124: Chapter 122 This Game of Chess 124: Chapter 122 This Game of Chess The Magistrate was assassinated, a matter nearly as grave as the previous suspicion of the Prince being killed, perhaps even more serious.

After all, the rumor about Luo Zhenwu, the Prince, was purely hearsay, which the Imperial never confirmed.

But this one was indeed a fourth-rank officer, stationed at a crucial transport hub.

His importance far surpassed that of any Magistrate in remote regions.

Such lawlessness signified the complete disappearance of Imperial majesty.

This was a sign of rebellion, plain and simple.

The Demon Suppression Department placed the area around the crime scene, extending ten miles out, under martial law.

The entire city was panicked, and the military defenses were activated, completely blocking all city gates.

Tang Buqi utilized his status to sneak Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling quietly into the crime scene.

The Chief Officer of the Demon Suppression Department in Yangzhou was Gong Chaoqun, the middle-aged man who had previously warned Zhao Changhe about the Maitreya Sect’s Illusion Technique.

Although the outcome of that affair seemed trivial, Gong was in fact a prestigious agent at the Demon Suppression Department, ranked at Mystical Gate Ninth Layer, and his cultivation level surpassed even Yue Hongling’s.

There were many figures on the Human List at Mystical Gate Ninth Layer; those who reached this level of cultivation but hadn’t made it to the Human List were generally regarded with a remark as “Near the Human List.”

In reality, there was a vast difference even among those at the Ninth Layer.

There were discrepancies in ranking among those on the Human List at the Ninth Layer, let alone the disparity between those on the Human List and general practitioners at the Ninth Layer.

The difference may be even more pronounced than that between Zhao Changhe and Cui Yuanyang when they were both at the Third Layer.

For instance, it was well-known that six months ago, someone at Ninth Layer was defeated by Yue Hongling who was of a lower level.

Thus, the phrase “Near the Human List” held little referential value and could be likened to mere flattery.

Chi Li mentioned that on his travels he had killed many known as Near the Human List, but few truly had merit.

However, Gong Chaoqun was an exception; he was genuinely considered Near the Human List and was highly regarded by Tang Wanjuang, one of his trusted generals.

Seeing Tang Buqi bringing Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling, Gong Chaoqun didn’t say much.

Instead, he nodded almost imperceptibly towards Zhao Changhe.

He knew the man as a Secret Agent of the Demon Suppression Department, having received secret instructions from the chief.

And since Tang was the chief’s nephew, along with the famously chivalrous Yue Hongling, this team was deemed fully capable of assisting in the investigation.

Little did he know, had the Magistrate died half an hour later, it would have been these very individuals who were implicated.

Zhao Changhe carried his sword and bow, his expression sour.

He was looking forward to sneaking into the Magistrate Mansion with Yue Hongling later that night, plotting an assassination that now seemed thrilling yet romantic.

But now, someone had beaten them to it, and it wasn’t even someone they could scold—after all, the deed was generally welcomed.

“Uncle Gong, have you found anything?” Tang Buqi asked.

“The Magistrate Qian was killed by an arrow.” Gong Chaoqun explained, “He was just about to enter his concubine’s quarters when he was hit by an arrow from the roof of the opposite house right as he reached the door.

The arrow was fired with immense force, piercing through his skull.

The assassin shot and almost immediately escaped before the guards in the vicinity could react—it was extremely clean and efficient.”

Zhao Changhe thought to himself that if he had been the assailant, the Magistrate would likely have died in the same manner…

Gong Chaoqun looked at the bow Zhao Changhe carried, adding, “The corridor leading from Magistrate Qian’s to the concubine’s quarters is covered with vines, obstructing visibility.

The only clear shot is right at the doorway.

The execution of this arrow was excellent—accurate and ruthless—likely even better than Young Master Zhao’s archery, obviously by someone versed in using a bow.”

Zhao Changhe wasn’t bothered to hear someone might surpass his own archery skills—after all, he rarely practiced archery, focusing more on his sword skills.

At that moment, he thought about the arrow shot at him by the man in the blue mask…

That shot had truly been formidable; without the warning from Dragon Sparrow, his chances of survival would have been slim.

Could it be him?

Others were unaware of any blue-masked man.

Tang Buqi’s first thought was, “A habitual bow user—could it be a barbarian?”

It was illogical for Magistrate Qian, who supported the barbarians, to be killed by them, but Tang Buqi was keen on pinning the blame on them regardless.

In truth, no one knew of any collusion between Magistrate Qian and the barbarians.

If it were said he was killed by barbarians, it would likely be believed by both the common people and the Imperial.

If they wanted to close the case hastily, blaming it on the barbarians would be one way, possibly even beneficial by drawing the Empire’s attention to the hostile actions of these barbarians in Central Earth.

