"Released?!"
Someone from the Provincial Deputy's residence had come to invite Wang Yang over to discuss the case's progress. Wang Yang had thought they had made headway in the investigation into Third Master Du's abduction of A-Wu. Instead, Third Master Du had been released before spending even a full day in custody!
Le Zhan looked grave. "Yes, he's been released. Several of his men confessed that they had acted on their own to extort money, and that Du Shubao knew nothing about it..."
Anger flared in Wang Yang's heart, but he kept his expression firmly under control. "One of his men let slip who was behind it. So many constables and officers heard him. Surely claiming he knew nothing won't hold water."
Although Wang Yang had already abandoned the idea of using this case to topple Third Master Du completely, the man still needed to be taught a lesson so he would not dare act recklessly again. Keeping him locked up for a while longer would at least buy some peace. Who could have imagined he would emerge unscathed in less than a day? Wouldn't he become even more brazen now?
Last night, Le Zhan had solemnly promised Wang Yang that he would give Du Shubao a small punishment as a stern warning, and that he would uncover the truth. Yet the man had been released as soon as dawn broke. Le Zhan felt he had lost face as well.
"Zhi Yan, I'm afraid I can't fulfill the promise I made you last night. I underestimated things. I never expected Liu Yin to intervene."
"Who?"
"Chief Clerk of Jingzhou Liu. Not long after the prisoners were delivered to the county offices last night, the Chief Clerk's residence sent men to take over the case. Liu Yin is Jingzhou's Chief Clerk,