Xu Shaoqian Admitted Defeat, Yielded Control of the Case, and Master Li Made His Entrance-Snatching Victory with a Flick of His Hand!

Xu Shaoqian from a Jiyin Academy and the scrutiny from all sides also make him feel pressured.

He knew Li Xian was quite capable, but he didn't believe Li Xian's abilities were truly far superior to his own. Moreover, Li Xian had abundant resources; with just a word, all the Gold Steward and Cavalier would devote their full strength to his cause. Even if Li Xian's investigative skills were slightly lacking, he figured he could make up for it with manpower. So, under pressure, he mustered all his energy and mobilized the gang Gold Steward and secret agents from Tailstreet Marquis Wu Station Cavalier investigate the case.

Li Xian was singled out and given an unimportant task to get rid of him.

For three consecutive days, Marquis Wu Station was extremely bustling. On the first day, Xu Shaoqian was still in control, making orderly arrangements and investigating along the clues. On the second day, as soon as a clue was found, he followed up in a hurry, becoming somewhat impatient. Xu Shaoqian was not bad in ability, but in this situation, his temperament became a little impetuous. He kept adding more people and seeking speed and urgency, losing his composure.

On the third day, the clues they had been painstakingly gathering suddenly vanished. Several days of hard work had come to nothing. This was commonplace in investigations, but Xu Shaoqian was greatly distressed. Seeing that he couldn't solve the case quickly, and with many people watching him closely, he immediately felt discouraged. That evening, a letter arrived at Marquis Wu Station. Xu Shaoqian opened the letter and his face turned pale. The handwriting was bold and vigorous, like mountains and rivers, with a profound and far-reaching spirit, clearly the work of "Wu Gan."

It turns out that news of Song Ya's disappearance reached Wu Gan's ears. With his birthday approaching, he wrote in a letter that he was getting old and did not want to die with any regrets. He hoped that his disciple Song Ya could safely participate in the birthday banquet.

Xu Shaoqian was young and Intent-Qi, and his style of doing things was often to bravely and decisively charge forward to win. But once he encountered a setback, or failed to achieve his goal in one go, or failed to make significant progress, he would immediately feel frustrated and then retreat.

This characteristic is not usually noticeable, but it only becomes apparent when it comes to important or crucial matters.

This is the current situation. He took on everything, considering himself superior, and quickly recruited most of the Cavalier to his side. If the clues are not lost and he can make some progress, even though he has received Wu Gan's letter and feels a lot of pressure, he is still confident.

But at that very moment, all the clues went cold. This left him flustered and completely disoriented. Xu Shaoqian called Lei Chong over to discuss the matter, saying, "The situation is special now. That Li Xian is indeed quite capable at catching criminals and solving cases. How about we use him again to help us solve the case?"

He paced back and forth, feigning composure, and then said, "It's not that I consider myself inferior to him, but given the circumstances, even Wu Gan sent a letter; I should make the most of it for the sake of the old gentleman."

Lei Chong said, "Xu Central Lang General's words make a lot of sense, but if Li Xian gets involved in the case, he will immediately make a breakthrough. How will Central Lang General then position himself?" His words were tactful.

Xu Shaoqian, feeling utterly humiliated, secretly regretted his actions. "In the beginning, why did I even bother comparing myself to a mere Gold Steward? It was a foolish act that lowered my status. I, Xu Shaoqian, have made a stupid mistake this time. If I had just used him directly, it wouldn't have hindered me at all. No matter how capable he is, it was because I promoted him, because I had a keen eye, that I had such a talented person to help me. Now, this situation puts me in a difficult position."

