Gong Chaoqun simply could not find any reason not to accept this great “gift.”0

This “gift” would not only reduce his massive headache, but from a professional standpoint, it was also a great excuse to close the case while satisfying both the imperial court and the public. The story neatly fit together, and it was the type of narrative that would be readily accepted by the masses.0

As for the overall situation, while it might not have a significant impact on the entire Maitreya Cult, at least the situation in Yangzhou would be brought under control for the most part. Gong Chaoqun feared that, if they continued not doing anything, he might just wake up one day to find Yangzhou filled with believers of the Maitreya Cult. He worried that even his own head might end up as a sacrifice if that were to happen.0

However, the corrupt magistrate’s connections with the Maitreya Cult had made it incredibly difficult for Gong Chaoqun and the Demon Suppression Bureau to investigate their activities. He had long wanted to kick that troublemaker...0