Chapter 186 Qi Chen's Hidden Contract

The carriage curtains were lifted by a slender hand, and a figure bent down to exit the carriage, standing still before raising their eyes to look at the people waiting to welcome them.

When he saw the person's face clearly, Liu Ziming's eyes widened sharply, and he nearly cried out in surprise; Chen Mu's pupils also constricted slightly, a trace of astonishment flashing across his eyes.

The Special Envoy, dressed in dark official robes with a silver fish belt at his waist and a handsome face, was none other than Qi Huan, who had only bid farewell a few days ago!

However, the current Qi Huan was like a different person from the carefree and somewhat reckless Banner Officer Qi of the past; his expression was solemn, his gaze calm, and he carried an air of official authority as he scanned the crowd.

Zhou Huaian did not know Qi Huan; he only knew that the Prefecture had sent a Special Envoy, but had not been informed of the specific identity in advance. Seeing the Special Envoy was so young, he felt a slight tremor in his heart, though his face was filled with just the right amount of respect and an expression of concern for the country and the people.

"Yunmeng has recently suffered a demon disaster. Magistrate Xu Changze died in the line of duty after fighting bravely. The common people are terrified, and everything is waiting to be rebuilt. Upon hearing the tragic news, your subordinate was heartbroken. Fearing that the region might fall into chaos, I had no choice but to temporarily assume authority to soothe the hearts of the people."

"Your subordinate has been waiting day and night, longing for your arrival as one longs for sweet rain. Today, seeing your imposing presence, Yunmeng is saved!"

These words were spoken with great sincerity, simultaneously highlighting his merits, voicing his hardships, and clarifying the legitimacy and necessity of his temporary assumption of power.

Qi Huan's gaze lingered on Zhou Huaian for a moment, and he nodded in acknowledgment before looking past Zhou Huaian to land on Chen Mu behind him.

Their eyes met.

A hint of a smile flashed in Qi Huan's eyes, but he immediately resumed the dignity and aloofness befitting a Special Envoy, nodding slightly at Chen Mu before shifting his gaze away.

Zhou Huaian was incredibly shrewd and immediately caught this subtle interaction. His heart skipped a beat, and a sense of foreboding surged into his mind.

This Special Envoy actually knew Chen Mu? And it looked like they had a close relationship!

His smile remained on his face, but cold sweat had already seeped out on his back.

He had calculated everything, but he hadn't counted on the Special Envoy sent by the Prefecture being an old acquaintance of this group in Yunmeng, especially Chen Mu, whom he feared the most! Judging by the moment their eyes met just now, they were definitely not mere acquaintances.

All his arrangements and schemes over the past few days were likely nothing more than child's play in the eyes of this Special Envoy Qi. He had originally hoped to use the Special Envoy's hand to tightly grasp the credit for quelling the demon disaster and pave the way for his own promotion, but now it seemed it would all be in vain.

However, Zhou Huaian was, after all, a veteran official. Even with turbulent waves in his heart, his face showed nothing; instead, he became even more solicitous, turning to the side to lead the way.

"My lord, you must be exhausted from the journey. Please enter the city to rest first; your subordinate has already prepared a welcoming banquet..."

Qi Huan waved his hand, rejecting the offer.

"There is no need for a welcoming banquet. Official business is paramount. First, let us go to see Magistrate Xu's mourning hall, and then I want to hear the detailed account of what happened that day. Magistrate Zhou, are all the relevant people present?"

"Only Lord Wang, who is temporarily acting as the City God of Yunmeng, has not yet arrived. Your subordinate will send someone to invite him immediately."

...

The group first went to the county office's mourning hall. Qi Huan offered three sticks of incense before Xu Changze's spirit tablet, fell silent for a moment, and sighed.

"Magistrate Xu died for his country; his heroic sacrifice is commendable. The Prefecture will certainly decide on generous posthumous compensation to comfort his heroic spirit."

Zhou Huaian hurriedly thanked him on behalf of everyone in Yunmeng.

Leaving the mourning hall, Qi Huan did not go to the prepared official residence but instead directly requested to discuss matters in the second hall. Zhou Huaian complained inwardly, but could only obey.

Inside the second hall, everyone gathered again. The atmosphere was even heavier than the last time they were summoned. Qi Huan sat in the main seat, Zhou Huaian sat at the lower seat, and Old Wang the Lame, Liu Ziming, Chen Mu, and the heads of each department sat in order.