In truth, ever since Li Xian was promoted to Gold Steward and became famous for his "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," Xu Shaoqian had felt a slight unease. As a dignified Central Lang General, he was not jealous, fearful, or worried about Li Xian replacing him. However, he gradually heard rumors circulating that the people knew "Gold-Seeking Guard; Li Xian," but not "Central Lang General; Xu Shaoqian." A dignified Central Lang General, yet his reputation in the streets and alleys was not as good as his subordinate's. Although he never said it out loud, it left a mark on his mind. Later, when Li Xian demonstrated his mastery of the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," "Suffering Body Scripture," and "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" in exchange for certain martial arts, Xu Shaoqian was suddenly awakened. This young man had unknowingly achieved Perfection mastery of three extremely difficult martial arts techniques.

Xu Shaoqian was immediately displeased. He couldn't articulate why he was displeased, however. He was always arrogant and conceited, young and impetuous, with endless opportunities. He admired subordinates with exceptional talent, but none who surpassed him. His recruitment of Li Xian was not out of appreciation for his abilities, but merely a personal scheme, done on a whim. Later, he valued him highly, but only wanted "Li Xian to be a second Lei Chong," to be used at his beck and call.

Everyone loves a fine horse, but those who possess it often fear it. Even a discerning eye like Bo Le (Demonic Sound Mind-Seizing Melody horse connoisseur) is like this, let alone Xu Shaoqian, who is far from being a "Bo Le." Xu Shaoqian vouched for Li Xian to enter the Stele Tower and exchange for the "Demon Sound Mind-Capturing Melody," but he concealed the accompanying medicinal bath method, the "Demon-Subduing Decoction." He jokingly called himself "a forgetful person of high status," but in reality, he was calculating, petty, and truly stingy.

Xu Shaoqian pondered for a moment and said, "Very well, before Li Xian came, I personally solved all the major cases. Now that he's here, we can't solve them anymore? Does our Gold-Seeking Guard have to rely on this kid for a living?"

Lei Chong was overjoyed, thinking, "Central Lang General do indeed appreciate this young man, but he's too outspoken and capable, and doesn't know how to conceal his brilliance. That cold glint of his eyes has even hurt you, Central Lang General. Although Central Lang General dislike him, you wouldn't dare to suppress him. I'll think of another way to instigate them." He said, "Central Lang General, although I have a grudge against Li Xian, I must admit that this young man's ability to solve cases is truly exceptional. He's recently solved several major cases, which is extremely impressive. It would be a real waste to leave him unused."

Enraged, Xu Shaoqian dodged past, slapping Lei Chong twice across the cheeks with his right palm. He said impatiently, "You're quite the strange fellow. First you said you'd use it, then you said you wouldn't. I said you wouldn't use it, but now you say you'll use it. Are you deliberately trying to make me unhappy?"

Lei Chong dared not cover his face, and said in a thick voice, "Xu Central Lang General, Lei Chong Lei Chong dares not. What I want to say is... Xu Central Lang General, why don't you pretend to be sick and hand over the case entirely to Li Xian? Let Li Xian have full control over it."

Xu Shaoqian asked coldly, "What do you mean?" Lei Chong replied, "Xu Central Lang General might want to consider this: if you continue to hold the reins of the case, with Li Xian assisting you, and if the case still cannot be solved, Xu Central Lang General inevitably be criticized. But with Li Xian assisting, what criticism is there? If the case is successfully solved, although you will have full control, in the eyes of the public, they will only think that Li Xian is extremely capable, able to turn the tide of the case immediately. This young man is extremely good at attracting attention and building a reputation. In terms of reputation in the public sphere alone, Li Xian is no less than you, Central Lang General. Of course, in the eyes of those of us with status and position, ten Li Xian are not worth even half a finger of Central Lang General, General Xu."

Lei Chong continued, "If you're willing to agree readily, hand over the case entirely and find an excuse not to interfere. If Li Xian can solve the case, then we'll lay the foundation first, and Xu Central Lang General delegate authority as appropriate. Li Xian's abilities are certainly remarkable, Xu Central Lang General magnanimous and has the demeanor of a general. Why should a general compare his ability to charge into battle with his soldiers? Wouldn't it be perfect if you and Li Xian both became famous?"

