Chapter 99: A massive fire engulfs Wang Gang's residence; Lin Chen takes on his first case in front of everyone.

The guard knelt at the entrance of the main hall, his forehead drenched in sweat.

The firelight reflected from the sky outside the residence, illuminating half of his face in a crimson glow.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, a fire has broken out at Director Wang Gang Gang's residence."

As soon as these words fell, the atmosphere in the hall, which had just been suppressed by the Inspector's command flag, was stirred up again by this fire.

Zhao Gang stood outside the corridor, his hand still resting on his saber hilt. His expression froze upon hearing this, and then he cursed through gritted teeth.

"Damn it, it didn't catch fire earlier or later, but it just had to catch fire right now."

Zhou Tie didn't look at him, his eyes fixed on the interior of the hall.

"Shut up."

Zhao Gang lowered his voice.

"This is clearly aimed at the Hundred-Household—no, it's aimed at the Inspector."

Zhou Tie's fingers pressed against the shaft of his spear.

"That's exactly why you need to shut up."

In the main hall, everyone's gaze shifted from the command flag in Lin Chen's hand to Lin Chen's face.

Just as he was promoted to Inspector, the residence of the Patrol Division's former Chief Administrator caught fire.

This fire wasn't just burning Wang Gang's house.

It was burning the authority of the Patrol Division that Lin Chen had just received.

Official Chen Zhili held his wine cup, his fingers pausing on the rim for a moment before placing the cup back on the table.

"Lord Governor, this matter is urgent."

He stood up and cupped his hands toward Nangong Xiong.

"Although Wang Gang has already handed over his authority and currently holds a nominal post, this involves an official's family after all, and the fire broke out at such an hour tonight."

"According to the regulations, the Governor's Mansion and the Provincial Administration Commission should conduct a joint investigation."

Outside the corridor, Zhao Gang's eyes widened as he listened.

"This man named Chen moves fast."

Shen Yue stood in the shadow of a corridor pillar, her gaze fixed on Official Chen Zhili.

"He wants to snatch away the first strike."

Zhou Tie replied in a low voice.

"He also wants to ensure the Inspector's first case is a failure."

Commander Liu Chong sat in the secondary seat, his palm resting on his knee. After hearing Official Chen Zhili's words, he looked up at Nangong Xiong.

"The City Defense Battalion is only responsible for the city gates and grain routes. According to the rules, an arson case in the inner city is indeed not my concern."

After saying this, he picked up his wine cup and took a sip.

"However, with so many people out tonight, as long as the streets don't become chaotic, it's fine."

These words sounded casual, but they completely distanced the City Defense Battalion from the matter.

Many people in the main hall lowered their heads to drink tea; no one spoke up.

The Wanbao Pavilion Enshrined sat at the end of the table, circling the cup lid along the rim, his eyes never leaving Lin Chen.

The head steward of the Qian Merchant Guild leaned toward him and lowered his voice.

"Enshrined, who do you think will take this on?"

The Enshrined did not look at him.

"Whoever takes it on will bear the first burden of blame."

The head steward of the Qian Merchant Guild gave a strained smile.

"And what if Inspector Lin doesn't take it?"

The Enshrined put the cup lid back.

"If he avoids the first fire right after getting the command flag, no one in this provincial city will treat him as the Inspector anymore."

At the Wang family's table, Wang Chongyuan did not show any anger.

He simply set down his wine cup, the bottom hitting the tabletop with a soft thud.

Second Young Master Wang Pei kept his eyes downcast, his fingers tightening slightly within his sleeves.

Wang Xuan looked at Lin Chen directly for the first time, his gaze moving from the command flag to the black abyss, and then back to Lin Chen's face.

Nangong Xiong sat in the seat of honor, not speaking on Lin Chen's behalf.

He only watched Lin Chen.

There was no urging in that gaze, nor was there any protection.

This was the first test after the position had been handed over.

Lin Chen stood by the main table, the Inspector's command flag held in his palm.

The texture of the flag's pole pressed against his palm, carrying a hint of coolness.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Official Chen Zhili cupped his hands again.

"Inspector Lin has just taken office, and the Patrol Division's old accounts have not yet been fully settled."

