Volume One: Menial Work in Changshui County Chapter Seventy-One: Something Seems Amiss

“Boss, you went all the way to Anxi Prefecture and didn’t bring back a wife to be our sister-in-law?”

“That’s right, Boss, I heard the girls in Anxi Prefecture are just stunning—ten times more beautiful than the girls in our Changshui County.”

“Boss, you’ve been the Inspector for years now—any news of a promotion from Anxi Prefecture?”

…

The crowd chattered away, making it clear they held Inspector Zhong in high esteem. Though their words carried a hint of playful teasing, their delight at his return was heartfelt. Most of these menial workers had never set foot outside Changshui County, and their knowledge of Anxi Prefecture came only from hearsay. Claims that the girls of Anxi were ten times more beautiful than those of Changshui hardly seemed credible—every place has its beauties and its plain folk; such comparisons made little sense.

“Haha, everyone, give me a moment! The journey’s been long and tiring. Let me rest in the Demon-Slaying Bureau for half a day, and then we’ll share drinks and stories together!” Inspector Zhong said, laughing heartily.

They quickly assented, watching as Inspector Zhong entered the bureau.

…

Chen Xuanfeng was already aware of Inspector Zhong’s return. He’d been standing at the gates to welcome him, alongside Yuan Wufeng. Neither of them showed any emotion, their faces unreadable to outsiders.

In the rear hall, Inspector Zhong took his seat, and the three deputy inspectors stood respectfully before him.

“No need for such formality, everyone. Please, take your seats,” Zhong gestured for them to sit.

“I haven’t managed much of the bureau’s affairs these past months. Thank you, Inspector Chen and Inspector Yuan, for your hard work,” Zhong Zhengming offered a polite nod to each.

“You’re too kind, Inspector,” Chen Xuanfeng replied, still expressionless and courteous.

“Oh, Boss, you have no idea! Since you left, our Inspector Chen has barely left the bureau—not that I could help even if I wanted to, he never gave me the chance,” Yuan Wufeng remarked with a sly tone.

His words were a thinly veiled complaint—he was accusing Chen Xuanfeng of monopolizing the acting inspector’s authority and excluding him.

“Haha, Inspector Yuan, Inspector Chen acts purely out of public interest. It’s understandable,” Zhong Zhengming laughed, letting the matter slide. Whatever Chen Xuanfeng had done before, it wasn’t his concern. Now that he had returned, he was in charge—everyone, no matter who, would answer to him.

“About ten days ago, Zhou Cheng came to find me in Anxi Prefecture. We spoke about the bureau’s recent events—during the demon purge in Miaodi Village, some comrades lost their lives. How were their affairs handled?” Zhong Zhengming inquired.

This question was clearly directed at Chen Xuanfeng, as Yuan Wufeng had just said the bureau had been under his control since Zhong’s departure.

“Reporting to the Inspector, the arrangements were properly made,” Chen Xuanfeng replied.

“No need to be so formal with me, Old Chen. We’ve worked together for years,” Zhong Zhengming said, noticing Chen Xuanfeng’s stern face.

Chen Xuanfeng nodded, saying nothing more. The old Zhong Zhengming would not have acted like this. Since returning from Anxi Prefecture, Chen Xuanfeng sensed something different about him, though he couldn’t quite say what it was.

“I’ve heard we have a new recruit, Lu Jiuzhang. Bring him here—I’d like to meet him,” Inspector Zhong ordered.

Yuan Wufeng nodded, hurrying out with great enthusiasm to fetch Lu Jiuzhang.

…

After enjoying the lively welcome at the gates, Lu Jiuzhang and Zhou Cheng returned to the training grounds. Immersed in practicing the Demon-Slaying Blade Technique, Lu Jiuzhang felt his sword growing ever more responsive to his will. With every repetition, his understanding deepened.

“Master Lu!” someone called from afar.

Lu Jiuzhang sheathed his blade and walked over.

“Master Lu, Inspector Zhong wishes to see you!” the worker said.

“One moment!” Lu Jiuzhang was dripping with sweat and, with no bathing facilities nearby, made do with wiping himself down and changing into clean clothes before hurrying to the rear hall.

In the central hall, a number of officials were seated. At the center, beneath the stately memorial tablets, sat Zhong Zhengming.

“Inspector Zhong! Inspector Chen, Inspector Xue, Inspector Yuan!” Lu Jiuzhang greeted each one in turn.

“Well, well, a promising young talent indeed!” Inspector Zhong exclaimed as soon as he saw him. “Zhou Cheng has spoken highly of you—already a Ninth Rank Scholar, and progressing swiftly in the martial arts as well.”

“Changshui County’s Demon-Slaying Bureau is short on capable hands. Your arrival is truly our good fortune.”

True to his reputation, the chief inspector’s words were as warm and refreshing as a spring breeze.

“Thank you for your praise, Inspector,” Lu Jiuzhang responded with a bow.

“I’ve also heard you’ve had some trouble with that Zhang family scoundrel and Assistant Magistrate Wang,” Zhong said, glancing at Lu Jiuzhang. As Lu Jiuzhang was about to explain, Zhong continued, “Don’t worry, I’ll mediate in this matter. Magistrate Wang ought to show me some respect.”

“Thank you, Inspector!” Lu Jiuzhang said, his relief evident. With Inspector Zhong’s intervention, the issue should be resolved, easing a great burden from his shoulders.

“There is one more matter I wish to ask your assistance with, Inspector Zhong,” Lu Jiuzhang said. “My elder brother, Lu Huaigu, died under mysterious circumstances. Later, someone even tried to harm me. I hope you can uncover the truth, so my brother’s spirit may rest easy.”

“Insolence!” Inspector Zhong’s face darkened with anger. “To dare lay a hand on the Demon-Slaying Bureau’s people—do they take me, Zhong Zhengming, for nothing?”

“Rest assured, I will see justice done for you!” As Zhong Zhengming’s fury raged, the full weight of his authority filled the room, leaving everyone tense and silent—even Chen Xuanfeng frowned deeply.

“You may go now. I’ll review the case files and begin the investigation. The rest of you may leave as well—Yuan Wufeng, stay behind.”

Inspector Zhong’s command left no room for protest; the others filed out.

As Lu Jiuzhang prepared to return to the training ground, Chen Xuanfeng called out to him.

“Come with me,” Chen said, his tone urgent as he led Lu Jiuzhang to his quarters.

Once the door closed, Chen Xuanfeng turned to him. “You were too hasty just now.”

“Do you mean my request for Inspector Zhong to investigate my brother’s death?” Lu Jiuzhang asked.

Chen Xuanfeng nodded. “Exactly. You underestimate Zhong Zhengming. Do you really think he’s unaware of what’s happening in the bureau?”

“His sources are extensive—reports from our bureau reach him daily. Any disturbance, and he knows. Since he didn’t bring up your brother’s case, it means the matter is too sensitive and he doesn’t want to get involved. If that’s not the reason, then…”

Halfway through his sentence, Chen Xuanfeng stopped. Saying the rest in front of Lu Jiuzhang seemed unwise.