Chapter 108: Disciple of the Ziyu Recluse

Upon learning of Chu Danqing’s attack, the Crown Prince awoke and received him, offering words of comfort.

Before the two could finish speaking, the captured assassin was killed before even regaining consciousness.

The Crown Prince flew into a rage; everyone in the Donggong, except Chu Danqing, was thrown into chaos.

This incident once again alarmed Emperor Taichang.

The most critical moment came when Xiong Zhigang, upon meeting Emperor Taichang, had just finished reporting on arms trafficking, collusion with outlaws, and dam sabotage framed as treason.

Yet another eyewitness was assassinated—was this not a desperate act of murder to silence witnesses?

Immediately afterward, the Imperial Guard Yulin took control of the capital, enforcing a strict curfew: entry permitted, exit forbidden.

All key figures linked to the Qiutan Party were ordered to confine themselves for self-reflection, and the Crown Prince was granted full authority to investigate, with three days to uncover the truth.

Li Wanwu, Director of the Jishi Factory, answered to the Crown Prince, while the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate provided auxiliary support.

Emperor Taichang’s logic was simple: today they dared to destroy a dam and assassinate the Crown Prince, tomorrow they would storm the palace gates and force abdication.

With sudden ascendancy, the Crown Prince swiftly seized control and launched a full-scale manhunt.

Chu Danqing did nothing at all, yet his mission progress skyrocketed.

Simultaneously, his trial mission’s required reputation rose from obscurity to minor fame, then to widespread renown, where it finally stabilized.

【Reputation: Widespread Renown (2362/10000)】

And the number continued to climb—he estimated another upgrade was imminent.

The entire capital’s resources were mobilized to assist the investigation, so intelligence arrived at his desk constantly, which he then organized and forwarded to the Crown Prince.

His network of contacts was temporarily expanded to cover the entire capital.

“All current evidence points to the Qiutan Party,” Wang Qi said slowly. “Your Highness, I believe we should stop here.”

Chu Danqing glanced at his side quest—it seemed off track.

He remembered his task was to uncover the truth behind the stabbing incident: who was behind Zhang Cai?

But now it had completely deviated into court politics; no one cared about the truth, only about crushing political rivals.

Yet the Crown Prince seemed increasingly pleased with him, constantly praising his prudence and competence.

The chemical reaction between Xiong Zhigang’s report and the assassination by the Dimensional Apostle had been too explosive.

“Master, I feel this isn’t enough,” the Crown Prince said grimly. “I won’t stop at the Qiutan Party—I intend to implicate Consort Zheng and Prince Fu.”

Using this opportunity, he would force Prince Fu to leave the capital, crushing Emperor Taichang’s wish to bypass the heir and name a younger son.

Once stationed in his fief, a prince could not enter the capital without imperial summons.

“The Emperor will not agree,” Wang Qi said calmly. “Li Wanwu and the Three Departments are here to protect Prince Fu.”

“If you insist on pushing forward, you will only invite disaster.”

Emperor Taichang’s target is the Qiutan Party; if we follow his lead, we gain his full support.

The Crown Prince took a deep breath, then turned his gaze to Chu Danqing: “Chu Zuo Weishuai, what is your opinion?”

He believed Chu Danqing was capable—mere minor manipulation had already granted him immense advantage; perhaps he had another solution.

“What if… we start with Zhang Cai?” Chu Danqing ventured cautiously.

What opinion could he possibly have? Before entering the Paradise, he was just an ordinary man.

He was neither strategist nor advisor; even Wang Qi, a seasoned court veteran, struggled—how could a young man like him solve this?

The Crown Prince felt puzzled: Zhang Cai was a minor figure; others had tried to exploit his corpse, yet now it held little value.

But remembering Chu Danqing’s wild schemes had repeatedly yielded results, he refrained from questioning.

“Chu Zuo Weishuai, truly original,” the Crown Prince praised. “I’ll have Zhang Cai’s corpse sent to the Zhangyu Guard headquarters. You have full discretion—act as you see fit.”

He eagerly anticipated the surprises Chu Danqing would bring.

Chu Danqing felt a stomachache—like a counterfeit trying to prove it wasn’t real.

“Understood. I’ll take my leave,” Chu Danqing said, sensing he must depart before being asked another impossible question.

After leaving, he returned to his office, barely seated when a Zhangyu Guard soldier reported someone had been waiting for him for some time.

Chu Danqing refused to see anyone—he didn’t know the person’s intent—but the soldier insisted it was an old friend.

He had no old friends; even Xiong Zhigang only needed to notify him, not seek permission.

Then it struck him: could it be Zhao Mingqian? But the visitor hadn’t named himself.

Or perhaps another Dimensional Apostle.

After much deliberation, he decided to meet.

The moment they met, the man introduced himself: “Disciple Zhuo Bu Fan of the Ziyu Recluse of the Can Luo Sect, greetings, Lord Chu.”

“So the man Zhao Xiaoge came to the capital to seek out… you?” Chu Danqing sized him up; the man’s attire was peculiar.

A blend of martial world aura and bureaucratic elegance—utterly incongruous.

