Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang's neck veins throbbed, and he said in a muffled voice, "Officer Li, that letter... isn't fake!"

"Oh?" Li Fu's gaze flashed like lightning as he looked at Zhao Gang.

"Prefect Feng invited an old gentleman who was an expert in this field to examine it. The paper was faked tribute paper, and the ink was a recent copy. It was similar in form but not in spirit."

"Does the Fourth Escort still insist it's not fake?"

Zhao Gang's face turned bright red, and he said urgently, "I mean... there really is such a letter!"

That's all there is to it.

But... but the one we have is a copy of the real one!

"What about the real letter?"

Li went to ask further questions.

"Burn it!" Fifth镖头 Qian Tong gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with hatred. "That damned Situ Li... destroyed it!"

Li Fu said coldly, "So you can't produce it?"

Are you referring to the one imprisoned in jail, or someone else?

Qian Tong was speechless, and the others also fell silent.

"Who exactly is that Situ Li in the prison? He's tall and imposing, quite intimidating."

But he's never served in the military. I doubt he can even ride a horse.

Who is he that dares to risk his life to act in this play with you?

It seems this person wasn't among those who ran away from the Changsheng Escort Agency back then.

The third镖头's wrinkles deepened as he spoke with difficulty.

"He was indeed not part of the Changsheng Escort Agency back then, and he had no connection with us. He was just someone we met by chance."

He...he's just like us, a victim of a terrible fate, burdened with blood feuds, with nowhere to seek justice...

"you……"

Li Fu wanted to ask more questions.

"Officer Li... please, don't ask any more questions."

We...don't want to lie to you, but we can't tell you the truth.

At this moment, Zhou Zhen, the second镖头 (bodyguard) who had been silent all along, looked up at Li Fu, his eyes filled with a deep pain and sadness.

"Officer Li, I only have one question for you."

If there is a case where you know who the real culprit is, who has killed hundreds of thousands of people, whose crimes are heinous and too numerous to count!

But you just can't produce any evidence that would bring him to justice!

You want revenge for your entire family, you want justice for the hundreds of thousands of innocent souls... You...

"Then what else can you do, and how else can you do it?"

These words were spoken with grief and helplessness, and were sincere and heartfelt. The other镖头 (bodyguards) beside him also showed signs of pain and closed their eyes tightly.

Li Fu frowned and said, "You all look like you have some kind of trouble to tell, but you won't say anything."

How can anyone trust you?

How exactly did you confirm that the mastermind behind this was Eunuch Yi? What evidence do you have to prove it?

I'm not trying to question you on behalf of my father-in-law, but all the evidence you've presented so far is fake.

You've not just deceived one or two people; today, all those江湖人士 (jianghu figures) outside the city have been deceived and incited by you, becoming your pawns.

You are deliberately exploiting them; you could say they have a long history of misconduct.

The word "utilize" struck several people like a steel needle.

Zheng Baichuan, Qian Tong, and the others trembled slightly, while Zhao Gang also lowered his head, his facial muscles contorted, clearly showing his intense inner struggle.

Zhou Zhen smiled bitterly, but offered no further explanation, only repeating, "Officer Li, I'm sorry. We... cannot say."

Seeing their reaction, Li Fu knew that asking any further questions would be futile.

These people were already determined to die, valuing the secret more than their own lives, and could not be swayed by a few words.

Perhaps they have their reasons, fearing that others might overhear them, or that they might implicate others, or perhaps they don't yet fully trust this official they've only met once today.

When it comes to planning revenge for the lives of one's family and hundreds of thousands of disaster victims, extreme caution seems justified.

But they refused to cooperate, and Li Fu couldn't help them.

He still couldn't figure out how these people were so sure the murderer was the eunuch: had they really found some evidence that had been destroyed?

Or was it due to being misled, or some other situation?

There are too many possibilities.

For example, was it possible that back then, the eunuch ordered his subordinates to severely punish the Changsheng Escort Agency for failing to protect its goods, and to take their lives to give the court and the people an explanation?

The disaster relief funds were not robbed by Eunuch Yicai, but they had an irreconcilable feud with him, and they used this as a pretext to deal with Eunuch Yicai.

Or perhaps it was a case of the father-in-law's enemies knowing of these individuals' existence and misleading and manipulating them to use against him?

Li Fu pondered for a moment and said, "Prefect Feng was about to torture you, but I stopped him for the time being."

But I can stop it for a while, not necessarily forever.

You should think about this carefully. If you're willing to reveal the truth and confirm that it was indeed the father-in-law who did it, I can help you.

Having said that, he turned and left, no longer looking at their complicated and unspeakable expressions.

A deep, hoarse voice came from behind him: "Thank you... Officer Li."

Back in the inner hall, Feng Shaoting urgently inquired about the result.