Gong Chaoqun’s expression turned contemplative before he asked Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling, “Both Young Master Zhao and Miss Yue encountered barbarians today; do you have any thoughts on this?”

Zhao Changhe responded, “What would you think if I told you that a few hours ago, near the Alien Clan market, someone almost took my life with an arrow?”

Yue Hongling’s expression changed instantly, “Is it true?”

“Indeed, it is true.”

Gong Chaoqun was also somewhat moved, and he mused, “If Young Master Zhao had indeed met with misfortune at that time, we would inevitably suspect the Alien Clan…

and then another Magistrate is assassinated in the same manner tonight…”

Gong Chaoqun did not continue, but everyone understood the implication.

Clearly, all the perpetrator’s actions aimed to cast blame on the Huren, starting from the arrow shot at Zhao Changhe, which had laid the groundwork for the planned assassination of the Magistrate tonight, only they hadn’t anticipated Zhao Changhe dodging it.

As for why they chose Zhao Changhe, no one knew; could it be that they knew Zhao Changhe was a Secret Agent from the Demon Suppression Department?

Thus, it seems that the perpetrator didn’t necessarily conceive the murderous intent from seeing the Magistrate’s virtues at today’s banquet.

The banquet itself has little to do with it; initially, Tang Buqi was somewhat suspicious of Wan Dongliu and Xuan Chong, but now it doesn’t seem likely.

Tang Buqi thought for a moment and then lowered his voice, “Uncle Gong, I think we might as well take advantage of the situation and really pin it on the Huren.

It’s a good excuse to kill all the Huren here.

Anyway, the one who killed Magistrate Qian was also righteous…

uh, anyway…”

Anyway, they were also righteous; no need for a serious investigation, right?

Zhao Changhe increasingly felt that this great-nephew was really capable; though a bit of a dandy, somewhat clumsy in combat, attempted to fight him, stoked fires, and even incited discord between him and Yue Hongling…

Damn, this person is hopeless!

Yue Hongling said, “If it were usual, I would support Brother Tang’s proposal, but this person is different.”

Tang Buqi, “Hmm?”

Yue Hongling indifferently said, “He attempted to kill Changhe.”

Tang Buqi, “…”

Tears streamed down Zhao Changhe’s face, Ah look, what is considered one of our own, and what is the disparity!

Gong Chaoqun thoughtfully asked Zhao Changhe, “What do you think, Young Master Zhao?”

Tang Buqi gave Gong Chaoqun a strange look.

You’ve asked him twice for his opinion.

He calls me great-nephew, not really my uncle-in-law, why do you care so much about his opinions?

Zhao Changhe said, “I actually support pinning it on the Huren.

This matter is important, but after all, the person intended to kill me.

So even if we publicly blame the Huren, I must still clandestinely ascertain who the real culprit is.”

Gong Chaoqun nodded.

Both the Tang family’s young master and the Jade Token Secret Agent said this, and he had also made up his mind: blaming the Huren really had many advantages.

But then Zhao Changhe added, “In this matter, might there be something else we overlooked?”

Gong Chaoqun, after all involved in investigations, immediately grasped Zhao Changhe’s meaning, “Are you referring to that concubine?”

“Right.

If I am not mistaken, there was a Heavenly Girl from the Maitreya Sect among the Magistrate’s entourage.

According to the Maitreya Sect’s skill in seducing people, I reckon the Magistrate would seek her out every night.

That means this concubine could be that Heavenly Girl.”

Gong Chaoqun revealed a hint of a smile, “Indeed, we’ve already detained her.

Just her bad luck, the Magistrate died right outside her room; she couldn’t even flee.

Fleeing would have made her seem guilty of assassinating the Magistrate and escaping.

She had no choice but to stay there and wait for our questioning.

Once we questioned her, we quickly discovered her identity as the Maitreya Heavenly Girl; truly a disaster not of her own making.”

“So, in fact, with the Magistrate dead in front of the Maitreya Heavenly Girl’s bed, could we also pin this on the Maitreya Sect?” Zhao Changhe murmured, “The Maitreya Sect conspired with the Huren to assassinate the Magistrate, planning an internal and external rebellion.

The real culprit has written a complete story for the Demon Suppression Department, even prompting the military to prepare for action in the city in response to the Magistrate’s death…

and meanwhile, the Huren and the Maitreya Sect are still in the dark, thinking it has nothing to do with them.”

Tang Buqi was visibly moved, “So the timing of his assassination was chosen with such intention?

Knowing that the Magistrate would be in the Heavenly Girl’s room at this time!”

“Hmm…

someone very familiar with the Magistrate’s habits and movements, a well-premeditated brilliant move.” Zhao Changhe looked at Gong Chaoqun, “Now the question is, does the Demon Suppression Department want to accept this great gift delivered to their doorstep?”