Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 620 Brothers, want to join forces?
Zhao Bao had just patted his chest and made his promise.

Liang Jin was amused and laughed:
"You've just become an official, how much money do you think you have in your pocket?"

His rough hand patted Zhao Bao's brand-new black python robe lightly on the shoulder twice, his tone affectionate yet piercingly revealing the reality:
"Putting money on superiors and smoothing things over—every step requires paving the way with silver."

"A house in the capital? It's a bottomless pit that devours gold and jade! Without spending a thousand or eight hundred taels of silver on it, you won't even get a decent brick!"

"Could it be that you've just put on this official hat and you're already planning to become a corrupt official and swindle your way back?"

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Zhao Bao's face, and his ears turned slightly red.

Indeed, the new official seal has barely been put on hold, so where would the money come from?
But this embarrassment was fleeting.

He slightly raised his chin, his eyes revealing undisguised certainty:

"Don't worry, Brother Jin, money... is not a problem."

Power is the hardest currency.

The news that he had just been promoted to the third-ranking official last night spread like wildfire, and his residence was almost overwhelmed with all kinds of visiting cards and gift lists!

The list Cao Xian reported today was full of names that would shake the capital.

Zhao Bao wasn't quite used to dealing with this situation, so he left these people hanging for the time being.

Official position is like a magnet; money will naturally grow legs and jump into his arms.

It's just a matter of time.

"give me sometime."

Zhao Bao spoke solemnly.

Su Lian clapped her hands and laughed from the side:
"Great idea! Let's save together, the three of us! Small savings for a small place, big savings for a big house!"

"As long as our nest is warm and bright enough, the size doesn't matter!"

Her eyes crinkled into crescents, filled with a simple longing for what "home" should look like.

Looking at her innocent smiling face, Zhao Bao felt a surge of tenderness in his heart.

"Let's go! I'll take you out for a stroll today!"

Zhao Baoxing was in high spirits:

"Xiao Lian, don't go back to report for duty! Brother Jin, you don't need to stand guard either!"

"With my face on my side, entering and leaving this deep palace is just a matter of lifting a foot."

He flicked his sleeves and was about to lead the way.

I only plan to take these two people to the capital city so they can have a good time eating, drinking and having fun.

Can be sudden.

His wrist was suddenly tightened as Liang Jin's iron-like hand gripped it.

"and many more!"

Liang Jin, his expression unusually serious, pulled him a few steps away into the shadow of a pillar and said in a low, urgent voice:
"Dude, your outfit... is too eye-catching!"

"From now on, when there are outsiders present, it's best not to get too close to Xiaolian."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bao felt a surge of anger and instinctively shook off Liang Jin's hand.

What do you mean?
He became a high-ranking official.

Why can't I have any contact with Xiaolian?
What kind of utter nonsense is this?!
Brother Jin has always been reasonable, how could he say such a thing?
Zhao Bao couldn't help but want to argue.

However, the next second, he was suddenly startled and realized what was happening!

That's right!

He is now a third-ranking officer, a truly extraordinary position.

Not to mention that he is destined to make enemies all over the world in the future, there are countless people in the police station who are envious of him and hope for his downfall.

Gradually, countless eyes will begin to stare at him, constantly watching him, trying to find his weaknesses and the mistakes he has made!
If it were discovered that the head of the Imperial Enforcement Bureau had an unusual relationship with a mere palace maid, it would be a shocking revelation.

So……

This will harm Su Lian!
Can he withstand the hidden arrows coming from all directions, penetrating every nook and cranny?
No!

After all, Zhao Bao couldn't be by Su Lian's side every moment to protect her!
A moment of lingering fear left Zhao Bao's fingertips icy cold and his palms sweaty.

"Brother Jin... thank you!"

His voice was slightly hoarse, filled with the relief of surviving a disaster:
"It was me... who almost caused a disaster!"

He punched his forehead in frustration.

The high spirits he had just displayed had vanished, leaving only a heavy sense of vigilance.

