Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 59 Are you the mole?

"What kind of place is the Luo residence that these two people are talking about?"

Zhan Zhao's Buddhist-inspired interrogation instantly broke the case, and the focus then shifted to the higher-ups.

Pei Handeng looked at his two subordinates, his eyes filled with regret.

The other high-ranking officials looked extremely grim.

Leng Feng, the deputy head of the Juefeng Hall, said, "This is the residence of Luo Shijun, the 'Golden-Faced Yama.' This man has a strong presence in the capital, with connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. His subordinates have committed numerous illegal acts and are involved in murder cases. The Six Doors have long since arrested several of his associates..."

Zhan Zhao said, "Unable to convict?"

"Yes."

Xin Li, the deputy head of Zhenyue Hall, gritted his teeth: "Under Luo Shijun's combination of soft and hard tactics, those people are extremely stubborn, insisting that it was their own doing and that it has nothing to do with the Luo family."

Zhao Wujiu said coldly, "Luo Shijun had previously bribed the constables of Xuanji Hall with a large sum of money. My elder brother was furious, dismissed seven people, and imprisoned sixteen. It caused quite a stir at the time, and all the halls were alerted by it!"

"We knew Luo Shijun wouldn't give up, but we didn't expect him to strike again so quickly!"

Zhou Wuxin looked at the two constables with exasperation: "You two actually dared to accept bribes?"

Having heard this, Zhan Zhao basically understood.

Without the "Zhong Kui Picture," the main enemy of the Six Doors in the capital at this stage would probably be this "Golden-Faced Yama," Luo Shijun.

The other party was clearly powerful and wealthy, and had the money to bribe and infiltrate the police.

In the capital, a place rife with fame and fortune, temptations from all directions are countless. The monks of Daxiangguo Temple have become laymen, and even the Six Doors (a government agency) cannot escape worldly influences.

Zhan Zhao said directly, "The reason why 'Zhong Kui' was able to kidnap Su Shenbu is most likely related to an inside traitor. Now the Luo family has bribed the constables and is plotting something sinister..."

"Internal problems must be solved first!"

"You previously mentioned that Detective Su had dealt with a case once before. How did he uncover the traitor that time?"

Zhou Wuxin explained, "Ever since my elder brother took over the position of Divine Constable, all duties in the four halls must be recorded and kept in a register, including attendance records, patrol logs, and official warrants. If anyone leaves their post without authorization, there will be a trace to follow..."

This means that since Su Wuqing became the leader of the Four Great Constables and effectively took charge of the Six Doors, he established various systems.

For example, the patrol log is needed by the constables when they are on patrol. They must first obtain a copper tag with the time engraved on it, and then record it in the log at regular intervals.
For example, when handling cases outside the office, one must carry a stamped ticket, specifying the reason, area, and time limit. Upon returning, the ticket must be archived and compared with the case file.

There are many other records as well.

Although it cannot compare to the surveillance of later generations, such detailed registration and record-keeping was already remarkable for this era.

After listening, Zhan Zhao waved to a monk next to him.

Dingyi stepped forward: "Junior Uncle!"

This monk, who originally mingled among the novices, was feigning madness but not being truly insane. He was part of the test conducted by the Xiangguo Temple. What impressed Zhan Zhao most was his exceptional memory. He had a keen eye on everything that happened during the morning service of the sixty-four novices and the lecturing monk Dingjue. He was practically a human camera.

Zhan Zhao said, "Your memory is outstanding, making you suitable for reviewing case files. I am now entrusting you with the task of internal investigation. Once there are any suspects, bring them over for me to question."

Dingyi blinked and suddenly said, "The technique that Junior Uncle just used, was it obtained from the Pure Tathagatagarbha?"

Zhan Zhao nodded: "That's right."

Dingyi smiled and said, "This humble monk also has a method, though it is not as powerful as Junior Uncle's, it is still worth a try!"

"Oh? That's great!"

Zhan Zhao had only tried the Six Minds Clarity Technique a little, and the result was excellent.

Perhaps using Buddhist methods to adjudicate cases, like a wake-up call, can really be twice as effective.

Of course, you can't rely on it completely, so he instructed, "This method can be used as an aid. Do your best with it and don't feel burdened."

"Little monk understands."

Dingyi led the way, taking Chen Xiuhan and Dinghai with him, and headed towards Jiageku.

