How Could Chen Ankang Believe It?

Zhou Wanwan brought the abbot and his subordinates back with her.

Chen Ankang looked at the abbot and said, "Isn't this the abbot of State-Pacifying Temple? He was the first to report the disappearance of the golden Buddha."

Zhou Wanwan rolled her eyes and said, "Isn't it possible that he stole this golden Buddha?"

Chen Ankang looked at her and said:

Do you think I haven't investigated the abbot?

The abbot was playing chess with someone at the time and had no time to commit the crime; they played all night.

Zhou Wanwan said speechlessly, "Is it possible that the person playing chess was knocked unconscious, and the abbot took advantage of that time to steal the golden Buddha?"

Chen Ankang had never thought of it that way back then, but now that he thinks about it, it really is possible.

The abbot nodded and said, "I only had a momentary evil thought. Amitabha, please forgive me! I beg you, please let me go!"

Chen Ankang frowned as he looked at the abbot's readily admitted it and said:

Are you being threatened?

If you're being threatened, blink now, and I guarantee you, with my official position, that I will definitely stand up for you.

Chen Ankang looked at Zhou Wanwan with disbelief on his face.

The abbot's eyes were wide open, not blinking an eye; he was terrified!

He's already admitted his mistake, so why is Chen Ankang so persistent?

Zhou Wanwan chuckled and said:

"Lord Chen, this is really interesting. Are you trying to say that I was tortured into confessing?"

Or are you trying to say I bribed the abbot?"

Chen Ankang looked coldly at Zhou Wanwan and said, "You're quite capable, aren't you? Did you find that golden Buddha?"

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said, "Of course it's been found. It's already been carried to our courtyard. Lord Chen, why don't you go and take a look?"

Chen Ankang simply refused to believe it.

But when you go outside, you see a huge golden Buddha statue in the courtyard.

Chen Ankang was dumbfounded. The other officials gathered around and said, "This golden Buddha must cost more than a thousand taels of gold!"

Nie Shi'an looked at the abbot and said, "Execute him in public."

He had barely finished speaking when a servant came to report, "There are more than a dozen officials outside, saying they have important business to discuss."

Soon, the dozen or so adults strode in.

The governor was at the head of the group, and all the officials knelt down immediately.

The governor looked at the abbot and said, "This matter has frightened you."

The abbot smiled faintly and said, "Amitabha, I'm not so much frightened as I am, but I'm sorry to have troubled you to make this trip."

Then the governor looked at everyone and said:

"I actually know about the golden Buddha. It was placed under the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda to suppress demons."

"You guys are something else, you just took that golden Buddha out. Who took it out anyway?"

Everyone looked at Zhou Wanwan, and the governor sneered, "Are you trying to shift the blame onto a child?"

Nie Shi'an quickly said:

"Here's the thing: we've been searching for the whereabouts of the golden Buddha."

Zhou Wanwan works for our Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office; I never expected she would actually find the truth.

The governor looked at the abbot beside him and said, "Was it this little girl who took out the golden Buddha?"

The abbot nodded and said, "In that case, I'd like to say a few words to Zhou Wanwan."

The abbot led Zhou Wanwan to the next room and said:

"Zhou Wanwan, you took so many of my things, and now even the governor is here."

If you're willing to hand it over, I'll spare your life.

Otherwise, your entire mountain stronghold wouldn't survive. Don't think I don't know you're a bandit leader too."

Zhou Wanwan glanced at him indifferently and said, "Tell me, why would I dare to send you here?"

The abbot laughed heartily:

You think you're so great, but what good is being great anyway?

The governor is a sworn brother of mine; do you think he would speak up for you?

I know your Black Wind Stronghold has many treasures. Send them to me quickly, or your Black Wind Stronghold might lose their heads.

Zhou Wanwan smiled and said, "Oh dear! I'm so scared!"

The abbot laughed heartily again:

"You should be afraid. Do you know why State-Pacifying Temple has become like this?"

My followers include not only the governor, but also members of the imperial family.

Now you know what happens when you offend me, right?

Zhou Wanwan nodded. "I understand."

"Then hurry up and send back all my treasures, as well as everything from your Black Wind Stronghold." The abbot flicked his robe and turned to leave.

Zhou Wanwan rolled her eyes and said, "You have a path to heaven but you choose not to take it, and you barge into hell when there's no way out. Don't blame me for being impolite."

Entering the hall again, the governor looked coldly at Zhou Wanwan and said:

"A six-year-old girl with yellow hair, she's got quite the nerve, she ruined my big plan."

I'm telling you, you'd better do as the abbot says, or I'll wipe out your Black Wind Stronghold completely.

After saying that, he left with his men.

Zhou Wanwan raised an eyebrow. This governor is quite imposing!

Nie Shi'an sighed and said, "This time we've messed with someone who's not easy to deal with. Wanwan, you really know how to cause trouble!"

Zhou Wanwan looked at him and asked, "Lord Nie, what is the background of this governor?"

Nie Shi'an slowly began to speak:

"Don't just think of him as an ordinary local governor. This official comes from a top family in the capital, and his wealth is immeasurable."

Their ancestors had served as officials for generations, achieving high rank and prestige. The family owned thousands of acres of fertile land and shops all over the north and south, making them one of the most prestigious and influential families in the capital.

He was the legitimate son of a prestigious family, and had lived a life of luxury since childhood. His family was already incredibly wealthy.

His elderly mother had a deep faith in the abbot of State-Pacifying Temple and was grateful for his life-saving grace.

Every year, the governor's office would make lavish donations to State-Pacifying Temple, never hesitating to provide gold, silver, incense, money, grain, and supplies, with donations often starting at tens of thousands of taels.

Zhou Wanwan exclaimed in amazement, "Ten thousand taels! That bald guy is really lucky!"

Chen Ankang's lips twitched. Zhou Wanwan looked at Chen Ankang and said, "Lord Chen, what do you want to say? Just say it!"

Chen Ankang looked at Zhou Wanwan and said, "You win this round. Actually, everyone knows the truth."

Zhou Wanwan didn't expect Chen Ankang to say that. She chuckled and said, "You're quite honest. Okay, I'm especially happy today. I'll treat you to barbecue tonight."

Chen Ankang looked at her speechlessly and said, "Shouldn't you be thinking about what to do next? You still have the mind to eat barbecue."

Zhou Wanwan looked at him and said:

"There's always a way out. We'll deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow. Our barbecue is ready."

I feel quite embarrassed to have called you all up tonight to be witnesses; consider the barbecue as an apology.

The adults couldn't help but roll their eyes. "It's only because we're not going to argue with a little girl, otherwise we would have definitely spanked you. Can you please not do that again next time?"

"My heart is pounding! I was drinking tea when the person behind me suddenly carried me here. It gave me quite a fright."

"Pah! I was taking a dump! Her men almost carried the entire chamber pot away."

Zhou Wanwan's lips twitched. Were her subordinates really this outrageous?