Oh my god, I feel like I'm going to die... Xu Qi'an's current state is like staying up for 72 hours and then being forced to run a kilometer.

His heart is pounding, teetering on the edge of overload.

Fortunately, he has a solid foundation in refining essence, with strong physical resilience and endurance. If it were his past self, he would probably have already died... No, he would have died with a smile on his face during the fourth or fifth day of cultivating immortality.

"At least it gained the other party's attention, and we can communicate... What I hate the most is non-violent non-cooperation. Can't we all be more gentle, sit down and have tea, and chat?" Xu Qi'an thought in his heart, pretending to be calm and said aloud:

"General Xu, do you know what case Commander Yang Chuannan is involved in?"

General Xu nodded, his voice low: "This matter has long been spread in the official circles of Yunzhou, but Commander Yang is innocent."

"Whether he is innocent or not, it's not up to you to decide. Even if the Governor says it, we have to investigate to know." Xu Qi'an patiently explained:

"The Governor came for this case. Currently, we do have very incriminating evidence against Commander Yang, but the Governor did not make a rash judgment and has gone to the Commander's office to verify the evidence."

"General Xu disregarded everything and brought three thousand soldiers to the city. He is trying to force Commander Yang into a dead end."

General Xu sneered: "Don't label me. Last night, the Commander's office received a confidential report. The Governor led the troops to attack the Commander's mansion, and Commander Yang was severely injured by a golden gong, barely clinging to life."

"Even if Commander Yang is guilty, it should be handled by the Three Departments. You guys didn't go through the court, but broke into the mansion. Isn't it to force a confession?"

You don't understand anything. This is called the importance of speed in war, not giving the other side a chance to react... If Commander Yang Chuannan is really the mastermind, then he has already rebelled.

"The Governor has his own way of doing things. I know you are not afraid of death, but I still have to remind General Xu. If you want to remonstrate, you can. But don't act impulsively. Three thousand soldiers cannot overturn the White Emperor City, let alone Yunzhou."

After Xu Qi'an finished speaking, he saw General Xu staring at him, seemingly angered by his words. He added calmly:

"But you have to think about Commander Yang. He is still in the post station, and his crime has not been proven. Does General Xu want to sentence him in advance?"

General Xu frowned, indeed hesitating a bit, not as impulsive and violent as before.

"You see, the case has not been investigated clearly, and General Xu is already like this. When the Governor reports to the court, saying that Commander Yang Chuannan is amassing troops and posing a military threat... by then, it won't be the Governor who comes." After threatening, Xu Qi'an reassured:

"General Li has a close relationship with Commander Yang. If you don't believe me, you should believe her."

Seeing both sides looking at her, Li Miaozhen pondered and said, "The current situation is indeed unfavorable to Commander Yang, but remonstrating is not the right way. General Xu, don't act impulsively, give the Governor some time."

Li Miaozhen naturally sided with Yang Chuannan because they were comrades-in-arms. But problems need to be solved in a proper manner. If remonstrating was effective, Li Miaozhen would have tried it long ago.

But the problem is that it doesn't work. The Commander's office can only mobilize the "Guard Commander's Office" under the jurisdiction of the White Emperor City. Although the other prefectures and counties in Yunzhou are managed by the Commander's office, the Commander does not have the power to command in battle. During wartime, the court appoints temporary commanders.

It is precisely because of these restrictions that Li Miaozhen's Feiyan Army came into being.

With only three to five thousand troops from the "Guard Commander's Office," they cannot shake the authority of the Governor, only sacrificing themselves in vain.

"Hmph! This General can wait, but if Governor Zhang cannot give me a satisfactory answer, even if this General agrees, my brothers under my command won't agree." General Xu reluctantly softened his stance.

Phew... done! Xu Qi'an breathed a sigh of relief.

In the face of such contradictions, one must not act impulsively and must know how to compromise. If he handled it like other Nightwatchers, it would be troublesome.

As a detective, Xu Bai naturally resisted war instinctively. That way, many people would die. And this matter doesn't necessarily have to be resolved through war.

As for how to handle it afterwards, it's up to the Governor to worry about.

....

On the other side, the Commander's office.

Governor Zhang, who had just finished reconciling the accounts, was still in a state of anger, slamming the table and angrily scolding the officials: "Useless, all useless.

"That Yang Chuannan, even if he is not the mastermind, the charge of dereliction of duty alone can send him to exile.

