Having returned from Yongfu Pawnshop, Shen Changqing once again fell into a life of leisure. Despite the troublesome duty of being the Defender of Lin’an City, the city was, in fact, at its most peaceful when the Demon’s Essence Blood had not truly emerged.
Shen Changqing couldn’t be bothered to pay much attention to the people from the five factions. As for other wandering individuals from Jianghu, they weren’t even qualified to catch his notice.
So, during these past few days, he kept a low profile. He would either visit Yongfu Pawnshop to check on the latest developments, stay at the inn, or take in the local culture and customs of Lin’an City.
At the Yamen, after Zhao Fang’s death, the appointment of a new County Magistrate had yet to arrive, leading to a headless state of affairs. Only the Principal Clerk and Adviser were there to barely hold the fort, preventing the Yamen from completely falling into disarray.
Regarding this, Shen Changqing didn’t intervene much. His mission was only to ensure the safety of the civilians in Lin’an City; whether the Yamen was in chaos or not did not concern him greatly.
「Zhao Family. In front of the house.」
"Lord Shen," Hong Cheng, temporarily acting as the arrest officer, said with a troubled expression, "these past few days, people from the Zhao Family have continuously tried to escape, but we’ve driven them back. However, the Yamen is short-staffed. If this continues long-term, mistakes are inevitable."
As no orders had come down, the Zhao Family members could neither be killed nor released. However, if anyone from the Zhao Family escaped, it would become a significant problem for them.
Zhao Fang’s collusion with Demon Evil was no secret, and the Zhao Family members were well aware of it. Such a crime, once judged, was very likely to result in the execution of the entire family.
Shen Changqing’s expression remained calm as he looked at the walls of the Zhao Family residence. "I have already sent a message back to the Demon-Subduing Division. Before long, the judgment on the Zhao Family will be passed down. If anyone tries to escape in the meantime, they will be dealt with on charges of fleeing out of fear of crime."
"What do you mean, Lord Shen?"
"Kill!" Shen Changqing uttered the word with icy severity.
Hong Cheng’s heart jolted. Kill! This was an order to begin the slaughter of the Zhao Family!
Just then, the firmly locked gates of the compound suddenly burst open. Over a dozen servants rushed out and were instantly met by several government officials drawing their swords to block them.
"Without orders from above, not a single person from the Zhao Family is allowed to leave!"
"Go back! All of you, go back! Or else, don’t blame my blade for showing no mercy—"