Chapter 1030: Thunderous Force

After quickly flipping through it, Zu An tucked the booklet into his pocket and left in a hurry.

After he left, Qian Dong returned to report to the young woman: "Miss, that person came to retrieve a box stored here."

If Zu An had been there, he would have been surprised to discover that the person Qian Dong was respectfully bowing to was none other than Tang Tian'er, the female host he had previously seen at Xiaoyao House.

Tang Tian'er frowned slightly: "He stored it here?"

"I don't think so. We have anonymous storage here; anyone with a key can retrieve an item," Qian Dong recalled. "I don't remember this person ever coming here before."

"What was in the box?" Tang Tian'er asked curiously.

Qian Dong looked troubled: "Miss, you know our rules here. We don't privately inspect items stored by guests. If that ever came out, our century-old reputation would be completely ruined."

"Then find out who stored that box here. I want to know why he came looking for it here," Tang Tian'er said, watching the direction he had left. A hint of worry appeared between her brows. "For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this."

"Yes!" Qian Dong quickly withdrew, calling his subordinates to begin investigating everything related to the box.

Meanwhile, Zu An hurried back to the temporary residence and sent for Gao Ying, Pei You, and others to return.

The group gravely studied the contents of the booklet.

"Is this real or fake?" Pei You swallowed hard, no longer in the mood to think about the Biyu Workshop.

"I'm afraid it's not fake. Every entry is so detailed, with specific times, people, locations, and goods," Gao Ying said heavily.

Zu An sighed, "Who would have thought? After all this investigation, it turns out our ally is the biggest villain."

His sentiment was understandable, as the booklet detailed how Commander Zuo Su had colluded with the demon race, smuggling Yuan Stones and various other goods that the imperial court strictly prohibited from export.

Initially, they had come to investigate Jian Taiding, considering him the ultimate antagonist.

Commander Zuo Su, who was at odds with Jian Taiding, was subconsciously seen by everyone as a loyal official, and they even planned to use his influence against Jian Taiding if necessary.

Now, it turned out that Zuo Su was the one with the biggest issues.

"But this doesn't add up," Zu An frowned. "Shen Zhou went to the capital to report Jian Taiding. Why does this booklet now incriminate Zuo Su?"

Sang Hong said gravely, "Jian Taiding's issue is, at most, a dispute with his elder brother over the ducal title, which is merely an internal conflict. But Zuo Su's actions, strictly speaking, amount to colluding with the enemy and treason."

"Compared to Jian Taiding, it is far more urgent to deal with Zuo Su first."

"Could someone be deliberately misleading us with false information?" Zu An frowned, feeling that there was something strange about the whole affair.

"We'll know whether it's true or not once we investigate." Sang Hong stood up. "Gao Ying, Pei You, take your men to apprehend those involved on the list. Detain them and interrogate them thoroughly to see if their accounts match what's in this booklet."

"Ah Zu, you will come with me to the Commander's mansion to apprehend Zuo Su."

Gao Ying, standing nearby, was alarmed. "Lord Sang, absolutely not! Zuo Su has operated in Cloud-Midst Commandery for many years, has numerous disciples and old subordinates, and controls the city gate guards and cavalry. If we provoke a mutiny, the consequences would be unimaginable. In my opinion, it would be better to first investigate the other individuals implicated in this booklet. If it's confirmed, then it won't be too late to apprehend Zuo Su."

The military forces in Cloud-Midst Commandery were divided into two factions: the Governor's Mansion was responsible for the field army, engaging invading demon races or quelling rebellions.

The Commander's mansion, on the other hand, commanded the soldiers at various city gates and the yamen constables, responsible for city defense and daily local security.

If a mutiny were to accidentally break out, it would be difficult for any of them to leave alive.

"On the contrary!" Sang Hong shook his head. "If we first investigate the other implicated individuals, given Zuo Su's deep roots in Cloud-Midst Commandery, none of this would escape his notice. If he truly is colluding with the demon race, this would only give him time to calmly prepare and rally forces against us."

"Now, we must strike with the speed of thunder. By first apprehending him, the ringleader, we can paralyze this entire interest group, denying them any chance to react. We can then slowly investigate the evidence. If it proves he was wrongly accused, we can release him then, and explaining the situation clearly won't cause any major issues."

"However, if it's proven he truly colluded with the demon race, we would have already apprehended him immediately. Any resulting unrest would then be minor."

After hearing his explanation, Gao Ying and the others were convinced. "Lord Sang has considered everything thoroughly."

Subsequently, Sang Hong and his group divided into several teams, heading towards their respective targets.

Seeing troops of Imperial Guards mobilized, the spies from various factions observing outside knew that something major was happening and rushed back to report to their respective masters.

