Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

The atmosphere in the Yunzhou prefectural government residence was solemn.

Liu Yanzhi frowned more and more as he listened to the report from Inspector Yang Zhao, his face full of disbelief and anger: "What? Zhang Jingwei led people to surround the brothel in Yunzhou? What happened to him? He just made some contributions and received some appreciation from the court, but he is so ignorant of the world and starts to become arrogant?" There was a strong sense of disappointment in his tone.

Yang Zhao bowed and replied, "Your Excellency, the commotion was quite significant. He brought 20 to 30 men, all armed, who surrounded several major brothels, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. This attracted a large crowd of onlookers, who were discussing the situation."

Liu Yanzhi slammed the table so hard that the teacup rattled. "Where is he? Where is he now?"

Yang Zhao answered truthfully, "According to reports, he went to Beihou Mansion."

"Nonsense! This is sheer nonsense!" Liu Yanzhi paced angrily in his study. "He's just a county magistrate, yet he came to the provincial capital and privately mobilized troops to surround the tower without permission, and even went to visit his father-in-law first? How can this be allowed! Does he have any respect for the law, or for me as his teacher?"

Yang Zhao carefully observed Liu Yanzhi's expression and advised, "Sir, calm down. I've observed from afar and the people Magistrate Zhang brought with him are indeed quite aggressive, as if they are holding back a rage. I'm afraid there's something else going on. How about... we meet with him first and find out the reason before making a decision?"

Liu Yanzhi's anger was still lingering as he waved his sleeves, saying, "If he still recognized me as his teacher and understood the hierarchy, he wouldn't have acted so rashly! Executing first and reporting later, where does that leave me?"

At this moment, a clerk from the front yamen came in and announced, "Your Excellency, Zhang Jingwei, the Magistrate of Gaoyang County, is here to see you!"

Liu Yanzhi took a few deep breaths, forced himself to suppress his anger, and said in a deep voice: "Let him in!"

After a while, the study door was pushed open, and Zhang Jingwei walked in quickly. Although he looked tired and dusty, he still straightened his clothes properly after seeing Liu Yan and respectfully performed the disciple's salute: "Student Zhang Jingwei, greetings to the teacher!"

Liu Yanzhi sat at his desk, his face gloomy. He didn't let him get up immediately, but instead asked in a cold voice, "Jingwei, you've gone to this extent now, mobilizing troops and surrounding the building and blocking the street. What is your real reason? Do you have any idea how much criticism this will bring?"

Zhang Jingwei maintained the posture of saluting, his voice low but firm: "Teacher, I came here to explain the whole story to you and to request the state government to issue a warrant to arrest the murderer. It is justified!" After saying that, he stood up, took out a long-prepared arrest warrant from his arms, and presented it with both hands.

Liu Yanzhi took it, unfolded it and looked at it, his eyebrows slightly raised: "Wei Jiajia? Who is this? Why is she being arrested?" He had no impression of this name.

Zhang Jingwei took a deep breath, suppressing the humiliation and anger in his chest. In just a few sentences, he quickly and clearly recounted how Wei Jiajia had sneaked into the mansion, how she had drugged Huangfu Ling, nearly destroying her innocence and forcing the guard Jia Dayong to wield a knife to testify against him. And how Huangfu Ling had been humiliated and left home because of this. He dropped to his knees with a thud and kowtowed twice to Liu Yanzhi, his forehead instantly reddening.

"Teacher! This woman has a vicious mind and has insulted me too much! She has ruined the reputation of my wife and injured my hands and feet. If I cannot avenge this hatred, I will be unworthy of being a husband and have no face to stand in this world! I know that I acted recklessly today, but I was really angry and had no choice! I pray that teacher, considering the great humiliation I have suffered, please help me and issue an arrest warrant so that I can capture this beast with dignity!" His voice trembled with uncontrollable force, and his eyes were already red.

Liu Yanzhi's expression shifted after hearing this, his initial anger gradually giving way to solemnity. He pondered for a moment, then sighed, "Alas, Jingwei, your plight infuriates me, your teacher. But... this matter is difficult to handle. This Wei Jiajia is not a bandit who roams the mountains and endangers the local area, nor is she a wanted criminal by the imperial court. If we were only assisting in the capture within Yunzhou, it would be reasonable, but your stance clearly indicates a cross-province pursuit. This requires reporting to the Imperial Censor, who would then submit it to the Ministry of Justice, and issue a 'State and Province-level Assistance Arrest Warrant'... The process is cumbersome, and the justification must be sufficiently convincing, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the public."

Before Zhang Jingwei, who was kneeling on the ground, could reply, a clear and urgent voice suddenly came from outside the study:

"Your Excellency is wrong!"

Before he finished speaking, Yuan Liang stepped over the high threshold and entered the study. He bowed deeply to Liu Yanzhi, then stated calmly, "Your Majesty, please allow me to report this! According to national law, this woman has slandered and framed an official of the imperial court and used drugs to harm someone, violating the law and committing serious crimes. According to justice, her actions have destroyed someone's innocence and caused lifelong disability, which is an unforgivable crime. According to personal feelings, my wife left home in disgrace and has not returned to this day, her life or death unknown. My master has been toiling day and night to find her and appease the culprit, exhausting himself and his body. This has led to this uproar. Her pity is truly pitiful! Publicly and privately, this woman's crime is unforgivable! At this moment, Your Majesty must not only appease the hatred of your beloved disciple and restore the reputation of your family and the government, but also use this opportunity to appease the people and demonstrate the justice of the law! If, due to procedural reasons, the wicked are allowed to go unpunished, it will chill the hearts of loyal and honest people and undermine the dignity of the government!"

Liu Yanzhi was taken aback by this sudden rebuttal. He looked at Yuan Liang and asked, "Who are you?"

Yuan Liang immediately knelt down, raised his hands above his head, and then placed his palms on the ground, resting his forehead lightly on the backs of his hands, and performed a very solemn salute: "I am Yuan Liang, a student from Jinzhou! Now I am a guest of my master Zhang. I pay my respects to you, Your Majesty!"

Liu Yanzhi's gaze swept between the kneeling Zhang Jingwei and Yuan Liang. The anger on his face gradually dissipated, replaced by a complex feeling. He sighed to Zhang Jingwei, "Jingwei, Jingwei, you're so young, yet you've managed to win over such a sharp, eloquent, and calm disciple. I've underestimated you once again."

Zhang Jingwei quickly said, "Teacher, you are too kind. My disciples are also your disciples. If you don't give up and feel that Yuanliang can still be of use, you can deploy him at any time to help me share my worries and serve me."

Liu Yanzhi waved his hand, his expression relaxed. He picked up the arrest warrant again and said thoughtfully, "I appreciate your kindness. Well... although this matter is a bit over the line, it's understandable and legally justifiable. Regarding this 'State and Provincial Aid Arrest Warrant'... I'll find a way to communicate with the Ministry of Justice as soon as possible and strive to get it approved."

Zhang Jingwei felt a huge weight lifted off his chest upon hearing this. He kowtowed once more, his voice filled with gratitude and relief: "Student, thank you so much for your help, teacher!"