“Indeed. Mingqian left the capital last night and told me to seek you out if I encountered trouble,” Zhuo Bu Fan said without modesty.

Chu Danqing bristled—those words were meant for Zhao Mingqian.

Zhao had guided him on ranged precision, aided him on the road; had he come seeking help, Chu Danqing would have given everything.

But Zhuo Bu Fan was a stranger, ignorant of social graces, demanding aid outright—he had no obligation to comply.

Out of politeness, he’d ask what help was needed—if within his power, he’d assist; if beyond, he’d decline.

Beyond his capacity? Forget it.

“I’ll do what I can. Tell me your trouble,” Chu Danqing said.

“My father, Zhuo Qingsui, is a Clerk of the Ministry of Revenue. He was implicated in the Donggong stabbing incident and imprisoned at noon.”

“My father had nothing to do with the stabbing—it’s a wrongful arrest!” Zhuo Bu Fan hurried to add.

Chu Danqing immediately ordered the roster brought.

Many had been arrested after the incident; they quickly found Zhuo Qingsui, Clerk of the Ministry of Revenue.

The records showed he was innocent; his arrest had no connection to the stabbing.

But the issue was no longer the stabbing—it was all about elite power struggles.

Unfortunately, Zhuo Qingsui was a genuine member of the Qiutan Party.

Freeing him wasn’t hard—but was it worth it for Chu Danqing?

He was a good man, yes—but his goodness had one condition: it must not endanger himself.

Closing the dossier and roster, Chu Danqing said: “Not difficult—but complicated.”

“It depends on how you want to save him,” Chu Danqing offered two options: “First, out of respect for Zhao Xiaoge, I’ll use my authority to free your father.”

“But afterward, you’ll either quit officialdom or become a pariah.”

“The second is the proper way: you serve under my command, help solve this case, and redeem your father’s name. When the Crown Prince ascends, he’ll surely reward you.”

Zhuo Bu Fan, as the disciple of the Ziyu Recluse, was stronger and more capable than Zhao Mingqian.

Chu Danqing commanded official forces; with this disciple of the realm’s greatest sect assisting him, matters would be far easier.

“The latter, without hesitation,” Zhuo Bu Fan replied. “My father lived a life of integrity—if he learned I saved him through corruption, how could he ever face himself again?”

“Agreed. I’ll have him brought out immediately, to prevent any mishap,” Chu Danqing said, swiftly arranging for the transfer.

Zhuo Qingsui was no major figure; the process passed without incident.

After bringing him in, Chu Danqing arranged a meeting between father and son, then began reviewing intelligence on Zhang Cai.

In just one day, more information had surfaced—the Zhangyu Guard had been mobilized, and their gains were substantial.

“Suspected Miaojiang mind-control technique?” Chu Danqing smiled upon reading this.

Zhang Cai’s mental collapse yet precise targeting of the Crown Prince strongly suggested a Dimensional Apostle’s skill or equipment.

He’d overlooked this, instead chasing the origin of the Five-Stone Powder.

“Ghost Market?” Chu Danqing narrowed his eyes—the Zhangyu Guard had traced the Five-Stone Powder to a place called Ghost Market in the capital.

A hub for fencing stolen goods, bounties, and other illicit activities.

Its master remained mysterious; the Zhangyu Guard had uncovered nothing.

It was very likely Emperor Taichang himself.

Who else could conceal such a place from the Zhangyu Guard? Even if not him, he was connected to the palace.

“Lord Chu intends to go to the Ghost Market?” Zhuo Bu Fan returned just after meeting his father and overheard Chu Danqing’s murmur.

“The assassin Zhang Cai had large quantities of Five-Stone Powder in his stomach. The Zhangyu Guard traced it to the Ghost Market—that’s why.” Chu Danqing explained.

“Then Lord Chu has found the right person,” Zhuo Bu Fan sat before him. “If you trust me, I’ll infiltrate the Ghost Market tonight.”

“I’ll go with you. Bring two Zhangyu Guards for backup,” Chu Danqing said—not because he wanted to lead from the front, but because he wanted loot.

Sitting back and completing missions was fine—but no loot meant no rewards.

A lawless den like the Ghost Market was perfect for earning extra income.

He didn’t care if it was tied to the palace; to him, Emperor Taichang was still the enemy.

If he did nothing, would the enemy ignore him? Better to strike first.

“Very well,” Zhuo Bu Fan said, pointing to Chu Danqing’s back. “But Lord Chu, you’re carrying a divine shrine—won’t that expose your identity?”

Chu Danqing never planned to hide. “Hmph. I’ll go openly. Do they dare stop me?”

He was currently in the spotlight and needed reputation—no need to conceal himself.

If necessary, he’d use this as an excuse to dismantle the entire black market.

“This…” Zhuo Bu Fan was stunned by Chu Danqing’s boldness.

“Don’t worry. Only two Zhangyu Guards will enter with us—but I’ve ordered the entire unit on standby to eradicate the Ghost Market on my signal,” Chu Danqing said, thoroughly prepared.

Zhuo Bu Fan’s eyes widened—he’d never seen anyone so daring, not even the Crown Prince’s inner circle.

Then again, who in the realm could rival the Crown Prince’s power?

(End of chapter)