The assistant commissioner was angered by the suggestion. “Our imperial hospital prides itself in loyally carrying out our duty. How could we lose any medicines?”

Cheng Xiong resisted the urge to roll his eyes. These tactful phrases mean nothing. Who knows how much your people have lined your pockets with? 

This was common practice among many official departments, and everyone turned a blind eye to it. Either way, he wasn’t here to expose them. He cleared his throat. “You’ve misunderstood me, Lord Ma. The palace was attacked tonight, and many guards were injured. Without a doubt, many assassins were injured as well. Those who did not manage to escape the palace may come here, looking for medicine to treat their wounds. I am investigating the matter from this angle. If you assist me, and if any assassins are discovered who are still in the palace, you would be completely blameless.

“The assassins today were truly vicious,...