"And all of you, the Commander's office has been supplying the mountain bandits with military supplies, and such a large amount has gone missing. The entire Yunzhou officialdom was completely unaware? You all deserve to die."

After reconciling the accounts, it was shocking to discover that nearly a quarter of the military supplies sent to Yunzhou by the Ministry of Works each year were unaccounted for. This includes bows and crossbows, gunpowder, firearms, iron ore, and so on.A group of officials bowed their heads, silently enduring the splattering of saliva from Zhang Xunfu, not daring to retort.

After spitting out his fragrant words, Zhang Xunfu picked up his teacup and took a sip, preparing to continue the second half. Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside.

Without any prior notice, a man with a bronze gong burst in aggressively, shouting loudly, "Lord Xunfu, General Xu Huchen of the Baichi City Garrison has gathered three thousand soldiers outside the south gate. They threaten to attack the city if you don't release the person."

Using the term "enter the city" was a euphemism; it actually meant to siege the city.

Zhang Xunfu stood up in shock, causing a commotion among the officials present.

"When did this happen? What is the current situation?" Zhang Xunfu asked urgently.

"That Xu Huchen made arrogant remarks, demanding that you meet him within half an hour. The time has already passed..." The man with the bronze gong finished speaking and saw the officials' faces turn pale. He quickly added, "Xu Qi'an went out of the city with General Li Miaozhen for negotiations. The current situation is unknown."

Zhang Xunfu's scalp tingled. He didn't expect the military in Yunzhou to be so formidable and disregarding of rules.

At this moment, he felt both shocked and angry, as well as anxious and worried.

Although Xu Ningyan was good at solving cases, Zhang Xunfu knew that he was still an inexperienced young man, with little experience in killing, let alone dealing with unreasonable military forces.

"Who allowed him to go? Who allowed him to go?" Zhang Xunfu slammed the table and roared in anger.

The man with the bronze gong sneered, "Xu Ningyan insisted on taking the lead. Originally, according to the opinions of the silver gongs, he should have stayed in the city with Yang Chuannan and waited for reinforcements."

"Xu Ningyan even said that he would take responsibility."

To be fair, Xu Ningyan's strategy was more stable and correct. The court usually used appeasement measures and then executed the leader to deter mutinous soldiers.

If possible, they would avoid using force.

However, in Zhang Xunfu's opinion, this had clearly exceeded Xu Ningyan's professional abilities.

"Song, immediately inform the Five City Garrison to gather their forces and rush to the south gate. All yamen and yamen runners should mobilize to maintain order in the city..."

Zhang Xunfu quickly made arrangements, showing the qualities that a prefect should possess - being quick but not chaotic.

...

"Drive, drive..."

Zhang Xunfu urged his horse to gallop, almost falling apart due to his old bones. He didn't even dare to complain to Jiang Lvzhong, as the cold wind would blow in. He could only shout "drive" a few times.

Originally, according to Zhang Xunfu's arrangement, Jiang Lvzhong should have been the first to rush to the south gate. A fourth-grade golden gong was most suitable for keeping the situation under control.

But Jiang Lvzhong was as steady as a rock and refused to leave Zhang Xunfu's side, fearing that the lord's life would be taken by possible assassins, sacrificing himself in glory.

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Jiang Lvzhong also had his worries, but they were not about the Garrison's attack on the city. Instead, he worried about Xu Ningyan's life.

As a seasoned golden gong who had been on the battlefield, he knew how difficult and unreasonable the military could be. Despite Xu Qi'an's imposing presence in the capital, he had once killed someone at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice.

In fact, precisely because it was in the capital, it made the high-ranking officials wary.

But this was Yunzhou, a place plagued by bandits. Anyone who tied their head to their belt, whether bandits or soldiers, was not an easy target.

There was a high possibility of drawing a sword and killing someone without any provocation.

Gradually, as they approached the south gate, Jiang Lvzhong's ears twitched, and he listened carefully for a moment, feeling relieved and said, "Lord Xunfu, there's no need to rush. Take it slow."

Zhang Xunfu didn't want to speak and ignored Jiang Lvzhong's words, treating them as if he hadn't heard.

"The battle hasn't started." Jiang Lvzhong said.

Hmm?

Zhang Xunfu was taken aback, and indeed, the speed had decreased. He pulled the reins and changed from galloping to a jog.

"Is it true?"

"Yes."

Jiang Lvzhong, a high-grade warrior, could sense if there was a fierce battle outside the city.

