Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 213: Clues Revealed in Heartfelt Words, Nighttime Raid on the House!

At this moment, the beast emblem on Chen Ye's chest gleamed brightly under the dim lights of the market.

Seeing this, the onlookers retreated in fear, afraid of getting into trouble.

Even the usually arrogant Wang Ermazi broke out in a cold sweat upon seeing this, and his legs began to go weak.

Chen Ye walked through the crowd and approached, his gaze sweeping over Wang Ermazi before finally settling on Yuan Xiao'e.

She was dressed in coarse cloth, her figure was very thin, her small face was pale with fright, and her eyes were watery as she looked pitifully at Chen Ye.

Anyone who sees her like this would feel a protective instinct.

"Are you alright?" Chen Ye asked.

Bai Yingluo immediately put on her dramatic act, her body trembling slightly, and then she timidly shook her head.

"No...it's nothing, thank you, sir." Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of a sob in it.

Chen Ye nodded, then looked at Wang Ermazi.

When Wang Ermazi saw him, he shuddered, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down.

"Sir...it's a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding."

"I was just joking with this young lady, I didn't mean anything by it."

"A joke?" Chen Ye sneered. "To harass a woman in the street and intend to assault her, is that a joke?"

"me……."

Wang Ermazi was sweating profusely. He suddenly knelt down and kept kowtowing, begging for mercy.

"My lord, spare my life! I was blind and didn't recognize your greatness. I offended you, my lord. I deserve to die. I'm not even human!"

As he spoke, he slapped himself hard across the face with both hands.

Chen Ye looked on expressionlessly.

He had just finished a meeting with Hou En and the others at Zuiyunlou and was heading straight home when he happened to pass by this market and that's when this incident occurred.

At first, he didn't pay much attention to it, treating it as just a common street dispute.

But now that we've seen it, we can't just ignore it.

So he called out and then came over.

Chen Ye naturally couldn't get entangled with someone like Wang Ermazi, because that would only dirty his hands. However, he couldn't just let it go. Just as Chen Ye was considering what to do next, a series of hurried footsteps came from behind him.

"Make way, everyone make way!"

"Official officers are on a case; all bystanders, please get out of the way!"

Then several people dressed as street patrol officers pushed through the crowd and ran over.

The leader was a constable with a mustache.

He had come over to check out the commotion after hearing it.

As soon as they entered the crowd, they saw Wang Ermazi kneeling on the ground, as well as this young man dressed in the official robes of the Xuanjing Division.

Upon seeing this, the constable's heart skipped a beat, and he almost jumped out of his throat.

A sixth-rank military officer, the key figure is still a member of the Xuanjing Division!
This was not someone to be trifled with, so the constable dared not delay and rushed to Chen Ye, bowing respectfully.

"Liu San, the head constable of the South City Patrol Division, greets Your Excellency!"

His back was bent at a ninety-degree angle, and he didn't even dare to lift his head.

The constables behind them were also terrified and bowed in unison.

Chen Ye glanced at him, then pointed to Wang Ermazi kneeling on the ground.

Do you recognize this person?

Liu San, the head constable, glanced at him furtively and cursed Wang Ermazi's ancestors for eighteen generations in his mind.

That blind fool had to mess with someone of all people; he just had to provoke the officials of the Xuanjing Division. Wasn't he just asking for death?

But there was no point in saying anything more now, so he could only bite the bullet and reply, "Yes, sir, I know you."

"This man is named Wang Ermazi. He is a notorious troublemaker in this area. He usually idles away his time and does nothing productive."

"Oh?" Chen Ye raised an eyebrow.

Liu San, the head constable, felt a chill run down his spine and quickly added.

"Rest assured, sir, I will take him back immediately for thorough interrogation and will certainly give you an explanation!"

He was afraid that Chen Ye would think he was colluding with Wang Ermazi.

Chen Ye waved his hand, "No need for that trouble."

"According to the laws of the Great Chena, what is the punishment for harassing a woman in the street?"

Constable Liu was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant. "Your Honor, according to the law, twenty strokes of the cane and one month of detention."

"What if the intention is to commit violence and assault someone?"

"Forty strokes of the cane, and three months of detention!"

