Chapter 244: I Want to Make a Bet with Director Yang

Yang Ling had solid reasons to conclude this man had defected mid-course.

The Bright Perception Heart Technique he practiced was a Third-Rate internal technique; even Zhang Ning, who once ranked tenth on the Divine Realm Level Ranking, had practiced it.

It was an internal cultivation method taught at the Star Observation Academy.

He guessed most civil officials in Zhao State had spent time at the Star Observation Academy or similar academies.

Lan Wentao was no exception.

The fact that Lan Wentao’s Bright Perception Heart Technique was only at the Comprehensive Mastery level indicated that during that period he had obtained the Yin-Yang Great Sorrow Sutra.

That was also the internal technique Shen Shuyan had cultivated.

This explained why Lan Wentao had mainly trained that Second-Rate internal method and become a Lower Sixth-Rank expert.

“Lan Wentao… that name sounds familiar. I think he was listed on the register at Ranked Level, but only as Ninth-Rank?”

A thought flashed through Yang Ling’s mind as he recalled casually flipping through the register at Ranked Level a few days earlier; at that time he’d seen this man listed only as Ninth-Rank and hadn’t paid it much attention.

“Lan Wentao, Prefectural Governor Lan, Rong tribe spy.”

“The Vital Qi Age Defying pill is within reach.”

“This time the meritorious reward experience points won’t be small.”

In just a few steps, Yang Ling had already worked out his calculations.

He smiled broadly and cupped his hands in greeting:

“Director Lu, this must be Prefectural Governor Lan, yes? Yang Ling reports to Prefectural Governor Lan.”

Prefectural Governor Lan looked old. He now smiled at Yang Ling with approval and praised:

“Director Yang, you’re as young as the rumors say, truly promising. Pity we didn’t have the chance to meet in Changhe Prefectural Capital.

Last time I came to Tingjiang City I was turned away by Director Yang himself. Do young people these days not like old folks like us?”

As he spoke, he cast a glance at Lu Yunchen.

You’re the old one, not me, Lu Yunchen cursed inwardly, then directed a serious look at Yang Ling:

“Prefectural Governor Lan came to show concern for this case last time. Even if the law prevents him from intervening, on grounds of propriety you should have at least shown up personally to receive him. You’ve been remiss in that.”

Yang Ling hung his head in shame: “This subordinate was too young and didn’t think it through.”

Prefectural Governor Lan was somewhat surprised by Yang Ling’s attitude. He then looked toward the coffin:

“Is Magistrate Xu lying in there?”

Yang Ling corrected him: “Prefectural Governor Lan, the one inside is Shen Shuyan, Copper Two of the Rong tribe’s Heavenly Wolf Guard.

As for Xu Zijing, Shen Shuyan already said his corpse was buried in a bamboo grove near the Star Observation Academy.”

“The case hasn’t been closed, so he remains Magistrate Xu.”

Prefectural Governor Lan smiled, then, supported by Blue Moon, he walked toward the coffin.

When Blue Moon passed by Yang Ling, he gave him a grin that exposed a row of neat, white teeth.

“What a perfect set of teeth. I want to smash them.”

Yang Ling grinned back.

Prefectural Governor Lan peered down at the corpse in the coffin, deep in thought.

Blue Moon and Commander Ning stood silently to one side.

Seeing this, Yang Ling and the others also stood aside and watched quietly.

“Director Yang, I heard from Prefectural Governor Lan… do you think this man can come back to life?”

Prefectural Governor Lan suddenly asked.

Wang Shichang and the others showed puzzled expressions.

Over the past few days they had watched Yang Ling staring at the coffin and suspected he might be a bit out of his mind.

They reported to the courtyard once daily and checked Shen Shuyan’s corpse each time.

The corpse had already begun to show postmortem discoloration. Having dealt with dead bodies for so many years, they were certain the man was stone cold dead.

They just didn’t know what trick Yang Ling might be hiding up his sleeve.

Even if subordinates mentioned this, they were adamant that if Shen Shuyan could live, it was because Director Yang had said so himself!

