Denghuangtai

Just as the knife tip was about to pierce the beggar's heart, an arrow carrying a powerful aura pierced through the window.

The man in black loosened his grip, clutching his lower abdomen, his fingertips covered in blood. He groaned silently in agony, the veins on his forehead bulging.

Outside the window, dozens of servants held torches, instantly illuminating the pitch-black night.

Pei Qingyan gripped his crossbow. "Go!"

At a command, the crowd rushed into the house, bound the man in black who was lying on the ground tightly, and dragged him in front of Pei Qingyan.

Pei Qingyan ripped off the masked man's face mask.

Beneath the face mask was an extremely ordinary face.

Seeing that he was about to be captured, the man in black did not struggle or beg for mercy, but decisively opened his mouth to bite his tongue.

Unfortunately, it was too late. Pei Qingyan grabbed his chin, and with a snap, his jaw was dislocated.

"Take off all his clothes and accessories and lock him in the woodshed."

"My lord, there is new information."

The next morning, Yun Zheng was having his meal in the dining hall when the registrar walked in excitedly.

"Last night, both the Pei residence and the Imperial Envoy's residence were attacked by assassins. Fortunately, General Pei had already moved the Imperial Envoy's family to another location, and they were not frightened. The assassins from both residences were captured by General Pei's men and sent to the Court of Justice early this morning."

Where is Pei Qingyan?

"General Pei went to the Ministry of Agriculture early this morning and has not come out yet."

Yun Zheng put down his chopsticks, stared at the registrar, his face grim.

A chill ran down the back of the clerk's spine, and his heart trembled. "My lord..."

"How do you know so much about Pei Qingyan's affairs? Doesn't the Minister of Personnel have anything else to do?" Yun Zheng's tone was gentle, but his coldness was undisguised.

The registrar's heart skipped a beat. "I..."

He opened his mouth, but didn't know how to explain.

He couldn't possibly say that he secretly speculated that Yun Zheng was interested in this matter, which was why he was probing like this, could he?

Based on his understanding of Yun Zheng, if he dared to say such a thing, regardless of whether he had guessed Yun Zheng's purpose, Yun Zheng would have to deal with him.

Even if they don't die, they'll be badly injured.

"Um?"

Seeing the impatience in Yun Zheng's brows, his expression grew even colder.

The registrar, quick-witted, said, "We have a grudge against the Pei family. I was afraid that General Pei would use this matter to frame you, which is why I was extra careful."

As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell completely silent.

After a long while, Yun Zheng suddenly laughed, and the registrar felt an even greater chill in his heart, almost causing his knees to buckle and he to kneel down.

"Prepare the car."

Yun Zheng stood up. "Let's go to the Ministry of Agriculture."

The Office of the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

As soon as Yun Zheng entered the door, a square-faced, burly man walked towards him. The man walked steadily and had a friendly smile on his face.

"Lord Yun." The burly man's voice was loud and clear.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture".

This Minister of Agriculture, who looked more like a soldier, was named Qian Wudu. He had previously served as an official under Pei Xuan, the father of Pei Qingyan. After Pei Xuan's sudden death, his subordinates were reassigned, and with few vacancies in the capital, most were transferred out of the city.

This person, however, not only did not leave the capital, but rose rapidly through the ranks. His cunning and skill were truly unfathomable.

"Lord Yun rarely visits; is there something important today?"

"I'm here to see Pei Qingyan," Yun Zheng said directly, not bothering with beating around the bush.

"Pei girl, she's in the back pavilion. I'll take you there."

Having said that, before Yun Zheng could react, Qian Wudu had already turned and walked back.

Compared to the bustling activity of officials coming and going in the front, the rear pavilion, which served as a place for storing official documents and books, was rarely visited except by the guards, and the courtyard was quiet.

Where is General Pei?

Qian Wudu's rough voice broke the silence. A minor official hurried out from the side room, pointed to the west wing, and said, "General Pei is inside."

"one person?"

"Yes. General Pei said she wanted to focus on checking the accounts and told us not to go in and disturb her."

Upon hearing this, Qian Wudu looked troubled. "Lord Yun, Pei is, after all, the daughter of the former Grand Marshal. For the sake of the Grand Marshal..."

"Make way, all of you make way!"

It was midday, and the North Gate Mansion was bustling with carriages coming and going. Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from the road. The rider's face was covered in blood, and he looked panicked as he charged forward recklessly.

The horses pulling the cart were startled and began to run around wildly.

The coachmen and attendants were in a flurry of activity, desperately trying to steady their own carriages, but before they could succeed, other people's carriages crashed into them, throwing the officials and dignitaries inside to the side.

People and horses were thrown into chaos.

The crowded street instantly became chaotic, filled with the sounds of collisions, screams, cries, and curses.

"Who is it? In a hurry to be reincarnated?"

"Are you blind? Don't you know who my master is?"

Excuse me, excuse me.

Seeing that he had caused a great disaster, the horseman showed no intention of taking responsibility. Instead, he tried to carve a path through the chaos.

He rode his horse, stumbling and swaying forward for a dozen or so steps, until his path was blocked by a carriage that had collided with his. To make matters worse, the followers of the various families who had gotten into trouble because of him surrounded him, looking fierce and menacing.

"Damn it!"