Lian Caiyun, Shen Lan, and Lin Yuxian came up behind Zhan Zhao and glared at Pei Handeng. This veteran constable, who had served three dynasties, was initially quite imposing when he appeared, but after being persuaded by his own people and then having two traitors among his subordinates, his momentum completely collapsed.

He simply met their angry glares with composure.

Zhan Zhao asked, "When did Chief Constable Pei first meet 'Qiyun' Gu Lin?"

Pei Handeng stopped resisting and answered directly: "Our Zhenyue Hall met with Yunqi Manor at the Blood Dragon Gang in Jiangnan."

Zhan Zhao had heard of this local gang before: "Was Zhenyue Hall also there to wipe out the Blood Dragon Gang?"

Pei Handeng nodded: "Yes."

Zhan Zhao asked, "Why would the Four Great Constables be needed to lead a special team to wipe out a mere local sect?"

Pei Handeng said, "The Blood Dragon Gang is carrying out a secret evil ritual called 'Dragon Child Offering Longevity.' They abduct pregnant women, cut open their abdomens to remove the fetuses, and feed the dragons they raise with placenta. It is said that they want to refine a legendary 'Blood Dragon Pill' that can greatly increase one's power and prolong one's lifespan."

Upon hearing this, Sanyun's expression immediately changed: "Is this really true?"

Zhan Zhao's face also darkened, and he looked at San Yun again: "You don't know?"

"I don't know."

Lian Caiyun shook her head: "We only know that the Blood Dragon Gang often plunders the surrounding area and is becoming more and more unscrupulous. That's why our senior brother led us to formulate a plan to eradicate this evil. But we never expected that these beasts would do such an outrageous thing!"

Shen Lan recalled: "So at that time, the Six Doors volunteered to clean up the mess..."

Lin Yuxian said, "To prevent these cruel methods from spreading and causing further evil?"

Pei Handeng nodded: "The Second Hall Master searched within the Blood Dragon Gang, discovered the secret passage, found the imprisoned pregnant woman, destroyed the poisonous equipment used for refining pills, and burned it all to the ground."

San Yun's expression softened.

Whether it's rescuing the trapped pregnant woman or destroying those evil practices, both are acts of great good.

Zhan Zhao's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly asked, "Who discovered the clues about the Blood Dragon Gang?"

Pei Handeng said frankly, "I discovered it by accident."

"I found a small skeleton by the river, which looks like an infant. There are three piercing marks on it, left by animal claws. After several investigations, I finally confirmed that the skeleton came from the Blood Dragon Gang."

"Upon hearing this, the Second Master was furious and led us to the Blood Dragon Gang, determined to eradicate evil completely!"

Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao shook his head: "That's not right! Given the Blood Dragon Gang's heinous acts, isn't it too few for Zhenyue Hall to only bring sixteen constables? You couldn't have known that Yunqi Manor would also target the Blood Dragon Gang when you set off, could you?"

Pei Handeng paused almost imperceptibly: "I really don't know. We were originally planning to go to Hidden Sword Manor, but we learned about the evil deeds of the Blood Dragon Gang along the way and changed our destination."

"If changing course to the Blood Dragon Gang was an accident..."

Zhan Zhao stared at him: "So after dealing with the Blood Dragon Gang, why didn't you continue to Hidden Sword Manor?"

Pei Handeng explained, "The previous generation of Yunqi Manor had a long-standing relationship with our Six Doors. It's the manor lord's birthday, and we also have a history of fighting against the Blood Dragon Gang. It's only right and proper that we go to offer our congratulations. There's no urgent business at Cangjian Manor, so it won't hurt to wait a few more days."

Zhan Zhao asked directly, "Who suggested it?"

Pei Handeng paused for a moment before replying, "This old man."

Zhan Zhao summarized: "So Li Wuxing changed his itinerary twice. The first time was because you discovered the evil deeds of the Blood Dragon Gang, and the second time was because you brought up the friendship between the previous generation. As a result, Li Wuxing was poisoned and disappeared during his birthday celebration at Yunqi Manor?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

Li Wuxing changed course, went to a birthday celebration, was poisoned, disappeared, and eventually fell into the hands of "Zhong Kui".

It was precisely because "Zhong Kui" had taken Li Wuxing that he was able to blackmail Su Wuqing into taking him away as well.

Everything is interconnected...

It seems.

The creation of the fifth volume of the Zhong Kui painting originated from an unexpected discovery by Pei Handeng.
Is it a coincidence?
Or was this most senior chief constable with the golden seal the mole within the Six Doors in the Zhong Kui Tu case?

(End of this chapter)