Apprehending the Suspect

The code has been solved?!

At that moment, Governor Zhang almost wanted to clean his ears to check if they were blocked with earwax.

In the governor's plan, Zhou Min's case was obscure and difficult. Apart from the code, there were no other clues, making the investigation extremely difficult. Therefore, he was prepared for a protracted battle. Even if he could not return to the capital before the spring, he would still investigate the case to the end.

However, to everyone's surprise, the evidence was obtained before the protracted battle even began, which meant the end of Zhou Min's case and the nearing conclusion of the trip to Yunzhou.

This means Yang Chuannan is finished.

Governor Zhang took a deep breath, his eyes scrutinizing Xu Qi'an repeatedly, as if he were seeing him for the first time.

I have to admit that I underestimated this young gong. I had given him my utmost confidence because of Duke Wei's appreciation and the abilities Xu Qi'an had shown. Only now do I realize that I still didn't understand him well enough.

This child is destined for greatness.

With about fifteen days of grueling work culminating in this, Jiang Luzhong felt only satisfaction with the case's progress, considering it within Xu Qi'an's capabilities, without much emotional reaction. Only one thought occupied his mind:

Xu Qi'an has the potential to become a top talent.

To be precise, his chances of winning the lottery have become even more secure. If it was 50/50 before, it's now 70/30.

Governor Zhang calmed his inner surprise and excitement, and nodded with a composed expression. "Come with me."

He left the others behind, entered the lobby, and went upstairs to his room.

Apart from Xu Qi'an and Jiang Luzhong, no one else followed.

"Have you obtained the evidence?"

After Xu Qi'an closed the door, the governor, who had been calm and composed, stared straight at him, his expression revealing excitement and agitation.

Xu Qi'an took out the ledger from his pocket and handed it over.

Governor Zhang eagerly accepted the ledger, but did not rush to open it. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and then began to read it.

"It's shocking, shocking! Such a huge sum of money! Yang Chuannan deserves to die!" Governor Zhang said, gripping the ledger tightly after reading it.

"Your Excellency is indeed a learned man; I've been studying the account books for quite some time before I've finally discerned a few clues," Xu Qi'an said with a hint of admiration. "How much is such a huge sum?"

Governor Zhang glanced at him, as if he hadn't heard, and repeated, "Shocking, shocking."

Xu Qi'an understood. The amount was enormous, but don't ask, because the answer would be shocking.

Governor Zhang carefully put away the account book, coughed, and asked, "How did you decipher the code?"

"That's impressive," Xu Qi'an immediately described in detail how he deciphered the code, not forgetting to recommend his two socially bankrupt colleagues for credit:

"Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao also played a crucial role. They not only actively participated in deciphering the mystery, but even went so far as to sacrifice themselves, abandoning their personal dignity. Their sacrifice was truly moving."

"To feed a ghost with one's own body?" The governor was taken aback.

"Yes, yesterday when we went out, a vengeful spirit blocked our way and caused trouble. Fortunately, Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao fought bravely and risked their lives to fight it off." Xu Qi'an said sincerely.

"The Witch God Cult is skilled at raising and controlling ghosts. Heh, it seems there are members of the Witch God Cult hiding in Baidi City." Jiang Luzhong raised an eyebrow.

Xu Qi'an nodded, feeling that it was reasonable for the Witch God Cult to take the blame, and asked:

"Your Excellency, what are your plans next?"

Governor Zhang stroked his beard and smiled, "Speed is of the essence in war!"

He then changed the subject, saying, "No rush, let's talk about it after we finish eating."

At the banquet, Governor Zhang, who was usually silent, finished his dinner and beckoned Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao. Looking at the two men, the governor said gently:

"Ning Ningyan told me that you two made significant contributions during the investigation."

Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao immediately looked at Xu Qi'an, somewhat moved. It was obvious that Xu Ningyan the governor for their commendation.

Merit points are a good thing; firstly, they're related to promotions. Secondly, after completing the Yunzhou mission, the government will award a certain amount of silver based on the individual's contributions.

