Qin Shi: I went astray in the Heavenly Sect

Chapter 70 The Balance of Power in the Imperial Court, the Blood-Clad Marquis Appears

The next day,

Han Fei and Zhang Liang returned to Zi Lan Xuan, and upon hearing Zi Nu's words, they were both dumbfounded.

"So, the fire at Liu Yi's residence and the Liu family mansion was the work of the vulture?"

Zhang Liang felt his mind was going blank. Liu Yi was Ji Wuye's man, and so was Wujiu. Was Liu Yi's death just infighting among their own people? And Wujiu felt that killing someone wasn't enough, so he burned down Liu's mansion?

Where is the vulture's carcass?

Hearing Zi Nu's words, Han Fei did not completely believe them. After a moment of silence, he asked.

Zi Nu had anticipated Han Fei's reaction; this stubborn Ninth Prince was not easily fooled.

"Sir, follow me."

Looking at the wounds on Wujiu's body inflicted by the Chain Serpent Soft Sword, Han Fei's lips twitched involuntarily. He didn't remember Zi Nu having any sadistic tendencies. There wasn't a single unscathed spot on Wujiu's body, and his neck was almost severed.

"Has the vulture offended Miss Zi Nu?"

Upon hearing this, Zi Nu raised an eyebrow and covered her mouth with a soft laugh.

"It's nothing much. It's just that when the vulture broke into Zilan Pavilion, Sister Nongyu was taking a bath. If he hadn't died, she probably wouldn't have these eyes anymore."

Upon hearing this, Han Fei felt somewhat embarrassed. Looking at the vulture's corpse, he rubbed his nose. It seemed that some of the vulture's injuries were probably inflicted by Nongyu.

After examining it carefully for a while, Han Fei said, "The Baiyue people have a fondness for strange symbols. Some people tattoo these symbols on their bodies. According to the records in the archives, the vulture was indeed one of the Three Wolves with Broken Hair back then."

"I also went to see Nongyu's room. Most of those arrows came from the military. It's not hard to imagine that the situation was critical at the time, and it's understandable that Zinu couldn't stop herself. As for Liu Yi's death, considering the grudge between Liu Yi and the Three Wolves with Broken Hair, plus the way Wujiu held his sword and the calluses on his hands, it is indeed possible that he was responsible."

"Furthermore, this morning I received news that the vulture had appeared near the Liu residence last night. Putting these points together, it's very likely that he started the fire at the Liu residence. As for his purpose, I think it was probably to attract everyone's attention so that he could take the opportunity to kidnap Miss Nongyu."

As for the reason…

Han Fei seemed to have thought of something, but he didn't say anything more. Both Liu Yi and Wujiu were greedy people. Not to mention them, even people like Ji Wuye would probably be interested in the treasure of Huoyu Manor.

The reason why the vultures targeted Nongyu was probably related to her background and the fire rain agate.

With this in mind, Han Fei roughly pieced together a timeline, and the development of this timeline was quite realistic.

The development of things must have a reasonable logic. Up to this point, there is no problem. However, Han Fei always felt that something was not quite right, but he could not put his finger on what it was.
"What??"

In the royal palace, King An of Han's face darkened upon hearing Han Fei's report.

In the morning, Hu Meiren came to him crying, saying that she only had one sister who had been harmed last night, and that she wanted him to take charge. But now he heard the truth.

"Ji Wuye's men? He even took in the remnants of the Baiyue tribes, what exactly is he planning to do?"

King An of Han slammed his hand on the table, his tone somewhat sinister. Clearly, the monarch who ruled Han was enraged.

The Baiyue region had always been a thorn in his side, yet Ji Wuye had taken in bandits from Baiyue. What was he planning? As for Liu Yi's death, the king seemed to have forgotten about it. Perhaps in his mind, Liu Yi was an insignificant person, not worth his time.

Han Fei's eyes flickered slightly, but he did not choose to kick someone when they were down at this moment.

"I am unaware of this matter."

Han Yu stood quietly to the side, his calm exterior masking the ripples in his heart. When Han Fei reported the case, he did not embellish it, but reported the facts. Han Yu heard this clearly.

But he knew his father's character even better. Although he was somewhat weak in character, as a king, his suspicion was no less than anyone else's.

The more reports came in this way, the more suspicious his father became. Han Fei's move, a strategic retreat, was far more effective than kicking someone when they were down. Thinking of this, Han Yu's eyes became more wary. His ninth brother had been too active these past few days.

At this moment, there was another person in the main hall, Zhang Kaidi, the prime minister of Han. As for the general, Ji Wuye, he was still reflecting on his actions at home because of the Poison Scorpion Gate incident.

"Prime Minister, what's your opinion on this matter?"

