Chosen One, how did I end up as the villain?

What? The constable has gone missing? And they found out so quickly?

Is it just a high-profile move, or have those people already started making their moves?

Qin Huaiyu was full of doubts, but this also made him understand Chu Langtian's intentions.

Shifting the blame!

Officials value their reputation. Even if they make a mistake in decision-making, they must never admit it, otherwise, where is their so-called official authority?

Throughout history, the worst traits have been power and the right to speak.

He wasn't going to tolerate that, and immediately said:

"My lord, I have recounted everything that happened in Lilong, including the strangeness of One-Ear and the cunning of the man in black. As for the disappearance of the constable, how can it be blamed on me? It must be due to his own reasons that led to this outcome."

Is this kid giving me a way out?

Hmph, is that even necessary!

Chu Langtian glared at him coldly, clearly intending to make things difficult for him; how could he not know the loopholes in his plan?

It is evident that Xiong Ba responded calmly and was not afraid of official authority, which cannot help but inspire a sense of admiration in me.

This son has a decent temperament, and the daughter has excellent taste!

If the two were... but the gap between them...

Pshaw, pshaw, what are you thinking!

...Never mind, solving the case is the priority.

Unconsciously, his thoughts began to wander, and his tone softened.

"That being said, this matter arose because of you, and your disappearance is a fact, so you must bear some responsibility."

Wow, after all that, it turns out that's what they were planning.

Well done, old Deng! I was planning to volunteer myself, but since you've come to me, I won't be polite, haha!

Qin Huaiyu suppressed a laugh, his face contorted in a bitter expression. "Then how does Your Excellency expect me to take responsibility?"

"They've taken the bait," Chu Langtian frowned, feigning deep thought for a moment, and said:

"You are the one who reported the crime in Lilong Village, and you escaped from there, so you know the area best. I consider you intelligent, so how about I give you a chance and entrust this case to you?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yanxi frowned slightly. It turned out that her father did not intend to repay kindness with enmity, but rather to use the crime to get Xiong Ba to take over the case.

But this is going too far. They need something from someone, yet they act as if it's their right, using their power to pressure others. It's truly despicable.

Grandpa was right, there are no good people in official positions.

Wait a minute, Grandpa was an official too...

"Hehe, just as I thought," Qin Huaiyu said, feigning difficulty. "Sir, how can this be done? I am not a member of the government, so how can I have the right to investigate a case? This is not in accordance with reason or law. Moreover, even if I were to take on this case, it would be very inconvenient without proper authorization. It would be improper and not legitimate."

Upon hearing this, Chu Langtian frowned; what the kid said made sense.

Without a legitimate reason, even if they arrive at the destination, without the support of their status, the villagers might not cooperate, and those thugs would act without restraint. But if they were to assign positions, what would they be?

A government official?

Some talents are wasted, and the deterrent effect is insufficient.

"Father, isn't the government office still short of a chief constable? I think we could let Young Master Ba give him a try," Chu Yanxi suggested.

Yes, isn't that perfect!

Chu Langtian nodded, then looked up at Xiong Ba and said, "You can temporarily take over this position, but you must not use your status to do anything wrong."

"...Sir, this isn't in accordance with the rules, is it?" Qin Huaiyu hesitated, but he was secretly very pleased with himself.

Chief Constable, head constable, chief of constables!

Really fragrant!

Now we're people with connections, we've upgraded from ragtag guns to powerful weapons, who are we afraid of now!

"Enough with the nonsense. Here, take it. But let me make this clear: if Officer Song cannot be found and the case remains unsolved, I will punish you for dereliction of duty."

After saying that, Chu Langtian took out a token from his waist and threw it over.

Qin Huaiyu took it and examined it. The token was bronze in color, with a roaring tiger on top and the words "Wu Jian" below.

Turn it over, and you'll see fine floral patterns on top, with the character "郡" (jun) in the center.

"This is the token of the prefecture; seeing it is like seeing me," Chu Langtian said.

Wow, with this, wouldn't I be able to do whatever I want in Jian'an!

Qin Huaiyu was secretly overjoyed, but on the surface he looked quite dejected, as if troubled:

"In that case, I will obey."

This kid is acting all innocent after getting a good deal. Doesn't he know how many people are vying for this position? He's not happy about it.

Chu Langtian was annoyed just looking at his expression, and waved his hand, saying:

"Go down and prepare the horsehide; we're leaving immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Qin Huaiyu agreed and made a move to retreat.

However, at this moment, Chu Yanxi suddenly stepped forward.

"Father, I want to go too!"

As soon as the words were spoken, Chu Langtian and Qin Huaiyu were shocked. As if they had planned it beforehand, they immediately said in unison:

"No!"

Chu Yanxi was taken aback, then looked at Xiong Ba with some confusion. She could understand why her father wouldn't let her go, but why wouldn't he let her go either?

Don't you want to keep me company?

Thinking of this, she felt inexplicably uncomfortable, so she asked:

Why?

Why, my lady, how could your 37-degree mouth utter such a cold question?

Sister Yun, I'm afraid something might happen, that's why I don't dare to stay in Lilong Village. What kind of status do you have? Don't you know your place? If something happens, Lao Deng will probably skin me alive.

Qin Huaiyu looked hopefully at the head of the table, "Old Deng, you'd better control your daughter."

Chu Langtian glared at him fiercely, then reprimanded him with a stern face:

"Nonsense, what are you doing causing trouble? We're here to investigate a case, not to go sightseeing."

Seeing this, Qin Huaiyu quickly chimed in.

"Yes, Princess, Lilong Village is extremely dangerous. Not only are there strange creatures, but cultivators are also causing trouble. How can you, a woman of noble birth, risk such danger?"