Su Wu Ming explained the origin of his suspicions.
“To be honest, I don’t know if you still remember, but when I first arrived here, I wanted to look at the old case files, but I was told they were all taken away?”
Zheng Qing nodded.
“But at the time, I found it very strange, because Yuan Lai, the county magistrate, was very well-respected in the city, and some even believed he was a benevolent ruler who loved the people!
Why would someone like him leave so many cases unsolved and let the files be lost?”
“That is indeed strange, but if you use that as a reason to suspect Yuan Lai, it might not be enough to expose his true nature.”
Zheng Qing murmured.
Su Wu Ming did not refute him, but continued:
“That’s not all.”
“Actually, when you, Zheng Yushi, found that the victim’s organs were empty, I made a guess.
Although spices can prevent the body from decaying, if there is blood inside, it will still rot from the inside out!
So I carefully examined Dou Cong’s body, and I found a hole in her head! All the blood in her body had been drained!”
Zheng Qing was taken aback. He hadn’t paid much attention to that.
Su Wu Ming continued:
“But what really made me suspicious was when Yuan Lai came to me after I used the art of Qi Men Dun Jia to find the other bride’s body.
But he only came to me about the Jin Wu Guards arresting people, a trivial matter. He just wanted to ask me if I had connected the missing bride case to the red tea case!
Later, when Lu Ling Feng and I led the county officers to the Ghost Market, Yuan Lai claimed to have come looking for me. But I’ve had a habit ever since I followed my master, Di Gong, when I go out at night.
I would put a copper coin in the crack of the door and sprinkle a layer of ashes on the floor inside the room.
But later, I only found a trail of cat footprints on the ashes!”
Zheng Qing thought this made sense.
He was increasingly impressed by Su Wu Ming.
Such meticulous thought!
Zheng Qing concluded:
“If that’s the case, then all we need to do is wait for the day of the ghost marriage and expose Yuan Lai in public!”
Su Wu Ming agreed.
…
The next day —
Zheng Qing accompanied Su Wu Ming in the county office, devising a foolproof strategy.
But outside, they could hear shouts coming one after another, making them curious.
They walked outside.
They found that the catcher Lao Jia and his men were practicing, using real swords and spears, with high spirits!
Seeing the two of them approach, Lao Jia and his men put down their swords and stepped forward:
“Greetings to Zheng Yushi and Su County Lieutenant!”
Su Wu Ming was curious:
“What are you doing?”
Lao Jia was angry, he said:
“The other day we were ordered to search the Ghost Market! But we met a formidable enemy on the way, and if it hadn’t been for the Jin Wu Guards and Zheng Yushi, we might not have made it back!”
The catcher Lao Liu also said:
“Two Jin Wu Guards stayed behind to cover us when we were pursued by the Ghost Market people, but they died!”
Lao Jia continued:
“Those are the emperor’s guards!
They are worth more than our dozen or so lives!”
Su Wu Ming bowed and said:
“I apologize for putting my brothers in danger!”
The catchers immediately said:
“Su County Lieutenant, what are you apologizing for? If it hadn’t been for your words that woke me up, my brothers might still be living in a daze!”
Lao Jia said fiercely:
“This is under the emperor’s rule! But those demons are allowed to run wild!
If we encounter them again, we will chop them down and take their lives!”
Lao Liu continued:
“Exactly, my brothers are now practicing their hunting skills!”
Lao Luo also said:
“If we get another chance, we can’t let Chang’an down!”
“The three leaders are right! We can’t let the Chang’an County Office down!”
“Right! Kill demons and eradicate evil!”
Many catchers shouted loudly, their spirits high.
Su Wu Ming said seriously:
“Your spirits are so high! I am deeply touched! But those demons are already showing their weaknesses!
Within three days, we will be able to catch them all!
This is the time for you brothers to make your mark!”
Many catchers said:
“Just give us your orders, Su County Lieutenant!”
…
Jin Wu Guards residence —
Fei Ji Shi sneaked closer, carrying two chickens that had just died.
But before he reached his destination, he was caught by Xiao Wu!
“I told you, old beggar! Are you trying to test me? I told you two days ago, if you dare to approach the Jin Wu Guards residence again, you will be charged with stealing military secrets!
If we really want to pursue it, we can give you a beating!”
Xiao Wu said sternly.
Fei Ji Shi immediately said:
“Oh, come on, you! I am a friend of your benefactor! How can you beat me?
Besides, I’m a divine doctor! You better show me some respect! Otherwise, if you encounter any difficult illnesses, poisoning or anything like that, I won’t treat you!”
Xiao Wu angrily said:
“What are you talking about?”
Just then, Lu Ling Feng came out, seemingly in a good mood.
“Forget it, let him go.”
Fei Ji Shi smiled cunningly:
“See? Your lord is so magnanimous! If you were like him, wouldn’t you be the next lord?”
He ran towards the kitchen, leaving Xiao Wu standing there speechless.
Just then, Guo Zhuang arrived.
Lu Ling Feng led him into the room.
“Lord, this morning when the court was in session, Pei Shi Lang, the Minister of Personnel, submitted a petition outlining the four major offenses of Chang’an red tea! It really shocked everyone!”
Lu Ling Feng was also surprised:
“Really? Did the emperor issue a decree?”
Guo Zhuang shook his head gently.
“What about His Highness the Crown Prince?”
Guo Zhuang shook his head again.
“I understand, you can leave.”
“Yes.”
…
Ghost Market —
Shi Yi Niang handed the bride list she had obtained from Wen Chao to the Immortal.
“There will be twelve ghost brides in Chang’an tomorrow!”
The Immortal opened the list and saw a name at the top, he curiously asked:
“Pei Xi Jun, the daughter of Pei Jian?”
Shi Yi Niang nodded:
“Yes! I find it strange too, why would a high-ranking official like the Minister of Personnel hold a ghost marriage for his daughter at this time?”
The Immortal sneered:
“I know a little about this!
Pei Xi Jun’s lover died in battle in the Western Regions, and she was going crazy. Pei Jian had no choice, I guess.
Otherwise, a high-ranking official holding a ghost marriage for his daughter! It’s really ridiculous!
But, this is really a gift from heaven! This is the one!”
The Immortal circled Pei Xi Jun’s name and laughed coldly.
“Pei Jian dared to publicly accuse me of the four crimes of my celestial tea in court today!
Then I will let his daughter drink my top-grade celestial tea!
Hahaha…”
Shi Yi Niang smiled:
“Congratulations to the Immortal. With this celestial tea, the emperor will surely be happy and reward us.”
The Immortal’s smile widened.
Shi Yi Niang asked curiously:
“Should we tell the Holy Envoy about tomorrow’s actions?”
…
Fourth watch is delivered!
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