Free Web NovelChapter 704: Chapter 296: Power Beyond the Church Court’s Understanding
Kathy looked out the window, sipping the hot tea mixed by Ma Liu. Although the discussion was severe, she was in a good mood. Ever since Celestial Capital, nothing could faze her anymore.
"Actually, it’s not unexpected," Li Xin said.
Kathy looked at Li Xin with a bit of surprise, "You’re very perceptive."
"Ye Shidao has been the Grand Governor for many years, navigating between allies. Although the Justice faction and Freedom faction have agreed to abandon him, he hasn’t agreed to it, so the measures he prepared must be very fierce. Unexpectedly, he’s been working on it for a long time," Kathy explained.
The two pieced together many pieces of intelligence to finally connect the dots. Ye Shidao must have perceived the intentions of the two factions and knew what he would face in the future, so he started looking for allies very early on, both within Dragon Capital and outside.
"Are Ye Shidao, Song of Hell, and the Royal Family joining forces to secure Ye Shidao’s position as Grand Governor?" Li Xin pondered aloud.
"That’s how it appears right now. Ye Shidao hired Song of Hell to assassinate Hong Yan. The Hundred Martial Hall’s Hua Qianzhan was involved, but his role was minor, probably just in some side tasks. Since Ji Sheng is involved, the Royal Family is likely entangled in this for their interests."
"The Ji Family won’t be content either?"
"If I were Ye Shidao, I’d promise to help the Ji Family regain their power stage. Maybe allow them to participate in elections or join the Cabinet, even something bigger. I think the Ji Family would find it hard to refuse, but that position the Justice faction and Freedom faction would never agree upon, as it goes against their foundational existence, naturally pushing the Royal Family aside. Of course, these are just speculations. Ji Sheng being a Slave Master, he could have his own plans unbeknownst to the Royal Family, having essentially controlled the Royal Family over the years."
"I feel Ji Mingyue has a big ambition, not someone to be underestimated." Li Xin recalled interacting with Ji Mingyue.
"Perhaps, she has considerable talent, but she’s still young. Right now, she doesn’t have absolute personal power, and when it comes to authority, Ji Sheng primarily holds it," Kathy said. "Nevertheless, Ji Sheng probably wouldn’t dare make a move against Ji Mingyue; otherwise, the Church Court wouldn’t sit idly."
Li Xin nodded, "But judging from the current situation, it seems to favor the Freedom faction. So far, the Justice faction hasn’t selected an appropriate candidate. Even if they hastily choose one, it’s unlikely they can rival Nalan Jingguo. Isn’t that a futile attempt?"
"Hence, he must have a backup plan, probably a formidable one. After going around in circles, we still need to start with Hong Yan’s death. Only by proving it’s connected to Ji Sheng can we find a breakthrough and further uncover the truth," Kathy said.
Li Xin considered this; it’s a path. To investigate someone like Ji Sheng, relying on words won’t work. He needs to intensify the conflict and pressurize him. He also noticed Kathy overlooked Ye Shidao.
"Can’t Ye Shidao be investigated?"
"What do you think?"
Li Xin smiled wryly, feeling a bit feverish. A Night Patrol setting out to check a Grand Governor indeed feels a bit far-fetched. Kathy can’t do it either; never mind that she is a Secretary, but even a Red-robed Archbishop would have to weigh heavily.
"Even if it’s Ji Sheng, the Church Court knowing wouldn’t approve. It doesn’t align with the Church Court’s interests and might even touch upon secret laws," Kathy said.
"So, I still need to investigate Hong Yan’s death. Kathy, can you get this authority?" Li Xin asked.
Kathy helplessly spread her hands, "What can I say? The Church Court’s secretary committee just made a resolution, and this hot potato was shoved onto me by Farson and the others. The Church Court doesn’t want to interfere in Dragon Capital’s internal power struggle, so the Law Enforcement Court will no longer handle the case, but can’t appear incompetent either by letting the criminal roam freely. The investigation will fall to Night Patrols. The general idea is to find a scapegoat and satisfy public opinion. I seized the opportunity to propose the restoration of Shadow Owl’s leadership status, letting it stand independently, officially. So, Captain Li Xin, you’ll officially lead the Night Patrol, no longer directly under the Metropolitan’s jurisdiction. As for what you want to do, to what extent, it’s up to you; of course, if something happens, you’ll bear the consequences," Kathy said with some sentiment, "This was Luo Jin’s dream; you’ve fulfilled it for him."
Li Xin smiled slightly, feeling not pressured but motivated. He liked this freedom, rather than being constantly hindered.
Kathy’s presence remains extremely crucial. Without her, the Church Court would only impose duties without granting any authority. It’s easier to get things done with someone in the government.
Kathy seized the opportunity to make requests, particularly separating from direct Metropolitan jurisdiction, effectively carving out a path amidst the gaps. Now Ray Qinglu is fairly neutral; what if the personnel or stance changes?
"Where’s the Nun?"
"A seductive woman adept at disguise living amidst millions in a city can easily hide, akin to finding a needle in a haystack. However, I suspect Hua Qianzhan’s death might be related to her. To silently handle a Five Lives expert, even if assassinated, there would be a stir. Currently, it fits the seductive woman style, and only someone of her caliber could seamlessly deal with an old fox like the Five Lives expert. Hence, where the Nun is, Ye Shidao certainly knows," Kathy said.
That’s her goal; she’s not interested in Ye Shidao. He has a connection with the Nun.
Li Xin got a notion. Through Hong Yan, he could trace Ji Sheng, then ultimately find their transaction’s purpose and gradually extract the Nun’s whereabouts from Ye Shidao. Of course, if Ji Sheng knew, even better. The Church Court wouldn’t exert force on this matter, and even if Kathy wanted to leverage resources, it would be challenging. Her position doesn’t allow her to overstep in such matters, so she’d have to find a way to leverage.
"Have you found any useful information about Hong Yan’s cause of death despite investigating for so long?" Li Xin asked.
"This is another peculiar thing; the Church Court employed many methods but never uncovered the true cause of Hong Yan’s death," Kathy frowned. "Hong Yan definitely shared a bed with the seductive woman and even used debt-laden drugs, but none were the direct cause of death—merely expedited it."
"Poisoning?"
"Not poison, something more akin to a curse, yet not exactly a curse." Kathy was also a bit helpless, "Song of Hell indeed has some tricks; there are forces beyond the Church Court’s knowledge mixed in."
"Can I do an autopsy when I take over?" Li Xin inquired. Regardless of the method used for investigation, the corpse remains an essential medium.
"I’m afraid it’s not that easy. The Hong Family is now aflame with fury; the Beijing people’s nobility cares most about face. Plus, they’ve been excluded from the Justice faction’s candidates, meaning they lose entirely, looking down on everyone, picking trouble with the Nalan Family. The Nalan Family has shut its doors, not giving the Church Court any respect either," Kathy also felt it was difficult, "Last time even the Law Enforcement Court President took people there, they were only allowed to glance, and my face won’t do any good."
Li Xin thought about it; he knew this matter couldn’t be rushed, and perhaps it’s not entirely hopeless. It’s determined by people’s actions.
Kathy looked at Li Xin in deep thought; compared to before, he’s steadier and more patient. But this matter is extremely difficult to break through. She most desires revenge for Luo Jin, yet upon reaching this position, she understands just how challenging it is; the web of power is as entangled as the abyss’s poisonous miasma.
