Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

In the afternoon, Hou Qi quietly brought back a message.

"Master Lin, word is flying everywhere! They say the Imperial Envoy received a secret report that a Di Rong spy has infiltrated the prefectural government with malicious intent. Last night, not only here, but 'Liu's Blacksmith Shop' in the west of the city was also robbed; two employees died and a batch of iron was stolen. Furthermore, a warehouse belonging to the Prince Qi's residence at the dock also caught fire last night, burning some miscellaneous items. Now the whole city is saying that the Di Rong spy is colluding with outlaws from the Grand Canal Gang, planning to turn the prefectural government upside down before the Imperial Envoy leaves!"

Liu's Blacksmith Shop? Zhou Wenyuan's secret contact point! Qi Wangfu's warehouse? Lin Feng understood.

This is probably not Di Rongqian's doing, but rather Zhou Wenyuan and the King of Qi taking the opportunity to eliminate dissidents or destroy evidence! Feng Zhen's massive search has given them a pretext and opportunity!

"And another thing," Hou Qi lowered his voice, a hint of excitement in it, "that letter we submitted seems to have worked! I heard that Lord Feng summoned Prefect Zhou alone this morning, and they talked in the second hall for almost an hour! When Prefect Zhou came out, his face was very grim. Moreover, Lord Feng even sent someone to 'invite' the Chief Secretary of Prince Qi's residence for questioning! Although it was under the pretext of assisting in the investigation of Di Rong spies, but... hehe, this doesn't feel right!"

A glint of light flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.

Feng Zhen was indeed no ordinary man! After obtaining the body of the Di Rong assassin and his anonymous letter, he immediately realized how deep the waters were in the prefecture and began to put pressure on Zhou Wenyuan and the Prince of Qi! Although he might not be able to take them down immediately, he at least showed his attitude and put enormous pressure on them!

"Keep an eye on things, especially the movements of Zhou An and the Qi Prince's residence," Lin Feng instructed. "Also, have the brothers rest and treat their injuries as soon as possible. I reckon Feng Zhen will be looking for us again soon."

Sure enough, in the evening, Captain Yang returned, this time with a much more conciliatory attitude.

"Master Lin, the Imperial Envoy requests your presence at the prefectural government office. Please come with me."

Lin Feng was prepared. He changed into clean clothes, gave Liu Sandao and the others a few instructions, and then went out with Captain Yang.

Along the way, soldiers were still patrolling the streets, checking pedestrians, and the atmosphere was tense.

The second hall of the prefectural government was brightly lit.

After sitting down at his desk, Feng Zhenduan changed into a scarlet casual outfit, but the air of authority and weariness between his brows was even more pronounced.

Zhou Wenyuan sat at the lower end, his face gloomy and his eyes unfathomable. Several other key officials from the prefecture and Feng Zhen's accompanying staff all held their breath.

"This humble citizen, Lin San, greets Your Excellency." Lin Feng stepped forward and bowed.

"No need for formalities, Mr. Lin." Feng Zhen raised his hand, his gaze sharp as he looked at Lin Feng.

"Regarding last night's events, Commandant Yang has already reported them to me. The Di Rong spies infiltrated the prefectural government, attacked merchants, and caused deaths—a crime deserving of death! I am aware that your 'Sanhe Freight Transport' suffered this undeserved calamity, with heavy casualties. However," he changed his tone, his voice turning somber, "there is one thing I do not understand. As far as I know, your 'Sanhe' has a long-standing feud with the Canal Transport Gang, and some of the attackers last night were also from the Canal Transport Gang. Why would the Di Rong spies collude with the Canal Transport Gang to attack your 'Sanhe'? Do you have any evidence to support your earlier claim that someone bribed the Di Rong spies to frame you?"

Finally, they've gotten to the crucial question.

Lin Feng understood that Feng Zhen was forcing him to make a statement and testing how much he knew.