"If you rashly intervene in the fire case at Wang Gang's residence now and the subsequent implications are unclear, I'm afraid it will invite criticism."

Lin Chen looked at him.

"Is Vice Minister Chen finished?"

Official Chen Zhili's eyebrows rose slightly.

"Inspector Lin, please speak."

Lin Chen pulled the command flag back to his side.

"A fire at the residence of a Patrol Division Chief Administrator will be investigated by the Patrol Division first."

Some people in the hall looked up.

Lin Chen continued.

"If we cannot clarify it, then we will ask the various departments to hold us accountable."

Outside the corridor, Zhao Gang clenched his fist and whispered a low cheer.

"Good!"

Zhou Tie shot him a sideways glare.

Zhao Gang immediately shut his mouth, but the fire in his eyes could not be suppressed.

The politeness on Official Chen Zhili's face faded by half.

"Inspector Lin, a fire case at an official's residence is no ordinary matter."

Lin Chen looked at him.

"That is why I will go personally."

Official Chen Zhili added,

"The Provincial Administration Commission has the power of supervision."

Lin Chen replied,

"The Patrol Division has the power of investigation."

Official Chen Zhili's finger rubbed the edge of his sleeve.

"If this involves documents, ledgers, or personnel transfers that Wang Gang handled previously, and the Patrol Division investigates itself, people will inevitably say you are avoiding the important issues."

Lin Chen's gaze did not waver.

"If Vice Minister Chen is concerned, you can write those words into an official document and send it to the Patrol Division tomorrow."

The corners of Official Chen Zhili's eyes sank.

Lin Chen continued,

"Tonight, we first fight the fire, seal the doors, and investigate the people."

He paused for a beat.

"We can argue about procedures tomorrow; the fire won't wait for you to finish arguing."

A low sound of collective sharp intakes of breath filled the hall.

Commander Liu Chong set down his wine cup and let out a low chuckle.

"Those are honest words."

Nangong Xiong's finger tapped once on the tabletop.

"Chen Zhili."

Official Chen Zhili turned to the side.

"Your Excellency."

Nangong Xiong looked at him.

"Lin Chen is right; the fire won't wait."

Official Chen Zhili cupped his hands.

"This official understands."

Wang Chongyuan spoke up at this moment.

"Inspector Lin."

His voice wasn't heavy, yet it caused everyone in the hall to fall silent.

Lin Chen turned to look at him.

Wang Chongyuan's withered hand rested on the edge of the table, his sallow face unreadable under the candlelight.

"Wang Gang is old and has been negligent; today he faced the transfer of authority, so it is only natural that he would feel trepidation in his heart."

He looked at Lin Chen.

"If it truly is a case of self-immolation out of fear of punishment, Inspector Lin, do not disturb the peace of the dead just for the sake of claiming credit."

The hall fell silent once again.

Zhao Gang's teeth ground together with a clicking sound.

"This old fogey is already labeling it as 'self-immolation out of fear of punishment.'"

Shen Yue whispered,

"He is setting the tone for the fire case."

Zhou Tie watched Lin Chen's back.

"Let's see how the Inspector handles it."

Lin Chen stood in the center of the main hall, holding the command flag, the black abyss at his waist gleaming darkly under the lights.

He looked at Wang Chongyuan, every word falling steadily as he spoke.

"Whether the dead are at peace is not my concern."

Dozens of pairs of eyes in the hall looked up simultaneously.

Lin Chen continued,

"Whether the case is clear is my concern."

The cup lid in the Wanbao Pavilion Enshrined's hand stopped moving.

The smile on the Qian Merchant Guild head steward's face vanished quickly.

Director Sun sat among the guests, his palm pressing against the table edge, a hint of brightness appearing in his eyes.

Second Young Master Wang Pei looked up at Lin Chen.

Wang Xuan's finger tapped the tabletop once, then he quickly withdrew it.

Wang Chongyuan looked at Lin Chen and did not speak again for a long time.

Nangong Xiong picked up his teacup, brought the rim to his lips, but then set it back on the table.

"Han Yong."

Outside the door, Commander Han Yong stepped into the hall and knelt on one knee.

"Your Excellency."

Nangong Xiong looked at him.