The elation he felt from his recent promotion nearly pushed him into the abyss.

Liang Jin patted his tense shoulder, his smile reassuring:

"It's okay."

"We should be more careful in our actions in the future."

at this time.

Su Lian leaned closer, her little face full of confusion:

What are you two whispering about so suspiciously?

Zhao Bao forced a smile, his expression filled with deep apology:
"Xiao Lian, um... I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't take you out to play today."

"I... still have some loose ends to settle."

"Some other time! I'll definitely make it up to you another time, and we'll have a great time!"

Liang Jin also said gently:

"Xiao Lian, you should go back now."

"Right now... it's not convenient to stay for long. Listen to your brother Bao."

Although Su Lian didn't understand the complicated details, she could sense the genuine care and helplessness in their words.

She nodded obediently:
"Alright then, I'll head back now!"

"You two are both officials, you know a lot, I'll listen to you!"

"But it's a promise, next time you get to go out, you're not allowed to leave me behind again!"

She skipped a couple of steps lightly, then suddenly turned around, her bright eyes and white teeth flashing, and pointed at Zhao Bao in a crisp voice:
"Brother Bao! You promised yourself! I remember it! You can't go back on your word!"

Only after Zhao Bao nodded solemnly and repeatedly did she disappear like a sparrow around the corner of the palace wall.

Only after watching that bright sunshine completely disappear did Zhao Bao's tense nerves relax slightly.

He and Liang Jin quickly exchanged a wary glance, their eyes scanning the surrounding pillars and corners like hawks to make sure there were no more spies watching.

immediately.

Zhao Bao's gaze, like an icicle, pierced precisely at the huge, rusty iron cage deep inside the courtyard!
Inside the cage, the bloated figure of Prince Zhao Yu of Huaiyang could be vaguely seen.

A murderous glint flickered in his eyes.

If anyone in this world still knows the relationship between Zhao Bao, Liang Jin, and Su Lian, it would be Zhao Yu!

Zhao Bao, of course, possessed the ability to kill Zhao Yu.

Given Zhao Bao's current position, it would probably not be difficult for him to enter and leave the new residence, or even to come into contact with the emperor.

If they could just say a few words to sow discord in front of the emperor, Zhao Yu would be completely finished.

Liang Jin stared at the undisguised ferocity in Zhao Bao's eyes, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

The young man in front of him, who held the power of life and death, was clearly his brother who had grown up with him. After being promoted, the first thing he thought of was to take him and Su Lian to enjoy a life of luxury.

That sincerity cannot be faked.

Liang Jin's alter ego had seen another side of Zhao Bao: despicable, insidious, vicious, and ruthless in achieving his goals!
This left Liang Jin unsure which of these two faces was Zhao Bao's true nature.

But Liang Jin didn't dwell on this matter.

Because isn't he the same way?
Even more serious.

He not only has multiple faces, but also multiple clones.

Each clone plays a different role and experiences its own life.

Sometimes, Liang Jin couldn't figure out what kind of person he really was.

He was puzzled.

But I don't care.

This, perhaps, is life.

Since he regarded Zhao Bao as a brother, he would not easily give up on Zhao Bao.

“Prince Zhao Yu of Huaiyang, he is not crazy.”

Liang Jin's voice broke the silence, like a stone falling into water.

Zhao Bao was slightly taken aback, then understood.

Madness was merely a mask he wore to prolong his life.

If Zhao Yu hadn't pretended to be crazy, he probably would have been killed by the emperor back then.

But what did Liang Jin mean by saying that?
Could it be that Tao and Zhao Yu have some kind of connection?

Zhao Bao knew that Liang Jin was always calm and cautious, and didn't seem like the type to easily get involved in such trouble.

really.

Liang Jin's next words, however, sent a jolt through his heart!

"At this moment, I am doing things for him."

Liang Jin said frankly.

Zhao Bao's eyes instantly flashed with surprise and confusion:
"Brother Jin! Have you lost your mind? This is a deadly mess! The entire court is avoiding it like the plague!"

