Chapter 1033: God Dragon Seen Only Head, Not Tail

“Of course not!” Xu Yu exclaimed, startled. Turning to face the county soldiers, he shouted, “Put down your weapons now, quickly!”

He was the second-most powerful official in Yunzhong Commandery, usually on equal footing with Zuo Su and highly respected. Upon hearing his command, the county soldiers began to lay down their weapons one by one.

The county soldiers had no intention of rebelling in the first place. Once the first person led the way, the sounds of weapons being dropped continued without end.

It was then that Sang Hong spoke: “County Lieutenant Dong Jin, for coercing county soldiers to attack the imperial envoy’s residence, deserves immediate execution. However, considering his concern for the Commandery Governor’s safety, it is somewhat excusable. For now, he will be detained and released only after investigations confirm he is not involved in this case.”

“During this period, Gao Ying will temporarily serve as County Lieutenant to maintain order in Yunzhong Commandery.”

Gao Ying was momentarily stunned, but he quickly recovered. Hearing the instruction, he immediately led a team of Imperial Guardsmen into the midst of the county soldiers. “I will not fail in my duty!” he declared.

For a scion of a powerful clan like him, a mere county lieutenant position held little appeal. However, it was clear that controlling military power was the immediate objective.

Sang Hong nodded. Gao Ying’s composed demeanor was reassuring. With him as County Lieutenant, even if he couldn’t fully control the soldiers in the short term, having someone there would always be beneficial.

Of course, this task was quite dangerous; if the mid-to-high-ranking officers genuinely intended to rebel, Gao Ying would be in peril. But at the moment, there was no time to worry about that.

He looked at Xu Yu, who was standing nearby. “Does Assistant Governor Xu have any objections to this arrangement?”

Xu Yu’s expression flickered slightly, but he immediately replied, “Stabilizing the situation is paramount right now. How could this humble official have any objections?”

He then waved his hand at the county soldiers. “Why aren’t you quickly paying respects to the new County Lieutenant?”

“Greetings, County Lieutenant,” the soldiers said weakly as they bowed to Gao Ying, clearly doing so out of compulsion.

“Gao Ying, take them back to their posts first. Everyone, remember to maintain order in the city and prevent ruffians from seizing opportunities,” Sang Hong instructed. His priority was to disperse the county soldiers and defuse the immediate crisis.

As for how to appease them after they left, that would test Gao Ying’s capabilities. After spending this time together, he trusted Gao Ying had that ability.

“Understood!” Gao Ying saluted, summoned a group of Imperial Guardsmen, and then led the county soldiers away in an orderly fashion.

After they had left, Sang Hong looked at Xu Yu. “It’s quite a coincidence that you arrived at just this moment, Minister Xu.”

To not come earlier or later, but to appear precisely when they had just quelled the disturbance, made it difficult not to be suspicious.

Xu Yu gave a wry smile. “I rushed here as soon as I received the news. Although it’s a bit late, at least things didn’t escalate beyond control. Minister Sang, what exactly happened? Why was Minister Zuo suddenly arrested?”

His unspoken message was: *Even though I arrived a bit late, I still helped you round up the county soldiers. Even if there’s no credit, there’s still the trouble I went through.*

Sang Hong understood the implied meaning and, naturally, found it difficult to get angry. Just as he was about to answer, the hurried sound of hooves echoed, and several more groups of people approached from a distance.

Leading them were Jian Taiding, Pei Shao, the Yu Xuan Su and Yu Xuan Qing brothers, and other various officials.

Jian Taiding, on horseback, was the first to reach the entrance. He said coldly, “Minister Sang, why such a commotion?”

Behind him followed a squad of soldiers, visibly much more elite than the previous county soldiers.

Sang Hong replied coolly, “County Lieutenant Dong Jin just led soldiers to attack the imperial envoy’s residence. Is Minister Jian perhaps planning to follow suit?”

Jian Taiding’s eyes narrowed, but he did not respond. The scene immediately fell into an eerie silence.

Sang Hong stood proudly. Although the other party was a Grandmaster and had more soldiers, they were imperial envoys, backed by the court, and had Golden Plaque Eleven assisting them.

Therefore, even if they were outmatched, their morale could not falter. At the very least, they had to die with dignity.

Zu An moved to Sang Hong’s side, worried that Jian Taiding might try to capture the leader first. He had to protect his nominal father-in-law.

Feeling his movement, Sang Hong’s heart warmed. Indeed, it was family one could rely on.

At this point, Jian Taiding smiled. “Minister Sang, you worry too much. I merely heard that Minister Zuo had been arrested, so I came to see what exactly happened.”

With that, he dismounted. The tense officials nearby collectively sighed in relief, truly fearing he might act impulsively.

In such a scenario, which side would the officials of Yunzhong Commandery support? If they sided with Jian Taiding, it would be considered treason by the court later.

If they sided with the imperial envoys, they might not even live to see the day end.

