Protect Our Clan Leader

In the past, they had indeed successfully completed many transactions, and had acquired large amounts of gold and silver.

But this time, just as the two sides were about to make their trade, they were ambushed by Meng Yuanbai and others who had laid in wait beforehand, leading a group of experts to capture all involved in the transaction in one fell swoop.

The entire arrest operation seemed to have divine assistance, going exceptionally smoothly.

Meng Yuanbai, who oversaw the capture, looked at the arrested South Qin merchants, the large hoard of gold and silver seized, as well as the ship full of smuggled salt, iron, and grains, and was extremely excited.

This was indeed a great achievement~ Perhaps with this merit, he might even have the possibility of advancing further in the future. And the Meng Family would rise along with him, possibly reaching the Third Grade someday.

As soon as the two current offenders from the Jiaolong Gang were caught, Meng Yuanbai immediately started the interrogation that very night.

However, as the Three Talents Chief, Meng Yuanbai was not skilled in interrogation, so he only presided over the proceedings, leaving the interrogation to the Supervisory Bureau Master Zhao Zhicai and Inspectorate Bureau Master Chen Jinghu.

Both were skilled interrogators, and before the day even dawned, the two apprehended heads of the Jiaolong Gang couldn't withstand the pressure and disclosed everything about the incident, without omitting a single detail.

It was not that their willpower was lacking, but they themselves had been quite reluctant to be involved in this matter and were full of guilt, so what pride could they speak of? In fact, those who truly have pride would be unlikely to engage in such acts for the sake of money.

Before confessing,

Meng Yuanbai and the other two were harboring excitement and anticipation for promotion and wealth in their hearts, but after the confessions, they felt as if a depth charge had been dropped into their hearts, leaving them dazed and their heads buzzing.

Meng Yuanbai shook as he held the confession.

"Impossible!" Zhao Zhicai of the Zhao Clan did not believe it, his face grim, "Their smuggling operation must have been instigated by the Changning Wang family. It must be the Wang family who has something on them, deliberately making them frame our Zhao Clan, framing my brother Zhikun."

With that, Zhao Zhicai's face hardened as he demanded to coerce a confession.

What he didn't expect was that Meng Yuanbai and Chen Jinghu, who had previously been in the same camp, blocked him at the same time.

"Director Meng, Brother Jinghu, what are you doing?" Zhao Zhicai asked in slight astonishment.

Chen Jinghu said coldly, "First, their testimonies are clear and logical, with many details and evidence provided. Second, since this case now alleges involvement of the Zhao Clan, Brother Zhicai, it is proper that you recuse yourself and no longer participate in this case."

"Are you... are you opposing our Zhao Clan? Opposing our Old Ancestor Hong Bo?" Zhao Zhicai's face turned greenish-black with anger, and he threatened with a chilly expression, "You'd better think it through."

"Zhao Zhicai!" Meng Yuanbai said sternly, "Do you realize how much attention this case is getting? Can you clear your mind? Under such scrutiny, not to mention the Prime Minister, even His Majesty would not dare act unjustly!"

"You speak improperly, Brother Meng," said Chen Jinghu with a stern face, "The Inspectorate has always been fair and just, right is right, wrong is wrong. Whether it is the Wang family or the Zhao Clan behind this case is yet to be determined. However, as the sages of the Inspectorate have taught us, the Inspectorate must be just and unyielding."

"Jinghu, you are young, yet full of integrity," Meng Yuanbai replied with an imposing manner, "Indeed, the Three Talents Section is loyal to His Majesty and Da Qian, and every action must be worthy of His Majesty's divine grace and the scrutiny of the countless citizens of Da Qian."

The two took turns speaking righteously, but at that moment, both Meng Yuanbai and Chen Jinghu were inwardly cursing up a storm, as if they had been trampled by ten thousand mud horses.

By now, what didn't they understand? They had been dragged into the power struggle between the Wang family and the Zhao Clan!

And obviously, it was the Wang family, not wanting to get their hands dirty, that had used them, Meng Yuanbai and Chen Jinghu, as a knife to be plunged into the chest of the Zhao Clan!

To use another's hand to kill; to conquer without a battle!

What made them most infuriated was that they had no choice but to do exactly as the other party wished and obediently stab the Zhao Clan.

Because they simply had no other option.

The case of the Changning Wang family smuggling and conspiring with enemies had blown up to such an extent, that almost all prominent families were paying attention, even the Great Emperor had sent eunuchs to inquire several times. At this point, they were being held to the fire, only able to move forward, unable to retreat.

If the knife didn't stab the Zhao Clan, it would turn back and stab them instead, possibly even resulting in being directly accused of collusion. Cruel! Too cruel!

That Wang Shouzhe, truly a harsh schemer!

...