“He can.”

Yang Ling nodded slowly. “Shen Shuyan has strong life force. He’ll definitely be able to kill his way back from the Road to the Yellow Springs.”

“Heh…”

Prefectural Governor Lan chuckled lightly. “The Road to the Yellow Springs? Seems Director Yang is also a believer.”

“Alright then, I want to bet with Director Yang.”

A bet? Everyone’s expressions shifted, a hint of suspicion flashing in their eyes.

Who bets at a moment like this?

“I’ve lived this long and have never seen anyone resurrect.”

“If this man truly comes back to life, I will tender my resignation to the Capital and give up the Prefectural Governor post of Changhe Prefectural Capital.”

“If he does not survive, I ask that Director Yang accompany me to Yunwen Provincial Capital to see the Governor.”

“I will personally accuse you before the Governor of abusing private punishment and harming a serving official!”

As he spoke, Prefectural Governor Lan’s frail old-man demeanor vanished; a sharp light burst from his eyes.

The courtyard fell utterly silent.

Wang Shichang and the others were secretly alarmed.

It seemed Prefectural Governor Lan intended to make a big issue out of this.

If it escalated before the Governor of Yunwen Provincial Capital…

Even the Ironclad Department might not be able to handle it easily.

Lan Jinshui looked at Yang Ling and said coolly:

“Director Yang, the man died while in your custody. The evidence you collected earlier may no longer be usable.

We in the Ironclad Department must provide a result to the prefectural office.

If not, causing a struggle between the two sides would reflect poorly on the Capital—an accusation of misrule. You, as the case’s primary officer, cannot escape responsibility!”

“Lan Jinshui, would a few words from your inspection division hurt?”

Lu Yunchen replied calmly: “We’re doing our work. We don’t expect credit, only that you don’t hold us back.”

Lan Jinshui answered evenly: “Director Lu, this is our inspection division’s duty. Don’t forget the inspection division’s establishment was a joint decision by the Department Head and His Majesty!”

Lu Yunchen pursed his lips irritably and fell silent.

Yang Ling looked at the fiercely glaring Prefectural Governor Lan and suddenly laughed:

“Fine, I’ll bet with Prefectural Governor Lan. If Shen Shuyan really survives, Prefectural Governor Lan mustn’t go back on his word.”

The sharp light in Prefectural Governor Lan’s eyes slowly receded, his frail appearance returning. He nodded, half smiling, half not:

“Of course. For the next few days, this old man will stay here and wait with Director Yang.”

With that he was led by Blue Moon into the inner hall.

Lan Jinshui quickly followed and chatted with Prefectural Governor Lan, reminiscing about old times and discussing trivial matters of the Lan clan, openly and without reserve, taking a righteous tone.

“You brat, how confident are you? If the Heavenly Wolf Guard’s spy doesn’t turn up alive, you’ll be taking a trip to Yunwen Provincial Capital to be held accountable by Prefectural Governor Lan.”

Lu Yunchen’s voice dropped low, then he sighed helplessly:

“I thought with you here, Yun Ruo could have done some work alongside you and they could both earn some credit.

I didn’t expect this case to be so troublesome. If it’s mishandled, forget credit, you’ll just bring a swarm of trouble upon yourself.

Luckily you captured Li Jun earlier; if merits and faults balance, it evens out.”

“Director Lu, have some faith.”

Yang Ling gripped Lu Yunchen’s hand: “I absolutely believe Shen Shuyan will survive!”

Lu Yunchen nodded without a change in expression:

“Let’s hope so.”

Just now the kid had written a few words in his palm.

Those few characters had left Lu Yunchen, a Director of First Division, Public Security, Ironclad Department at Yunwen Provincial Capital and a Sixth-Rank official, struggling to compose himself.

“That old man is Sixth-Rank? Is Yang Ling’s information really true?”

Lu Yunchen kept his face straight as he entered the inner hall and joined Prefectural Governor Lan and Lan Jinshui in idle conversation.