"Reporting to you, sir," Lin Feng said calmly, cupping his hands in greeting, "the relationship between this humble subject and the Canal Gang is merely one of commercial competition. Although there have been frictions, there is no deep-seated hatred. As for why the Di Rong spies are entangled with the remnants of the Canal Gang, this humble subject is also completely baffled. However, during last night's fierce battle, this humble subject and his brothers all personally heard some of the bandits shouting in the Di Rong language, and personally witnessed the Di Rong-style curved swords and their strange skills. This is irrefutable evidence, and cannot be faked."

He paused, then continued, "As for someone bribing and framing someone... this is merely speculation. The 'Sanhe' business has been booming lately, inevitably attracting jealousy. Furthermore, I've heard that the canal gang has numerous internal factions and close ties with certain... unspeakable individuals in the prefecture. Whether some unscrupulous person, for ulterior motives, has been willing to let wolves into the house, colluding with barbarians, harming fellow countrymen, and framing others, I dare not speak presumptuously. I can only implore Your Excellency to investigate thoroughly, clear the innocent's name, and punish the wicked according to the law!"

His words, while never mentioning Zhou Wenyuan or the Prince of Qi, all pointed to their connections with the Grand Canal Gang and the possibility of "inviting wolves into the house." He answered Feng Zhen's question, cleverly deflected the question back, and simultaneously cleared himself of suspicion.

Zhou Wenyuan's expression darkened further, but he still tried to remain calm, though the knuckles of his hand holding the teacup turned slightly white.

Feng Zhen gave Lin Feng a deep look, a complex and subtle expression flashing in his eyes.

This young man is bold yet meticulous, his words are impeccable, and what's even more commendable is that, despite the horrific attack last night, he remains composed and articulate when facing himself today. He's a talented individual, but... he's far too prone to causing trouble.

"I have taken note of what you have said," Feng Zhen said slowly. "The infiltration of Di Rong spies concerns the safety of the border, and I will investigate thoroughly! No matter who is involved, I will show no leniency! As for your 'Sanhe,' you have suffered this calamity and need to be comforted. Commandant Yang,"

"exist!"

"Withdraw the soldiers guarding the 'Sanheyuan'. Also, allocate five hundred taels of silver from my official residence to compensate the dead and wounded of 'Sanhe'. Instruct the prefectural government to assist 'Sanhe' in repairing its warehouses and resuming operations as soon as possible."

"yes!"

"Thank you for your kindness, sir!" Lin Feng bowed deeply.

Feng Zhen's move was both an attempt to appease and a way of expressing his attitude—at least on the surface, he temporarily acknowledged the innocence and victimhood of the "Sanhe" group.

"Alright, go ahead. Things have been unsettled in the prefecture lately, so take care of yourself and don't cause any more trouble." Feng Zhen waved his hand.

"This humble subject takes his leave." Lin Feng bowed again, turned and left the second hall. From beginning to end, he did not look at Zhou Wenyuan once more.

Stepping out of the prefectural government office, the night breeze carried a chill.

Lin Feng took a deep breath, but his chest felt far from relaxed. Feng Zhen's admonitions and reassurances had only temporarily stabilized the situation. The real crisis was far from over. Di Rong's "Shadow Hawk" was just the tip of the iceberg, Zhou Wenyuan and the Prince of Qi's conspiracy had not stopped, and the stolen "goods" were a sword hanging over his head.

As for Chen tide and the others… judging by the time, Chen Da and Chen Er should be arriving at Black Wind Valley soon. Will Ye Qingli be able to withstand Di Rong's "Shadow Hawk"? Will she be able to successfully transfer?

He looked up at the night sky to the northwest, where Black Wind Valley was located, the direction where Chen tide was.

His concern for those far away in Black Wind Valley was the bottom line he could not afford to lose in this storm!

Every step from here on will be a dance on the edge of a knife, a life-or-death struggle! But he has no choice but to forge ahead!