At this, Sang Hong also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. “This official previously received a real-name report accusing Minister Zuo of colluding with the demon race, smuggling essence stones and strategic materials strictly prohibited by the court. That is why Minister Zuo was initially taken into custody. Once it is confirmed that Minister Zuo is innocent, his reputation will certainly be cleared.”

Although many had heard rumors beforehand, the group was still thrown into an uproar after Sang Hong personally confirmed it:

“There must be some misunderstanding!”

“Minister Zuo has always been diligent and dedicated. How could he possibly collude with the demon race?”

“This must be a frame-up!”

Sang Hong’s gaze swept over the clamoring officials. He said calmly, “Since you speak with such certainty, do any of you dare to vouch for Minister Zuo with your lives and fortunes?”

The officials’ expressions immediately froze. They had merely been speaking out of camaraderie, so why was this fellow not playing fair?

Since the other party dared to arrest Zuo Su, they clearly possessed some evidence. In this situation, who would dare to guarantee his innocence?

If the charges were indeed proven, wouldn’t they all be ruined?

At this point, Jian Taiding spoke up: “May I ask who this real-name informant is, and what kind of evidence led Minister Sang to directly make an arrest?”

Sang Hong’s face was devoid of expression. “We are obligated to keep the informant’s identity confidential and protect their safety. As for the evidence, please forgive us for not being able to disclose anything until the case has been fully investigated.”

Seeing his unyielding stance, Jian Taiding was somewhat annoyed. “I’ve heard that many officials have died while being apprehended by you. You must follow rules when investigating cases, right? How can you kill people without clearing anything up first?”

With him leading, the others also stirred, denouncing the imperial envoys. They too were officials of Yunzhong Commandery, and who knew if the same fate might befall them?

Zu An, who was standing nearby, interjected, “It wasn’t us who killed them. When our people found them, they had either fled or were already dead. So, there must be a mastermind behind all of this. If Minister Jian knows anything, perhaps you could provide some clues. Who in the entire Yunzhong Commandery possesses such great power?”

Jian Taiding’s expression changed. The other party’s words were clearly a veiled accusation against him. Who else in Yunzhong Commandery could possess such immense power apart from him?

Even the other officials present involuntarily looked at him.

Jian Taiding was furious inwardly, but he couldn’t show it at this moment. “Forgive my ignorance, I wasn’t aware there was such a formidable figure in Yunzhong Commandery.”

He did not wish to dwell on this topic, so he turned to Sang Hong. “Minister Sang, may we visit Minister Zuo?”

Sang Hong shook his head. “Since the case has not yet been thoroughly investigated, and to prevent the exchange of information, Minister Zuo cannot be allowed to contact anyone else at this time.”

Jian Taiding’s face darkened. “Does Minister Sang imply that we would collude with Minister Zuo?”

Other officials also chimed in, clearly displeased at being implicated.

Sang Hong said calmly, “That is not what this official meant. However, this case is highly unusual and requires extreme caution. Our decision was made with your interests in mind, to prevent anyone from being inadvertently implicated.”

“If Minister Zuo is innocent, then your not seeing him will have no impact.”

“If Minister Zuo is indeed as the report claims, then it’s likely his accomplices who are most eager to see him now.”

As he spoke, he deliberately scanned the entire room.

Jian Taiding’s breath hitched. With the other party having said that, if he were to persist, wouldn’t it confirm the accusation of being Zuo Su’s accomplice?

“Then I hope Minister Sang uncovers the truth soon, lest a major disturbance erupts in Yunzhong Commandery.” After saying this, he turned and left abruptly.

Once he left, the others also took their leave one by one.

Xu Yu hesitated to speak several times, but ultimately sighed and departed as well.

Watching them leave, Sang Hong instructed the Imperial Guardsmen, “Guard the residence thoroughly. Not even a fly is to be allowed in!”

“Understood!”

Sang Hong arranged for Dong Jin to be taken away and held in solitary confinement, to prevent him from colluding with Zuo Su.

Zu An seized the opportunity to ask, “Why is Jian Taiding showing such concern for Minister Zuo after this incident, especially since they were clearly at odds before?”

Sang Hong snorted coldly. “When has what’s in one’s heart ever matched what’s on one’s lips in official circles? He’s probably just using this opportunity to put on a show and distance himself. He’ll probably be grinning from ear to ear once he gets back.”

Pei You, standing nearby, said gratefully, “Fortunately, Golden Plaque Eleven and Brother Zu were here just now. Otherwise, if a fight had broken out, there would have been countless casualties.”

Sang Hong looked up at the second floor. “Where is Minister Eleven? Quickly, go invite him down. We must thank him properly.”

He also wanted to discuss the current situation with him.

Soon, a guard ran back. “Minister Eleven has vanished!”

Pei You exclaimed in amazement, “Minister Eleven truly appears and disappears like a divine dragon!”

Sang Hong, however, frowned. “Given the current situation, isn’t he going to consult with us?”

Zu An lightly coughed. “I’m sure Minister Eleven has his reasons. But he will definitely be guarding us silently from the shadows. Let’s resolve the matters here ourselves.”