I Can Devour Spirits

In the afternoon, the Xia Family, Jiang Family, and Tao Family had already set up the mourning hall, with white banners hung inside and outside the manor.

A joyous occasion meant to bring glory to the ancestors vanished into ashes in the blink of an eye...

People say that fortune and disaster are unpredictable, but until misfortune befalls you, how can you truly understand its depths?

Only those trapped in immense grief know the meaning of ’the greatest sorrow comes from a dead heart’.

By this time, it was already the hour of the pig, and the streets were empty.

All around was silent, save for the occasional sound of funeral music in the distance.

At such an hour, the County Government Office was still brightly lit.

The clerks and constables had all lit candles, waiting in their respective rooms. The County Magistrate had said he would summon them today, yet he hadn’t done so. Who would dare leave?

Just as impatience reached its peak, Ding Xingxing hurriedly went room to room, notifying them to proceed to the flower hall in the backyard to meet with the magistrate.

Sun Qian had been busy nearly all day and had just managed to organize the initial draft of the case report.

This case was rather complex, involving wide connections. According to the forensic doctor’s autopsy report and the accounts by the sect envoy and registered disciples who experienced the case firsthand, it seemed several individuals were long-wanted criminals by the sect, and some appeared to be extremely important figures within the Filthy Blood Sect’s Yuan Yang Hall.

”This matter seems rather odd!?”

Sun Qian looked at the autopsy report and document drafts spread out on the table, a twisted wrinkle appearing on his brow.

At this moment, a disorderly sound of footsteps echoed from outside.

Ding Xingxing entered with cupped fists, saying, ”County Magistrate, everyone is here.”

Sun Qian let out a long sigh, his brows heavy with fatigue, he sipped some tea, and said calmly, ”Let them in.”

The clerks and constables then filed in, standing in two rows not far from Sun Qian’s desk.

Sun Qian supported the Grandmaster’s Chair’s armrest, standing up slowly as his legs felt stiff. He walked out from behind the desk, stood in front of everyone, and said, ”Originally, I wanted to meet with you all properly, so we could get to know one another. But before I even had a chance to warm the seat, such a big case landed on us. It’s my county’s neglect toward you.”

”We wouldn’t dare... County Magistrate, your words are too heavy...” The clerks and constables instantly bowed.

Despite claiming he had neglected them, Sun Qian’s expression showed no remorse, his face remained stern as he said, ”Fortunately, we’re all working in the same government office. Slowly, we’ll become acquainted. For now, Qin Shuban will manage the clerks, while Ding Xingxing will oversee the constables and government constables.”

Upon hearing this, Ding Xingxing’s eyes lit up with joy, he cupped his fists and said loudly, ”Understood!”

Qin Shuban was still busy on the morgue side and was not among these clerks. Sun Qian observed his adept writing skills and meticulous work, making him well-suited for the role, hence promoted him.

As for Ding Xingxing, he was originally just a hospital guard of Sun Qian’s house, having followed Sun Qian for years, proving his loyalty.

The saying goes one man’s success elevates his dependents.

This man now became the Chief Constable of the county.

Sun Qian glanced at Ding Xingxing, nodded lightly, and then looked seriously at the clerks and constables, saying, ”You may leave now. Do your tasks well. I am someone who doesn’t tolerate sand in my eyes. If something falls on anyone’s head, don’t blame me for being heavy-handed. Go now.”

The clerks and constables fell silent, shaking from the stern words of Sun Qian, bowing and retreating.

However, Zhu Baogui alone stood by the side, bowing slightly, without leaving.

Once Sun Qian sat back at the table, he saw Zhu Baogui standing beside Ding Xingxing, and asked, ”Do you have something else?”

Sun Qian had just arrived at Xianggu County and didn’t know Zhu Baogui’s name.

Zhu Baogui immediately stepped forward, saying, ”County Magistrate, knowing that you are overwhelmed with work, I dare not disturb, but there is still an unresolved case in the county which I must report!”

”An unresolved case?” Sun Qian sipped some tea, saying, ”Tell me more.”

Zhu Baogui then informed Sun Qian of Jie Daohan’s murder case, along with Shen Yanliu’s claims, without altering a word.

Upon hearing this, Sun Qian frowned, this Xianggu County really was a muddy mess!

That morning, he had just received a list at the main hall, with the column for Chief Constable marked vacant.

He assumed the former Chief Constable had followed Shen Yanliu’s promotion to Ruyang Prefecture.

Who would have thought it was another murder case!

The murder of a Chief Constable in charge of a county’s criminal justice was indeed considered a major case.

Sun Qian pondered for a while and suddenly asked, ”When did you say this case happened?”

Zhu Baogui replied, ”Two days after Shen Yan received his promotion order, in the morning.”

Sun Qian’s gaze shifted, saying, ”Move the time of the crime forward by six days. Reissue all documents related to this case.”

”This...?” Zhu Baogui was stunned, not expecting Sun Qian to do such a thing. This way, the case would be attributed to Shen Yanliu.

Sun Qian said, ”Do as I say. Documents reported to the Prefecture are stamped with the County Government Office’s seal and signed with my name. What are you afraid of?”

Sun Qian dared to attribute Jie Daohan’s case to Shen Yanliu for his own reasons.

Even though Shen Yanliu was promoted to Inspector General of a prefecture, in charge of its criminal justice, holding substantial power.

Yet he was the Inspector General of Ruyang Prefecture, the prefectures did not overlap, he wouldn’t even know this case was pinned on him.