A master of comedy!

Gongsun Ce was Bao Zheng's advisor, close friend, and strategist.

When the emperor asked Bao Zheng to handle a case for him, he bestowed upon him three imperial edicts, which was an extremely high privilege. However, Bao Zheng did not know how to handle it, so he consulted Gongsun Ce.

Gongsun Ce then proposed changing the "Three Imperial Decrees" into the "Three Imperial Guillotines" of dragon, tiger, and dog, which led to the famous Dragon Head Guillotine, Tiger Head Guillotine, and Dog Head Guillotine.

The two were close friends who solved many major cases together and greatly admired each other.

However, in the Taihu Lake pirate case, he recognized the female thief Jiang Yi as his long-lost biological daughter. In order to rescue his daughter who was imprisoned, he secretly released her and carefully fabricated a lot of "evidence".

However, who was Bao Gong? He was a brilliant judge with meticulous attention to detail, and he eventually discovered the truth.

Gongsun Ce calmly admitted everything, and in the end, Bao Gong had no choice but to send his close friend to the executioner's block with tears in his eyes.

Zhou Sheng quickly recalled these events and naturally understood why Gongsun Ce had such a sigh.

"It seems that Judge Bao has neither violated the law nor betrayed his principles."

Looking at Gongsun Ce before him, Zhou Sheng was moved and couldn't help but sigh.

Bao Gong's decision to execute his close friend with tears in his eyes certainly cemented his reputation for impartiality and upheld the authority of the imperial law, but it also evoked sighs of regret.

Thinking of Gongsun Ce, who was gentle and refined, resourceful and courageous in the face of death, one can't help but feel regret.

But now it seems that Bao Gong did use some "privileges" for this close friend.

After Gongsun Ce died, he should have become a special being, similar to a "guardian deity," whose soul did not enter the underworld but continued to live in the world in another form.

That deep friendship from hundreds of years ago did not end abruptly with the ruthless executioner's blade. One can imagine that on countless nights, Bao Gong was still able to talk with his close friend by candlelight and solve strange cases together.

"Bao Gong has never let me down, whether in life or after death."

Gongsun Ce smiled slightly, and even though his face was old, he still had some of the spirit and charm of his youth.

The past is still vivid in my mind, but alas, the world has changed so much.

"By the way, Senior Gongsun, where did Bao Ying go? Does he know that the Night Wanderer has already put on the ring?"

After chatting for a while, Zhou Sheng finally couldn't help but ask.

“Of course I know. I came here today to thank you on behalf of Baozi. Thank you for finding a way to accomplish such a difficult task despite being in danger, and for keeping your promise as a gentleman.”

Gongsun Ce bowed and Zhou Sheng quickly returned the bow.

"As for Baozi himself, he has already returned to the capital. His Majesty urgently summoned him, so he had no choice but to return. However, he has already persuaded the governor of Jiangzhou, and soon a temple will be built and a shrine established for Yaotai Feng. During this trip back to the capital, he will also try to secure a title of a true god for him."

Zhou Sheng was slightly moved. Bao Ying was indeed a gentleman who would never renege on his promises.

"Is the emperor's urgent summons related to the death of Judge Lu?"

Gongsun Ce nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes, and said with a smile, "You have a very keen sense of smell. If you were to investigate cases, you would definitely become an expert."

After saying this, he recounted what had happened in the Judge Temple.

"That imperial edict came at the perfect time. Clearly, someone in the underworld can reach into the imperial palace in the mortal world. This bizarre case of head and heart transplant has far more implications than I had anticipated."

Gongsun Ce said in a deep voice, "The emperors of the underworld and the emperors of the living world are all involved in this case. Even if Bao Gong were alive, he would have to think twice before acting."

Zhou Sheng's eyes flashed: "So that's why you were in such a hurry to stop Bao Ying. You think the waters are too deep and you can't act rashly for the time being?"

Gongsun Ce nodded in approval: "Indeed, one should plan before acting, especially in such a major case, where a single move can have far-reaching consequences. A slight misstep could lead to total defeat."

