Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 294 - 283: Floating Corpse Case

Chapter 294: Chapter 283: Floating Corpse Case

Hearing Zhang San’s words, Kaihuang burst into hearty laughter.

"Zhang San’s remark is quite sensible. Qian Shanxiu, as Chief of the Town Demon Office, what do you think?"

At this moment, Qian Shanxiu wished he could slap himself in the face. He had been preoccupied with vying for power and expanding his own Town Demon Office.

How could he have forgotten that today’s matter was originally about dealing with the inefficiency of the Town Martial Office’s Chuan-Yu Road branch?

Now, with his head lowered and face flushed, Qian Shanxiu couldn’t squeeze out a single word.

This turn of events considerably improved the mood of Shen Wei, the Minister of Punishment, who stood to the side.

I was also stifled for quite a while just now; it should be your turn to share my misfortune.

Kaihuang then turned his head towards the Crown Prince.

Kaihuang couldn’t understand. I have given you such obvious hints; do you still not know what to say?

"Crown Prince, what’s your take?"

Although the Crown Prince didn’t understand the full extent of Kaihuang’s thoughts, he had realized that his previous approach was undoubtedly wrong.

With his mind in disarray, the Crown Prince lowered his head, speechless.

Seeing everyone’s embarrassed state, Kaihuang couldn’t help but laugh heartily once again.

Then, he took a memorial from beside the throne, previously presented, and hurled it toward the Crown Prince.

Frightened, the Crown Prince fell to the ground with a plop.

"An Acting Military Chief, a Ninth Grade Scattered Official dares to speak his mind in the imperial court, and you all are at a loss for words! What exactly have you been doing in the court? What on earth are you thinking about?"

"Out! Kneel outside the great hall! Without my permission, none may rise!"

The Crown Prince immediately kowtowed in gratitude and then retreated from the hall to kneel outside.

And Zhang San knew, this round, was in the bag!

Kaihuang was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s performance, as well as with the other ministers’, simply because his own performance was too outstanding, which made these ministers seem incompetent.

Also, Zhang San could see that Kaihuang was not oblivious to his ulterior motives.

What truly angered Kaihuang was that these ministers, supposedly veterans in the court, were actually unable to out-talk him.

Of course, their fate had nothing to do with him.

As long as he proved his own capabilities, Kaihuang would regard him more highly.

And for Kaihuang to hold him in high esteem meant that he would be safe in the Capital.

At that moment, someone from outside announced, "Pharaoh has arrived—"

The ministers who had initially stepped forward immediately fell back into their original places, showing utmost respect, especially Shen Wei beside them, standing straight and tall.

Even Kaihuang on the throne bowed his hands to the old man walking in, saying, "Master, why have you come?"

Ah!?

In that moment, Zhang San, hearing the footsteps of the Pharaoh behind him, was a bit dumbfounded.

Master?

So, Kaihuang is my senior brother?

After all, this is a court assembly, and it would be normal for Kaihuang to call out the Pharaoh’s official title or his dukedom.

But for Kaihuang to call him Master in front of everyone showed the heavy weight the Pharaoh carried for Kaihuang!

If I had known about this relationship, why would I have bothered to be so nervous before?

At this moment, Zhang San’s heart, which had been somewhat in suspense, completely relaxed.

"Your servant has seen the Emperor."

After performing his salutation, the Pharaoh stood a little in front of Zhang San and declared in a loud voice, "Your servant has heard that recently a horrifying floating corpse case occurred in Daxing City."

Kaihuang nodded slightly.

The Pharaoh continued, "Such a major case has occurred within the Capital, and it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Punishment, as well as my own, the house of Legalism. However, the case has already caused much alarm, and I hope that Kaihuang will order an investigation to be carried out without delay."

Kaihuang knew that his master, under normal circumstances, would not come to court.

His coming in person today proved that this case had indeed a significant impact.

"Magistrate of Metropolitan prefecture, how is the investigation of this case proceeding?"

The Magistrate immediately stood up, fell to his knees with a thud, and, kowtowing, said, "I am incompetent; we have discovered that both cases are related to the Floating Corpse Case, but as for progress..."

Kaihuang gave him a cold look, then glanced at Zhang San, somewhat understanding why his master had come out at this time.

Indeed, this method was very good.

"Zhang San, have you heard about the Floating Corpse Cases recently occurring within the Capital?"

Zhang San shook his head.

"It is said that ghosts and monsters are causing trouble with this case, and some believe martial artists are behind it. As of now, we have discovered two murder cases that are both part of the Floating Corpse Cases. How about you represent the Town Martial Office in investigating this case? If you can uncover the truth, I will allow you to establish a new branch within the Town Martial Office. If you perform well enough, perhaps you could even set up your own office. By then, you could be the Chief of the Town Yin Officer, responsible for suppressing the ghosts and monsters across the lands. How about that?"

"As Kaihuang commands, I would face death rather than disobey."

Zhang San knew that Kaihuang willing to give you a chance meant that past issues were essentially put aside.

"Qian Shanxiu, doesn’t your Town Demon Office also want to seize this opportunity? I will give you a chance as well! Choose a few of the talented youths from your Town Demon Office to also investigate the Floating Corpse Case. If you can uncover the truth before the Town Martial Office does, then from now on, the Town Demon Office will also be responsible for suppressing the evil spirits on the Path of Life and Death!"

"I shall dedicate myself to my duties until death!" Qian Shanxiu let out a sigh of relief.

Having the chance meant that the recent matter was considered past.

And as long as the Town Demon Office performed better than the Town Martial Office, future benefits would not be few.

"Don’t get ahead of yourself. If your Town Demon Office doesn’t investigate as quickly as the Town Martial Office, then the responsibility for the crimes in Fengdu County City will fall on your shoulders. Do you understand?"

Qian Shanxiu, who had just calmed down, felt anxious once again.

"Rest assured, your Majesty, I shall not fail to meet your expectations."

It was then that the Magistrate of Metropolitan prefecture, still kneeling on the ground, couldn’t help but speak up, "Your Majesty, given the special nature of the Floating Corpse Case, my office may have not fared well in this investigation, but we still possess some clues and information. Now that the Town Demon Office and Town Martial Office are leading the investigation, my office is willing to offer full cooperation. I only hope that in the future we may be... awarded a small share of the credit."

Kaihuang nodded with some difficulty, growing ever more disdainful of the Magistrate.

When this fellow first took office, he knew to work diligently.

But later, all he knew was to manipulate relations and flatter superiors, and did not do any actual work.

Had it not been for the Pharaoh’s personal appearance, this Floating Corpse Case would probably have been dismissed by him as an unsolved case.

Now he still wanted a share of the credit?

The incident that occurred in Daxing City involved over a dozen deaths; wasn’t your Magistrate’s office responsible for that?

Refusing to take responsibility, yet wanting a share of the credit.

It’s only because I haven’t found a suitable replacement yet. As soon as I do, you will be removed.

After dealing with this matter, Kaihuang saw there were no other issues and declared the court adjourned.

Even the adjournment followed certain protocols.

Who left first and who followed was a matter of protocol.

Everyone waited for Kaihuang to leave before they could do so.

And the first to leave was the Pharaoh.

But right behind the Pharaoh was... Zhang San!?

At that moment, countless ministers glared at Zhang San with widened eyes.

"After the Pharaoh leaves, it’s your turn? You’re showing too little regard for the first, second, and third grade officials present, aren’t you?"