"Conversely, if Li Xian cannot solve the case, it means the case is extremely difficult and destined to remain unsolved. Since he has full authority over the case, he will naturally bear the responsibility. Xu Central Lang General relinquish authority due to illness, but with his subordinates incompetent, there will be less criticism. At this time, Xu Central Lang General take over the case again, investigating it while ill, which will undoubtedly be a good story." Xu Shaoqian paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, pondering the meaning behind the words: "Lei Chong and Li Xian have quite a grudge. These words are probably an attempt to use this opportunity to deal with Li Xian, hoping that Li Xian cannot solve the case so that he can take the opportunity to make things difficult for him. But these words are not without reason. I also want to take this opportunity to see if Li Xian's ability to solve cases can surpass mine." He sneered and said, "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking."

He said solemnly:

"With such a major case at hand, you must put aside all your grudges. I'm delegating authority to Li Xian, and you must cooperate fully. If you obstruct the case in the slightest, causing it to jeopardize the reputation of Gold-Seeking Guard, I will absolutely not let you off the hook."

Lei Chong was taken aback, then his face turned red, and he hurriedly said, "Yes... yes!" Xu Shaoqian calmed himself down, and seeing Lei Chong's scheme, and said, "Go and make the arrangements!"

Lei Chong, though rugged in appearance, was actually shrewd and adept at using intrigue and cunning schemes. Stepping out of the room, his expression immediately softened, and he was in high spirits. His plan was far-reaching. First, he wanted to probe Xu Shaoqian's attitude and learn that Xu Shaoqian disliked Li Xian. Second, he wanted to subtly escalate the conflict between Li Xian Xu Shaoqian. He thought, "Xu Central Lang General always aloof. Although he clearly dislikes Li Xian, he is too proud of his status to bother with him. While I, Lei Chong, have considerable power and ability, if I truly want to deal with Li Xian, I must provoke Xu Central Lang General as much as possible, making him dislike and even despise this man." "If I unleash my full power against Li Xian, even if Xu Central Lang General sees it, he might not intervene, and I will naturally have divine assistance. This boy has become my mortal enemy since our trip to Evil-Quelling Island." "This time, not only will I not target Li Xian, but I will also do my best to make his mission as beautiful as possible. If we solve the case, his fame will soar, and Central Lang General will gradually realize his mistake and dislike Li Xian even more, deepening his resentment and laying the groundwork for future murderous intent. If we fail to solve the case, I will seize the opportunity to make trouble. This water will be extremely murky, and no matter what, I can extricate myself cleanly."

He clutched his cheek, feeling a sharp pain. Through this series of twists and turns, and various calculations, the case's jurisdiction fell entirely into Li Xian's hands. Li Xian could command all the Gold-Seeking Guard) at the Tailstreet Marquis Wu Station; even Lei Chong had to obey his orders and could not disobey in the slightest. Having gained control of the case, Li Xian observed Lei Chong's righteous expression, seemingly ready to reconcile and cooperate to solve the bizarre case. Li Xian guessed that there must be some hidden scheme involved, thinking:

"A few days ago, Xu Shaoqian deliberately forbade me from cooperating with the investigation. Although I cannot investigate this case, I have been secretly monitoring it. After several days without progress, I suppose it cannot be solved and I am to be used as a scapegoat? Now the arrow is on the bowstring, and I have no choice but to release it. No matter what the reasons are, or what kind of murderous intent is hidden, I must do my best to solve the case first. Moreover, crisis comes with opportunity. If we can seize this opportunity, perhaps there is hope for my ' Mud Body '."

Having grasped the implications, he rose to the challenge, assuming full authority and personally investigating the case. He immediately reviewed the case files, tracing back recent progress. He learned that Song Ya's residence was in "Dream-Painting House," and the basic situation of her siblings. Li Xian thought, "Xu Shaoqian's leads have run dry. The real clues to solving the case require a personal investigation at the scene."