After a moment's thought, Zhou Sheng humbly said, "Please teach me, Senior Gongsun."

Although he had his own decision, he also knew the principle of listening to all sides, especially since someone as wise as Gongsun Ce must have many things he could learn from him.

Seeing Zhou Sheng's sincere attitude and the lack of arrogance in his every move, he was completely unlike ordinary young people who become smug after achieving a little success.

Gongsun Ce nodded in approval at such composure.

Although this boy possesses a strong murderous aura, he is indeed a promising talent.

"Do you know which is more important to these powerful figures, whether it's the emperor or the king of hell?" Gongsun Ce asked with a half-smile.

"Benefit."

Zhou Sheng revealed the answer in his heart.

He thought this should be a mature answer, but to his surprise, Gongsun Ce slowly shook his head and smiled, "It's close, but not precise enough."

"To be precise, it's a system of checks and balances."

"The higher one's position, the more afraid one is of being sidelined, which is why one seeks to divide power, maintain checks and balances, and even deliberately create conflicts."

After a pause, Gongsun Ce's eyes shone brightly as he said, "Judge Lu is an important pawn used by Yama to balance the various forces in the Underworld."

"With this piece in the game, Yama can stay behind the scenes and control the whole situation with peace of mind. Once this piece is captured, he will have to take action himself."

Zhou Sheng nodded and said, "That's why He was so eager to promote the Night Wanderer; He wanted to maintain this balance as soon as possible."

As it turned out, Yama was right, because as soon as Judge Lu fell, King Yin immediately appeared, and Judge Wei also rushed from Yinshan to the Gate of Hell.

All sides are eager to make their move.

"Not bad, you understand immediately, you are indeed intelligent."

"But as far as I know, although the Night Wanderer is under Judge Lu's command, he is also a person of the Crimson-Faced Bodhisattva. He may not be entirely of one mind with King Yama, right?"

Zhou Sheng's question surprised Gongsun Ce, who clearly hadn't expected him to know so much.

"It seems someone in the underworld has already contacted you."

"It's either the King of Yin or Judge Wei."

Gongsun Ce's voice was not loud, but it was unusually firm, showing great confidence in his judgment.

"But seeing only this one layer is far from enough."

He stroked his beard and sighed, "King Yama has a deeper purpose, which is why he publicly bestowed your master's elixir and tendons upon the Night Patrol God."

A flash of inspiration struck Zhou Sheng, and with the other party's guidance, he seemed to have grasped something.

He pondered for a moment, then his gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Does Yama intend to use me to get rid of the Night Wanderer?"

Gongsun Ce smiled with satisfaction and said, "This child is teachable."

"The Investigation Division cannot be handed over to Zhu Yan Bodhisattva's people, wouldn't that further weaken His authority?"

"By temporarily appointing the Night Wanderer as judge, firstly, we can win over the power of the Crimson-Faced Bodhisattva as an ally in the face of the Yin King and others' attacks; secondly, after bestowing upon you the Golden Elixir and the Golden Whip, do you really think you, little killing star, will let this go so easily?"

"By the time you have gone to great lengths to kill the Night Wanderer, He will have just nurtured a new 'Judge Lu' to take charge of the Investigation Department once again."

"As for you, the murderer, you will naturally be dealt with by the people of the Crimson Bodhisattva. He only needs to lend a little help and can gain the gratitude and favor of his allies."

"You think He gave you a treasure? In reality, it's a death warrant."

Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, a chill creeping into his heart.

It must be admitted that Gongsun Ce's words are very likely correct.

Sending him the golden whip and golden pills may seem like an attempt to provoke him, but in reality, it's a way to use him as a tool in the struggle for power and profit.

"Even if I had thought all this through beforehand, I would still kill Judge Lu!"

Zhou Sheng's gaze was resolute, and his voice showed no hesitation or regret.

"He wants to use me as a knife in his hand, then let's see the blade..."

"Won't it hurt Himself!" (End of Chapter)