Chapter Ninety-Eight: Advancing by Retreating

He was actually bested by a mere greenhorn. Such a humiliating disgrace.

“If that’s truly the case, then that person must have come prepared. Opening a so-called hotpot restaurant has directly impacted the businesses of our several other taverns.”

“Indirectly, it has also supported the Zhou family and suppressed our chiffon and yarn industry.”

Gradually, the matter became clear.

“Father, we cannot endure this any longer. We must have Prince Yan come here to handle this matter, or else those copper mines will be unearthed too…”

That was the crux of the issue.

If others discovered the copper mines, their lives would be forfeit.

“I have my arrangements,” Old Master Du said resolutely.

They absolutely had to eliminate this man.

But the assassins they sent either returned empty-handed or died halfway, none coming close to Han Qing.

Had his skill truly reached such a level?

He was indeed not to be underestimated.

To give Prince Yan a legitimate reason to take over the affairs, they began spreading rumors.

After all, there had been three murders in Blue City, and over two months had passed without a resolution.

The imperial magistrates sent by the court were no better than this.

Naturally, some of the townsfolk began to harbor doubts.

Was it that the appointed officials were negligent?

Or were they colluding with each other?

Truth or falsehood no longer mattered.

The key was to summon Zhou Chenjing to Luojing and strip him of all his power.

“Young Master Han, you must help me this time. The people of the city are full of grievances, mostly questioning why the murder cases remain unsolved and why the city feels unsafe.”

“I cannot help. You must confess voluntarily and return to Luojing.”

What?

Zhou Chenjing was dumbfounded.

Why such rashness?

“But we had already agreed to cooperate. You can’t just abandon me halfway.”

“Minister Chen, I will indeed help you solve these cases. But given your current position, you ought to confess. The people’s suspicions are not baseless, and besides, it’s better to cast a long line to catch a big fish.”

Was it not so?

His words were light yet resolute.

He immediately understood.

“Thank you for your advice.”

Remaining in Blue City would only prevent the capture of the culprit and stir more public resentment.

And if Minister Cheng took the initiative to explain the reasons, His Majesty would surely not blame him.

This strategic retreat would instead unravel Old Master Du’s plot.

Only two or three days after the news broke, Chen Tianwei hurried back to Luojing.

She informed the current emperor that Minister Chen’s abilities were insufficient and that he was no longer fit to serve in the Southern City.

She also recommended someone in his place.

None other than His Highness Prince Yan.

This perfectly aligned with Old Master Du’s plan.

Young Master Du rushed over to relay the news.

“Father, Prince Yan will soon depart for Southern City to take over all affairs. Our plan has succeeded.”

He said excitedly.

But the old man before him felt something was amiss.

“Are you sure this was our plan?”

“I heard Chen Tianwei resigned voluntarily and recommended Prince Yan.”

He nodded.

Old Master Du was filled with suspicion, sensing something strange.

Everything was proceeding too smoothly, as if others already knew his intentions and were simply going with the flow.

This made them wary.

“No need to get so excited. Everything remains as before.”

Three days later, Prince Yan arrived in Blue City in grand fashion.

At that moment, he probably had no idea that many matters were already beyond his control.

The local magistrate received him.

After all, being an imperial relative, any negligence would be beyond their capacity to handle.

“I have heard that three murders have occurred here and remain unresolved. His Majesty is aware of the severity and has sent me specially,” he said with a composed expression.

He seemed truly intent on serving the people.

Upon hearing this, many locals expressed their gratitude, relieved that they no longer had to live in constant fear.

Yet, the process of investigating the cases was far from easy.

Seizing the opportunity, Old Master Du repeatedly spoke with Prince Yan, recounting every detail of the events.

“The three deceased were all candidates in the imperial examinations, but their families all had some connection to the copper mines.”

Old Master Du spoke candidly.

After all, he was behind these three deaths; if he didn’t clarify the facts, how could Prince Yan investigate?

“Are you certain no one else knows of this?”

The prince asked calmly.

He seemed indifferent to the deaths of these three, more concerned with expanding the copper mining operations.

“Yes.”

“Then just pin the crimes on a few random people. Since all the victims were exam candidates, it could be a vendetta or the work of bandits.”

He offered a reasonable explanation.

There was no need for panic at this time.

“Prince, isn’t it a bit too hasty to close the cases so inexplicably?”

Old Master Du hurriedly cautioned.

He originally wanted Prince Yan to help him deal with Han Qing; was it absurd to frame someone else?

“Do you have a suitable candidate?”

“My taverns have recently been troubled by one individual. When he first arrived in Blue City, he happened to stay at the same inn as two of the deceased. If we place the blame on him, wouldn’t it be justifiable?”

Prince Yan nodded.

“Very well. Proceed as you say.”

Without further words, a large group of soldiers suddenly stormed the hotpot restaurant.

Judging by the scene, they were there to make an arrest.

“Who is Han Qing?”

The leader stepped forward to seize Han Qing.

Given the circumstances, there was hardly any chance to resist.

“I am Han Qing. His Highness visits in person—what is the meaning of this? Do you suspect I am the murderer of these three? Arresting me without proper evidence is rather reckless, isn’t it?”

Han Qing spoke calmly and unyieldingly.

He had long anticipated that Old Master Du would pin all the crimes on him.

Thus, he had prepared a countermeasure in advance.

But the proper procedures could not be bypassed.

“You stayed at the same inn with the two deceased that night, in close proximity. With no other suspects entering or leaving, you are the most likely culprit!”

“Oh?”

“Prince, convicting me on mere hearsay and sending this to Luojing would surely become a laughingstock?”

He remained composed and fearless.