Chen Ye nodded. "Then let's proceed according to the law."

"Yes! Your subordinate obeys!" The head constable naturally dared not have the slightest objection and immediately replied.

He then turned and shouted at his men behind him, "What are you all standing there for? Get this lawless bastard down right now!"

The two constables snapped out of their daze and quickly stepped forward, grabbing Wang Ermazi's arms on either side.

Wang Ermazi was completely dumbfounded.

Forty strokes of the cane? And three months in jail?

With his small frame, forty strokes of the cane would either kill him or leave him badly injured.

"My lord, spare my life! I really know I was wrong!" Wang Ermazi cried out loudly.

Upon hearing this, Constable Liu became anxious, strode forward, and kicked him in the face.

"Shut up! How dare you make a scene in front of adults!"

He used all his strength in that kick, so Wang Ermazi screamed as several teeth flew out, mixed with blood and foam.

Then the two constables dragged the half-dead Wang Ermazi out.

Liu, the third constable, bowed to Chen Ye again. "Sir, we've taken the man away. Rest assured, we will punish him severely and show no leniency!"

Chen Ye hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more.

Liu San, the head constable, wiped the sweat from his brow and hurriedly left with his men.

The incident ended just like that.

The onlookers looked at Chen Ye with eyes full of awe.

Chen Ye ignored the stares of the crowd and turned to leave.

But he had only taken two steps when a timid voice came from behind him.

"My lord, please stay."

Chen Ye turned around and saw the girl selling tofu looking at him.

Her face still showed signs of shock, and her big eyes were full of gratitude.

"Is there anything else?" Chen Ye asked.

Bai Yingluo visibly flinched at his question, then gripped the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, lowered her head, and spoke in a weak voice.

"My lord, thank you so much for today... thank you so much for today."

"If it weren't for you, I really don't know what would have happened."

As she spoke, her shoulders trembled slightly, as if she hadn't yet recovered from the shock she had just experienced.

Seeing her like this, Chen Ye raised an eyebrow slightly. "It was nothing, Miss. There's no need for that. It's getting late, you should go back now."

After saying that, he prepared to leave.

"My lord!" Bai Yingluo called out again upon seeing this, this time with a hint of urgency in her voice.

"I...I have nothing to repay you with, but here is some freshly made tofu pudding, it's still warm."

"If you don't mind, please have a bowl. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

As she spoke, Bai Yingluo pointed to the steaming wooden bucket on the stall.

The remaining people who hadn't dispersed all turned to look in this direction upon hearing this.

Many men even showed envy in their eyes.

Chen Ye initially wanted to refuse outright, but when he saw Yuan Xiao'e's expectant and grateful eyes, he swallowed the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue.

Oh well, it's just a bowl of tofu pudding. I've had a little wine and I'm a bit thirsty, so I'll just treat it as water.

So Chen Ye nodded, "Alright!"

Bai Yingluo's face lit up with surprise, "Please wait a moment, my lord!"

As she spoke, she deftly picked up a clean, rough porcelain bowl and scooped a large spoonful of milky-white tofu pudding from the wooden bucket into the bowl.

The tofu pudding was very tender, gently swaying in the bowl.

Then she used a small spoon to sprinkle various seasonings from a small jar next to her.

"Sir, here it is."

She held the bowl with both hands and carefully handed it to Chen Ye. A delicate aroma of beans mixed with a faint sweetness wafted over.

Chen Ye reached out and took the bowl, glancing down at the tofu pudding inside. The tofu pudding was white and delicate, and paired with chive blossoms and bright red chili oil, it looked quite appealing.

However, before eating the tofu pudding, Chen Ye subconsciously activated his talent of "listening to a woman's heart".

It wasn't to eavesdrop on any girl's secrets, but out of caution.

After all, this is something that goes into his mouth, so it's always good to be careful. But at the moment his talent was activated, the shy and grateful voice of a young girl that he had expected did not ring in Chen Ye's mind.

Instead, a cold thought, tinged with languor and amusement, popped into his mind.

[Hehehe... We meet again so soon, you interesting little guy.]

You actually look quite dashing in that official robe.

Upon hearing this thought, Chen Ye was startled, feeling the hairs on his body stand on end.

