The restless night finally passed.
The next morning, the brilliant sun rose in the east. Its light shifted from crimson to orange-gold, piercing the thin morning mist and spilling across the rolling mountains and vast prefectural city.
Dressed in his official uniform and wearing his saber, Huang Tian made his way to the Centurion Office.
Many of the office clerks had already arrived and were busy at their desks. The moment they saw Huang Tian, they rose excitedly.
"Greetings, Centurion!"
"The Centurion's might is unmatched!"
"—"
Faced with his subordinates' heartfelt praise, Huang Tian smiled and waved a hand. "Work diligently and cultivate well."
Only then did everyone return to their posts. They resumed their work, though their faces still shone with excitement and pride at being part of his office.
Huang Tian entered the hall and had just sat down when Qi Hong and Luo Chan came in to report.
Qi Hong's face was full of admiration, her voice clear and bright. "Centurion, after you were attacked last night, the constables, runners, and guards from every ward searched for nearly two hours. They finally caught everyone who set the fires.
"There were three arsonists in all, but none of them knew the assailants. They said someone had paid them a large sum to start fires around the city. The person who hired them had covered his face, so they didn't know who he was."
Luo Chan added, "As for the Guard Prison, after a round of harsh interrogation, Zhang Yu and the others named their accomplice. He's a Bronze Badge Constable of the Six Gates called Fang He. When we sent people to arrest him at his residence, he had already fled. Wanted notices for him are now posted all over the city."
Huang Tian nodded slightly.
In truth,