newbobooks Chapter 277 Ruins
Chapter 277 Ruins
Chapter 277 Ruins
The fire was fierce, and despite the combined efforts of the Shuntian Prefecture, the Capital Patrol Guard, and the Xuanjia Army, it wasn't completely extinguished until dawn. By then, the Zhao family mansion, once a magnificent residence, had been reduced to utter ruins.
"My lord, we've searched thoroughly. Apart from the corpses, everything else has been burned!" A guard from Shuntian Prefecture returned from the ruins, dragging his scalded hand, and reported the situation to Feng Ling with a solemn expression.
After extinguishing the fire, they searched the ruins carefully, but found nothing of value except for a dozen or so charred corpses.
Feng Ling nodded and said, "Understood. Tell the brothers not to look anymore."
He had expected this long ago. Since that person dared to set the fire, they must have already taken away or burned all the useful evidence. Searching any further would be futile.
"What? From what Lord Feng is saying, this fire wasn't an accident, but rather arson?" Hearing the conversation between Feng Ling and the guards, Wang Changcun, the commander of the Imperial Guards, was startled. His gaze swept over the unrecognizable corpses laid out on white sheets, and his expression suddenly turned grave.
"If that's true, so many people burned to death overnight—the murderer is utterly depraved. Lord Feng, this is a major case!"
"Yes, this is a major case," Feng Ling said coldly. He had been working on this case for a day and a night, his eyes were bloodshot, and his voice was hoarse, giving people a chilling feeling.
Chunyu Yang stood to the side, glanced down at him, and his expression became thoughtful.
The way the case has developed has been far beyond his expectations.
First, Master Zhao was poisoned, then it led to the discovery of prostitution at the villa in the suburbs. Ye Pianran said the case was even closely related to some officials in the court. Then Min'er died from "Drunken Lotus Leaf" poison, and that night, the Zhao residence was set on fire. Could it be...?
Could it be that the remnants of the Wan Ku Sect have entered the court and become officials, and are hiding in this palace?
A chill crept up Chunyu Yang's back, sending shivers down his spine.
It's not impossible!
When he was ordered to wipe out the Wanku Sect, their influence had already infiltrated the imperial city. Although he eventually managed to wipe them all out by following the clues, the Wanku Sect's disciples were treacherous and cunning, and they might still have a backup plan, waiting to make a comeback in the future!
His expression hardened, and Chunyu Yang dared not think any further. He gave Feng Ling a deep look, his face becoming even colder and more serious.
Wang Changcun didn't know what Feng Ling and Chunyu Yang were thinking, but judging from their expressions, he already knew what was going on. He bowed to Feng Ling and said in a deep voice:
"Since this is a major case, we cannot stand idly by! If the Shuntian Prefecture encounters any difficulties in handling this case in the future, feel free to come to the patrol office to find me. I will definitely lead my brothers to do everything in my power to help Lord Feng bring the criminals to justice!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Imperial Guards behind him immediately echoed his words.
"We will do everything in our power to help Lord Feng apprehend and bring him to justice!"
Feng Ling's expression changed drastically, deeply moved. He clenched his fists, bowed deeply to both the Xuanjia Army and the Imperial Guards, and said:
"Many thanks to the brothers of the Xuanjia Army and the Capital Patrol Guard for their help tonight. Without you, the fire would have spread to a wider area and caused even greater losses. On behalf of the people of the capital, I thank you all!"
“Lord Feng, you flatter me. The duty of a soldier is to protect the country and its people. The people are the foundation of a nation, so guarding the security of the capital is naturally something the Xuanjia Army should do.” Chunyu Yang avoided Feng Ling’s bow and nodded.
"Everyone has worked hard tonight, so go back and rest early. When we go to court, I will report your hard work to my father and reward you for your contributions."
Maintaining order in the capital was originally the duty of the Imperial Guards, and Wang Changcun and the others never thought of using it to ask for a reward. When they heard Chunyu Yang say this, they were both surprised and happy.
Wang Changcun said, "In that case, on behalf of my brothers, I thank the Third Prince!"
With the time for the change of guard approaching, Wang Changcun dared not linger any longer. After bidding farewell to Chunyu Yang and Feng Ling, he led his troops away. For a moment, only the forces of the Shuntian Prefecture and the Xuanjia Army remained in front of the ruins of the Zhao Mansion.
Feng Ling left some people behind to continue cleaning up the scene and arranging the bodies. After everything was settled, he turned around and was about to return to Shuntian Prefecture when he saw Chunyu Yang also counting the soldiers of the Xuanjia Army.
He thought for a moment, and waited until the Xuanjia Army soldiers marched away in orderly steps in the direction of leaving the city before he stepped forward and called out:
"Third Prince."
Chunyu Yang turned around, looked down at Feng Ling, and said, "Lord Feng looks very unwell. You should go back and rest quickly."
Feng Ling said, "Your Highness, I still have some questions about this case, and I hope Your Highness can answer them for me personally."
Chunyu Yang knew he was referring to Min'er's mysterious death in the government jail that night. He also had questions for Feng Ling, so he didn't refuse and said:
"There are too many people here, let's talk properly at my residence."
Upon returning to the Northern Martial Prince's residence, Chunyu Yang dismissed everyone and led Feng Ling to his study.
As soon as Feng Ling closed the door, Chunyu Yang behind him spoke directly, saying, "Actually, I also have many doubts in my mind, and I need Lord Feng to answer them for me."
Turning around, Feng Ling sighed softly and said, "This humble official knows what Your Highness wants to ask. In fact, this humble official had a premonition that tonight would not be peaceful, but I did not expect things to develop to this extent. A fire has truly burned everything clean; what should have been left and what should not have been left have all turned to ashes."
In the end, he couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
"I've heard that this case involves many palace officials. Judging from the fire, it's true, isn't it?" Chunyu Yang asked, frowning.
Feng Ling remembered Gongsun Zhan's warning that he should not reveal the account book to anyone else. He didn't know how to respond for a moment and could only remain silent.
Seeing his silence, Chunyu Yang took it as tacit agreement and asked, "Do you know what kind of poison Zhao Chengde was poisoned with?"
The topic suddenly jumped to Zhao Chengde's possession, and Feng Ling was taken aback before saying, "This humble official does not know, but I have only heard that the girl from the Ye family say that this poison is extremely vicious."
“That poison is called ‘Nü Huan,’ a kind of Gu poison that takes pleasure in torturing people.” Chunyu Yang deliberately emphasized the word ‘Gu poison.’ “And tonight in the government prison, Min’er, who gave Zhao Chengde the ‘Nü Huan’ poison, died from the ‘Drunken Lotus Leaf’ poison.”
Having served as an official for ten years, Feng Ling naturally experienced the catastrophe caused by the Wan Ku Men seven years ago. Therefore, he was very familiar with the terms "Gu poison" and "drunken lotus leaf".
He abruptly raised his head, looking at Chunyu Yang in utter shock:
"Wanku Sect? They—they're back?"