"Dispatch a squad of Governor's Mansion guards to accompany Inspector Lin to Wang Gang's residence."

Han Yong clasped his hands.

"As you command."

Nangong Xiong added,

"Once at the scene, you are only to follow Lin Chen's deployment; do not overstep your authority."

Han Yong looked up at Lin Chen, then lowered his head.

"Understood."

Official Chen Zhili's lips moved, but in the end, he didn't speak again.

Lin Chen cupped his hands toward Nangong Xiong.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

Nangong Xiong looked at him.

"Tonight, you are the Inspector."

Lin Chen gripped the command flag tightly.

"This subordinate knows."

Nangong Xiong's gaze fell on the command flag.

"Then handle this first case clearly."

Lin Chen turned and walked out of the hall.

As he stepped over the threshold, Zhao Gang had already come to meet him.

"Inspector, I'll bring the men."

Lin Chen did not stop his pace.

"Zhou Tie, Shen Yue, Zhao Gang, and Sun Qi, follow me."

Zhou Tie gripped his spear and followed.

"What about Instructor Qi?"

Lin Chen looked toward the back corridor.

"Instructor Qi Boyuan will stay to guard the East Courtyard. Field operations are to be contracted; no unauthorized movement."

Zhao Gang asked,

"What about He Jian?"

Lin Chen said,

"Continue to stay hidden in the West Alley."

Zhao Gang was startled.

"The fire is already burning, and we're still not letting him move?"

Lin Chen glanced at him.

"The first thing others show you is often not the killing move."

Zhao Gang opened his mouth, then swallowed his words.

Shen Yue stepped out from the shadows, already holding a map of the alleys surrounding Wang Gang's residence.

"Wang Gang's residence is two streets east of the Main Courtyard. The front gate faces Qinghuai Street, the back gate connects to Chai Alley, and there is a narrow drainage ditch to the west."

Lin Chen took the map and scanned it.

"Where is Sun Qi?"

Sun Qi walked quickly from outside the corridor, medicinal patches still on the wounds on his face.

"Here."

Lin Chen handed him the map.

"Take two men and leave first. Watch the back gate, Chai Alley, and the drainage ditch—all three exits."

Sun Qi took the map.

"Dead or alive?"

Lin Chen said,

"Identify them first, then decide."

Sun Qi nodded, turned, and left.

The Wanbao Pavilion Enshrined watched Lin Chen lead his men away, his finger pressing down on the rim of his cup.

The shopkeeper leaned in.

"Enshrined, do you think he can keep a lid on this?"

The Consecrated Expert watched the retreating figure outside the hall.

"If he suppresses the arson case tonight, his position as Inspector will be halfway secure."

The shopkeeper asked.

"What about the other half?"

The Consecrated Expert pushed his wine cup aside.

"It depends on whether the Wang family dares to set a second fire in the city."

Wang Chongyuan remained in his seat, not leaving the table.

He watched Lin Chen's silhouette disappear beyond the corridor before turning his head.

"Second Young Master Wang Pei."

Second Young Master Wang Pei stood up.

"Old Ancestor."

Wang Chongyuan picked up his teacup; the tea inside had already gone cold.

"Go and take a look."

Second Young Master Wang Pei lowered his head.

"What should I look for?"

Wang Chongyuan said.

"See if there has been a misunderstanding."

Second Young Master Wang Pei understood.

"And if the misunderstanding escalates?"

Wang Chongyuan looked up at him.

"Then don't let it escalate."

Second Young Master Wang Pei cupped his hands and withdrew.

Wang Xuan did not move, merely staring at the night sky outside the hall, his fingers lightly pressing against the tabletop.

On the other side, Lin Chen and his group left the Governors Mansion.

Many people on the street were already peering toward the east.

Above the night, the firelight reddened half the eaves. Smoke curled from the direction of Qinghuai Street with the wind, carrying the scent of charred wood.

Commander Han Yong followed behind with twelve guards from the Governors Mansion.

He quickened his pace to reach Lin Chen's side.

"Lin Chen, how should I deploy my men?"

Lin Chen looked at the fire ahead.

"Six will follow me through the front gate, four will seal the street, and the remaining two will notify the nearby water shops and ward guards."