Riding his Binds the Wind, Li Xian hurried to the Dream-Painting House. Knowing his place, Li Xian was always calm and collected, with only Chang Ziqiang and Yao Fan by his side to assist him. Upon entering the Song Family residence, after stating his purpose, the Song the Merchant immediately came out to greet him. He was portly, with fair skin, and appeared quite prosperous, his face filled with anxiety. Li Xian observed him closely, scrutinizing details of Song the Merchant's expression and attire. He then routinely questioned him about clues, asking when Song Ya had disappeared and whether there had been any unusual occurrences before or after her disappearance. These questions had already been asked several times by the Gold-Seeking Guard, and were recorded in the case files.

Li Xian asked again to observe Song the Merchant's expression. Song the Merchant truthfully replied, "My youngest daughter is beautiful, knowledgeable, and the most eloquent in the Song Family. Although I am the Song the Merchant of the family, important family matters are decided by my daughter. She has been very decisive since childhood and knows how to act appropriately."

"On the evening of August 23rd, she unusually returned late. She smelled slightly of alcohol when she came back. I was in my study doing accounts when I saw Xiaoya return, so I hurried to greet her. I asked the servants to make some hangover soup, but she said it wasn't necessary. I know that Xiaoya's name has become famous after the imperial examination results were announced, and she has been very busy these days." "Some relatives have sent congratulatory gifts, which have piled up like a mountain. Lately, she has also been frequently invited out by young masters from the Aristocratic Clan. Speaking of this, I feel a vague sense of unease. If I had known that Xiaoya would disappear, I would have preferred... I would have preferred not to have her name on the list!"

Li Xian asked, "Oh? What is your concern?"

The Song the Merchant said, "My daughter is very beautiful, and she has been coveted since childhood. When she was studying at the Jiyin Academy, she was often pursued. It was common for young masters from the Yao Clan, Bai Clan, and Xu Clan families to visit us. Not to mention, after she passed the imperial examination, two young masters pursued her even more fervently. The way they looked at Xiaoya was extremely burning. It was as if they had to have Xiaoya. At that time, I only regretted... I regretted that the Song Family was too weak to protect Xiaoya from the wind and rain."

"My lord, could it be... could it be that these two young masters captured Xiaoya? Ah! The more I think about it, the more likely it seems!"

Li Xian asked, "Who are these two young masters?" The Song the Merchant replied, "They are Bai Qianlong of the Bai Clan and Yao Ding of the Yao Clan." Li Xian asked, "Yao Fan, how much do you know about this Yao Ding?" Yao Fan pondered for a moment and said, "Not much. The Yao Family is very large, with many branches. Even though there are occasional clan gatherings, with so many people of the same generation, it's difficult to know everyone clearly."

Li Xian asked, "Did you mention this to the people from before?" The Song the Merchant replied regretfully, "I might have forgotten to! Those officials, just standing in front of me, made me tremble and shake uncontrollably. I don't know if I said some of those things."

Li Xian nodded slightly, urging the Song the Merchant to continue. Song the Merchant said, "I chatted with Xiaoya for a while, and then she said she was tired. I told her to go back to her room to rest, and I went back to the accounting office to do the books. Now that I think about it, Xiaoya acted quite strangely that night. I was so focused on running the business, my mind was only on the accounts, and I... I completely overlooked everything!"

After saying this, tears streamed down his face, and he slapped himself twice hard. His cheeks swelled up. Li Xian watched coldly, observing intently, taking in every detail. The Ironblood Divine Constable Li Bohou had once told him that to catch a thief, one must have a heart as cold as iron.

The Song the Merchant was filled with remorse and cried out again, "I... I... I shouldn't have let Xiaoya study literature." He pounded his chest heavily, each thud filled with deep sorrow.

