Chapter 138: Chapter 98: A Pleasant Surprise
Yan Jian wanted to follow, but since Chen Cheng didn’t move, he stayed put as well.
Once Shen Qingshuang was gone, Ji Jingbei swept his gaze over the Chief Constables under his command. His expression turned serious and grim as he said, "I know you all have powerful backing. What you do elsewhere is your own business, but here in Lishui District, I will not tolerate anyone stepping out of line behind my back. If you do, don’t bla
for being rciless!"
...
In the days that followed, Wang Xiongying continued his investigation into the Wang Family massacre. He expanded its scope to cover the entire South City District, and nearly every Jianghu Martial Artist of any notable strength was investigated by him and his n.
Chen Cheng had no way of knowing what, if anything, the investigation had turned up.
Chen Cheng kept a low profile, remaining diligent and dedicated whenever he was on duty.
In the area around Qingshui Pier, the common folk often saw the young Chief Constable on patrol. With a Long Saber at his waist and a pair of massive Iron Claws on his hands, he would walk the streets. Whenever he encountered a criminal, he would deliver swift and severe punishnt, regardless of their background.
In just over ten days, the once chaotic Qingshui Pier beca peaceful and orderly. For this, Chen Cheng earned the nickna "Iron Hand Chief Constable."
Chen Cheng also learned more about the Lishui Sub-Departnt. The Chief Constable, Ji Jingbei, was incredibly powerful, capable of holding his own even against a Bone Forging Realm Martial Artist. He had an unyielding personality and was extrely strict with the Chief Constables and constables under his command.
Even the Chief Constables who ca from the Four Great Clans of the Inner City were often reprimanded for slacking off on duty to focus on cultivating the Martial Dao.
The sole exception was Iron Hand Chief Constable Chen Cheng. He was so dedicated to his duties that even during the midday rest period, when other Chief Constables and constables were off cultivating the Martial Dao, he would still be patrolling the streets with his Iron Claws. Ji Jingbei had praised Chen Cheng profusely on more than one occasion.
The investigation into the Wang Family massacre in Ruyi District remained at a standstill, and after a few days, Wang Xiongying returned to Dongcheng District.
Chen Cheng began to notice strangers from the Jianghu appearing around him. It seed there was more than one group, and they likely belonged to different factions.
This was soon confird. One day, while Chen Cheng was resting in his office, Yan Jian showed up, complaining that he was being followed.
Yan Jian had so influence of his own and had secretly investigated his stalkers. He found they included constables from the City Guard Departnt, mbers of the Zhou family, people from the Wang Family, and even so ruthless mbers of Jianghu Gangs.
"Sigh... Mr. Chen, I think the Wang Family has
in their sights. I went to see Miss Shen, but she just told
not to worry. She wouldn’t say anything more."
"But how can I not be worried? Yesterday, a Swordsman was loitering near my ho. He’s not just anyone—he’s from the Blood Saber Gang in Dongcheng District."
"You might not know this, but the Blood Saber Gang is notoriously ruthless. They have several Martial Artists of the Muscle Strengthening Realm. I heard there was a Perfect Martial Artist of the Muscle Strengthening Realm in Dongcheng District who offended them and had his entire family wiped out overnight."
"I’m afraid the Wang Family is going to co after !"
Yan Jian was beside himself with anxiety.
"Mr. Yan, I’m being followed too," Chen Cheng replied, not nearly as panicked as Yan Jian. "The ones after
are probably the sa as yours."
’The Wang Family massacre has caused a huge stir. The Wangs are using the investigation as a pretext to move their forces around, so the Shen Family is bound to respond.’
’Things have reached a point beyond my control. Behind the scenes, the Shen and Wang Families are likely clashing. The other two great clans have probably been drawn in as well.’
’The Four Great Clans of the Inner City all have their own forces; they’re probably all wary of one another.’
’But there’s one thing I’m sure of. With all four major powers in motion, Wang Xiongying won’t make a move without concrete evidence.’
"You’re being followed too? Then Wang Xiongying must be behind it. Let’s go see Miss Shen together." Yan Jian visibly relaxed upon hearing that Chen Cheng was in the sa boat.
In the end, Yan Jian dragged Chen Cheng to the South City District City Guard Headquarters. They found Shen Qingshuang on the Third Floor, in the Governnt Office Hall of the Lord Chief Steward.
Shen Qingshuang sat behind a large, luxurious mahogany desk, listening to their story with a leisurely air. Yan Jian did most of the talking, with Chen Cheng only adding a few comnts.
"Very well. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for you both to move to Lishui District," Shen Qingshuang said, as if she had been expecting this. She tapped her fingers lightly on the smooth mahogany desk and spoke in a slow, asured tone.
Yan Jian’s face fell. "Miss Shen, Lishui District is still in the Outer City District; it isn’t very safe. I’m not afraid of the Wang Family, but the Yan Family has dozens of mbers, young and old. If sothing were to happen..."
He was hinting that he wanted Shen Qingshuang to move the Yan Family to the Inner City, where they would be safe under the Shen Family’s protection.
Shen Qingshuang waved a dismissive hand. "Ji Jingbei is in Lishui District. No one dares to step out of line there. Neither the Shen Family nor the Wang Family will make any rash moves. You can rest easy about that."
"But..." Yan Jian turned and shot Chen Cheng a look, clearly hoping he would also plead their case. Perhaps if they both begged, Shen Qingshuang might change her mind.
On the way over, he had told Chen Cheng he wanted to move his family into the Inner City.
’It’s no use,’ Chen Cheng thought, reading Shen Qingshuang’s expression. ’Her mind is made up. Saying anything more would be pointless.’ Most importantly, his own wife was already safe in the Inner City District. At ho, it was just him and Xi’Er, and since Xi’Er was only a young servant girl, no one would target her.
’Besides, Shen Qingshuang is counting on
to handle the Shen Family’s affairs in the Outer City. Why would she let
move to the Inner City?’
"Chief Chen, what are your thoughts?" Shen Qingshuang asked, looking directly into Chen Cheng’s eyes when he remained silent.
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