The Case

Zhang He, who had been flung away, covered his face, too terrified to speak.

The man in blue hurried forward to smooth things over. "My lord, this cannot all be blamed on the young master. The Imperial Secret Police had been plotting this for a long time; they were truly impossible to guard against."

Gao Changrui slowly calmed himself, shooting Zhang He a vicious glare before turning his gaze to Guan Shanxue.

After pondering for a moment, he instructed the man in blue, "Zhu Zhi, notify the Imperial Secret Police and have them deal with this woman. Let today's matter end here."

At this, Zhu Zhi looked puzzled and asked hesitantly, "My lord, are we really just letting this go?"

"What else can we do if we do not? The Seventh Prince is still in the Heavenly Prison. The Ministry of Revenue is now a dragon without a head, and even Lord Minister can only barely hold on amid the crushing struggle between those princes."

Gao Changrui sighed, deep weariness appearing on his face. "Everything must wait until the Seventh Prince's matter has settled and the dust has fallen. Under the current circumstances, leaning toward either side would not be wise."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhu Zhi and patted his shoulder. "We must tread every step with caution. One misstep, and we will fall into a place beyond redemption."

"Remember this: from now on, be more careful in everything. Go."

Zhu Zhi nodded and, without saying anything more, turned and left.

Gao Changrui did not linger either, immediately heading outside.

But as he passed Zhang He, he gave him a savage kick. "Why are you still here? Get the hell out!"

"Uncle, I was wrong! I will never dare speak recklessly again!"

Zhang He ducked his head and cried out as he scrambled and crawled away.

Yet the instant he turned around, an exceedingly well-hidden viciousness flashed across his face.

Six Fans Gate Headquarters stood upon the central axis of Vermilion Bird Avenue, its main entrance opened in three sections, with six gates in all.

Its towering crimson lintel, bronze-cast gates, and majestic stone lions before the entrance all exuded an air of solemn, murderous authority.

Any commoner passing by its gates would be intimidated, keeping a respectful distance.

As one of Great Li's three major institutions directly under Emperor Yuanwu's command, the Imperial Secret Police not only hunted thieves and criminals and investigated criminal cases, but more importantly oversaw the affairs of martial sects throughout the land.

This had established its vital standing throughout both the imperial court and the martial world.

There were even idle gossips in the martial world who called the Imperial Secret Police the fifth greatest sect, aside from the four great sects of the martial world...

At this moment, outside the gates of Six Fans Gate Headquarters, Ji Feiyun leaped down from his horse and strode inside.

The constables on duty at the entrance all saluted him, while Zhou Chuan and the other two hurriedly followed behind him.

After entering headquarters, the grim-faced Zhou Chuan finally spoke in a low voice. "Chief, I messed this up. I will accept any punishment."

Ji Feiyun walked straight through the front courtyard without looking aside, waving a hand. "This is not your fault. If not for Guan Shanxue, you might already have succeeded."

As he spoke, Ji Feiyun entered an office hall and sat down before a desk.

He swiftly wrote a letter and handed it to Guo Ning'er, who stood before the desk. "Ning'er, take this letter to Steward Lin at the Fifth Prince's Residence later."

Then he swept his gaze over the three people before him. "After what happened today, Gao Changrui will certainly be on guard. Do not waste any more time on him for now."

At this point, Ji Feiyun pondered for a while, then turned his gaze to Zhou Chuan. "Help me follow someone."

"Chief, say the word. Who is it?"

Zhou Chuan hurriedly asked. He excelled at hidden weapons and lightness skills, and had always been an expert at tracking people.

Within the Imperial Secret Police, he even bore the nickname Meteor Flying Leg. Ji Feiyun had naturally chosen him for this task because he valued those skills, while Zhou Chuan also wished to atone for his failure.

"You should have seen the young man beside Cang Yinyue today. He is the one I want you to follow."

Ji Feiyun spoke slowly. Zhou Chuan was slightly taken aback, seemingly unable to understand why he needed to follow a completely unrelated stranger.

Ji Feiyun clearly saw his confusion. He tapped the table with a bent finger. "From my many years of experience in the Imperial Secret Police, I have always felt that this man is not simple. Whether facing Guan Shanxue or me, he was far too composed."

"I suspect that not only does he possess considerable martial cultivation, but he also likely knows an exceptionally formidable movement technique."

As he spoke, Ji Feiyun shook his head and laughed. "Then again, I am doing this for Brother Fu's sake as well. This man of unknown origins suddenly appeared beside Cang Yinyue, and he is so handsome too. We cannot afford not to be wary!"

Guo Ning'er covered her mouth and laughed softly. Looking at Ji Feiyun, she said, "Chief, your bond with Head Constable Fu truly is as close as that of brothers. But someone as powerful and outstanding as Head Constable Fu is hard to find in all the world. I think Catcher Cang should know how to choose."

"I hope so. I just hope she does not do something foolish."

Ji Feiyun's eyes unconsciously narrowed. Then he waved a hand. "All right, go attend to your work."

Zhou Chuan and Guo Ning'er answered and turned to leave the hall.

The remaining burly man, Cao Po, scratched his head and took the initiative to ask, "Chief, do you have any assignment for me?"

Ji Feiyun rose from behind the desk, his gaze gradually sharpening. "Naturally. And it is no small matter. Come with me to Aurora Pavilion later."

Cao Po's face immediately showed surprise. "Did something happen at Aurora Pavilion?"

As he spoke, he shook his head to himself. "But the Heavenly Brocade Guard is stationed there, with strict defenses inside and out. By all rights, that should not be possible."

Ji Feiyun gave a cold laugh. As he walked out of the hall, he said, "Last night, five people suddenly died in Aurora Pavilion. The Heavenly Brocade Guard could not find the cause, so they handed the matter over to our Imperial Secret Police."

"Originally, the Divine Catcher wanted Brother Fu to make the trip personally, but he is investigating another case and cannot get away for the moment. Thus, this matter has fallen to me."

Hearing this, Cao Po hurriedly followed him, his eyes gleaming. "Almost the entire imperial capital is watching Aurora Pavilion now. If Chief can solve this case, it will not only be a great achievement—you may well become famous throughout the imperial capital!"

A sharp glint flashed through Ji Feiyun's eyes, but he quickly shook his head. "The Heavenly Brocade Guard is not merely drawing a salary for nothing. If even they could not solve this case, it is likely far from simple."

While Ji Feiyun was speaking, the two had already reached the government compound.

But in the next moment, Ji Feiyun suddenly stopped and looked toward the main entrance.

Two constables were carrying a stretcher hurriedly inside, and the person lying on it was, astonishingly, Guan Shanxue.