Above the Galaxy
Chapter 553 - 343: I have a treasure that you will definitely be interested in!_2

Chapter 553: Chapter 343: I have a treasure that you will definitely be interested in!_2

There’s nothing to reward, no need for further rewards.

Kill them cleanly.

"Don’t be nervous, I’m not the kind to kill the donkey after it’s done grinding the mill," Phoenix said with a smile, "How about this, from now on, you’ll also be in charge of the business cooperation between the palace and the Violet Commerce Association."

Jin Dewang was overjoyed, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Mm, go about your business."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After Jin Dewang left, Phoenix walked over to the window, looking at the artificial mountains and pavilions in the courtyard, letting out a deep sigh.

The role that Chen Fenglei played in the Old Land case had been determined, so, who was the one directing him?

He was the Phoenix Palace manager, the person my father trusted most, there could only be one person who could direct him...

Why would father do this?

Using this pretext to wield the great slaughter knife towards all powers, causing a rolling of heads?

But, he could find countless excuses...

Why did he have to sacrifice his own daughter?

In his heart, was she just a chess piece? A tool to consolidate royal power?

Or perhaps Chen Fenglei had been bought over by my elder brother?

After all, my elder brother is the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, it made sense for Chen Fenglei to pave the way for his future.

But what could my elder brother gain from the Old Land case?

Phoenix’s mood was downcast and her mind in turmoil.

The subject of her suspicion was her own flesh and blood.

"Tang Fei..."

Her thoughts once again turned to Tang Fei.

Perhaps, in this world, he was the only person she could trust?

After all, he came from Old Land, helpless and unaffiliated in New Star, without entanglements with any powers.

He was untainted, pure.

And at the time of the Old Land case, he was with her on that deserted planet.

Without realizing when it had started, Tang Fei had become the most steadfast support in her heart.

------

Imperial Guard headquarters.

Chen Fenglei walked in with a stern expression, Li Baolin, and Bai Ye already waiting respectfully at the entrance.

"Manager Chen," Li Baolin stepped forward to greet him, speaking in a grave voice, "I have failed in my duties and disappointed you."

"Take me to Zhuang Zhongbing," Chen Fenglei continued walking, passing by Li Baolin without stopping.

Clearly, he was in an extremely bad mood.

"Yes, he’s in the morgue." Li Baolin signaled Bai Ye with a glance and hurried to lead the way in front of Chen Fenglei.

Bai Ye wore a bitter smile; Chen Fenglei hadn’t even glanced at him since arriving, signifying his profound disappointment.

This instance did not bode well for Bai Ye.

In the morgue, the bodies of Zhuang Zhongbing and his wife Wang Jing were laid side by side.

Chen Fenglei approached and closely inspected the cuts on their necks, saying, "No chance of resistance, a throat slit with a single sword stroke... and moreover, to have such a strong Sword Intent, I fear only a Cultivator above Ruyi Realm could achieve this."

"A Cultivator of Ruyi Realm?" Li Baolin’s expression turned serious as he said, "Zhuang Zhongbing usually only served inside the palace, barely interacting with the outside world. Who did he provoke to warrant a Ruyi Realm Cultivator to kill him?"

Chen Fenglei glanced at Li Baolin and asked, "Didn’t you find any clues at the scene?"

"By the time we arrived, Zhuang Zhongbing and his wife had been killed, and the Assassin had already fled the scene... We didn’t encounter the Assassin. I had people investigate the surrounding surveillance, but we didn’t find any suspicious individuals."

"Tell me the entire process of how you found Zhuang Zhongbing, from beginning to end. Leave no detail out." _{fre(e)webnove.l.c.om}

"Yes, Captain Bai Ye was responsible for the search, why don’t we have him report to Manager Chen?" Li Baolin cautiously suggested. "His report will be thorough and accurate."

He had no choice; Bai Ye was his trusted subordinate and the captain he had personally promoted. He was trying to create an opportunity for Bai Ye to redeem himself.

Otherwise, given the mistakes made and the managerial oversights that occurred on his watch, Chen Fenglei might very well strip him of his position...

Chen Fenglei glanced at Bai Ye but didn’t voice any objection.

Bai Ye knew it was his chance, gave Li Baolin a grateful look, and quickly stepped forward to relay the process of searching for Zhuang Zhongbing to Chen Fenglei.

After listening to the report, Chen Fenglei turned to Li Baolin and said, "I don’t care how you do it, but you must find the murderer who killed Zhuang Zhongbing. The killing of an Imperial Guard deputy captain is a slap in the face of the Phoenix Palace, a slap in the face of the Royal Family..."

"Yes, Manager Chen," Li Baolin immediately responded.

"If there’s another mistake, you won’t need to serve as the chief any longer."

"Yes, I guarantee we will complete the mission," Li Baolin straightened his back and responded.

Chen Fenglei said no more and turned to leave.

Li Baolin and Bai Ye hastened to follow, respectfully escorting Manager Chen as he departed.

Once Chen Fenglei’s car was far away, Li Baolin wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to Bai Ye, saying, "You heard what Manager Chen said. Before he strips me of my position as chief, I’ll strip you of your captaincy."

Bai Ye stood at attention, saluted, and said in a grave voice, "I will investigate the case; if I can’t find the true mastermind, I will present my head to you."

"The mastermind might be hard to find, just finding the Assassin will suffice," Li Baolin hinted suggestively.

If they couldn’t find the Assassin, then they would find a "scapegoat."

Often, leaders don’t necessarily need a precise answer, but rather, a way to save face.

Bai Ye paused, then nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."