberly, “The Heavenly Brocade Guard aren’t idle either. A case they can’t handle must be extraordinarily difficult.”
Just then, as Ji Fei Yun finished speaking, they arrived in the outer courtyard of the Yamen. But suddenly, Ji Fei Yun halted, his gaze drawn urgently to the main gate.
Two constables hurriedly carried in a stretcher. Lying unconscious upon it was none other than Guan Shan Xue.