And it's very generous.

My good brother!

Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao were deeply moved.

"This is what we, your humble servants, should do. We are willing to share the burdens of Your Excellency the Governor and serve the court with utmost loyalty, even unto death," Song Tingfeng said with a smile.

The taciturn Zhu Guangxiao nodded vigorously.

Governor Zhang nodded approvingly and asked with concern, "I heard from Ningyan that during your investigation, you sacrificed yourselves to fight against the vengeful spirits that were obstructing the investigation, making a great sacrifice. Is this true?"

The emotion on Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao's faces vanished instantly, their expressions gradually stiffening.

Why aren't you saying anything?

"My lord, it's a trivial matter, not worth your personal attention," Song Tingfeng forced a smile.

Governor Zhang shook his head and said gently, "Once this matter is settled, I will write a report. Everyone's contributions will be recorded and submitted to the court. At that time, rewards will be given according to merit."

Both Song Tingfeng and his companion turned pale. "Your Excellency, it's not that I didn't want to, but... but my spirit was injured by that vengeful Primordial Spirit, and I'm somewhat delirious, unable to recall the details."

The two acted in perfect unison, one hand covering their face, the other waving. "I can't remember, I can't remember."

After dinner, Jiang Luzhong and Governor Zhang led a large contingent of 130 men, including the Tiger Guards and Nightwatchers, toward the Commander-in-Chief's residence.

The troops were fully equipped with swords, spears, bows, crossbows, and even muskets, prepared for any stubborn resistance from Commander Yang Chuannan.

Governor Zhang planned to carry out the arrest operation at night to catch the other side off guard, and to catch the entire Yunzhou officialdom off guard, giving them no time to react.

They encountered two groups of city guards along the way, but the governor dealt with them both with a more forceful attitude. Amid the clanging of armor, the arrest team arrived at Yang Chuannan's residence.

Jiang Luzhong sat on horseback and waved his hand.

A silver-clad official dismounted, galloped to the gate, lowered his waist and hips, gathered his strength slightly, and then threw a punch.

Boom!

The heavy door was torn apart instantly, sending shards of wood flying everywhere.

The Nightwatchers led the elite guards into the mansion, shouting, "The governor is conducting a case; anyone who obstructs him will be killed!"

The guards at Yang Chuannan's residence were all skilled soldiers, unruly and unafraid of the so-called governor, wielding their swords in a fierce battle with the Imperial Saber Guard.

"Damn it, these scoundrels have gotten used to bullying everyone in Yunzhou?" A silver-clad soldier grinned as he drew his knife.

The Commander-in-Chief's residence also had skilled fighters who quickly rushed out and entangled the Silver Gong.

"Stop!"

As the shout rang out, Yang Chuannan, wearing a robe, came out and punched away two silver gongs, saving the lives of several guards.

"Snort!"

Jiang Luzhong, who had been watching the battle the whole time, stepped forward and spread his five fingers toward Yang Chuannan. His knuckles were thick and his skin shone with a divine light, unlike flesh and blood, but rather cast from lapis lazuli.

An overwhelming and irresistible aura enveloped Yang Chuannan, and as Jiang Luzhong clenched his fist, he was forcibly pulled and flown over.

The power of fist erupts!

The golden gong strike landed squarely on Yang Chuannan's chest as he flew through the air. The sound was like a resounding bell echoing through the heavens and earth. Everyone saw Yang Chuannan's body flash with divine light, which then dissipated into fragments the next moment.

The copper-plated, iron-boned structure has broken.

Yang Chuannan was sent flying, coughing up blood.

"Grown ups!"

The guards in the manor, their eyes blazing with fury, gripped their sword hilts, ready to perish with these uninvited guests.

"Stop, stop!" Yang Chuannan staggered to his feet, his hair disheveled and his body swaying precariously.

Governor Zhang appeared at the opportune moment, looked at the disheveled commander, and said in a deep voice, "Lord Yang, please restrain your subordinates."