"I'll immediately find your Southern Imperial Guard's First Commander and get you a prestigious job, far away from this Zhao Yu!"

His tone was anxious, as if he feared that Liang Jin would be drawn into this inevitable and dangerous storm.

Liang Jin gave him a deep look, his gaze calm and unfathomable:

"I'm telling you all this in the hope that you and I, brothers, will join forces."

"Just like last time, when we joined forces to bring down Consort Zhang."

He spoke clearly, with a certain resolute invitation.

Zhao Bao was eager to dissuade him, but how could this be as simple as just bringing down the empress and concubines?
This is a challenge to imperial power!
However, Liang Jin's next words were like a thunderclap, instantly shattering all of Zhao Bao's attempts to dissuade him!
"Your Majesty... has only ten days left to live."

Liang Jin's voice was extremely low, like a ghostly whisper.

hum!
Zhao Bao felt a deafening roar in his mind!
My blood seemed to freeze instantly!

He stared at Liang Jin in disbelief!

How could a low-ranking Imperial Guard commander, far removed from the center of power, know such earth-shattering secrets?!
He had to stand guard in a remote part of the palace every day, making it extremely difficult to even catch a glimpse of the emperor.

Since the emperor is no longer living in the palace, but in his new residence by the Taiye Pond, Liang Jin has even less chance of knowing anything about the emperor.

That's it... Zhao Yu!
It must be a carefully constructed intelligence network by the Prince of Huaiyang and his son!
Zhao Yu had extensive connections, and Zhao Bao had also heard that his son had been making moves around the capital trying to rescue Zhao Yu.

If Liang Jin learned the news from Zhao Yu, then it is very possible.

Zhao Bao forced himself to calm down; the surroundings were deathly silent, like a tomb.

His throat was dry, and he almost whispered through breath:
"Brother Jin...you..."

He took a deep breath, lowering his voice to almost inaudible:

"Could it be... that this prince intends to..."

He didn't say those two words, but both of them knew perfectly well—imperial power!
That dragon throne that is about to be left unclaimed!
At that time, the emperor did not designate a crown prince.

In particular, the emperor had no sons, only a daughter, Princess Kangning.

Princess Kangning has recently been kidnapped by the sorcerer Da Xianliangshi of the Taiping Dao.

In this situation, what if the emperor really did pass away?

So at that time...

The most qualified to inherit that dragon throne are none other than these princes in the capital!

Zhao Yu was naturally one of them.

"Within the capital, there are quite a few princes of the imperial family, with deep roots in the family."

Zhao Bao frowned, looking worried:
"If the heavens were to fall, heroes would vie for supremacy... Given Zhao Yu's current situation, his chances of winning are extremely slim!"

Those princes who are in the center of power in the capital all have people supporting them, so their chances of success seem much greater than those of Zhao Yu, a prince from another region.

Liang Jin's gaze was sharp, and he smiled slightly:
"Otherwise, how could we possibly have the right to interfere in this game that will change the world?"

Zhao Bao remained silent; these words were cruel yet true.

Only a prince like Zhao Yu, who has fallen on hard times, needs help the most.

If it were any other powerful prince, they might not be accepted into a partnership.

"Now that the arrow is on the bowstring, the only concern is the word 'time'."

Liang Jin quickened his pace, getting straight to the point:

"His Majesty's time is drawing near, and Zhao Yu's faction is still far from fully established!"

"Looking across the court and the public, only the Grand Eunuch... has the ability to cover up this news for several days after the collapse of the dynasty!"

"If we can temporarily deceive the emperor with the help of the eunuch, we can steal a crucial moment, and Zhao Yu's path to the top will hopefully be paved with a smooth road!"

Zhao Bao's heart skipped a beat:
"You want to persuade the eunuch to help Zhao Yu?!"

That idea is too audacious!

However... the entire new residence is now under the control of the eunuch.

If the eunuch really intended to suppress the news of the emperor's death, Zhao Bao felt it wouldn't be a big problem. "To gain the eunuch's favor would be the best possible outcome!"