Commander Han Yong nodded.

"Should we send someone to the Patrol Division Main Courtyard first?"

Lin Chen said.

"No rush."

Commander Han Yong glanced at him.

"Director Wang Gang's former subordinates might come."

Lin Chen replied.

"Let them come."

Zhao Gang was taken aback.

"Inspector, you're really letting the people from the Main Courtyard come?"

Lin Chen did not stop his pace.

"For every one that comes, take down a name."

Zhao Gang realized the intent and grinned.

"Understood. Whoever jumps out tonight goes into the ledger."

Lin Chen said.

"Talk less, observe more."

Zhao Gang immediately silenced himself.

At the end of Qinghuai Street, Director Wang Gang's residence was already in chaos.

Half of the main gate had collapsed from the fire, and the door plaque lay on the ground, one corner blackened by the licking flames.

Servants from the residence ran out crying; some clutched boxes, some supported the elderly, and two maids with disheveled hair knelt at the entrance, wailing for the Madam.

The fire was heaviest in the east Study.

Another fire had started in the Accounting Room in the rear quarters.

The two fires were separated by half a courtyard, yet they ignited almost simultaneously, as if someone had measured the locations precisely before lighting them.

Zhao Gang took one look, and his expression changed.

"The Study and the Accounting Room."

Shen Yue gripped her hilt.

"Burning evidence."

Commander Han Yong looked at Lin Chen.

"Save people first?"

Zhao Gang said immediately.

"I'll take some men in to rescue them."

Lin Chen raised his hand to stop him.

"Divide into two teams."

Zhao Gang grew anxious.

"There are still living people inside!"

Lin Chen looked at him.

"Saving the living doesn't mean letting them escape."

Zhao Gang's throat tightened.

Lin Chen turned to Zhou Tie.

"Zhou Tie, take six men into the residence to rescue people. Start with the rear quarters, then the outer perimeter of the Study. Do not charge into the heart of the fire."

Zhou Tie held his spear.

"Understood."

Lin Chen looked at Commander Han Yong.

"Commander Han, take four guards to seal the front gate. Everyone leaving the residence must sit where they are. Record their names, identities, and belongings."

Commander Han Yong asked.

"What if someone refuses to comply?"

Lin Chen said.

"Apprehend them for resisting containment."

Commander Han Yong nodded.

"Fine."

Lin Chen looked at Shen Yue.

"Check the perimeter of the Accounting Room. Don't touch the heart of the fire. First, see if there are traces of oil being deliberately poured."

Shen Yue responded.

"Got it."

Lin Chen looked at Zhao Gang again.

"Take two men and guard the threshold. Detain anyone carrying boxes, bundles, or hidden scrolls separately."

Zhao Gang gritted his teeth.

"What if Director Wang Gang's family tries to stop us?"

Lin Chen said.

"Stop them first, explain later."

Zhao Gang straightened his posture.

"Understood."

At the courtyard entrance, a middle-aged steward rushed over and knelt before Lin Chen.

"My Lord, please save my master! He's still in the Study!"

Lin Chen looked down at him.

"What is your name?"

The steward wailed.

"This lowly one is Butler Wang Fu, the residence's steward."

Lin Chen asked.

"Where were you when the fire started?"

Butler Wang Fu froze for a moment.

"I was in the front courtyard."

Lin Chen said.

"Who was the first to shout about the fire?"

Butler Wang Fu's lips trembled.

"It was... it was a servant boy from the Accounting Room."

Lin Chen asked.

"Did the Study catch fire first, or the Accounting Room?"

Butler Wang Fu pressed his forehead to the ground.

"I didn't see clearly. The fire just erupted all at once."

Zhao Gang snorted coldly beside them.

"The two places are half a courtyard apart. You think you can brush this off with a simple 'didn't see clearly'?"

Butler Wang Fu was so terrified he kowtowed repeatedly.

"I wouldn't dare, I truly wouldn't dare."

Lin Chen looked at Commander Han Yong.

"Register him and keep him under separate watch."

Commander Han Yong waved his hand, and two guards stepped forward to haul Butler Wang Fu aside.

Inside the residence, Zhou Tie had already led men into the front courtyard.

