The assassination of the magistrate was a grave matter, only second in seriousness to the murder of the suspected prince. No, it was perhaps even more serious. After all, Luo Zhenwu was only rumored to be a prince, and the court had never made it clear if it was true or not. On the other hand, the person who had been assassinated this time was a genuine magistrate, a fourth-rank official, and he was even in charge of an important water transport hub. His status was far greater than that of a magistrate in whatever remote area.0

This incident symbolized a blatant disregard for authority and an affront to imperial dignity, so no further explanation was needed—this was rebellion.0

The Demon Suppression Bureau had established a cordon, locking down the area within ten li of the crime scene. The entire city was filled with tension, and the city’s defense forces were mobilized, sealing off all of the city gates.0

Taking advantage of his status, Tang Buqi sneaked into the crime scene together with Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling.0

The head of the Demon Suppressing Bureau in Yangzhou was named Gong Chaoqun. He was the middle-aged man who had previously warned Zhao Changhe...0