This voice!

That tone!

It's that demoness from the Nine Nether Sect!
Chen Ye's heart seemed to stop beating at that moment, and a chill ran from his tailbone straight to the top of his head, making his blood almost freeze!
How could it be her? !

How did she turn into a tofu-selling girl again?
Despite the turmoil raging within him, Chen Ye's expression remained unchanged, and even the hand holding the bowl remained as steady as a rock.

Chen Ye's biggest advantage right now is that his opponents don't know he has the ability to listen to their thoughts, so if they discover this, then this advantage will no longer exist.

Calm down! You must calm down!
Chen Ye repeatedly reminded himself of this.

Just as his thoughts were racing, Bai Yingluo's voice rang out again.

[Huh? Why isn't he drinking yet? Did he discover something?]

Chen Ye then raised his head, his face showing just the right amount of apology and a hint of appreciation.

"The tofu pudding smells so fragrant, young lady. I was just wondering what kind of skillful hands could make such a beautiful tofu pudding. I was so engrossed in watching it that I must have made you laugh."

His words were sincere and heartfelt, and coupled with his handsome appearance and gentle smile, anyone who heard them would think that he was a refined young nobleman sincerely praising a beautiful young woman.

LV2's silver tongue skill was put to full use at this moment.

A deeper blush rose on Yuan Xiao'e's face. She lowered her head shyly and said softly, "You flatter me, sir. My skills are just rudimentary. I don't deserve such praise."

However, what echoed in Chen Ye's mind was Bai Yingluo's rather happy inner voice.

Wow, you have a sweet tongue, like it's been coated with honey.

Chen Ye sneered inwardly, but his face remained impassive as he picked up the spoon in the bowl and stirred it gently.

"Looks like I'm in for a treat today."

As he spoke, he scooped up a spoonful of tender white tofu pudding and slowly brought it to his lips.

At this moment, all of Chen Ye's senses were heightened to their peak.

Although judging from her inner thoughts, it was highly unlikely that the demoness would use poison, Chen Ye was still somewhat uneasy.

After all, this concerns one's own life, so one can never be too careful.

Just then, an urgent voice came from not far away.

"My lord! My lord! Thank God, we've finally found you!"

Chen Ye looked in the direction of the sound and saw his attendant Zhao Qi running over anxiously, holding his snow-white horse, Ta Xue Wu Zhui, in his hand.

"Sir! The Commander has sent word that you must return to the yamen immediately, saying there is urgent business!" Zhao Qi rushed to Chen Ye's side and said quickly.

Chen Ye was overjoyed!

Well done, Zhao Qi! You came at just the right time!
Chen Ye praised Zhao Qi in his heart, but a look of regret and embarrassment appeared on his face. He then put down the spoon and handed the white porcelain bowl back to Yuan Xiao'e.

"Miss, I'm so sorry, there's an urgent matter at the yamen, and I have to go back immediately."

He looked at the girl, his tone full of sincere apology: "So it's a real pity that we won't be able to enjoy this bowl of tofu pudding today."

A fleeting, almost imperceptible look of astonishment crossed Yuan Xiao'e's face, which was quickly replaced by deep disappointment.

In Chen Ye's mind, Bai Yingluo's thoughts were filled with annoyance at being interrupted.

What a disappointment! What a disappointment!

[Why did those annoying flies from the Xuanjing Division have to come now of all times!]

These thoughts flashed through Bai Yingluo's mind, and her expression changed accordingly.

The disappointment quickly faded, replaced by a very understanding and considerate one.

“My lord has important business to attend to, how could I dare to delay?” Yuan Xiao’e said softly.

"However, if you don't mind, sir, I will still be setting up my stall here tomorrow."

Her words were extremely clever, sounding both like an ordinary woman trying to persuade a nobleman to stay and like a shy invitation.

Chen Ye sneered inwardly, but his face showed an expression of delight.

"Okay, I'll come again tomorrow if I have the chance."

After saying that, Chen Ye mounted his horse, squeezed its flanks with his legs, and the Snow-Treading Black Steed neighed and then quickly disappeared around the street corner with him on its back.