"It seems that the situation is relatively stable." Zhang Xunfu breathed a sigh of relief and then looked at Xu Qi'an with admiration. "Did Xu Ningyan stabilize the situation?"

Jiang Lvzhong shook his head. "You'll know when we get to the south gate."

After a short while, they saw the outline of the city wall. Zhang Xunfu squinted and looked at the soldiers on the city wall, who were on high alert. There were soldiers preparing their crossbows and cannons.

Zhang Xunfu spurred his horse and rushed forward, stopping at the city wall. He lifted his official robe and hurriedly climbed the steps.

The crimson official robe symbolized his identity, and no one dared to stop him.

"Lord Xunfu, you finally came."

When the captain with a square face and triangular eyes saw Zhang Xunfu, he felt as if a heavy stone in his heart had finally been put down, and he let out a long breath.

Zhang Xunfu, who had been anxious on the road, restrained all his emotions when he reached the city wall. His face was solemn and expressionless.

He stood on the city wall for a while and ordered, "Lower me down with a basket."

The captain said, "Let me open the city gate directly. The man with the bronze gong and General Li Miaozhen just went out through the gate."Hu Nao... Governor Zhang's mouth twitched: "If the soldiers of the Wei Department really have the intention to attack the city, the city gate would have been lost."

The captain immediately lowered his head.

"No need for a basket, I'll take Governor Zhang down myself." Jiang Lvzhong held down Governor Zhang's shoulder, and in the next moment, Governor Zhang's vision blurred, and he appeared outside the city, only ten zhang away from Xu Qi'an and the others.

On Xu Qi'an's side, they also noticed Jiang Lvzhong and Governor Zhang. The expressions of the people were different, Li Miaozhen's expression remained unchanged, and Xu Qi'an's tense face relaxed slightly.

Xu Huchen's body instantly tensed, gripping the long spear tightly.

The governor was not terrifying, what was terrifying was the man with the golden gong by his side.

Governor Zhang shouted loudly, "Xu Huchen, dismount and speak."

Xu Huchen frowned and tightened his grip on the long spear. After weighing his options, he hung the long spear on the horse hook and approached Governor Zhang with empty hands.

"Governor, I greet you." Xu Huchen saluted with clasped fists.

"What audacity." Governor Zhang sneered, "Even if I let Jiang Jinluo kill you on the spot, I can still suppress the three thousand soldiers behind you."

Xu Huchen remained silent.

"Regardless of a thousand words, you just want to save Yang Chuannan, right? I ask you, if Yang Chuannan is truly guilty, will you save him or not?"

"Lord Yang is innocent."

"I only ask you, to save or not to save."

"To save!"

Governor Zhang laughed heartily, "Indeed, you are a man of valor. I appreciate you. The case of Yang Chuannan is still under investigation. If you believe in Lord Yang's character, then I also guarantee to you that as long as Yang Chuannan is innocent, I will clear his name."

After a pause, Governor Zhang suddenly changed his tone, speaking sharply, "But you led troops privately and approached the city, which is a capital offense!"

Reluctantly, Xu Huchen saluted with clasped fists, "I...admit my guilt. As long as Governor Zhang can clear Lord Yang's name, I am willing to accept any punishment."

"Enough, considering that you did not act recklessly, as long as you lead your troops back to the military camp, I will not hold it against you." Governor Zhang showed tolerance.

"Since Governor has made a promise, I will trust you." Xu Huchen got the answer he wanted, turned his head, and nodded slightly towards Xu Qi'an.

Fortunately, there was Jiang Jinluo mediating in the middle, preventing the situation from deteriorating beyond repair.

Xu Huchen came to cause trouble, seeking a result or a promise. He was afraid that the governor from the capital would wrongly accuse the commander for the sake of achievements.

Now, the governor made a promise, and the case was still under investigation, and the commander had not been convicted.

This result was already good enough.

Next, Governor Zhang appeased everyone with a gentle and amiable attitude, showing a humble demeanor. This surprised Xu Huchen.

Rough men were like this. They wouldn't frown even in the midst of battle, but once someone showed them kindness, they would feel grateful and couldn't act harshly.

Especially someone like Governor Zhang with such a high position.

In the end, everyone was happy, and Xu Huchen explained to the generals and soldiers. Governor Zhang resolved this military remonstration without causing any chaos.

.......

On the way back to the post station on horseback, Governor Zhang praised Xu Qi'an vigorously, "You really understand human nature and know how to resolve conflicts. Ning Yan, you have made another contribution."

