Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 21 In this world today, how many people still believe in the law?

Li Chunfeng had been so engrossed in beautiful women that he was completely unaware of what was happening in the outside world.

Therefore, when the constables from the Six Doors revealed the origin of the name "Ta Yue" and the earth-shattering case that had occurred in the capital in the past two days, Li Chunfeng felt a chill run down his neck, and the color drained from his once arrogant face.

He knew better than anyone how many evil deeds he had committed and how many innocent women he had harmed over the years. It was just that, relying on the overwhelming power of the Duke's mansion, he had never cared about the lives of those insignificant people.

But now, a notorious bandit who appears out of nowhere and targets only the powerful and wealthy has named him and asked for his head. How could he not be afraid?
However, this fear did not last long.

His father, Duke Anguo Li Jun, soon received the news.

The Duke was furious. With a single order, the officers and soldiers of the Arrest Bureau and the Military Patrol Station rushed to the scene and surrounded the entire Duke Anguo's mansion.

Before long, Lin Hong, the head of the Lin family, Zhang Bo, the Minister of Revenue, and a group of other powerful figures from the capital arrived after hearing the news. Looking at the arrogant inscription on the wall, their faces turned extremely grim.

"Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!" Zhang Bo pointed at the wall, his fingers trembling with anger. "This official first robbed grain, then stole silver, and now he dares to openly leave a letter to kill someone. Is he trying to turn the world upside down?"

Lin Hong's face was ashen: "This boy acts without any scruples. He dares to leave a note on the wall of the Duke of Anguo's mansion today, and he would dare to commit violence in any of our mansions tomorrow. Therefore, this person must not be allowed to live and must be eradicated. Otherwise, he will become a major threat!"

This proposal was immediately agreed upon by all the prominent families present.

Li Jun immediately issued an order: "Pass on my command that all servants and guards in the manor patrol day and night without the slightest negligence! In addition, mobilize all the best men in the manor to provide close protection for the eldest young master. I want to see how he will come to take my son's head in three days!"

Seeing his father deploying troops and surrounded by officials and soldiers, Li Chunfeng's fear gradually dissipated, and he became much calmer. In his mind, with his father and so many people around, he was sure to be safe and sound.

Just as everyone was discussing how to set up defenses, a clear female voice rang out.

"My lords, I have something to say."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a graceful and elegant young woman standing behind Cheng Ming; it was Cheng Zhiwei.

Logically speaking, this place was filled with the top elites of the capital, and she, a mere young girl, had no right to speak. But out of respect for Cheng Ming, the "Divine Eye," no one dared to reprimand her.

Li Jun frowned and asked, "What brilliant idea does the young lady have?"

Cheng Zhiwei remained composed and dignified, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard before he spoke: "Judging from the previous two cases, this person's movements are unpredictable, he is extremely skilled at stealth and concealment, especially adept at hiding in the dark, which allows him to avoid the perception of ordinary people. Therefore, ordinary patrols will probably be unable to stop him."

She paused, her voice becoming clearer: "To be absolutely certain, we should hang lanterns throughout the mansion, especially in the corners of the courtyard walls, rooftops, and corridors, to ensure that the entire mansion is as bright as day, leaving no shadows or blind spots. This way, we can minimize his hiding space and make him nowhere to hide."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

"Brilliant!" Lin Hong couldn't help but clap his hands in praise. "Miss Zhiwei is indeed meticulous and thoughtful. This plan is excellent!"

Li Jun nodded and immediately ordered the steward to do so.

Cheng Zhiwei smiled slightly and then retreated.

However, her actions attracted Li Chunfeng's attention.

He openly scrutinized Cheng Zhiwei; her delicate features and serene demeanor ignited a burning desire within him, making him yearn to drag her to the bed and ravage her. Cheng Zhiwei, ever perceptive, immediately sensed the malice in Li Chunfeng's eyes. She furrowed her brow slightly, then subtly lowered her gaze and hid behind her grandfather.

With the matter settled, everyone got to work.

Cheng Ming noticed his granddaughter's unusual behavior and, when no one was around, asked in a low voice, "Zhiwei, what's wrong?"

Cheng Zhiwei hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't help but ask, "Grandpa, Li Chunfeng dared to be so rude in front of so many people, which shows that the rumors are true and that he is indeed wicked. Aren't we... aiding and abetting evil by giving him advice like this?"

Seeing his granddaughter's serious expression, Cheng Ming's smile faded, and he said solemnly, "Zhiwei, you must remember, we are constables. The duty of constables is to catch thieves and maintain the law. As for how to deal with criminals, that is for the law to judge, and we have no right to interfere."

He lowered his voice, "I know you have a very bad impression of this Li Chunfeng, but no matter what kind of person he is, he is not a criminal until the law convicts him. His life and death are not for a notorious thief to judge, understand?"

Cheng Zhiwei nodded silently.

Seeing this, Cheng Ming sighed inwardly and gently patted his granddaughter's shoulder. "Don't think too much. Just do our jobs well. Other matters will be taken care of by the officials in the court."

"I understand, Grandpa." Cheng Zhiwei forced a smile.

But after Cheng Ming turned around to arrange the manpower, Cheng Zhiwei looked at the brightly lit and bustling Duke's mansion, and a trace of confusion that she could not shake off still flashed in her eyes.

She murmured to herself, her voice so soft that only she could hear it: "The law... but in this world today, how many people still believe in the law?"

……

The explosive news that "The Great Swordsman of the Moon" left a letter at the Duke of Anguo's mansion, vowing to take the head of the scoundrel Li Chunfeng in three days, instantly swept through the entire capital.

The attitudes of the privileged class and ordinary people toward this matter are diametrically opposed.

Even though those powerful families and nobles privately despised Li Chunfeng's actions, they considered it an internal conflict. They believed that if punishment was necessary, it should be done by them, not by some unknown江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the martial arts world) outcast.

The general public, however, was filled with excitement mixed with deep concern.

People were thrilled that a hero had finally stepped forward to rid the people of this scourge; yet they were also terrified that the Duke of Anguo's mansion would surely lay a trap, and that the great swordsman who treads the moon was likely to meet with a terrible fate.

Regardless of attitudes, this matter became the focus of discussion for everyone, from the highest levels of government to the streets.

In a dilapidated corner of the capital, the young girl who had just been toyed with by Li Chunfeng lay on the bed like a wooden or clay sculpture, refusing to eat or drink, and only wishing to die.

Just then, the girl's mother walked to the bedside, her eyes filled with tears, and whispered, "Daughter, if you want to cry, just cry. A hero is here to uphold justice for us."

"Even if you really want to leave, let's wait three more days. We'll see with our own eyes what happens to that beast before you leave, okay? I'm begging you."

Upon hearing this, the girl on the bed, whose eyes were vacant, finally moved slightly, and a hot tear slid down her pale cheek.

(End of this chapter)