He waved his hand, and the constables immediately sprang into action.
When the bandit leader was lifted up, although his limbs were immobile, he was unusually lucid. He croaked hoarsely, "Gong Tao... he's here..."
"What!"
A flicker of fear crossed the squad leader's eyes as he strode toward him. "He's shown himself?"
The bandit leader nodded, his gaze turning solemn as he looked at the courtyard.
The head constable looked around but saw nothing unusual. He then walked up to Jiang Huaiyu and asked, "May I ask, Madam, besides these four thieves, have you seen any other people tonight?"
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, "There is indeed a fifth person, whose origins are unknown. He seems to have a tense relationship with these four, and they engaged in a fierce battle as soon as they met."
Do you know where he went?
Jiang Huaiyu shook her head slightly, "The scene was too chaotic at the time, and I didn't notice. It seems that the person suddenly disappeared before you arrived."
The squad leader sighed in disappointment and pointed at Ling Mo, demanding, "With your skills, how could you let him escape so easily?"
The bandit leader, who was barely breathing, suddenly pointed angrily at the man and said, "It was him! He protected Gong Tao and helped him escape. They are clearly in cahoots!"
Upon hearing this, the squad leader's eyes narrowed sharply, a dangerous glint flashing within them.
"Do you know that this man is a wanted criminal that the authorities are hunting down everywhere?"
Jiang Huaiyu's tone was icy: "Whether he is a criminal or not is none of our business. It is the government's duty to investigate criminals. We do not know who the wanted criminals are. We only know that the man just now helped us fend off this group of thieves. Besides, he came and went as he pleased. How could we possibly control him? If the Wusu government is so incompetent and ineffective, how can they shift the blame to innocent people?"
Her words were sharp, and the head constable dared not provoke her. He quickly explained, "Madam, please calm down. It was my carelessness in speaking. I had no intention of questioning you. However, Gong Tao is a wanted criminal, and this matter is of utmost importance. Since he appeared here tonight, please allow us to search this courtyard to ensure your safety. After all, he is suspected of committing a bloody crime, and this action is also out of concern for your safety."
Jiang Huaiyu did not refuse, but simply said, "Deal with it as soon as possible."
The squad leader respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute, then led his men to search the courtyard thoroughly.
The main house's door was wide open, facing the courtyard, and the interior furnishings were completely visible. Even the wardrobe, the only possible hiding place, was open. The foreman knew this was Jiang Huaiyu's residence and dared not be too offensive. He only conducted a quick search inside before leaving to inspect the other rooms.
After the search was completed, the constables gathered in the courtyard.
A faint smile appeared on Jiang Huaiyu's lips as she asked, "So, have you found anything?"
The head constable clasped his hands in a fist salute and replied, "The wanted criminal is not here. We have disturbed your peace tonight, so we will take these thieves back to the yamen first. As for your family's injured members, I will send a physician to treat them later."
Just as he was about to turn and leave, Jiang Huaiyu suddenly called out to him, "Wait, I still have something to ask you."
"May I ask what you wish to know, Madam?"
Jiang Huaiyu carefully scanned their faces and asked in confusion, "I remember that the person who directed the pursuit of the criminal was a constable surnamed Cui. Why is he nowhere to be seen today?"
Chief Constable Cui was a capable subordinate of Magistrate Qiao. She had interacted with him during the handling of the Cao Xin case, and thus had a deep impression of him.
But the officials who appeared here tonight were all unfamiliar faces, which aroused suspicion.
The squad leader was taken aback, and asked in surprise, "Madam actually knows Officer Cui?"
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, "I have a close relationship with the wife of Magistrate Qiao and often visit the Qiao residence. During this time, I have had the honor of meeting Constable Cui a few times. I have heard that he is highly skilled in martial arts and is one of the best in the Wusu government in catching murderers. It is quite unexpected that I did not see him today, hence my question."
Upon hearing this, the squad leader became even more convinced of her identity.
After all, before he was dismissed, Qiao Tongzhi was the second-in-command of the Wusu government. Being able to associate with the Qiao family was no small matter.
His eyes flickered as he respectfully replied, "Madam may not know, but Constable Cui had to ask for leave from the yamen due to an urgent matter at home, so he was unable to participate in tonight's operation."
Jiang Huaiyu asked again, puzzled, "Now that the prefect has unfortunately been murdered and Lord Qiao has been dismissed and is living in seclusion, I wonder who you belong to...?"
The squad leader replied, "I am a squad leader recently promoted by the governor."
"So that's how it is."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, her tone amiable, "The squad leader must concentrate on handling this case; I should not disturb you any further."
"Then, we'll take our leave."
As soon as he finished speaking, the squad leader led everyone out one by one.
Jiang Huaiyu's gaze followed their departing figures closely, but his brows remained furrowed. The behavior of these officials was quite different from that of Qiao Tongzhi when he was in office, revealing an indescribable eerie atmosphere.
The most shocking scene was the sudden arrival of these people. Instead of rushing to arrest the criminals, they intended to capture the brave man who had repelled the villains and made great contributions. What was even more puzzling was the unusually strange behavior of the bandits when they were arrested.
So, what secrets is that burly man with a full beard hiding?
The authorities considered him the ringleader, and these thieves were his sworn enemies. However, observing his every move revealed that he seemed completely unrelated to the listed crimes.
Did he really commit the heinous crime of assassinating the prefect?
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