Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Xiao Hongyun nervously licked his lips: "Of course I know the seriousness of the matter, which is why I came alone late at night. I didn't want too many people to know, so as to avoid any complications and cause a catastrophic disaster."

"Now I don't know whether I should continue investigating, because if I do, it will lead back to Ma Fushuai."

Zhou Qingfeng remained silent for a moment, his thoughts racing, and he made a decision.

The case cannot be investigated further, nor can the case file be submitted to the city lord.

Because he understood the city lord's temperament, even if the case of killing the official was brought to his mother's attention, it would most likely be suppressed by her. At most, Ma Dalang would be punished in private, but it would be impossible to shake Ma Dalang's position.

My mother values ​​family so much that she would never tolerate brothers fighting amongst themselves. I'm afraid I won't be rewarded for this, but instead I'll be taught a lesson about brotherly love and harmony.

Moreover, this move will disrupt the existing order. Offending Ma Dalang will bring no benefit whatsoever. Instead, it will push Ma Dalang to the opposite side, making Ma Dalang see him as an enemy, thus losing his current foothold and making it impossible for him to play both sides between Ma Dalang and Mao Erlang and develop peacefully.

Putting all of the above aside, Ma Dalang was indeed good to him and helped him a lot. Regardless of his motives, the fact is that he ultimately benefited from it.

Zhou Qingfeng tapped the tea table lightly with his fingers: "This case ends here. Do not continue the investigation."

“The relevant case files and personnel of Ma Shun have been handed over to me for handling.”

"Let's assume you haven't found the mole yet."

"I still need you to continue investigating the members of the Luo family gang under the pretext of investigating internal traitors. The case of the Killing Official Pill still needs to be explained to the higher-ups. Choose someone of sufficient importance from the Luo family gang to be the scapegoat."

Xiao Hongyun was not surprised to hear this. He handed over this hot potato to Zhou Qingfeng, and Ma Dalang's matter was no longer his concern. He only needed to stay out of it and keep quiet.

"He's gone." Xiao Hongyun came silently and left silently.

The following morning, a carriage departed from the Zhou residence and slowly made its way to the Ma residence.

Zhou Qingfeng and Ma Shun sat together in the carriage.

Ma Shun was restless and unsure of what to do.

Zhou Qingfeng closed his eyes to rest, ignoring Ma Shun. The carriage was silent until it stopped in front of the Ma residence. Zhou Qingfeng slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Ma Shun, and said, "Come with me."

Ma Shun dared not disobey orders and followed Zhou Qingfeng into the Ma residence.

As soon as they entered, Ma Dalang greeted them warmly at the door, affectionately putting his arm around Zhou Qingfeng's shoulder and leading him into the house, while glancing at Ma Shun beside him.

Ma Dalang said with a smile, "Fourth brother, what a rare guest! What brings you here today? Did you run into some trouble at the Fifth Division? Are your subordinates being unreasonable? Just tell me, give me your name, and I guarantee they'll be packing their bags and kicking out of Jianta tomorrow."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, brother. Indeed, some people are a bit tactless and it's a bit tricky, but it's not a big problem. I can handle it myself. I wouldn't dare trouble you to take action personally."

Ma Dalang laughed heartily: "You're just so strong-willed, but I like your personality."

As the two talked, they entered the banquet hall, where fine wines, delicacies, dancers, and a band of musicians were already prepared, showing that Ma Dalang attached great importance to receiving Zhou Qingfeng's visit.

However, Zhou Qingfeng did not come today to strengthen his relationship with Ma Dalang, so he declined the grand hospitality and instead suggested to Ma Dalang that the two brothers should talk privately without any outsiders present.

"Everyone, get out of here," Ma Dalang waved his hand.

Following the instructions of Ma Dalang, the head of the household, the servants and the dancers and musicians all withdrew, and soon only Zhou Qingfeng and Ma Dalang remained in the reception room.

Ma Dalang said with a smile, "Fourth brother, what's all this secrecy about? You can tell me now."

Zhou Qingfeng rubbed the sacred ring on his thumb, and a scroll appeared in his palm with a flash of green light. He placed it on the table and said, "My elder brother treats me like his own brother. I can feel his true feelings. He has helped me a lot over the years. I am not an ungrateful person. Of course, I will repay my elder brother when I have the chance."

"Oh?" Ma Dalang smiled at the fourth brother, reached out and took the case file to read. When he saw Ma Shun's confession, he remained calm even as Mount Tai collapsed in front of him: "It's just one side of the story of a villain. He is clearly trying to frame me. Fourth brother, you don't believe him, do you? Besides, Ma Shun's promotion was a plan that had already been drawn up."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly: "I don't believe it. How could a mere petty official dare to frame you, brother? Ma Shunren is waiting outside. This is the only original copy of the case file. I'll give it all to you, brother. You can do whatever you want with it."