Upon learning that Zhou Zhen and the others still refused to speak, he frowned, stroked his beard, paced around the hall a few more times, and suddenly stopped.

"Officer Li, since the evidence is fake, perhaps this group of people are framing Eunuch Yi, but the news has not yet spread."

We can go and pay a visit to Father-in-law Yicai's residence.

Firstly, I want to "consult" him about today's events, especially the Seven Eagles of Blood Coagulation's act of killing people in public to silence them, and see how he reacts and whether he feels guilty.

Secondly, we can subtly probe to see what he knows about the case and whether he can provide any clues... Who knows, we might even gain something from it.

Li Fu realized that Feng Shaoting was trying to intimidate him and make a scene, which was not in accordance with standard case-handling procedures.

However, the clues seem to have all gone cold due to the silence of Zhou Zhen and the others who refuse to speak. Trying to break through from the perspective of the eunuch might not be a bad idea.

Li Fu, who was handling the case, didn't care whether the method was legitimate or not. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "That's one way."

"But it's already late, let's go tomorrow."

Feng Shaoting saw that Li Fu agreed and said.

Since there was no conclusive evidence that Eunuch Yi had robbed disaster relief funds and committed a crime equivalent to rebellion, it was inconvenient to mobilize troops. So, he and Li Fu, along with Chen Tao and more than ten other capable constables, traveled light and headed straight for Eunuch Yi's mansion in the east of the city.

The following morning, upon arriving outside the high walls and deep courtyard, the scene before the mansion gate took their toll.

Everyone in Yanzhou knew that this powerful eunuch, who had been exiled here, was very good at protecting himself. After being exiled, he behaved himself and only cared about enjoying himself, and no longer associated with anyone.

Today, however, the area in front of the mansion was bustling with people.

Dozens of martial arts figures, each with a different appearance and a sinister or fierce demeanor, were lined up in a long queue in front of the door, being registered and questioned one by one by several clerks.

Some of these people had their arms crossed and sneered, some had shifty eyes, some had scars on their faces and menacing aura in their eyes. It was clear at a glance that they were no good people. Most of them were people who mingled in the underworld, were neither good nor evil, or were simply evil figures.

Chen Tao frowned and whispered, "Boss, why are there so many martial arts practitioners in front of the eunuch's door?"

And they were mostly people who didn't seem like good people.

Li Fu glanced at the scene and immediately understood, letting out a cold laugh.

"This guess has made the father-in-law the target of public criticism."

The martial arts figures who gathered in Yanzhou City because of the three million taels of disaster relief funds included both righteous individuals and those who considered themselves righteous.

Whether they genuinely wanted to seek justice for the Changsheng Escort Agency and the disaster victims, or simply wanted to use his head to make a name for themselves, there were quite a few who wanted to kill him.

His residence already had guards, but I'm afraid they're no longer sufficient to handle the situation.

The current strategy is to recruit notorious outlaws and unorthodox martial arts masters who have also been drawn in by the case, to serve as bodyguards and solidify their position.

Chen Tao suddenly realized.

That old eunuch is cunning and values ​​his life.

The prefect and the head constable in blue robes, who held the imperial gold medal, came to visit together. The gatekeeper dared not neglect them and hurriedly went inside to announce their arrival.

Before long, someone respectfully led Feng and Li and their party into the mansion.

Passing through numerous doorways,

The mansion was filled with pavilions, towers, carved beams and painted rafters, artificial hills and strange rocks, flowing water to form ponds, and winding paths leading to secluded spots. Its luxury and exquisite craftsmanship far exceeded that of ordinary wealthy households and was even comparable to the works of some famous garden masters in Jiangnan.

It's amazing and dazzling.

It is evident that although this man has lost power, he still has substantial wealth and knows how to enjoy life.

The courtyard was filled with the faint scents of sandalwood and cosmetics, and the faint sounds of string and wind instruments and the laughter of women could be heard. In contrast to the menacing martial arts practitioners lining up outside the mansion to apply for jobs, it was as if they were from two different worlds.

Li Fu remained calm as he scanned the guards and servants he encountered along the way, with sentries both visible and hidden, a veritable checkpoint every ten steps.

Chen Tao was dazzled and secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

This old eunuch really knows how to enjoy life, just like the rumors say. He's truly extraordinary.

Upon reaching an extremely elegant and spacious flower hall in the inner courtyard, the person leading the way stopped and bowed, saying, "Lord Feng, Constable Li, the eunuch is already waiting inside the hall."

please."

Feng Shaoting and Li Fu exchanged a glance, then stepped into the flower hall, while the others waited outside.

The hall was warm and cozy, filled with the fragrance of flowers, and its furnishings were extremely luxurious. The floor was covered with thick Western Region velvet carpets, the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and the display cabinets showcased antiques and jade artifacts.