Liang Jin's expression was calm, reflecting a realistic consideration:

"Unfortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince has a rather unpleasant relationship with the Eunuch and has never been able to gain his favor."

"Zhao Bao, if you are also interested in entering this game, perhaps... your position as the third-ranked player is a key piece to pry open the Grand Eunuch's mind!"

Liang Jin's words were like a boulder thrown into Zhao Baoxin Lake, creating a huge wave.

A change of dynasty! A meritorious act of supporting the new emperor!
This is immense wealth, but also an abyss!
The weight of the decision was too heavy, so heavy that Zhao Bao, who had just experienced bloodshed and emotional turmoil, could hardly breathe and his mind was in turmoil.

He needs to be alone to sort out these complicated thoughts.

He couldn't understand it at all; even as the head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, he had never thought of such a thing.

Why does Brother Jin, a mere squad leader, have such great ambitions?
Suddenly!

Zhao Bao's keen ears twitched slightly, catching a faint sound of wind!

"somebody is coming!"

He listened intently, his expression grave.

"The footsteps seemed to stick to the ground, the breath was barely perceptible... It's the 'Wall-Clinging Skill' of the Criminal Investigation Bureau! They're coming for me!"

"Brother Jin, I'll go deal with this first."

Zhao Bao speaks extremely fast:
"What you're talking about... let me think about it some more, and I'll give you an answer later!"

Liang Jin had naturally noticed this as well, and nodded in acknowledgment.

Zhao Bao moved like a ghost, swaying in place before disappearing into the shadows of the corridor ahead.

After he left the area where Liang Jin was stationed, he quickly adjusted his pace and resumed the steady speed that a normal three-speed train should have.

really.

A detective from the police station hurriedly turned the corner.

The guards even used their light-footed skills within the palace, clearly indicating that there was an urgent matter at hand.

When the guards saw Zhao Bao, they immediately knelt down:
"My lord! The Grand Eunuch urgently summons you! Please proceed to the new residence immediately!"

Zhao Bao felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that this was no time to delay.

He gave a low shout:
"lead the way!"

He then followed the guards and hurried away, quickly leaving the palace.

Not long after.

The familiar and magnificent new house by Taiye Pond has come into view.

Fanzi led Zhao Bao to a pavilion in the new residence, the very place where he and the eunuch had first met.

Upon arriving at the main gate, the guard bowed and withdrew.

Zhao Bao steadied himself and quickly climbed to the second floor.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, and Wang Jin sat upright, as still as a deep pool.

He was not alone in the pavilion; two men were kneeling before him, and the atmosphere was tense.

One of them looked haggard and frightened.

The other person... had a cold and hard expression, with a suppressed rebellious look in his eyes.

"This humble servant pays his respects to the Eunuch! I am late, please forgive me!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhao Bao knelt down, his posture extremely respectful.

Wang Jin's gaze fell on him, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appearing on her face:

"Zhao Bao, it's good that you're here."

"Introduce the newly promoted third-in-command."

He pointed slightly at the two of them:

"This is Lu Zhenyu, the head of the Criminal Investigation Division."

He then pointed to the arrogant-looking one:
"This is Mei Lingyun, a veteran head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau."

Zhao Bao immediately bowed to the two men in greeting:
"Zhao Bao has met with Lu Baihu and Mei Dangtou."

Mei Lingyun snorted coldly, gave a perfunctory bow, and her icy eyes were filled with undisguised scrutiny and contempt.

In particular, his aura as a third-rank martial artist was faintly visible, pressing down on Zhao Bao intentionally or unintentionally.

Zhao Bao narrowed his eyes slightly, remaining expressionless.

Wang Jin's voice rang out again, breaking the unspoken confrontation:
"Zhao Bao, Mei Lingyun, rise and reply."

The two stood at attention in response.

Only the centurion named Lu Zhenyu remained, trembling like a startled bird, kneeling there in even greater despair.