Li Xian interrupted, "Alright, have a sip of tea before you continue." With a gentle tap, she handed him a cup of tea. The Song the Merchant took a large gulp from the cup and continued, "I've been doing my accounts for a while when I suddenly heard footsteps. I opened the window and saw that Xiaoya had gone out again." Song the Merchant waited a moment, then subconsciously glanced at Li Xian. Seeing that Li Xian wasn't in a hurry to question him, he added, "I know Xiaoya is very independent, so I never interfere in her affairs. But going out at midnight, and Xiaoya being a woman, how could I feel at ease? So I quietly followed her and saw Xiaoya meet a man in black."

Li Xian asked, "What are this person's distinguishing features?"

The Song the Merchant said, "It was dark at the time, and I was afraid Xiaoya would notice me, so I didn't dare to get close. I vaguely saw that this person's left sleeve was empty, he was slightly taller than Xiaoya by half a head, and he seemed to have a limp when he walked. Yes, that must be it."

Li Xian said, "This information is extremely important." He then asked, "And then?"

The Song the Merchant said, "Afterwards, Xiaoya spoke a few words with the man in black, but because they were far apart, she couldn't hear clearly, so she came back. I had just arrived home before her and went into my study ahead of her. When Xiaoya returned, I calmly asked her what she had gone out to do. She said she was meeting a friend."

"After that... the night was quiet. I went to bed at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), and the next morning, a servant rushed in to report that Xiaoya's door was ajar, the room was in complete disarray, and Xiaoya was nowhere to be found. Only then did I realize that Xiaoya was missing, and then all that followed."

Li Xian asked, "What kind of shoes did Song Ya wear the second time she went out?"

The Song the Merchant was taken aback and said, "This... this... I didn't pay attention at the time; it should be light red. I wonder if this has anything to do with solving the case?" Li Xian smiled and said, "Just asking out of curiosity. Whether it has anything to do with the case or not, we'll have to investigate to find out."

The Song the Merchant asked, "Sir, you keep asking the same question: can you really find my daughter? My daughter, Song Ya, is... Thirteen Sages of the Mirror, with a bright future ahead of her. You... you absolutely must find her!"

Yao Fan said, "Don't worry. With me, Master Li, in charge, it will be a piece of cake."

Li Xian shook her head and said, "Don't speak too confidently. I can only say we should act according to our abilities. Where is Song Ya's boudoir? Take me to see it." The Song the Merchant led the way, passing through the gallery and flower garden. Along the way, Li Xian asked about the Song Family members. The Song the Merchant told her the truth: his second son was Song An, and his third son was Song Jiaojiao, both disciples of the nearby martial arts temple. His fourth son, Song Wenbo, studied literature with Song Ya, but he was very young and not as talented as his eldest sister. Song Ya's boudoir was in the east, a small, detached house with peach trees planted in front of it. The peaches were pale yellow and in full bloom. Li Xian Flower Plucker and smelled it, recognizing it as an "August Peach Blossom." While ordinary peach blossoms bloom in February or March, the August Peach Blossom blooms in the sweltering heat of summer, with pale yellow petals and a delicate fragrance.

Women often admire this flower. Li Xian looked around and thought, "The layout of this boudoir far surpasses many of the pavilions I've seen along the way. Yet its location on the east side truly suggests that the mistress of the Song Family is in charge."

Gold-Seeking Guard once investigated this place, but only briefly and without going into detail. Gold-Seeking Guard's approach to cases is to focus on interrogation rather than leaving traces. Although there may be clues at the crime scene that could be helpful to the investigation, Gold-Seeking Guard this is how he has always handled cases, and there is nothing wrong with it.

Therefore, their ability to trace clues was quite ordinary. Song Ya's disappearance shocked Jade City. However, the crime scene was unguarded, which speaks volumes. Li Xian pondered, "I'm too late... the clues inside have probably been lost."

