Chapter 117

“The Embroidered Thief… This case is easy to solve. Isn’t it obvious who the murderer is?”

“Oh, Nephew Lingyu, you already have a lead?” Zhu Wushi was surprised that Zhang Weihao already knew who the murderer was, or rather, had deduced it.

“It’s very simple. First, why would this person commit robbery like this? It’s not his first time committing a crime. He has committed many major crimes before, but they were all within an acceptable range and wouldn’t cause too much of a commotion. That’s why he has been able to get away with it all this time.”

But these two cases have gone too far and have already violated taboos. Theoretically, it’s only a matter of time before they get caught. Why not choose to take things slowly and steadily?

Therefore, there is only one truth: this is a final attempt to make a quick buck, after which they plan to escape, and the way to escape, naturally, is through the Plum Blossom Thief.

Seeing that Haitang opened her mouth as if to say something, Zhang Weihao interrupted her directly: “I know what you want to say, that the Plum Blossom Thief is not the Embroidery Thief, does that matter?”

What’s important now is reputation and stance. Once the Eastern Depot uncovers traces of the Embroidery Thief, they can use various means to solidify the charge, making the thief scapegoat and recover some of the stolen money and goods. That would be considered solving the case. Even if the real Embroidery Thief is caught later, it will be under the Eastern Depot’s control. For now, it’s best if that money simply disappears.

Zhu Wushi was a cunning old fox, and he immediately said, “Indeed, the most crucial thing now is that batch of gold. If possible, it would be most advantageous to just get the title without finding the gold. That would be a legitimate reason to take action and gain both fame and fortune. Cao Zhengchun is absolutely capable of doing such a thing.”

“Indeed, this shows that the Embroidered Thief is very politically astute, understands the current political situation, and is also very knowledgeable about people’s hearts. He is familiar with the methods and procedures for handling cases, so he is most likely a member of the government.”

Secondly, there’s the issue of consumption. Someone who meets the aforementioned conditions, can legally contact the victims, legally be present at the scene, and even participate in planning and arrest operations; is highly skilled in martial arts, capable of blinding those experts; and is also extremely wealthy, spending lavishly—who else could it be but someone whose consumption is severely disproportionate to their actual income?

“Jin Jiuling, the number one detective of the Six Doors!” Even Shangguan Haitang immediately guessed who the murderer was.

One coincidence is one coincidence, but when all the coincidences come together in the same person, that person is very likely to be the murderer.

“If all the reasoning is illogical, then even the most incredible last reasoning is the truth.”

“That’s right. Only Jin Jiuling can contact various forces from all walks of life without anyone noticing to sell and transfer stolen goods. Only he can personally go to the scene to investigate and even participate in the design of arrest operations. At the same time, he can openly appear at the scene after committing the crime. No wonder no one could detect the Embroidered Thief’s traces, because he was basically always at the scene and never really left.”

“Indeed, the chief steward of the Prince’s Mansion, Ren Zhong, is quite powerful. With Ye Gucheng also overseeing things, even a Grandmaster of the Innate Realm wouldn’t be able to leave no trace. A Grandmaster wouldn’t be so ruthless; if they want it, they can just come and take it. Who would dare refuse?”

So, setting aside your preconceived notion of a Grandmaster-level expert, it could also be someone who is extremely familiar with these victims, knows their moves and weaknesses very well, and can target them specifically. In this case, their skill level doesn’t need to be too high; a Grandmaster-level might be enough. Their cultivation level also fits perfectly. Besides him, I really can’t think of anyone else who could be a second candidate.”

Zhu Wushiting agreed, saying, “Well said. Who else could it be but him? Jin Jiuling is no ordinary person. It would be best to catch him red-handed. I’ll have someone else handle the tracking. Haitang, you go and investigate the relevant details, especially his spending records over the years and the sources of income that can be found.”

Although Shangguan Haitang’s lightness skill was good, it wasn’t top-notch. Zhu Wushi clearly intended to ask Wuhen Gongzi, a master of lightness skill, to take action. Once they caught them in the act, they could also take them down directly, catching them red-handed.

Zhu Wushi was not concerned with catching the murderer, but with the missing 800,000 taels of gold. Therefore, he had to personally capture the murderer and find out the whereabouts of the gold.

“Furthermore, please keep this a secret for now, Nephew Lingyu, and do not reveal it to anyone.”

Fang: “That’s for sure. But I think that guy might come to visit soon. First, he knows I’ve been to the Dragon Guard Manor and wants to find out something, and second, he wants to take advantage of our Zhang family.”

At first, Zhang Erhe didn’t quite understand why his precious child was helping Zhu Wushi like this, but now he understands that his own child might very well be the next target.

“Haitang, you go back to the manor with Lingyu first. Let others handle the investigation. You and Lingyu should test this top detective of the Six Doors.”

“Yes!” Shangguan Haitang obediently clasped her hands in a fist salute.

After leaving the Dragon Guardian Manor, Shangguan Haitang regained some of her private mischievousness and directly asked Zhang Weihao and Jin Jiuling if they would really come to visit.

“Definitely. He’s from the legitimate world, and I’m from the legitimate world, so there’s no conflict between us. Plus, with people like Lu Xiaofeng, Ximen Chuixue, and Ye Gucheng, it’s impossible for us not to pay them a visit. We can just wait and watch the show.”

Shangguan Haitang nodded knowingly. What does Zhang Weihao do?

It’s hard to say about other things, but how could top swordsmen like Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue not come to visit and see if they could take the divine weapon directly from Zhang Weihao?

If even they are not qualified, then who in the entire martial arts world of the Ming Dynasty is qualified?

If Jin Jiuling were truly the Embroidery Thief, he would definitely appear along with them. After all, he hasn’t been exposed, he has an official status, and he is skilled with a sword. If given the opportunity, he would certainly make a move.

After all, the Zhang family is very wealthy. Even if they can’t steal the sword, stealing other valuable treasures would be good. They can also divert attention and shift the blame to others, since the Plum Blossom Thieves themselves had problems.

Why blame Li Xunhuan of all people? Jin Jiuling was so screwed over by these incompetent teammates that he cried. I’ve seen stupid people, but I’ve never seen anyone this stupid.

Indeed, women are not worth considering, but Lin Xian’er is a very good woman, and the taste is really wonderful.