Buckets were passed one by one from the well. Ward guards were also pulled in, forming a line to deliver water to the fire.

Outside the Study, an old servant had collapsed by the threshold. Zhou Tie flicked away a burning beam with his spear and reached out to drag the person out.

"Still breathing."

He turned back and roared.

"Carry him out!"

Zhao Gang stopped a servant woman clutching a wooden box at the gate.

"Halt."

The woman cried out.

"These are the Madam's jewels! The fire is coming; I'm just taking them out for her."

Zhao Gang snatched the wooden box and opened it. Inside were two account scrolls and a small bronze seal.

His face darkened.

"Where are the jewels?"

The woman's legs went weak.

"I... I don't know."

Zhao Gang looked at Lin Chen.

"Inspector."

Lin Chen glanced at it.

"Detain her and impound the items."

The woman's wailing grew louder.

"Have mercy, My Lord! I was only following orders."

Lin Chen looked at her.

"Whose orders?"

The woman's lips trembled; she didn't dare speak.

Zhao Gang unsheathed his blade half an inch.

"Speak."

The woman shrank into a ball in fear.

"It was Butler Wang... Butler Wang Fu told me to take it."

Zhao Gang turned back to look at the guarded Butler Wang Fu.

Butler Wang Fu's entire face turned pale.

"She's lying!"

Lin Chen ignored the argument.

"Record everything."

Shen Yue returned from the direction of the Accounting Room, the edges of her sleeves stained with ash.

"There's a smell of oil on the outer wall of the Accounting Room. There's a half-burnt Fire Starter under the window, trampled into the mud."

Lin Chen asked.

"Are the account books still there?"

Shen Yue said.

"The cabinets were pried open. Most were empty, and the rest were burned."

Zhao Gang cursed.

"Destroying evidence, as expected."

Lin Chen looked at the flames in the Study.

"What about the Study?"

Zhou Tie emerged from the smoke, his face covered in soot, a piece of charred cloth hanging from his iron spear.

"The door was bolted from the inside, but the window was open."

Hearing this, Commander Han Yong stepped closer.

"Bolted door inside, open window outside."

Shen Yue looked at Lin Chen.

"A self-immolation staged for others to see."

Lin Chen watched the fire.

"No need to rush to a conclusion."

Zhao Gang couldn't help but ask.

"It's already come to this, and you're still not concluding?"

Lin Chen said.

"A case relies on evidence, not angry words."

Zhao Gang shut his mouth.

Just then, a short whistle came from the direction of the back door.

Sun Qi's voice came from the direction of Chai Alley.

"Inspector!"

Lin Chen turned around.

"Let's go."

Near the Woodshed by the back door, Sun Qi was half-squatting, using his scabbard to push aside a pile of collapsed firewood.

Beneath the wood lay a charred corpse.

The corpse was curled up; the clothing was burnt beyond recognition, and the face was indistinguishable.

Several servants stood far away, none daring to approach.

Sun Qi looked up at Lin Chen.

"Just dragged out from beside the Woodshed. The fire didn't fully reach here, but the person is already like this."

Zhao Gang frowned.

"Is it Director Wang Gang?"

Sun Qi did not answer immediately.

He used his scabbard to lift the corpse's left wrist, revealing a section of wrist bone blackened by smoke.

"Director Wang Gang always wore a string of old Sandalwood Beads. Everyone at the Patrol Division Main Courtyard has seen them. Whether he was drinking tea, writing, or stamping seals, they never left his wrist."

Zhao Gang stared at the wrist.

"Where are the beads?"

Sun Qi looked up.

"They're gone."

Zhou Tie gripped his iron spear tightly.

Shen Yue looked at Lin Chen.

Commander Han Yong's expression darkened as well.

Lin Chen crouched down, his gaze falling on the corpse's bare wrist. His fingertips rested on the edge of his scabbard, not touching the body.

The firelight flickered across his face, casting his profile in alternating light and shadow.

Zhao Gang lowered his voice.

"Inspector, if this corpse isn't Director Wang Gang..."

Lin Chen stood up, his gaze falling on the still-burning Study.

"Then the fire tonight wasn't just meant to burn the dead."

He gripped the hilt of the black abyss.

"It was also meant to let the living escape."