Sang Hong paid them no mind; with so many people in motion, it was impossible to conceal their actions. The immediate priority was who could act faster.

Soon after, the group arrived at the Commander's mansion. Without waiting for the gatekeeper to announce them, they led their men directly inside.

Because they were imperial envoys, the guards outside the Commander's mansion dared not obstruct them. They could only retreat, watching in bewildered horror as the fierce Imperial Guards surged in.

Just then, Commander Zuo Su also rushed out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing the situation around him, his heart sank.

Nevertheless, he forced himself to remain calm and cupped his hands toward Sang Hong. "Lord Sang, what is the meaning of this?"

"You've committed a crime. Come with us," Sang Hong said expressionlessly, motioning for his subordinates to remove Zuo Su's official hat and apprehend him.

Zuo Su's expression changed. "Lord Sang, what do you mean by that?"

At this point, many surrounding guards also rushed forward to shield him. Clearly, after serving as Commander for so many years, he still had many trusted retainers by his side.

Sang Hong's eyes narrowed. "What, is Lord Zuo planning to defy an imperial order?"

"I wouldn't dare," Zuo Su said, the plump flesh on his face trembling slightly. "Lord Sang, you must at least let me know what this is about, right?"

Sang Hong gave him a deep look and said gravely, "Someone has reported you for colluding with the demon race and for years smuggling Yuan Stones and various military supplies."

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire scene erupted in an uproar, for this was a capital crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan.

The surrounding guards also turned to look at Zuo Su, their eyes filled with fear and suspicion.

"Slander! This is blatant slander!" Zuo Su exclaimed, his entire body trembling with rage. "Lord Sang, do not fall for this villain's cunning scheme."

Sang Hong said calmly, "I know my limits and will thoroughly investigate the truth of the matter. I will not wrongly accuse an innocent person, nor will I let a guilty one go free. If Lord Zuo is innocent, I will personally release you afterward and then offer myself for punishment. However, for now, I must trouble Lord Zuo to come with us."

After speaking, he gave Zu An a meaningful look. Zu An understood and personally led his men forward.

If Zuo Su, a dignified Commander, were to truly resist, the other guards would be unable to restrain him.

Zu An approached Zuo Su, wary that he might desperately lash out.

Although many guards in the Commander's mansion had instinctively lowered their blades, some loyal retainers still remained. Seeing this, they stepped forward, seemingly ready to intervene at Zuo Su's command.

Zuo Su waved his hand, signaling them not to act impulsively. "Very well. I trust Lord Sang's integrity; he is certainly not someone who would frame another. I am willing to go with you and cooperate with your investigation."

As he spoke, he removed his official hat.

"Begging your pardon, Lord Zuo." Zu An quickly reached out and sealed several major acupoints on Zuo Su's body, preventing his internal energy from circulating, rendering him no different from an ordinary person at that moment.

"Young Master Zu, your cultivation at such a young age is truly astonishing," Zuo Su said, staring at him in surprise. Although he had given up resisting, he was still a top master; those with lower cultivation might not even be able to break his defenses, let alone subdue him instantly.

"You flatter me, Lord Zuo. It's all thanks to your cooperation," Zu An replied with a smile.

Zuo Su's expression softened slightly. The young man certainly knew how to speak, saving him face.

Sang Hong then took Zuo Su back to the temporary residence. At the same time, all other implicated officials and Zuo Su's trusted associates from the Commander's mansion were apprehended.

With such a major incident occurring at the Commander's mansion, news quickly spread throughout Cloud-Midst City.

At the Governor's Mansion, the officials were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

"Governor, if Sang Hong dared to arrest Zuo Su directly today, wouldn't he dare to come for you next?"

Jian Taiding's expression remained calm as he sipped his tea before saying indifferently, "He doesn't have the guts. Gentlemen, there's no need to worry; everything is under control."

At the Yu family's residence, an exceptionally beautiful woman lay half-reclined on a couch. After hearing the intelligence brought by Xing Nu, she mused, "This Sang Hong truly keeps still, but when he moves, he strikes with the force of thunder."

Xing Nu said worriedly, "Should we take some precautions in advance?"

Yu Yanluo shook her head. "We will wait and see."

In the hidden courtyard of the Prince of Qi's heir, Han Fengqiu reported the various happenings. Zhao Zhi chuckled lightly, "This Sang Hong is quite bold, not even afraid of inciting a mutiny. Keep a close eye on the situation and see if he needs our help."

At the Zhenyuan Merchant Guild, Qian Dong and several other managers met with Tang Tian'er in a secret room. "Miss, could this incident be directed at us?"