Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

"Exactly."

Zhou Mingxuan nodded.

"As you know, those people from the Imperial Observatory are all mysterious and they never deal with us, the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"But this time they came to us on their own initiative because of a stolen item they wanted."

He paused, then lowered his voice.

"Star-attracting sand".

"This item is of great importance. It is said to be a key to their observation of celestial phenomena and prediction of the nation's destiny. It is transported to the capital from a specific location every year."

"But just a few days ago, the escort team disappeared along with the goods in the Gyeonggi region."

Zhou Mingxuan tapped his fingers on the table.

"The Imperial Observatory's internal investigation yielded no results, and the trail went cold near the capital."

"As you know, the people in the Imperial Observatory are not good at investigating cases, and this matter is extremely sensitive, so it is not advisable to make it public."

The "Star-Guiding Sand" has been stolen, and this item is related to the operation of the "Starry Sea River" array.

Not only is it of great importance, but it could even affect the prediction of the nation's destiny.

High-ranking officials in both the central government and the local government are paying close attention to this matter.

"The Imperial Observatory is pressing us hard, and Lord Luo has just returned. It's a time of great turmoil, and we really can't afford to make any more mistakes."

Pei Yun listened, her mind perfectly clear.

As expected, it was exactly the same as the information he had previously obtained.

Zhou Mingxuan, that old fox, clearly knew that this case was tricky and deeply involved.

Doing things well may not bring great credit, but doing them badly can bring significant consequences.

This is because they see that they have Luo Qingyi backing them up, and they want to throw this hot potato to them.

He was willing to take the fall and run into the bad luck of those charlatans from the Imperial Observatory.

Incidentally, he might also be able to test how much he means to Luo Qingyi.

"So, what does Commander Zhou mean?"

Pei Yun pretended to be confused even though he knew the truth.

Zhou Mingxuan's smile widened, and his tone became more friendly.

"Brother Pei, you're not in good health right now, so it's not suitable for you to do any fighting or killing."

"I thought you were very resourceful and a brilliant judge of cases, Brother Pei."

"Although this case is tricky, the facts are not too complicated. It's perfect for you to stretch your muscles and practice your skills during your recovery period."

"You are young, quick-witted, and someone Lord Luo values. I trust you with my livelihood."

"It can also be considered... sharing Lord Luo's burdens."

Pei Yun was overjoyed.

This week, Mingxuan really is a cunning old fox.

The words sound nice, but what is called entrustment is actually a way to shirk responsibility.

The case was handled well, thanks to Zhou Mingxuan's effective leadership and ability to recognize and appoint capable people.

If the case is botched, or if something goes wrong, it's Pei Yun's fault for not handling things properly.

This is a perfect opportunity to suppress them, and even to sow discord between them and Luo Qingyi.

After all, everyone knows that Pei Yun is now a favorite of Lord Luo.

Pei Yun's smile remained unchanged, but a glint of shrewdness flashed deep in his eyes.

In the past, he wouldn't have given Zhou Mingxuan a second glance.

But now...

The investigation into the Holy Maiden of Candlelight was fruitless, and Luo Qingyi only provided the token and cultivation method, without offering even the slightest clue.

Although this case involving the Imperial Observatory points to the Joyful Zen sect, it seems to have nothing to do with the Candle Shadow sect.

But the waters of the capital are so deep, who knows if there are undercurrents and connections beneath the surface?

The Joyful Zen sect has been making such a fuss lately, involving both the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Observatory; there might be other forces pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Perhaps this case might lead to some unexpected clues about the Candle Shadow Sect?

Those involved are often blinded by their own interests; it's better to step out and stir things up.

Thinking of this, Pei Yun smiled, a smile even more genuine than Zhou Mingxuan's.

"Commander Zhou, you're too kind."

"Since it is to share Lord Luo's burdens, this humble servant naturally has no choice but to do so."

"Why should such a 'trivial matter' require the concern of Commander Qian?"

He emphasized the word "trivial matter".

"I will leave it to you."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Mingxuan's eyes, as if he hadn't expected Pei Yun to agree so readily, without even mentioning the price.