Chen Ye finally breathed a sigh of relief after turning a corner and nodded to Zhao Qi.

"You did very well!"

Zhao Qi was stunned, completely unaware of what he had done to earn such praise from the master.

Chen Ye didn't explain, and directly rode back to the Xuanjing Division.

As soon as Chen Ye entered the yamen, he sensed that something was wrong.

Because it's too quiet.

In the past, at this time, although there weren't many people in the yamen, there were always some patrolling officers and clerks handling documents.

But today the entire yamen was deserted, not a soul could be seen, and the air was filled with a chilling and tense atmosphere.

As soon as I reached the entrance of the second hall, I saw several captains dressed in flying fish robes guarding the door, each with a serious expression.

Upon seeing Chen Ye approach, the leader immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Chen, the Commander has ordered that you go to the council hall to see him immediately upon your return."

Chen Ye felt a chill run down his spine; it seemed something truly serious had happened.

"Understood." He nodded and walked straight to the council chamber.

The council chamber was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Commander Shen Lian was standing in front of a huge map of Yunzhou City, his hands behind his back, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

Standing beside him were several other commanders and deputy commanders, all of whom were prominent figures in the Xuanjing Division.

But at this moment, all of them were silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to even breathe loudly.

As soon as Chen Ye entered, all eyes fell on him.

"This humble servant Chen Ye greets Commander." Chen Ye stepped forward and bowed.

Shen Lian turned around, his hawk-like eyes sweeping over Chen Ye before he said, "You've been quite busy on your first day as Zhaowu Colonel."

Chen Ye's heart skipped a beat, but he still calmly replied, "This subordinate had some personal matters to attend to."

Fortunately, Shen Lian did not dwell on the matter further. Instead, he returned to the main seat, picked up a file from the table, and threw it in front of Chen Ye.

"See for yourself."

Chen Ye stepped forward, picked up the file, opened it, and his pupils instantly contracted.

This was a secret edict from the imperial palace, the handwriting sharp and domineering, carrying an unquestionable air of authority.

The contents of the secret edict sent a shockwave through Chen Ye's heart.

"The Minister of Rites, Li Chengfeng, has colluded with sorcerers. The evidence is conclusive. The Xuanjing Division is hereby ordered to arrest him immediately, search his residence, and imprison all those involved in the case in the Heavenly Prison without delay!"

Minister of Rites! Li Chengfeng!

This is a genuine second-rank official, one of the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, a true official appointed by the imperial court!

How could such a person collude with a sorcerer?

Chen Ye felt his breathing become rapid.

"Do you understand now?" Shen Lian's voice rang out.

"Understood." Chen Ye closed the file and respectfully handed it back.

"I will personally lead tonight's operation." Shen Lian stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "All officials of the Xuanjing Division will participate."

"Remember, this operation is of the highest priority. Anyone who dares to leak even the slightest information, or who outwardly complies but inwardly defies the operation, will be executed without mercy!"

"Yes!" everyone present responded in unison.

Xu hour and three quarters.

The Xuanjing Division's training ground was packed with nearly three hundred Xuanjing Division soldiers.

These people were all dressed in black armor, holding sharp blades, and their faces were full of murderous intent. In the torchlight, they looked like a group of evil spirits who had come out of hell.

On the high platform of the training ground, Shen Lian, dressed in military uniform, gripped the hilt of his sword, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over everyone below.

"set off!"

Without any further words, the gates of the training ground swung open with a bang.

Three hundred soldiers silently poured out of the government office, like a black tide, and quickly disappeared into the night of Yunzhou City.

The procession moved at an extremely fast speed and without making a sound.

Even the horses' hooves were wrapped in thick cotton cloth, and the soldiers did not talk to each other; there was only the faint sound of their armor rubbing together.

Soon, a vast mansion with vermilion gates and high walls appeared before everyone's eyes.

This is the residence of Li Chengfeng, the Minister of Rites.

Shen Lian reined in his horse and raised his right hand.

The line behind them stopped instantly, the more than three hundred people moving in perfect unison without making a single extra sound.

Shen Lian's gaze fell on the two tightly closed vermilion gates of the Minister's residence, and then he waved his hand.

"Copy the house!"

(End of this chapter)