Upon hearing this, Ma Dalang found Zhou Qingfeng increasingly pleasing to the eye, and his affection for him was overwhelming. He knew that his years of courtesy and sincere treatment had been rewarded. Even if Zhou Qingfeng hadn't made any promises, but had simply done his best to help him erase the last remaining traces, it was enough to make him extremely happy.

Because he will one day achieve great things, Zhou Qingfeng will inevitably be his indispensable top strategist. As long as Zhou Qingfeng is willing to help him devise strategies and tactics, then Ma Dalang will be able to conquer a vast territory.

However, Ma Dalang cannot tell Zhou Qingfeng yet, for fear of scaring his younger brother. After all, his brother's attitude towards running away from home and establishing his own household behind their mother's back is still a mystery. They need to observe and test him for a long time to further solidify their brotherly relationship. As long as the brothers are honest with each other, everything will fall into place naturally.

"Fourth brother, you don't want me to get involved in the people and things in the Fifth Division. I know you're strong-willed, so I won't force you."

"But I can help with cultivation matters. If you need anything, just ask me."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng smiled and said, "Thank you, brother. I will definitely let you know if I need anything."

He is indeed lacking the essential material, the Demonic Spirit of Words, right now. Without this rare material, he cannot cultivate the ancient secret technique, the Art of False Words Transforming into True Form. However, there is really no need to trouble Ma Dalang to find it.

Because he had already taken time out of his busy schedule to have someone make a wish within the Dream Fulfillment Organization to find the whereabouts of the Word Demon Spirit. As soon as there was any news about the Word Demon Spirit, he would immediately lead a team to capture it.

The Dream Fulfillment Organization has strongholds throughout the empire and a large number of members. If they can't find the whereabouts of the Demon Spirit of Words, then even with Ma Dalang's power, it's impossible for them to find it.

Having temporarily resolved the hot potato in his hands, he chatted with Ma Dalang for another two hours before leaving.

As soon as Zhou Qingfeng left, Ma Shun walked in respectfully.

Ma Dalang glanced at Ma Shun and said, "Hurry up and take up your post. Don't waste any more time."

Ma Shun looked up in surprise and said incredulously, "The Assistant Commander doesn't hold it against me for betraying you?"

Ma Dalang said calmly, "It's alright, I'm in a good mood today, so I forgive you."

Ma Shun was extremely excited and knelt down, kowtowing: "Thank you for your magnanimity, Commander-in-Chief. I will serve you with all my heart and soul and make a name for myself in Fairy Tale Castle. I will never let you down."

Ma Dalang grunted and waved his hand, indicating that Ma Shun could leave.

Ma Shun left the Ma residence in high spirits.

Ma Dalang calmly took a sip of wine: "Wuji, let's disguise ourselves as bandits and ambush them."

Ren Wuji appeared silently in the reception room, having no idea how long he had been there. Hearing Ma Dalang's instructions, he understood immediately and bowed silently, replying, "Yes, young master."

Eat your food one bite at a time, and do things one step at a time.

After finishing one task, Zhou Qingfeng still had several important matters to attend to.

Now that the war has begun, in order to hasten the downfall of the Luo family gang, stabilize the overall situation, and eliminate the Luo family gang's henchmen, it is time to make a formal appearance and publicly demonstrate one's tough tactics.

So, the first thing to do upon returning to the fifth location.

Zhou Qingfeng immediately convened a meeting of all officials from the five departments in the main office hall.

"What's wrong with Deputy Commander Zhou?"

Why did you suddenly gather all of us here?

"Who knows."

Soon, Zhou Qingfeng, dressed in a purple official robe, sat at the head of the desk. All the middle and high-ranking officials below him were present, and no one was absent, not even Luo Bingyi, who was ill.

Zhou Qingfeng glanced around and said, "Three things."

All the officials listened intently, heads bowed, continuing to listen to what was to come.

Zhou Qingfeng said coldly, "The first thing is that Xiao Hongyun was ordered to investigate the traitors. Instead of finding any traitors, we have found twenty-four bad apples. These people abuse their power for personal gain, break the law and regulations, and are simply lawless. Anyone whose name is called will be suspended from all duties starting today and will be subject to internal investigation."

"The City Lord's Mansion will officially issue a suspension order for investigation within a week. Do you understand?"

Xiao Hongyun stepped out from the side, unfolded a small notebook, and slowly read out the names of the officials. It was as if the King of Hell was calling roll. Whoever was called would have their legs go weak and kneel down. Then, the Plum Blossom Guards outside the hall pounced on them like tigers and wolves, putting them in their old shackles and giving them no chance to resist.

Twenty-four people—fourteen clerks, eight clerks, and two deputy clerks—were all arrested one after another.

