200: Chapter 200 The Prefect of Jinhuai

Given the status and strength of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan, ordinary officials from the yamen would not dare to order a search.

The reason the Bailiff dared to search the Yuanhang Trade Caravan was that they had at least received the Prefect's approval; otherwise, the yamen would not have had the courage.

Now that contraband had been found, the severity of the matter could be interpreted in different ways.

One could say the Yuanhang Trade Caravan secretly colluded with merchants to smuggle contraband, or the responsibility could be pushed entirely onto the merchants, claiming the Yuanhang Trade Caravan was unaware and was actually a victim.

It all depended on how the parties involved chose to spin the story.

Two days had passed, and aside from seizing the contraband and summoning Pei Tianquan, the head of the Jinhuai Branch, for questioning, the yamen had not formally charged anyone.

Logically, if the Prefect had given his approval, the Yuanhang Trade Caravan should have faced a thunderous strike.

This ambiguous attitude left the Great Families, who were watching from the sidelines, completely baffled.

Meanwhile, Pei Tianquan had investigated the source of the contraband; it was a firm that had an escort business arrangement with the Yuanhang Trade Caravan.

After some inquiries, it was discovered that the owner of this firm had moved his entire Family out of Jinhuai Prefecture City not long ago, as if they had vanished into thin air.

Inside the main hall.

Listening to the scout's report, Pei Tianquan's face was grim as he paced back and forth anxiously. "This scheme is truly seamless."

Despite all his precautions, he had still failed to prevent this.

Although the yamen had not yet issued a conviction, the operations of the Jinhuai Branch had already been suspended.

At the same time, the yamen had given him three days to verify the source of the goods.

But under the current circumstances, even if the firm's owner wasn't dead, that small amount of time was not enough to find him.

The Prefects Residence.

A majestic and solemn residence sat at the very center of Jinhuai Prefecture. This residence was not large, covering less than ten mu—not even a tenth of the size of the four Great Families' estates—but in terms of the strictness of its rules, it was even more formidable.

From the main gate to the central hall, there were a total of four gates. On both sides of every gate stood guards, and every single guard was at least at the Divine Strength Realm.

Even for a Five-Viscera Martial Artist, it was basically impossible to secretly infiltrate this residence.

As the heart of Jinhuai Prefecture, the surrounding area should have been bustling with people and traffic.

However...

On the main road in front of the Prefects Residence, there were very few pedestrians. Perhaps out of fear of the Prefect's authority, even those who occasionally passed by the gates would stay on the furthest side of the road.

Just then, an exquisite carriage stopped at the entrance of the Prefects Residence, and a dignified middle-aged man stepped down.

If any member of a Jinhuai Great Family were present, they would recognize the Purple Wealth Flower on the carriage as the emblem of the Qian Clan, and the newcomer as the head of the Qian Clan, Qian Ninghe.

Qian Ninghe wore a silk brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist and a formal cap. He appeared low-key yet luxurious, possessing an extraordinary temperament and an air of nobility.

Qian Ninghe rarely dressed like this on ordinary days, but when meeting the Prefect, he had to dress more solemnly.

Meanwhile, the coachman informed the guards at the gate of Qian Ninghe's identity.

After being relayed through several levels, the news reached the ears of the Prefect in the central hall.

Before long, a middle-aged man in a long green robe walked out from the gates of the residence.

The middle-aged man had small eyes and a short philtrum; his entire appearance was somewhat unremarkable, giving off the direct impression of being ordinary.

Yet, such a seemingly ordinary person was the Jinhuai Prefect, Prefect Pang Bo.

Upon seeing Prefect Pang Bo, a smile immediately spread across Qian Ninghe's face. "Prefect Pang, I am flattered that you have come out to greet me personally."

"Brother Ninghe, what are you saying? Between us, there is no need for such formalities. This isn't the place to talk; please, come inside," Prefect Pang Bo replied with a smile, making a welcoming gesture.

...

In this manner, the two passed through the four gates and arrived at the central hall used for receiving guests, where they took their seats.

Tea, fruit, and pastries had already been prepared on the table.

Prefect Pang Bo was all smiles as he said warmly, "Brother Ninghe, it's been some time since you last visited. No matter what, we brothers must have a couple of drinks today and not stop until we're drunk."

Qian Ninghe quickly waved his hand with a troubled expression. "Brother Bo, I'll have to pass this time. I have official business to handle when I return. I'll definitely join you for a few more drinks next time."

Prefect Pang Bo looked regretful, as if he truly were as fond of alcohol as he claimed. "That is a real shame. I thought you would stay the night at the residence. It seems I'll have to indulge my cravings alone."

In fact, Prefect Pang Bo had already guessed Qian Ninghe's purpose for coming. It was nothing more than asking why he hadn't immediately dealt with the Yuanhang Trade Caravan and instead given them three days.

Sure enough.

Seeing that Prefect Pang Bo didn't ask about his purpose, Qian Ninghe spoke up proactively. "Brother Bo, to be honest, I have a request for this visit."

Prefect Pang Bo appeared warm on the surface, but his heart remained unmoved. "Given our relationship, feel free to speak plainly. If it's something I can do, I will do my best."

"It's like this: didn't the yamen recently discover the Yuanhang Trade Caravan smuggling contraband? I hope this matter can be overseen immediately and all of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan's properties permanently shut down," Qian Ninghe said without any reservation.

Prefect Pang Bo looked troubled. "It's not that I won't help you with this. The yamen has already given them three days, and it wouldn't be good for me to change orders arbitrarily. Besides, the State Governor's birthday is in a month, and I don't want any mishaps at this time. It's only three days, anyway; you might as well wait a few more. If the Yuanhang Trade Caravan can't produce evidence to prove their innocence, I will naturally act according to the laws of the Imperial Court."

"In that case, I will wait a few more days." Hearing Prefect Pang Bo say this, Qian Ninghe understood that further talk was useless.

Prefect Pang Bo's attitude left Qian Ninghe with no desire to continue the conversation.

Afterward, the two briefly chatted for a few more moments.

Qian Ninghe then found an excuse to leave the Prefects Residence.

However, after leaving, Qian Ninghe's expression turned extremely ugly.

Originally, he had been full of confidence, thinking that based on their relationship, this matter would proceed very smoothly.

He had his reasons for proposing the shutdown of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan rather than involving the Wuyang Pei Clan behind them.

Shutting down the Yuanhang Trade Caravan on the grounds of contraband was feasible. But moving against the Wuyang Pei Clan would cause too much of a stir.

Moreover, as long as the Yuanhang Trade Caravan was eliminated, it would be equivalent to severing an economic lifeline.

There would no longer be any Great Family threatening the Qian Clan's position in Jinhuai.

Furthermore, the Qian Clan might even take over that market.

But reality had given him a harsh slap in the face.

Prefect Pang Bo actually hadn't agreed to his proposal.

If it weren't for the Qian Clan's support, how could Prefect Pang Bo be where he was today, even sitting in the position of Prefect?

At this moment, he had already labeled Prefect Pang Bo as ungrateful in his heart.