While listening to Zhao Zhen's report, Zhang San looked at the surrounding scene. After a while, the two of them walked to the City God Temple again. The scene was almost the same as when they first entered the city.
It’s a pity that just like Zhuqiao Street, everything has changed in just a few days.
According to Zhang San's original intention, he was going to visit General Li Wenzhong again, but when Zhao Zhen said the four words "suspected ghost infestation", Zhang San stopped moving forward.
"Tell me more about it."
"Yes, sir, the cause of this incident can be traced back to seven days ago. Not long after you left, a batch of high-quality antiques flowed into the market in Taiping County through unknown channels, including official kiln porcelain such as Yuan blue and white porcelain.
According to the laws of the Great Jin Dynasty, such things of unknown origin should be treated as stolen goods. If the stolen goods include antiques, they even need to be handed over to the Jingye Division to determine whether there are any magical instruments mixed in.
It’s just that because the Taiping Guard had suffered severe damage before, without the leadership of veterans, those of us who had just entered the system found it a bit difficult to cope with it.
Before we could react, those things had already been divided up by the local gentry. If it weren't for Mr. Wu reporting it later, we wouldn't even know about it.
I am indeed to blame for this matter, and I hope you will deal with me accordingly."
A strong dragon will not suppress a local snake. Although Zhang San promoted Zhao Zhen to a small flag before leaving and asked him to recruit new men to form the Taiping Guard, before the court dispatched soldiers, the 112 men of the Taiping Guard could not be left vacant, even if it was simply for the purpose of maintaining public order.
After all, he is a newcomer and has never been involved in this industry before, so it is understandable that some mistakes are made.
But what made Zhang San curious was that since he had already taken it, why did Wu Yingyuan spit it out? In connection with the beheading case mentioned by Zhao Zhen before, Zhang San spoke directly without even having to think about it.
"It seems that this batch of goods is a bit hot. Those who were beheaded could not be the ones who divided up the antiques."
"Your Excellency has a keen eye. It is indeed true. According to the autopsy report provided by the coroner, the first victim should be Mr. Qian, the owner of Tianqin Pawnshop.
The crime happened seven days ago, to be exact, it should have been around midnight.
It seemed that in order to appreciate the antiques alone, Boss Qian did not even enter the concubine's room that night. He locked himself in the study.
When the maid went to serve with toiletries the next day, she found that the man had been murdered.
After the incident, I went to the scene to see it. The head was cut off with one knife, clean and neat. If it wasn’t done by an expert, ordinary people would never be able to do it.”
Seeing that Zhang San didn't say anything, Zhao Zhen continued speaking.
"Because there was not much evidence at the time, we could only classify it as homicide. In order not to alert the enemy, we did not issue a warrant for arrest, but only conducted a survey in Taiping County first. After all, not many people have such skills.
Compared to the influence of Zhuqiao Street, this beheading incident was not a big deal, but the surprising thing happened. After Boss Qian was beheaded, the next one was Boss Lu, the tea merchant, and Boss Su, the silk merchant...
During those days, every morning when we woke up, there would be a wealthy man beheaded. After the lady's reasoning, we gradually found their common points. However, just when we were about to protect Mr. Wu who was still safe, he showed up with antiques.
The door-knocking ghost beheading incident also started from this point! "
Since he was not particularly sure about the status of the local City God, Zhang San always avoided the City God Temple when discussing official business. The two of them talked as they walked, and soon left the area of the City God Temple.
After a long journey, Zhang San was exhausted, so he ordered two bowls of plain noodles on the street. Ignoring Zhao Zhen's surprise, he started eating.
This does not mean that Zhang San is dissatisfied with Zhao Zhen's handling measures. After all, with Gu Xuanyan watching over it, it is unlikely that there will be any major chaos in Taiping County.
The reason why Zhang San was so comfortable at this moment was entirely because this time the ghost plague had helped him a lot without him realizing it. If they were not in different camps, Zhang San would even be ready to give the other party a Good Citizen Award.
"Don't be anxious. Take your time."
“Two days ago, at the young lady’s suggestion, when we were about to rush to Mr. Wu’s house, the other party was waiting at the gate of Taipingwei early in the morning. As soon as the door opened, Mr. Wu handed over all the antiques in his hands.
Judging from what he said, the beheading ghost had indeed looked for him. However, unlike other people, Master Wu was a cultivator after all, so he was naturally courageous.
Strangely enough, the other party knocked on the door and threatened to attack, but Mr. Wu refused to open the door. The two of them remained in a stalemate all night, and then as soon as the day broke, the other party disappeared without a trace.
At first, Master Wu was a little worried, so he didn't go out. It was not until the maid came over that he realized that the other party had really left.
After all, as a senior who has worked hard in the business world, the old man's courage is truly admirable. After understanding the interests involved, he handed over all the antiques early in the morning.
Moreover, Master Wu not only gave out information about people buying antiques, but he even gave out the local robber who sold the goods.
Although they knew that the road ahead was difficult and bumpy, but with the support of a lofty sense of mission, the brothers were not afraid of life and death, and they overcame all obstacles along the way, and finally captured the leading tomb robber.
As for the vendor who sold the Five Emperors’ coins, he should be the last batch of tomb robbers. These guys don’t have any other skills, but they can escape quickly…”
Without caring about how much water was mixed in the information Zhao Zhen said, in just a short while, Zhang San had quietly finished a bowl of plain noodles. The warmth emanating from his stomach made Zhang San feel like he was alive again.
Calling others "boss", but changing to "old man" when he arrived at Wuying, should we say that Gu Xuanyan disguised herself well? Or is this old man good at winning people's hearts? Glancing at Zhao Zhen's bulging purse and his disdainful expression towards Yangchun noodles, Zhang San felt that the latter was more likely. It was at this moment that Zhang San realized the failure of Ma Xianhong.
Is it right or wrong to save the hard training process and let the other party gain power directly? Every family has its own problems, and Zhang San has already entered the working state without saying anything. After pushing away the two bowls in front of him, he asked.
"Knocking on the door to ask for directions, then beheading when the door opens. The method should be quite powerful, but it is not difficult to guard against. It is normal that there are no casualties."
Mr. Zhao, what is the name of that local scholar?
"Wu...Wu Tianzhen."
Zhang San's voice was still as calm and indifferent as before, without any joy or sadness, and without any depth, as if no matter how bad the situation was, it would be difficult to shake the peace in his heart.
But just this one call of "Sir Zhao" shocked Zhao Zhen so much that he was stunned on the spot. Especially when he saw the bowl of plain noodles pushed aside, Zhao Zhen no longer had the courage to look at Zhang San.
"Phew, the noodles here are still delicious. Boss, pay the bill!"
"My Lord, I..."
"Take care of yourself!"