"Your Excellency, weren't those actions secretly instigated by you?"
If it weren't for the governor's personal instruction to capture Gong Tao at all costs, how could a mere squad leader have dared to take such extreme measures on his own?
"You're facing a desperate situation, yet you still dare to frame me? You're really tired of living!"
Peng Ting stared intently at Governor Chang's utterly indifferent face, a chill creeping into his heart before he regained his composure. He hurriedly knelt down, his voice trembling, "I know my crime, please forgive me, Your Excellency!"
Governor Chang sneered, his tone chilling, "I once said that if you can handle this matter properly, even a crime can be turned into a merit. But if you can't even handle this trivial matter properly, then the consequences... you should know very well."
Peng Ting's back was soaked with cold sweat. He said urgently, "I am only able to secure a place in the prefectural government because of your esteemed assistance, sir. I am naturally willing to go through fire and water, even to my death, for you. But..."
"But what?"
Peng Ting hesitated for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth and said, "In the past, the person in charge of investigating cases and apprehending criminals in the prefectural government was Magistrate Qiao. Now that Magistrate Qiao has been suspended from his post, and Constable Cui has also disappeared, I was not originally appointed to this position, so naturally I lack the proper methods to carry out my duties. If I could get their assistance..."
"If I were to use them, what role do you think you would have left?"
Governor Chang's face was ashen. He interrupted Peng Ting, his tone icy: "Let me tell you the truth, the case of the murder of the Prefect of Wusu remains unresolved. The imperial court is extremely concerned about this case and has already dispatched a new prefect to take over the affairs of this prefecture and to be fully responsible for the trial. Even I can only serve as a juror. If you cannot bring Gong Tao to justice before the new prefect arrives, hmph..."
He let out two cold laughs, "Given what you've done, I'm afraid even I can't offer you protection!"
Not only would he not protect Peng Ting, but if Peng Ting were implicated, he would be the first to hand him over.
Peng Ting gradually grasped the deeper meaning behind this, realizing that he was merely an insignificant pawn manipulated by Governor Chang. However, it was too late for regrets.
He swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he asked, "Sir, what should I do now?"
"For the past two months, the city gates have been heavily guarded. Anyone with scars on their face or thick hair and beard has been detained and interrogated, but to no avail. Gong Tao must still be hiding in the city."
Governor Chang narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Where was Gong Tao last seen?"
Peng Ting replied, "It is at Jiang's residence."
"Jiang? That's the woman from a prominent family. I remember some of your brothers also met with misfortune there, didn't they?"
“That’s true.” A hint of indignation flashed in Peng Ting’s eyes.
"So, have you noticed anything unusual?"
Peng Ting shook his head slightly, "Although I had my doubts and even led people to investigate myself, I ultimately found nothing."
Governor Chang pondered for a moment and said, "She is just an ordinary woman. She traveled to Jizhou while pregnant and had a master like Ling Mo by her side. This is indeed unusual. However, it is precisely because of this that she raises even more suspicions."
Peng Ting's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said thoughtfully, "Gong Tao's appearance was precisely to save her. If it weren't for that, Shi would have been killed by us long ago..."
"nonsense!"
Governor Chang's face darkened, and he sternly interrupted him, "What does the misdeeds of bandits have to do with the government?"
Peng Ting's expression changed drastically, and he quickly slapped himself twice, saying, "My lord, please forgive me! I spoke without thinking!"
Governor Chang glared at him coldly, then suddenly seemed to understand something.
"Wait a minute, Ling Mo possesses extraordinary skills. If he were present, how could the bandits have possibly harmed Jiang Shi?"
Peng Ting was also stunned.
Yes, he was so focused on capturing Gong Tao that he never considered this point.
If Ling Mo were to make a move, the casualties would be heavy. With his strength, he could subdue the bandits in just a few moves. Why wait until the casualties are heavy and Gong Tao is brought to the fore?
unless……
He did not appear at that place initially, but arrived slowly later.
"Damn it!" Peng Ting roared in a low voice, his heart filled with resentment. "They didn't tell me a single thing about something so important!"
In the dead of night, Ling Mo had already boldly violated the curfew order!
"Utterly foolish, it's simply unbelievable!"
Governor Chang watched coldly, his gaze sharp as a knife. "If it weren't for the fact that Assistant Magistrate Qiao and his subordinate surnamed Cui had offended us so much, do you think this job would have fallen to you?"
"It was my oversight, sir, please calm down!" Peng Ting quickly kowtowed and apologized.
Governor Chang's gaze was deep, as if he deeply regretted his decision to promote Peng Ting.
However, regret was useless. The new prefect was about to take office, and he was determined to resolve the matter of Gong Tao thoroughly before the prefect arrived.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Regardless of Jiang's background, since Gong Tao appeared to save her and then mysteriously disappeared, she is equally suspicious. And Ling Mo, as a member of the martial arts world, has shown no restraint by trespassing. You must use all means to interrogate these two thoroughly. You have three days to bring Gong Tao before me, or else..."
"Your head will be in danger!"
Peng Ting trembled, realizing this was Governor Chang's final warning to him, and quickly kowtowed, replying, "Your subordinate obeys!"
Governor Chang didn't even glance at him, he just waved his sleeve.
After leaving the house, Peng Ting immediately went to the prefectural government training ground and picked up a gong to strike it loudly.
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