Xu Qi'an waved his hand, not continuing the conversation because he was too exhausted and lost interest in talking.

Li Miaozhen did not return to the post station with them. She went back to the military camp with her private soldiers.

Jiang Lvzhong frowned and said, "Governor Zhang's temporary solution can only be used once."

Governor Zhang sneered, "I know. Jiang Jinluo, tonight you will go to the Wei Department's military camp and invite Xu Huchen and the other generals to the city. Tell them that I have confidential matters to discuss, related to the case of the commander."

Xu Qi'an's heart sank.

Governor Zhang said indifferently, "After bringing them out of the military camp, kill them all, leaving none alive."

"Governor..."

Looking at Governor Zhang, who could change his attitude in an instant, Xu Qi'an felt as if he had eaten a dead rat, unable to describe his current mood.

Governor Zhang seemed to not hear him and continued, "Without their leader, the ordinary soldiers will be scattered like sand, easily pacified. Yang Chuannan's loyal forces are only three to five thousand soldiers of the Wei Department. By eliminating this hidden danger, there will be no worries in dealing with Yang Chuannan."

"But, there are obviously hidden circumstances in this case." Xu Qi'an said in a deep voice.

"That is another matter. If it can be uncovered, I will definitely clear Yang Chuannan's name. But Xu Huchen's rebellious heart is resolute, and I must nip it in the bud." Governor Zhang said with a hint of gloominess, "I will send people to gather troops from various Wei Departments in Yunzhou. With this, such a thing will not happen again."

The governor had the power to mobilize the armies of the major Wei Departments.

After giving the orders, Governor Zhang glanced at Xu Qi'an and sneered, "Ning Yan, being kind-hearted will lead to defeat, whether it's in the court or on the battlefield. Being soft-hearted will harm oneself and others.""I understand all that..." Xu Qi'an sighed quietly.

Having weathered many storms, Jiang Lvzhong remained calm and asked, "Is the Inspector-General planning to use this incident to suppress the officials in Yunzhou by mobilizing the troops from various garrisons?"

The Inspector-General slowly nodded, "If Yang Chuannan is not the mastermind behind the scenes, then the real culprit is in the city. All officials of the fourth rank and above are suspects. I am taking precautions to prevent the enemy from becoming desperate."

Upon returning to the post station, while he was having a cup of tea, a guard from the Tiger Ben Division came in to report, "Inspector-General, the Prefectural Governor Song and other officials request an audience."

The Inspector-General dismissed the idle people and met with the officials in the main hall. They were here for Yang Chuannan's case.

"Now that the evidence is conclusive, we hope that the Inspector-General can make a decision soon," said Prefectural Governor Song.

The other officials from Yunzhou echoed in agreement.

"The 'palace coup' is here..." Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

If the mastermind was among these people, it would not be hard to understand their behavior of forcing the Inspector-General to make a decision after he had examined the evidence.

But they were a bit too hasty...

The troops from the garrison had just withdrawn, and they couldn't wait to force the Inspector-General to close the case. This was not the behavior of a cunning and calculating person.

It could only mean that Liang Youping had no leads, making the culprit feel like they were sitting on pins and needles, eager to push Yang Chuannan out as a scapegoat.

The more anxious they were, the more likely they were to expose themselves... After Jiang Jinluo executed Xu Huchen and other generals, and then mobilized the troops from various garrisons, the Inspector-General could rest easy and play a game with the mastermind. Therefore, delaying time was enough for now... Xu Qi'an thought.

As expected, the Inspector-General agreed to the officials' request, but claimed that he needed to interrogate Yang Chuannan again today and would hold a tripartite trial tomorrow.

Anyway, he managed to stall for today.

After sending off the officials, the Inspector-General sipped his tea and sighed, "We don't have much time left."

Killing Xu Huchen was to secure the line of Yang Chuannan, and mobilizing the troops was to secure the line of the mastermind. After all, once the case was clear, the enemy would be caught in a net.

Xu Qi'an pondered, "After Jiang Jinluo finishes his work tonight, we can have someone pretend to be Liang Youping to lure the snake out of the hole."

Just as he finished speaking, the guard from the Tiger Ben Division came in again, "Inspector-General, there is a group of people outside claiming to be from the Fushun Escort Agency, requesting to see you."

"Fushun Escort Agency?" The Inspector-General frowned, having no recollection of this name.

......

PS: This chapter is 5000 words long, so the update is late. I'm asking for monthly votes with this long chapter. Thanks a lot.