Xuanqing Guard-Chapter 74: Fish on the Chopping Block

Shen Hao’s eyebrows raised slightly, giving Zhang Liao a deep look whose expression remained unchanged. Secretly, he thought, This guy really dares to think big.

"The oversight isn’t at the crime scene’s government office? What are you getting at?"

"General Flag, I suspect there’s a problem with the Li City Population Department, or maybe the roster got messed up during reporting!"

Shen Hao grumbled with a smile, "You’ve already spelled it out this far, what’s the point in holding back? Reports go through secret intelligence channels. Even if local forces are weaker than our Xuanqing Guard and the military, mistakes aren’t that easy. Just say directly that you suspect people in Li City’s Population Department. Stop beating around the bush."

In Shen Hao’s view, Zhang Liao definitely has some ability, and it’s clear he wants to be more shrewd. But his brain’s too rigid for the subtleties of smooth talk. Forcing himself to learn it just turns out awkward, and makes him seem even stranger. That’s probably why Zhang Liao got demoted to a menial position before.

"But... the Li City Population Department and our Black Banner Battalion are on equal footing. Should we give them a heads up before investigating?" Wang Jian voiced his worry.

"No need. Investigating subordinates is investigating. Equal status doesn’t mean untouchable. Just keep it discreet so those officials don’t notice, is all. You arrange your own people."

"Yes, sir!"

Shen Hao waved Wang Jian and Zhang Liao out, then picked up his teacup again. Even cold, he didn’t care—downed it in one gulp, less like tea than liquor.

Shen Hao couldn’t calm the restless feeling in his heart any other way.

Even facing his own subordinates earlier, there were things Shen Hao didn’t say.

Zhang Liao could spot loopholes in this case, so how could Shen Hao not? He not only saw them—he saw much further than Zhang Liao did. Or perhaps, he dared to think even bigger. But now wasn’t the time to tell others; he needed to let the idea stew a bit, wait for the right moment.

In the Public Office, holding an empty teacup, he sat in silence for a long time, seemingly wavering over something.

It wasn’t until just before heading Below that he was interrupted by the knocking of a Guard at the door.

"What is it?"

"General Flag, Interrogation Chamber just asked if the person locked up there should be released? He’s been crying and yelling all day, and without your orders, they don’t dare punish him."

"Who? Who’s locked up over at the Interrogation Chamber?"

"Flying Dragon."

Shen Hao: "...Still locked in the Garrison?"

"Yes, should I tell them to release him?"

"Hmm... No, I’ll go over myself."

Shen Hao thought of how Flying Dragon had been ignored and locked up for two days straight because of it—it made him want to laugh. He guessed this Black Market boss might really have cried out of sheer frustration.

...

Shen Hao guessed right. Flying Dragon had been unjustly locked in the Interrogation Chamber for two and a half days. No abuse, no starvation, but his nerves were getting frayed. He wondered if Shen Hao had his sights on him—maybe he was being left to stew so they could figure out how to kill him. If only he hadn’t mouthed off and demanded that extra one thousand taels in silver notes. Regret was killing him.

Flying Dragon really was crying in misery, bawling ridiculously loud—no trace here of the dignified Black Market big shot he was outside. His petty nature couldn’t hold up after two days in Xuanqing Guard’s Interrogation Chamber.

"Come on, bros! Just let me go like a fart, please! Seriously, it’s all a misunderstanding with Shen Zongqi, he probably just forgot I was in here. Could you ask for me?"

The two interrogators forced to guard him for two days weren’t pleased either. If not for lack of orders, they would’ve sewn this bald coward’s mouth shut with wire.

"Boo hoo, bros, I’m really in trouble. If I don’t get home soon my family... ah!" While Flying Dragon begged, the Interrogation Chamber door swung open. Shen Hao entered, and Flying Dragon’s knees buckled. He knelt and crawled to Shen Hao’s feet.

"Shen Zongqi! I was wrong! I really know I messed up—I’ll never dare again! Please let me go home, my family’s about to starve!" 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

For some reason, Shen Hao wanted to laugh watching Flying Dragon beg and sob so miserably. It reminded him of Bald Strong getting pranked—a bald head, and honestly, they looked something like seven or eight tenths alike aside from body type!

"Stand up and speak."

"Huh? Oh, yes, yes!"

Shakey and nervous, Flying Dragon sat back in the chair. His mind spun—he thought Shen Hao must already be planning how to mess with him. Nervous as hell, he prayed he wouldn’t get played too hard.

Actually, Flying Dragon’s guess wasn’t entirely wrong.

Shen Hao waved the others out; he had something to say to Flying Dragon alone.

"Some matters delayed me, so you ended up here ’resting’ two days. Got any resentful qi?" Shen Hao smiled gently, and, as he spoke, slid a one thousand taels silver note across the table to Flying Dragon.

"Take it. Consider it your meal allowance for the last two days."

"General Flag, I was wrong, seriously wrong, please, I’ve got old and young at home! I..."

"Shut up! Take the money or die."

"Alright."

Flying Dragon took the money, only getting more anxious. He knew this note was burning hot. The more mysterious Shen Hao acted, the more ominous things felt.

"Flying Dragon, the stuff you’ve done in the Black Market is worth ten, maybe twenty years in prison. If you’re willing, I can have you serve your time in Xuanqing Guard’s big prison. I’ll make sure you get ’special treatment’—might even live better than out there."

"Gen—General Flag, give the order, I’m all yours. For you to value my worthless life means you think highly of me." Flying Dragon felt his crotch was wet, but at least he managed to act tough.

"Smart man. Good. I need you to handle something—quietly investigate certain people for me. Where they go, their home lives, everything you can find out, I want to know." As he spoke, Shen Hao took out a slip of paper and placed it on the table.

He also said, "Memorize what’s on the slip right here, then burn it in the brazier. Afterward, come to the Garrison every two days—I’ll let the gate know to let you in."

Flying Dragon didn’t even dare pick up the slip—he just let it lie on the table, skimmed it quickly, despite desperately not wanting to see.

"This... is, General Flag, you..."

"Don’t ask what you shouldn’t. Once you get this done, you’ll be well rewarded."

Flying Dragon opened his mouth a few times, but couldn’t get any words out. What could he say? If he dared argue, Shen Hao would slice him up right here. Xuanqing Guard killing a black market broker wouldn’t bat an eye.

So aside from memorizing everything on the slip, Flying Dragon had no other option.

"Heh, stop looking so miserable—after this, you might just be glad you made today’s choice."