My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 837 - 515: Upheaval in Corpse Valley (4-in-1 Bonus - )

The north wind of the last month of the lunar year slipped in through the crack of the door, making the brilliant yellow and crimson-blue drapes in the hall tremble.

It was already nighttime, yet the lights in the governor's office were still lit.

Inspector Han Xiu sat upright at the head of the table, silently savoring the tea. Though the tea was of the highest quality, the lingering fragrance left by the tea girl on the rim of the cup made him uncomfortable.

It seemed that the governor's tea was not only precious for its leaves, but even more so for the tea girl.

"Lord Kou, have you not found the transport records of the Wuchang Prefecture from the past few years after sixteen days of searching?" Han Xiu put down the cup and asked, neither cold nor warm.

Kou Jun reached out to trim the wick of the bronze candlestick; the wick flower burst open, scalding his hand back, yet he still managed a smile and said, "Han Naitai, do not rush me too much. There are innumerable transport records. Finding them in sixteen days, or even sixteen years, may not suffice."

The governor's smile was one of honest sincerity, a smile that showed eagerness while clearly signaling his powerlessness.

Han Xiu despised that smile. Ever since the White Lotus Sect's chaos, he found it increasingly unbearable to work with these people.

Especially since this governor, Kou Jun, was promoted from under Lin Ge Lao's banner, a remnant of the Lin Party set in stone.

"As I mentioned before, the recent case involves those White Lotus Evil People. There's concrete evidence they came via transport; the transport records of Wuchang Prefecture are indispensable."

Leaving the words hanging there, he opted to ignore the man completely and wrapped his sleeves, continuing to sip his tea.

Kou Jun could only apologetically mumble a few words in embarrassment.

Tap, tap, tap.

Footsteps of the office staff were heard from outside. Upon hearing the report, Kou Jun quickly went to greet.

"Anshan Gong! You've finally returned."

Su Hongtao was wrapped in a slightly worn scarlet cloak over his Iron Armor, with droplets of dew still condensed around the edges of his Heart Protection Mirror, clearly having rushed back from outside the city through the night.

As soon as the Capital Commander entered the hall, Han Xiu immediately stood up and graciously made a bow.

In the officialdom of Hu-Guang, apart from a few confidants, it was only the renowned Anshan Gong Su Hongtao with whom Han Xiu could communicate a few words.

With no one else around, Kou Jun spoke, "Is there any news?"

"Just some battle reports."

"In that case, it must be a great victory." Kou Jun quickly called someone to serve tea to Su Hongtao.

Su Hongtao accepted the tea and settled into a chair, turning to see Han Xiu's resolute face, almost forgetting to drink his tea as he asked, "Han Naitai, how goes the investigation?"

A few days ago, a new case occurred in Wuchang Prefecture. The situation was rather simple: a group of White Lotus Sect members hidden within transport vessels attempted to raid Wuchang's arsenal, but were promptly apprehended, yet still caused quite an uproad in Wuchang Prefecture, with much criticism towards the government heard in the streets.

And Han Xiu, in charge of the Inspectorate, was responsible for interrogating and trialing the case, with the criticism focused mainly on Kou Jun and Su Hongtao.

"I reached a critical point, but Lord Kou has forbidden me to investigate further."

"Oh come on, you're speaking too harshly. How dare I obstruct Han Naitai's investigation?"

"All I need are the transport records of Wuchang Prefecture. With the records, I can investigate. If Lord Kou refuses to give them to me, I shall go personally with people to find them."

"You're just…" Kou Jun was left speechless by these firm words.

Those in high positions, especially among provincial officials, well understood that transport records were not just mere records. Behind them lay every merchant, every official vessel, and every transport officer… Each roll bore crimes that, in the hands of the discerning, became grips of leverage.

Su Hongtao furrowed his brows slightly and said slowly, "Han Naitai, there's no need to rush for the moment, the bigger matter takes precedence."

"Aside from the White Lotus Sect chaos, what else is a bigger matter? Tracing the sect involves tracing the flow of transported grain. Two thousand refugees have fled to Changsha Prefecture, and only three thousand stones of disaster relief grain remain in the treasury." The candlelight cast shadows on the emblem of Han Xiu's official robe. "If a civil unrest truly breaks out, with your sword, Commander Su, can you cut through all the starving people in both regions?"

Su Hongtao abruptly tore apart the ties of his cloak, the scales of his Iron Armor clattering against the armrest of the nanmu chair. "Am I not aware of the pressing situation? In recent days, I've been running tirelessly, and in this very place, an assassin even struck me, almost costing me my life! Han Zishen, are you the only one in Hu-Guang who serves the state loyally and cares for the people below?!"

The hall was instantly shrouded in a heavy atmosphere, falling silent.

After a while, Kou Jun hastily diffused the situation, and the atmosphere gradually calmed down.

Kou Jun finally spoke, "There are no outsiders present, let's speak openly. Mr. Han, we all care for the country and dynasty. The White Lotus Sect has already wreaked havoc in half of Hu-Guang, making life miserable in places like Changsha. The people are homeless, and the front lines are in dire need, so we're unable to fight effectively. Let's continue with the plan we discussed previously, initiating a strategy of appeasement first."

Han Xiu shot a cold glance at Kou Jun. How could he not know the governor's plan? With the chaos of the White Lotus Sect, the court and officials were shaken. Rumors have it that the Empress Dowager has secretly ordered the Forbidden Army to march south to quell the chaos. If the grand army arrives, they will inevitably take full control of Hu-Guang's power. By that time, those like Kou Jun, who hold administrative power, will be like fish on a chopping block, sure to face reckoning.

Because of this, only by secretly negotiating peace first and calming the chaos can they gain a chance to maneuver.

"There needs to be suppression, and there needs to be appeasement." Su Hongtao said. "Appeasement is just a temporary measure. Once we find out the White Lotus Sect's strongholds, we can destroy them in one fell swoop afterward."

Han Xiu's expression remained unchanged as he said slowly, "Saint has remarked, in his position, think of his government. I will only investigate my case, everyone, attend to your own duties."

Draining the tea in his cup in one go, Han Xiu stood up and flung his sleeves as he left.

After he had walked away, Kou Jun cursed under his breath, "What a miser Han Zishen is, with a 'shen' in writing yet lacking any caution."