But he quickly regained his composure, clapped his hands, and laughed:

"well!"

"With Commander Pei in charge, I can rest assured."

"Just tell me what kind of manpower you need, or which department within the bureau you require to cooperate with."

"There's no need for you to worry about manpower, Commander. I have enough people on my own."

"As for cooperation..."

Pei Yun smiled, his expression meaningful.

"If we find anyone we shouldn't be investigating, or if we need to use any extraordinary measures, I hope that Commander Qian will... be lenient with us."

Zhou Mingxuan's smile froze for a moment.

He understood the meaning behind Pei Yun's words.

This is a precautionary measure; if things go wrong, Zhou Mingxuan won't be able to escape unscathed.

"Of course, of course."

Zhou Mingxuan chuckled twice.

"It is my duty, and I will naturally provide support."

Pei Yun nodded, said no more, and turned to leave.

"Then I shall take my leave."

Just then, there was a knock on the study door.

"Come in," Zhou Mingxuan said.

A captain of the Imperial Guard pushed open the door and entered, looking hurried.

"Reporting to Commander Qianhu, the Astronomical Bureau's Star Official, Lord Yunwei, requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Si Tianjian?

Star deity?

They arrived so quickly?

Zhou Mingxuan frowned almost imperceptibly, then quickly returned to normal.

"Please let her in."

"yes!"

The captain accepted the order and withdrew.

Astronomical Observatory Official.

This title is even rarer in the capital than that of ordinary princes and nobles.

Pei Yun raised an eyebrow, showing no hurry to leave, and leisurely sat down again.

He wanted to see what these legendary figures from the Imperial Observatory, who were said to observe the stars and celestial phenomena and were detached from worldly affairs, were really like.

Soon, a young woman slowly walked into the study.

The woman was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, embroidered with intricate silver star patterns.

Her dark hair was loosely tied up with a simple wooden hairpin, with a few strands hanging down and brushing against her snow-white neck.

His eyes and brows were cool and aloof, exuding an aura of detachment that kept strangers at bay.

The astronomical official in charge of the constellations, Yunwei.

Yun Wei walked into the hall, her gaze lingering on Zhou Mingxuan for a moment.

He nodded slightly as a gesture of respect.

"This humble Taoist priest, Yunwei, greets Commander Zhou."

The woman's voice was just like her personality—clear, cold, and unreadable.

He was impeccably polite, yet his demeanor betrayed a deep-seated indifference.

Zhou Mingxuan stood up, a smile plastered on his face.

"You're too kind, Star Lord. Please have a seat."

He thought to himself, "These people from the Imperial Observatory are all so arrogant."

Yunwei did not sit down, but stood in the hall and got straight to the point.

"Yunwei has come here today to discuss the theft of 'Star-Guiding Sand'."

Her tone was steady, yet it carried an undeniable weight.

"Commander Zhou, the Star-Guiding Sand is the cornerstone of our Celestial Observation Array, used to observe the flow of national fortune and predict future blessings and misfortunes."

"If this item is stolen and we are unable to perform astrological divination, the consequences will be severe, as you, Commander Qian, surely understand."

"At that time, not only will our Imperial Observatory be held accountable, but the consequences may also affect the imperial court, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard may also be implicated."

Zhou Mingxuan's smile froze slightly.

That's a pretty strong statement.

Yun Wei seemed oblivious and continued speaking:

"This matter has alarmed several high-ranking officials in the court who rarely appear in public."

Yun Wei didn't say it explicitly, but Zhou Mingxuan and Pei Yun both understood the meaning behind her words.

The fact that the Imperial Observatory took it so seriously, even going so far as to lower themselves to seek out the Embroidered Uniform Guard, is astounding.

The implications extend far beyond just the Imperial Observatory itself.

It is likely that this is related to certain court officials, or even Her Majesty the Empress.

This case is even more complicated than I imagined.

Zhou Mingxuan's smile remained unchanged, but he cursed inwardly.

The Imperial Observatory is indeed a synonym for trouble.