Chapter 1006: Reporting

Keerwa, Huguang City, Governor's office.

Sheng Wolun sat upright behind his desk, where a device was playing an audio clip.

Sergeant Makusi of the Xintila Squad stood solemnly to one side.

Liyate, a young Xintila technical officer responsible for intelligence analysis, was delivering a report.

"... Your Excellency Governor, following voiceprint comparison and semantic analysis, it is 99.7% certain that the primary speakers in the audio are: Grand Duke Aldridge, Hasi-ke, Lady Lina... and seven other core nobles. The content is highly consistent with their recent activities and known interests; the credibility assessment is: extremely high."

Sheng Wolun listened to those arrogant, foolish conversations.

"... What about next time? Keerwa is so big, accidents can happen at any time! I don't believe he and his meager garrison can defend against 'accidents' that are everywhere!"

"... Emphasize that this assassination was a solitary act by certain extreme conservatives or old officers dissatisfied with the fall of the Fengqi Star Alliance... We can donate a 'pension'... in exchange for his 'understanding' regarding our other aspects... such as industrial adjustments and tax policies."

And that despicable trick of trying to frame the Human slaves...

"Has the source of the information been confirmed?"

Sheng Wolun spoke up.

Sergeant Makusi stepped forward and replied.

"Your Excellency Governor, the signal source was highly disguised and jumped multiple times; technically, it is almost impossible to track. However..."

Sergeant Makusi paused and pulled up another set of data.

"We cross-referenced the access logs and signal characteristics of the anonymous information pool, and combined with recent non-contact surveillance of the various nobles, we discovered a highly suspicious indirect connection point: Viscount Pake's private residence had an extremely faint, abnormal energy fluctuation around the time the information was sent."

"Although it cannot serve as direct evidence, combined with Viscount Pake's relative silence during the meeting, as well as his family's relatively smaller industries and some... slightly abnormal trends recently, we have reason to focus our suspicion on him."

Sheng Wolun repeated the name in a low voice.

In his impression, that was a young man who was out of place among the other old-school nobles at banquets.

"Viscount Pake... a... clever man trying to grasp at a straw? Or does he have other motives?"

Sheng Wolun pondered.

This report pointed directly at the heart of the noble group.

But it came too conveniently, and too thoroughly. Was it internal infighting? Was it a ruse to gain trust? Or did this Viscount Pake really choose to stand on the side of the law at the last moment?

Just as Sheng Wolun was weighing the pros and cons, preparing to issue an order to take mandatory measures against Aldridge and the others, the office door was gently knocked.

A Wentuiliya soldier guarding outside the door pushed it open and saluted to report.

"Your Excellency Governor, Viscount Pake's butler requests an audience, saying he has an urgent matter to report."

Sheng Wolun and Sergeant Makusi exchanged a glance.

"Let him in."

Sheng Wolun signaled for Officer Liyate and Sergeant Makusi to temporarily retreat into the shadows, but to maintain communication and recording status.

Viscount Pake's butler, an old man wearing a traditional Keerwa noble servant uniform, behaved with meticulous care.

The butler bowed deeply to Sheng Wolun.

"Respected Your Excellency Governor, good day. I have been entrusted by Viscount Pake to come and pay a visit."

"Speak."

The butler took a gift list sealed with wax from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

"His Lordship the Viscount heard that Your Excellency Governor was startled the other day, and feels extremely uneasy and guilty. He specifically ordered me to present a small gift to express his condolences, and wishes Your Excellency good health."

Sheng Wolun did not look at the gift list, but said indifferently.

"Viscount Pake is thoughtful. However, followers of the Emperor do not accept private gifts. I accept the sentiment, take the items back as they are."

The butler took back the gift list and continued.

"His Lordship the Viscount also instructed that my family has several idle warehouses near the 'Rust Belt' in the east of the city; the location is decent, and the space is quite spacious. His Lordship is willing to provide them to the Governor's office free of charge, whether for storing relief supplies or temporarily housing personnel, all to be decided by the Governor's office. These are the title deeds and usage authorization documents."

The butler handed over another document.

This time, Sheng Wolun's gaze shifted slightly.

Providing warehouses was much more pragmatic than simply giving gifts, and it better reflected a gesture of "cooperation."

The butler completed his overt task, paused slightly, and said in a lower voice.

"Additionally... His Lordship the Viscount also asked me to convey a message to Your Excellency Governor... He said, 'The wind and rain in Huguang City were quite heavy last night, and I fear some broken branches and fallen leaves may have disturbed Your Excellency's peaceful sleep. Some courtyards look magnificent, but the beams and pillars inside may have already been hollowed out by insects and ants; one must carefully inspect them to ensure they are safe.'"

Sheng Wolun stared at the butler, and the office was silent.

A few seconds later, Sheng Wolun spoke slowly.

"Go back and tell Viscount Pake."

He said, enunciating every word.

"His 'condolences', I have received. His 'warehouses', the Governor's office will use at its discretion. As for the 'reminder' he asked you to convey..."

The corners of Sheng Wolun's mouth curled up slightly.

"Tell him, the intensity of the wind and rain, and the state of the beams and pillars, I, already know."

"Also tell him, the 'choice' he made... is very wise. The Xiuluo Holy Law rewards and punishes clearly. For those who turn back from their errors and follow the great trend, there will always be a glimmer of survival."

"Tell Viscount Pake to stay in his mansion for these few days, and do not go out easily unless necessary. If anyone comes to 'visit', or if the law enforcement troops go to 'inquire', tell him... to cooperate well."

Sheng Wolun said the four words "cooperate well" with profound meaning.

This was both protection and a warning and test.

Protecting him from retaliation by other nobles, warning him not to play tricks, and testing whether he was truly determined to cut ties with the old forces.

The butler bowed deeply.

"Yes... yes! Your Excellency Governor's words, I will certainly convey to His Lordship the Viscount exactly, without missing a word! I take my leave!"

The butler backed out of the office, his footsteps much more hurried than when he arrived.

The office door closed again.

Sheng Wolun was silent for a moment, and ordered Sergeant Makusi in the shadows.

"Sergeant, monitor all communications from the residence of Viscount Pake, and keep watch over all personnel entering and exiting. Before the operation begins, ensure his 'safety'."

"Understood!"

"Notify Lieutenant Eisenhart, as well as the supreme Commander of the Planetary Law Enforcement Force.

In accordance with the relevant clauses of the Xiuluo Basic Law regarding treason, attempted murder, incitement to rebellion, and severe corruption, immediately execute the arrest of the six primary noble suspects, including Aldridge, Hasi-ke, Lina..., and their core cronies!

Authorization is granted to use all necessary force if resistance is encountered! At the same time, seal all properties under their names and freeze their Assets!"

"Yes! Your Excellency, Governor!"

Sheng Wolun stood up, walked to the window, and gazed out at the Noble District.

"Only by clearing out the worm-eaten beams can a sturdy mansion be built."