The officials present were terrified, sweating profusely, and deeply felt that the executioner's blade had already been swung down. They did not doubt the truthfulness of Zhou Qingfeng's words, because without solid evidence, the city lord's office would not have issued the suspension order so quickly, much less take these officials away for investigation in public.

Zhou Qingfeng didn't give everyone time to process the information and immediately followed up with, "The second thing is that the perpetrator of the major geisha serial murder case is still causing trouble in Jianta. This case has been transferred to my Fifth Division for investigation."

"Zhiqi is in charge of solving this case and has made a breakthrough. Although the murderer has not been caught, it is not because he is incompetent, but because the murderer is a master of poison. We have now identified the murderer's physical characteristics."

"This person is Ouyang, a Class A wanted criminal on the run throughout the empire. The murderer Ouyang is ruthless and highly skilled. Given that the forces at Armed Forces are insufficient to capture the murderer, has anyone taken the initiative to handle this case?"

The entire room fell silent. Naturally, the members of the Luo family gang wouldn't help Zhou Qingfeng out of this predicament. Besides, Zhou Qingfeng had just temporarily suspended twenty-four members of the Luo family gang from their posts. Anyone who tried to help him now would be a fool.

“No one is willing to take on this case, right? Then I’ll call on someone.” Zhou Qingfeng pointed at Che Yuxuan and said calmly and without room for argument, “Deputy Supervisor Che, you will be the one in charge of this case.”

Che Yuxuan was a little confused. What was going on? Why was he being singled out?

However, he quickly realized his mistake, stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Deputy Commander Zhou, I am not familiar with the case. If I were to take on this case rashly, it would likely delay important matters and I would be unable to handle it. Please choose a more capable person instead."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng said without any politeness, "Since you are incompetent, what are you doing sitting in the deputy director's position? Are you just loafing around waiting to die? I don't care what methods you use, you have seven days to arrest the criminal and bring him to justice. I want to see him alive or dead. If you can't do it, then you can quit and go home to retire."

Upon hearing this, Che Yuxuan's face turned green with anger. He had seen arrogant and domineering people before, but he had never seen anyone so arrogant and domineering. He was not like this before. How could he suddenly change his personality and become so domineering, unreasonable, and fearless?

“Deputy Commander Zhou, you don’t have the authority to dismiss me,” Che Yuxuan replied, neither too firm nor too soft.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng slammed his hand on the desk, the sound echoing like thunder throughout the main hall. Everyone held their breath, staring wide-eyed at the suddenly enraged Zhou Qingfeng.

"Disobeying orders, defying superiors, and shirking work—you can try to see if I can remove you from your post."

Upon hearing this, Che Yuxuan fell silent, no longer daring to argue. He clasped his hands and bowed his head, saying, "Deputy Commander Zhou, why be angry? I am willing to take on this case and guarantee to bring the culprit Ouyang to justice within seven days."

Zhou Qingfeng said coldly, "Since you've publicly made this pledge, I hope you can bring the perpetrator to justice."

Che Yuxuan retreated to the queue, his face ashen. He realized that Zhou Qingfeng had set a trap for him. If the criminal was caught, Zhou Qingfeng would get the credit, and he would take the lion's share of the credit. It was questionable whether he could get any benefit at all.

But if the culprit isn't caught, then they're in big trouble.

If someone publicly makes a pledge to their superiors but fails to fulfill it, they will face the punishment of being dismissed from their post.

Zhou Qingfeng ignored Che Yuxuan and didn't even look at the faces of the crowd. Instead, he continued to press the issue: "The third matter is Yan Wenjiu, the head of the department. Come out, I have questions for you."

Yan Wenjiu was in a state of confusion, but when he heard Zhou Qingfeng's call, he suddenly came to his senses, immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands and bowed, and replied: "Deputy Commander Zhou, your humble servant is here."

Zhou Qingfeng said, "I've heard that Manager Yan is fond of visiting prostitutes and doesn't come home every night. Is that true?"

Yan Wenjiu calmly clasped his hands in response: "I haven't gone there anymore, but I still can't help but ask Deputy Commander Zhou, what law does it violate for officials to patronize prostitutes? Sword Tower doesn't prohibit officials from patronizing prostitutes, does it?"

Zhou Qingfeng said calmly, "There is no ban on prostitution, but please explain where your money for prostitution comes from. You patronize prostitutes every night, and you even patronize the popular geisha Qimeng, year after year. This is no small sum of money."

Yan Wenjiu had already given his explanation: "Qimeng and I are in love and we adore each other. She didn't ask me for any money."

Zhou Qingfeng hummed in agreement: "Then why did you suddenly decide not to go?"

Yan asked about the wine, saying, "I'm not interested anymore, do you even need to tell me what to do?"