However, the most eye-catching feature is the huge screen made of exquisite Suzhou embroidery deep in the hall.

Behind the screen, the light illuminated a slightly hunched figure reclining on a soft couch, with several slender figures seemingly serving him beside him.

Two guest seats were set up in front of the screen.

A high-pitched, feminine voice drifted from behind the screen.

"Prefect Feng, Constable Li, your presence is an honor to our humble abode."

Please sit down and have some tea.

As soon as Feng Shaoting and Li Fu took their seats, a pretty maidservant served them fragrant tea. The teacups were made of fine official kiln celadon, and the tea soup was emerald green with rising steam.

Just as the two picked up their teacups, before they could even drink, the shrill voice from behind the screen rang out again: "Remove the screen."

The servants standing to the side quickly stepped forward and carefully moved the priceless, enormous Suzhou embroidery screen aside.

The view behind the screen was immediately revealed.

On a large, soft couch covered with thick brocade, leaned an old man dressed in a dark purple brocade robe.

He was thin, with loose skin and deep wrinkles, and had a feminine air. However, his eyes were not cloudy; on the contrary, they occasionally flashed with a chilling glint.

On either side of him were two beautiful young women dressed in light gauze, gently massaging his shoulders and legs.

On either side of him were two beautiful young women dressed in light gauze, gently massaging his shoulders and legs.

The small table next to the soft couch was filled with all kinds of exquisite pastries and seasonal fresh fruits.

This old man was none other than the Grand Eunuch, Lord Yicai.

He gave a seemingly kind smile, but his voice remained high-pitched.

"I'm so sorry, both of you."

Once a person gets old, they don't like others to see their decaying face, especially since I am disabled. Ever since I was demoted from the nine-layered palace to this Yanzhou to spend the rest of my life, I have been even more disappointed and dejected, and I can't bear to be seen by others.

In the past, our family never received guests from outside.

His gaze swept across Feng Shaoting and Li Fu's faces.

"However, Prefect Feng is the local official in charge of the prefecture, and he is in charge of the military and political affairs of Yan Prefecture."

As for Officer Li, we've heard of him. He's solved many strange cases and even spoke up for the people, bringing down a notorious scoundrel who was a menace to the local area by having him slowly sliced ​​to death.

...Such a reputation is something even I, a man who has long lived in seclusion and awaits my death, have often heard of.

How could my family be so impolite to you two?

"You're too kind, Father-in-law."

Feng Shaoting cupped his hands in greeting.

"I dare not accept such praise," Li Fu replied casually, though he secretly thought to himself.

Knowing full well that someone was coming, why couldn't the eunuch have removed the screen earlier? Why did he have to wait until everyone was seated and tea was served before leisurely ordering it to be removed?

"They just want to put on airs, give us a hard time, and show off their power."

However, not daring to offend anyone, Zhen Ge kept the prefect of a prefecture and the person holding the imperial gold medal outside the screen for a long time, hence this move.

The pleasantries were over.

Li Fu stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point, slowly saying, "You have lived in the city for a long time, so you must have heard about what has happened in Yanzhou recently."

The western suburbs, in particular, were quite lively yesterday.

The old man leaned back on the soft couch, squinted slightly, and pretended to be old and confused, and slowly said.

"Ah... I've heard that Liu Jingxing, the imperial criminal who escaped years ago, known as the 'Heavenly Gang Deadly Blade,' seems to have reappeared in the martial world, right here in Yanzhou."

These days, the rumors have been spreading like wildfire, attracting many figures from the martial arts world. I've heard the servants gossiping about it.

As for the west of the city... what happened there?

Forgive my ignorance, but I truly do not know.

He spoke so frankly, as if he truly knew nothing.

Feng Shaoting picked up the conversation, a subtle, almost imperceptible scrutiny in his eyes.

She briefly recounted the events of the petition meeting, paying close attention to any changes in the eunuch's expression, emphasizing Situ Li and the secret letter, and finally asked a question.

"...Although the letter did not specify what it was about, it mentioned that 'after the matter is accomplished, even if the court questions you, our family will ensure your safety and promise you a lifetime of wealth and honor.'"

I wonder what important matter Your Excellency entrusted to Situ Li back then?

Upon hearing this, the father-in-law showed no surprise, but rather a hint of realization and disdain.

"Situ Li?"

Oh... I have a vague memory of him. He seems to be a military commander who escorted that batch of disaster relief funds back then?

However, wasn't he already executed by the imperial court and beheaded?

Why is another one popping up?

As for the letters...

He chuckled, his high-pitched voice carrying a hint of mockery.

"That Situ Li was just a minor official, not even worth remembering by our family back then."

Does our family have private correspondence with him?

How is that possible?