Yang Chuannan staggered over, stared at Governor Zhang, and chuckled, "I am, after all, a second-rank official. Governor Zhang led his troops into my residence in the dead of night, recklessly raising weapons. I'd like to hear your reasons."

"That way you'll understand clearly." Governor Zhang, of course, wouldn't pull out his treasure in front of everyone, and said in a deep voice:

"I have obtained Zhou Min's account books."

Yang Chuannan's eyes widened instantly. "Impossible!"

Governor Zhang sneered, "Lord Yang, you'll find out when you come back to the post station with me."

Having said that, he shouted, "Take them away! Anyone who obstructs will be executed on the spot!"

The guards stepped forward in unison, making fierce gestures, but Yang Chuannan rebuked them. Obstructing the governor's investigation and attempting to rescue a "prisoner" were capital offenses.

Yang Chuannan had no doubt about the Nightwatchers's decisiveness, nor did he doubt the Golden Rooster's combat prowess; he didn't want his men to die in vain.

Immediately, Tiger Guards stepped forward, took out shackles, put them on Yang Chuannan, and escorted him out of the mansion.

A large group of over 130 people left the Commander-in-Chief's residence.

Military tents outside Baidi City.

"What? The Nightwatchers broke into the Yang residence and took the Commander away?"

Li Miaozhen stood up in surprise, staring at the black-clad ghost who had returned to report the news. This was her spy in Yang Chuannan's mansion, replaced every three days.

After all, if too much time passes and the ghost doesn't receive the nourishment of Yin Qi, it will eventually turn to ashes.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Su Su swung her legs and said in a coquettish voice, "Is the governor so arrogant? He dares to arrest people without any evidence. Although he is now the highest-ranking official in Baidi City, he dares to touch Lord Yang without any proof."

"Master, I suggest we must gather three thousand men, raze the post station to the ground, and hang that gong-wielding fellow surnamed Xu on the city wall of Baidi City."

As Li Miaozhen gradually calmed down, she glanced at her and said, "Hmm, that makes sense. Let's appoint Su Su as the vanguard of the assault battalion."

Su Su shrank back, "Let's stick to the laws of Great Feng."

"Get lost."

"Oh." Su Su pouted, got up with a wronged expression, and left the tent.

"Come back!" Li Miaozhen shouted.

"Okay, Master." Su Su's stunningly beautiful face instantly brightened, blossoming into a sweet smile.

"Are you sure Xu Qi'an really didn't conduct a secret investigation? And that he had any so-called evidence?" Li Miaozhen stared at Su Su suspiciously.

"No, no." Su Su quickly shook her head, her delicate body trembling and her skirt fluttering.

"What about the others?"

"I was only responsible for keeping an eye on Xu Qi'an, and then his two colleagues. I didn't pay attention to the other Nightwatchers."

Li Miaozhen nodded. As long as Xu Qi'an didn't investigate secretly, the others could be ignored. As for whether that kid noticed Su Su was following him, that wasn't important.

Li Miaozhen only cared about what he had done in the past three days. Even if he discovered Su Su was following him, as long as he didn't investigate the case or make any breakthroughs, what did it matter whether he discovered it or not?

If Xu Qi'an didn't obtain the "evidence," then what were the governor's reasons and purposes for arresting Yang Chuannan?

Attempting to resolve the issue through violence, or to extract a confession under duress?

No, a governor of such high rank would not do something so unwise.

"Guards!" Li Miaozhen shouted.

The guards on night duty outside the military tent responded and entered.

"Gather your troops and enter the city at dawn."

"Yes!"

Then, she looked at Su Su, "You'll come with me tonight to enter the city. I'm going to visit the governor."

P. S.: I was writing late at night, and when I got tired, I took a nap at my desk. When I woke up, I continued writing. Seeing so many readers waiting, I was instantly overwhelmed with anxiety. I just wanted to finish a chapter as soon as possible, otherwise I would have let you all down. I didn't even check for typos.

I'm going to sleep now. I'll correct the typos when I wake up. Also, the chapter that was originally scheduled for 10:00 AM will definitely be postponed. I'll update two chapters together tonight.