He left the Song the Merchant outside and went to investigate the boudoir alone. Upon entering, he saw a screen embroidered with lotus flowers, emitting a faint fragrance. Li Xian scanned the room for signs of trouble, noticing the mess and broken porcelain scattered everywhere. He couldn't help but wonder, "The evidence of the crime in this house has been preserved perfectly. That's strange." He pondered silently, observing carefully. His Double Pupils allowed him to see even the smallest details, no matter how subtle, escape his notice. Li Xian walked around the screen and surveyed the layout of the room.

It is evident that Song Ya was extremely talented and came from a wealthy family, yet her home decor exuded a refined air, no wonder she was favored by "Wu Gan". Li Xian stepped on the "Human-Garment Art", his body was like a light garment, and he walked through the house without leaving a speck of dust.

Li Xian pondered, "When Xu Shaoqian handled this case, he proposed that Song Ya's disappearance was related to the man in black, Yao Ding, and Bai Qianlong. It's even possible that the man in black was one of Yao Ding or Bai Qianlong. He couldn't control himself and, in a moment of passion, committed a wrongful crime."

"This is a very common occurrence, so it's understandable that we started our investigation from there. However, after a series of interrogations, we still couldn't find any clues. Then we suspected that it was the work of the Song Family's mortal enemy. We arrested another group of merchants and interrogated them, but they also came up empty-handed. As a result, all our guesses failed, and we immediately didn't know what to do next. We were stuck in a dead end."

Li Xian remained extremely calm, slowly recalling the records in the dossier and the answers given by the Song the Merchant. He walked to Song Ya's bedside and saw that the bedding was somewhat thin and half-lifted. He guessed that Song Ya had already fallen asleep and had gotten up upon hearing the noise.

Li Xian gently patted the bedding, and a woman's fragrance wafted out. A few strands of hair remained on it. Beside the bed was a table with books on it and a clothes rack with a light green dress hanging on it.

Before Song Ya disappeared, she had already undressed and gone to sleep. Li Xian sniffed lightly and could smell a faint scent of sweat, mixed with a hint of sourness in the fragrance of her hair. It was August, the height of summer, proving that Song Ya had been asleep for some time.

After examining the details of the bed, Li Xian noticed three pairs of shoes placed under it, exquisitely crafted and made of silk. Although the Song the Merchant was not from a prominent family, he was quite wealthy and could afford to support his two sons and two daughters in their studies and martial arts training.

The monthly expenses for "Essence Treasure," "martial arts," and "tuition fees" are all terrifying. Moreover, they can afford dozens of servants, and the mansion is quite spacious. Naturally, their children's clothing is also excellent.

Li Xian picked up a pair of Embroidered Shoes, pale pink in color, with worn soles and indented footprints inside, indicating they had been worn for a long time. The second pair was a pair of white deerskin ankle boots, exquisitely embroidered with gold and jade on both sides, exuding a fragrant aroma. They were clearly rarely worn and had just been purchased.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Song Ya is already one of the Thirteen Sages of the Mirror, and in a few days it will be Wu Gan's Birthday Banquet. She needs to attend, and perhaps the Fortune will take place at the banquet. That's why she's been preparing her clothes and attire so early. If I'm not mistaken, she should have also bought new rouge, hairpins, and other accessories." He then looked at the third pair, a pair of light blue boots made of animal leather, which had a slight odor. Li Xian was certain that Song Ya had been wearing these boots the day before she disappeared. He examined the mud on the soles of the boots.

Shaking the soil into his palm, Li Xian observed it carefully. Although the soil was small, its texture and shape contained a great deal of information. For example, the soil on the shore of a lake was usually very fine when rubbed. However, the soil in the mountains appeared coarse.

Li Xian took in every detail and gradually came to understand. He then searched the bookshelf and found a scroll. The scroll depicted a woman, beautiful and charming, with an oval face and particularly captivating phoenix eyes that exuded a rare air of nobility.

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