King Han sat on his throne in silence for a while, then suddenly looked at Zhang Kaidi and asked.

"This"

A complex look flashed in Zhang Kai's cloudy eyes. This matter was neither a big deal nor a small one. In his opinion, it was even less significant than the Poison Scorpion Sect incident. Especially for a general who held military power, it was not a big deal at all; it was simply a matter of poor personnel management.

Although it touched on a sensitive topic for the King of Han, it wasn't a fatal blow. Furthermore, the king was suspicious by nature; in this situation, if he were to add insult to injury, it would likely backfire. As for Liu Yi, since the King of Han hadn't mentioned him, he naturally wouldn't touch that thorn in his side. Liu Yi was originally Ji Wuye's man; his death would actually be a good thing for his side.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Kai respectfully bowed and said, "The General is in charge of the security of Xinzheng City. It is perfectly reasonable for him to recruit some people as eyes and ears. However, in the process of recruiting people, he mistakenly brought the Baiyue people under his command, which is a dereliction of duty."

“But merits are merits and demerits are demerits. The General has been stationed in Xinzheng for many years and has made meritorious contributions to protecting the city. I hope Your Majesty will be lenient in this matter.”

Hearing that Zhang Kaidi did not take advantage of the situation, King Han nodded in satisfaction. Zhang Kaidi had reminded him of something: the state of Han still needed General Ji Wuye.

Then, King Han An turned his gaze to the fourth prince, Han Yu, who was standing to the side.

"Fourth brother, what's your opinion?"

Han Yu turned his gaze and replied, "The matter of the Grand General is entirely due to Father's wise decision. However, Ninth Brother has solved the murder case of Left Sima Liu Yi and the arson case of Liu Mansion in just a few days. This is a great achievement. Father, please don't forget to reward Ninth Brother."

Upon hearing Han Yu's words, Han Wang'an's gaze involuntarily fell on Han Fei.

Since returning to Xinzheng, Han Fei has indeed performed well, but there is one thing he still disapproves of. The survival of the state of Han is already difficult, caught between various countries, and Han Fei's rashness is not a good thing for the whole of Han.

"He only solved two cases, which is what a Minister of Justice is supposed to do. What reward does he want?"

Seemingly sensing King Han's displeasure, Han Fei gave a bitter smile to himself, but this time he did not argue. Rather than saying anything in front of his father, it would be more practical to do something.

"Fourth Prince, go and deliver the imperial decree to punish Ji Wuye by three months' salary. This is a small punishment to serve as a warning, so that he can reflect on his actions and learn how to behave in the future."

Upon hearing King Han's words, the three people present reacted differently. For Ji Wuye, this punishment was indeed a minor inconvenience.

The General's Mansion.

Ji Wuye was taken aback when he saw that the person who came was the Fourth Young Master Han Yu.

This young master is a man of deep thoughts and not someone to be trifled with.

"General, the King has issued a decree."

After Han Yu finished reading the imperial edict, Ji Wuye frowned, his face turning extremely gloomy.

Liu Yi's death came somewhat suddenly, and there are still no clues under the cover of night. Unexpectedly, Han Fei has already solved the case.

Of course, this wasn't what angered him the most; what angered him the most was the vulture incident.

“General, guarding the capital is a great responsibility. One mistake can be forgiven, but if it happens again, Father will probably start to wonder what the General is really thinking.”

Hearing Han Yu's ambiguous words, Ji Wuye felt a surge of resentment, but dared not show it on his face, since he was indeed the one who had caused the problem.

In Xinzheng, he now commands the largest power, but that does not mean he is the only one in power. Whether it is Han Yu, Zhang Kaidi, or Han Fei who formed the Quicksand organization, they are all forces to be reckoned with.

"Please convey to His Majesty that I will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that such an incident will never happen again."

Han Yu nodded.

"I will certainly convey the General's words."

Watching Han Yu's departing figure, Ji Wuye gritted his teeth, veins bulging in his eyes, and a fierce aura that could no longer be suppressed erupted in the hall.

The maidservant who was attending Ji Wuye sensed the change in him and didn't dare to breathe loudly, for fear that he might kill her if he was displeased.

Suddenly, Ji Wuye grabbed the long sword beside him and slammed it down on the table next to him. The sword flashed and the table was instantly cut in two.

A fierce glint flashed in Ji Wuye's eyes, and his icy voice echoed throughout the hall.

"Han Yu, Han Fei, I won't let this go so easily!!"

Just then, a cold voice came over.

"General, who has angered you this time?"

Ji Wuye frowned, turned to look at the window, where a figure was faintly visible. A cruel killing intent curled at the corner of his mouth.

"My lord, you've returned just in time."

(End of this chapter)