"Lu Zhenyu lost the official seal."

Wang Jin spoke in a calm tone, as if she were talking about a trivial matter:

"I'm giving you two a chance. Tell me, how can we safely retrieve the official seal?"

Zhao Bao and Mei Lingyun were both startled!
Their eyes met again in mid-air, sparks flying everywhere!
They realized that this was a test!

It's a matter of life and death for the ownership of the three leaders!

Zhao Baoying, on the other hand, had a more stable footing.

If Mei Lingyun wins, the change of this position will be decided by the Grand Eunuch!
Fight! We must fight!
Their eyes were instantly ignited by a fierce fighting spirit!
"This humble official is willing to share the burden for the factory director!"

Mei Lingyun stepped forward, her voice loud and clear, her sharp eyes piercing Lu Zhenyu:

"Commander Lu! When and where was your official seal lost? Tell me in detail!"

Lu Zhenyu wiped the sweat from his forehead and nervously looked up at Wang Jin.

Wang Jin nodded slightly.

So Lu Zhenyu replied:

"This humble servant... This humble servant has been ordered to organize important files in the imperial prison for the past three days, working day and night... I am exhausted."

"After finishing my business this morning, when I went to use the official seal... I was shocked to find that the official seal that was placed on my desk... had vanished without a trace!"

"Your humble servant is terrified and has immediately blocked the news, rushing here to report to the Grand Eunuch!"

At this point, Lu Zhenyu was so anxious that he almost cried.

If he can't find the official seal, then he's really doomed!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bao seemed to be deep in thought.

The imperial prison was a heavily guarded place.

The fact that Lu Zhenyu's official seal could be stolen there proves that it was definitely not the work of outsiders, but rather an inside job!

Furthermore, the fact that this traitor was able to steal the official seal right under Lu Zhenyu's nose suggests that he is most likely a martial artist!
If everyone who entered and left Lu Zhenyu's office at that time is investigated, the thief will surely be found.

But Zhao Bao then frowned slightly.

If he could think of this, Mei Lingyun certainly could too.

really.

Mei Lingyun had clearly reached the same conclusion and immediately followed up with a question:

"Who entered or left your duty room during that period?!"

Lu Zhenyu immediately recited fifteen names.

Mei Lingyun turned to face Wang Jin, brimming with confidence:
"Master! I will immediately seize and interrogate all fifteen of them!"

"We will surely get the answer and retrieve the official seal within a day!"

"My interrogation skills are superb; I believe there is no mouth in the world that cannot be pried open!"

His tone was firm and resolute, carrying the certainty of a seasoned interrogator.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bao secretly regretted his actions.

This was also his idea, but Mei Lingyun beat him to it.

Now, he's going to lose the initiative.

On the seat.

Wang Jin simply blew lightly on his teacup, then asked without looking up:

"Zhao Bao, what do you think?"

His voice was flat, revealing no emotion.

Zhao Bao's heart skipped a beat.

Judging from Wang Jin's tone... he's expecting a better answer!

He immediately racked his brains and thought quickly.

The next moment, Zhao Bao suddenly realized!
He got it!

Finding the thief in this case shouldn't be difficult!

The difficulty lies in... how to handle the subsequent impact!
Did a ghost steal the imperial seal from inside the prison?

If this gets out, it will be a huge joke!
It was a perfect handle for the upright officials to attack the Jishichang!
The key is how to get things done quietly and smoothly!

In a flash, a sharp glint appeared in Zhao Bao's eyes!
"Reporting to the Grand Eunuch!"

Zhao Baolang said in a loud voice, attracting everyone's attention:
"As the head of the Judicial and Criminal Division, Lord Lu is in charge of case trials. Stealing your official seal is of no use to the internal staff, but it can only implicate Lord Lu in the crime of losing his seal."

"I deduce that the person who stole the seal did not steal the official seal itself, but rather sought revenge and venting their anger!"

At this point, Zhao Bao asked Lu Zhenyu:
"Lord Lu, while you were in prison... did you have any deep-seated grudges?"