Qi Huan did not engage in unnecessary pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"I am Qi Huan. By order of the Prefecture, I am here to investigate the full story of the demon disaster in Yunmeng, as well as the administration and the livelihood of the people. I have already roughly reviewed the files regarding Magistrate Xu's death on the way here. Now, I want to hear the accounts from those who experienced it firsthand."

His gaze swept over Liu Ziming and finally settled on Chen Mu.

"Chief Chen, let us start with you. Recount in detail what happened at the City God Temple that night."

He asked this with his own intentions. The matter had not been completely finalized, and he wanted to hear a detailed account from Chen Mu, an eyewitness, to give Chen Mu an opportunity to make his stance clear.

Whether to follow the official narrative to maintain superficial harmony, or...

Chen Mu looked up to meet Qi Huan's gaze. Qi Huan's eyes were calm, carrying a hint of inquiry that Chen Mu could understand.

"Reporting to the Special Envoy, at the hour of Zi that night, your subordinate responded to Magistrate Xu's summons and went to the City God Temple to discuss Yin and Yang matters. Upon arrival, I discovered that Magistrate Xu was already engaged in battle with a five-tailed Red Fox demon."

He omitted the true intention behind Xu Changze's summons, as well as the murderous intent and the coercion involved, starting his narrative directly from the battle.

"That fox demon had profound Dao cultivation and was skilled in using flames. Magistrate Xu used the power of the people's wishes to contend with it..."

Chen Mu's wording was very cautious.

"However, the fox demon was fierce and stubborn, and Magistrate Xu gradually felt unable to hold on. Your subordinate, along with Chief Liu and the brothers from the Demon Suppression Division, stepped forward to assist in the battle. During the intense fight, Magistrate Xu, to protect Lord Wang, took a direct hit from the fox demon and was severely injured. Your subordinate seized the moment when the fox demon's offensive eased, and together with Chief Liu and the others, finally killed it."

"However... Magistrate Xu unfortunately died in the line of duty due to his severe injuries."

After this account, Xu Changze was forcibly molded into a hero who first fought the fox demon alone and was then severely injured while protecting the City God, while Chen Mu and the others were those who stepped forward to assist when the Magistrate could no longer hold on, ultimately killing the fox demon thanks to the opportunity created by the Magistrate.

After listening, Zhou Huaian felt slightly relieved. Although Chen Mu's statement was vastly different from the truth as he knew it, it was undoubtedly the most correct and beneficial statement for stabilizing the interests of all parties in the current situation.

It seems this Chen Mu is not just blindly reckless; he also understands the rules of the officialdom.

After listening, Qi Huan nodded slowly, his face unreadable.

"In that case, Magistrate Xu's loyalty and courage are commendable. He was fearless in the face of danger, protected the deity, and ultimately perished together with the demon. He is truly a model for us all."

"Chief Chen, Chief Liu, and the brothers of the Demon Suppression Division fought bravely, killed the demon, and quelled the chaos. This is also a great merit."

He set the tone, and the matter was officially settled. Xu Changze became a hero, Chen Mu and the others were meritorious officials, and everyone in Yunmeng had worked together to overcome the disaster.

"Lord Wang."

Qi Huan turned to Old Wang the Lame, his tone becoming somewhat more respectful.

"You temporarily assumed the divine office, stepped forward during a time of Yin and Yang disorder, stabilized order, and comforted the wandering souls. Your Karma is boundless, and the Prefecture will remember your contribution."

Old Wang the Lame hurriedly stood up and bowed tremblingly.

"It was just within the old man's duty; I dare not accept your praise, my lord."

Qi Huan then asked a few more questions about the current situation in the city, the resettlement of the common people, and the compensation for casualties. Zhou Huaian answered them one by one, clear and logical with accurate data, obviously having put in the effort. Qi Huan nodded from time to time, appearing quite satisfied.

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour, and when it ended, Qi Huan said.

"Although the losses from this demon disaster in Yunmeng are heavy, everyone worked together, and the response was appropriate. After I return to the Prefecture, I will certainly report it truthfully."

"Magistrate Zhou accepted the order in a crisis and handled it well; Lord Wang is virtuous and prestigious, stabilizing the Yin and Yang; the Demon Suppression Division fought bravely to kill the enemy and made indelible contributions. You have all worked hard."

Everyone hurriedly expressed their humility, and Qi Huan smiled slightly.

"You may all disperse. Chief Chen and Chief Liu, please stay behind."

Zhou Huaian's eyes flickered, but his smile remained unchanged as he led the others to bow and exit the second hall.

He knew that the main event was just beginning. This Special Envoy Qi had past ties with Chen Mu and Liu Ziming, and the matters to be discussed in private were likely the key.