Lu Zhenyu pondered for a moment before answering:
"I've only been serving as the head of the criminal justice department for a few days, how could I have any enemies? If I've offended anyone..."

suddenly!

Lu Zhenyu's eyes lit up, as if he had remembered something, and he grasped at it like a lifeline:
"Yes! Yes! It's prison warden Yue Kai! This man was corrupt and lawless, and I impeached him severely! He holds a grudge! It must be him!"

He became excited:
"No wonder! Just now he acted out of character, coming to ingratiate himself with me, and even... he deliberately distracted me! That's it! Not long after he left, the official seal... it must have been him!"

Upon hearing the name Yue Kai, Mei Lingyun's eyes lit up.

Yue Kai had been in the office; he was also a highly skilled martial artist!
He is the prime suspect!
Mei Lingyun immediately said:
"Master, please allow me to arrest and interrogate Yue Kai immediately! At the same time, I will send people to search his residence."

"I will definitely be able to retrieve the official seal within an hour!"

Wang Jin simply smiled slightly and asked again:
"Zhao Bao, what do you think?"

Mei Lingyun was taken aback when he heard this, and his gaze toward Zhao Bao became increasingly displeased.

Zhao Bao turned to Wang Jin:

"Master, I have a plan!"

"No need for torture, no need for searches, and no need to create an atmosphere of fear and unease in the prison!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jin finally raised his head and looked Zhao Bao in the eye:

"Oh?"

A barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of his mouth:
"Tell me."

Zhao Bao's words were clear:

“If I were to handle this case, I would set fire to the imperial prison.”

"At that time, in front of everyone, Lord Lu will hand over the sealed official seal box to Yue Kai to take home and keep it safe. Lord Lu will then immediately go and direct the firefighting efforts."

"When the official seal box is returned tomorrow, Lord Lu will open it in front of everyone. If the missing official seal is inside, then Lord Lu must commend Yue Kai for protecting the seal, to uphold the friendship between colleagues!"

Upon hearing this plan, the pavilion fell into a deathly silence!
Mei Lingyun, in particular, almost popped her eyes out!
What's going on?!

Who solves cases like this?
Are you going to set fire to it again? Are you kidding me?!
This completely delayed the criminal investigation!
Only Wang Jin!

Finally, a genuine smile of joy appeared on that indifferent face!
That smile held a knowing and appreciative understanding of the ways of the world!

"it is good!"

Wang Jin clapped her hands in praise:

"Let's do as Zhao Bao says!"

"If the official seal is recovered tomorrow, Zhao Bao, you will be credited with the greatest merit!" "If the official seal is recovered tomorrow..."

Wang Jin paused slightly, gazing meaningfully at Zhao Bao. His gaze was like a cold probe, piercing straight into Zhao Bao's soul, and the smile on his lips carried a hint of cruel scrutiny.

"...still not found, Zhao Bao..."

The lingering tone, uncertain and hesitant, was sharper than a steel blade!

The pressure within the cabinet has increased dramatically!

Zhao Bao's mind raced!

Opportunities and risks go hand in hand!
This is proof of ability, but more importantly, it demonstrates courage and responsibility!
Without the slightest hesitation, he abruptly knelt on one knee, his voice resolute:
"If the official seal cannot be found by tomorrow, then I am an incompetent villain! I have failed the eunuch's trust and reliance!"

"I am willing to hand over my official seal as the third-ranking official today and step down to a more worthy successor!"

Really impressive!

Wow!
Apart from Wang Jin, the other two people in the pavilion gasped in shock!
Mei Lingyun's pupils shrank suddenly as she stared in shock at her incredibly young colleague at her feet!
Betting your entire future on this?!

So resolute and ruthless?!
The previously slightly cold scrutiny in Wang Jin's eyes has now turned into a burning interest!

"it is good!"

"Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in a row, each word carrying immense weight!
"Zhao Bao! We shall proceed according to your plan!"

"I... await your result!"

(End of this chapter)