Chapter 1029: Goddragon Appears Only Partially

"Of course not!" Xu Yu exclaimed, startled. Turning to face the county soldiers, he urged, "Put down your weapons, quickly! Put them down!"

As the second-highest official in Yunzhong County, Xu Yu usually held equal standing with Zuo Su and commanded high prestige. Upon hearing his command, the county soldiers began to lay down their weapons one by one.

These county soldiers had no intention of rebelling. Once the first person complied, the sound of weapons being dropped became continuous.

Only then did Sang Hong speak: "County Lieutenant Dong Jin, for leading county soldiers to assault the imperial envoy's residence, would ordinarily face immediate execution. However, considering his concern for the Prefect's safety, his actions are, to some extent, excusable. For now, he will be detained. He will be released once investigations confirm his non-involvement in this case."

"During this period, Gao Ying will temporarily serve as County Lieutenant to maintain order in Yunzhong County."

Gao Ying was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted. Hearing this, he immediately led a detachment of Imperial Guards into the midst of the county soldiers. "This humble official will not fail you!" he declared.

For an aristocratic scion like him, a mere county lieutenant position was naturally beneath his notice. However, it was clear that the immediate goal was to seize military command.

Sang Hong nodded. Gao Ying's calm demeanor was reassuring. With him as County Lieutenant, even if he couldn't fully control the soldiers in the short term, his presence alone would be effective.

Of course, this task was quite dangerous. If the mid-to-high-ranking military officers truly intended to rebel, Gao Ying would be in peril. But at this moment, they couldn't afford to worry about such details.

He looked at Xu Yu, who was standing nearby. "Does Assistant Governor Xu have any objections to this arrangement?"

Xu Yu's expression flickered slightly, but he immediately replied, "Stabilizing the situation is paramount right now. How could this humble official have any objections?"

Saying this, he waved his hand at the county soldiers. "Hurry and pay respects to the new County Lieutenant!"

"Greetings, County Lieutenant!" the soldiers said weakly, saluting Gao Ying. It was clear they were complying out of duress.

"Gao Ying, first take them back to their posts. Everyone, remember to maintain public order in the city and prevent opportunists from causing trouble," Sang Hong instructed. His immediate priority was to disperse the county soldiers and defuse the crisis.

As for how to appease them after they left, that would be a test of Gao Ying's abilities. Based on their interactions thus far, Sang Hong believed Gao Ying was capable.

"Understood!" Gao Ying saluted, summoned a group of Imperial Guards, and then led the county soldiers away in an orderly fashion.

After they had left, Sang Hong looked at Xu Yu. "Officer Xu, your timing is certainly opportune."

He hadn't arrived earlier or later, but precisely when they had just quelled the disturbance, making it hard not to be suspicious.

Xu Yu gave a wry smile. "I rushed over as soon as I received the news. Though a bit late, at least things didn't escalate beyond control. Officer Sang, what exactly happened? Why was Officer Zuo suddenly arrested?"

His subtext was: *Even though I arrived late, I still helped you round up the county soldiers. Even if I don't get credit, I've certainly gone through trouble.*

Sang Hong understood the implied meaning and, naturally, found it difficult to lash out. Just as he was about to reply, the urgent sound of horse hooves rang out. Several more groups of people were approaching from a distance.

Leading them were Jian Taiding, Pei Shao, the brothers Yu Xuansu and Yu Xuanqing, and various other officials.

Jian Taiding, on horseback, was the first to reach the entrance. He said coldly, "Officer Sang, why such a commotion?"

Behind him followed a detachment of soldiers, clearly much more elite than the previous county soldiers.

Sang Hong replied coldly, "Just now, County Lieutenant Dong Jin led soldiers to assault the imperial envoy's residence. Is Officer Jian perhaps planning to follow suit?"

Jian Taiding narrowed his eyes but did not respond. An eerie silence immediately descended upon the scene.

Sang Hong stood proudly. Although his opponent was a Grandmaster and had more soldiers, they were imperial envoys, backed by the court, and Agent Eleven was also there to assist.

Therefore, even if they were outmatched, their morale could not waver. At the very least, they should die with dignity.

Zu An moved to Sang Hong's side, worried that Jian Taiding might try to 'capture the king first to catch the thieves'. He had to protect his 'father-in-law of convenience'.

Feeling Zu An's movement, a warmth spread through Sang Hong's heart. Indeed, one could always rely on one's own people.

At this point, Jian Taiding smiled. "Officer Sang is overthinking things. I merely heard that Officer Zuo had been arrested, so I came to see what had happened."

As he spoke, he dismounted his horse. The tense officials nearby collectively breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely fearing he might do something impulsive.

In such a situation, which side would the Yunzhong County officials support? If they helped Jian Taiding, the court would later prosecute them for treason, a capital offense.

If they helped the imperial envoys, they might not even live to see the end of the day.

Sang Hong also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "This official previously received a verified report accusing Officer Zuo of colluding with the demon race, smuggling primordial stones and strategic materials strictly prohibited by the court. That's why Officer Zuo was first taken into custody. Once it is confirmed that Officer Zuo is innocent, his good name will certainly be restored."

Although everyone had heard rumors to some extent before arriving, the group was still in an uproar after Sang Hong's personal confirmation:

"There must be some misunderstanding."

"Officer Zuo has always been diligent and conscientious. How could he collude with the demon race?"

"This must be a frame-up!"

Sang Hong's gaze swept over the clamoring officials. He stated calmly, "You speak with such certainty. Do you dare to stake your lives and fortunes to vouch for Officer Zuo?"

Those officials were immediately taken aback. They were merely speaking out of camaraderie and for appearances. Since the imperial envoys dared to arrest Zuo Su, they clearly possessed some evidence. In the current situation, who would dare vouch for him?

If the charges were indeed confirmed, wouldn't they all be ruined?

At this point, Jian Taiding spoke. "I wonder who the verified accuser is, and what kind of evidence led Officer Sang to directly arrest him?"

Sang Hong's face remained impassive. "We are obligated to keep the accuser's identity confidential and ensure his safety. As for the evidence, please forgive us, but we cannot disclose any details until the case has been thoroughly investigated."

Seeing Sang Hong's unyielding stance, Jian Taiding grew somewhat annoyed. "I've heard that quite a few officials died during your arrests. You should follow rules when investigating cases, shouldn't you? How can you kill people without clarifying anything?"

With him taking the lead, others also started clamoring, denouncing the imperial envoys. They were also Yunzhong County officials, and who knew if such a fate might befall them.

Zu An, who was standing nearby, spoke up. "It wasn't us who killed them. When our people found them, they had either fled or were already dead. So, there must be a mastermind orchestrating all of this. If Officer Jian knows anything, perhaps you could provide some clues? Who in all of Yunzhong County possesses such immense capability?"

Jian Taiding's expression changed. The other party's words were clearly a veiled accusation against him. Who else in all of Yunzhong County could possess such great power besides him?

Even the other officials in the vicinity involuntarily looked at him.

Jian Taiding was furious inwardly, but he couldn't show it at the moment. "Forgive my ignorance, I wasn't aware there was such a powerful figure in Yunzhong County."

Not wanting to dwell on the topic, he turned to Sang Hong. "Officer Sang, can we see Officer Zuo?"

Sang Hong shook his head. "The case has not yet been clarified. To prevent the exchange of information, Officer Zuo cannot have contact with anyone else at this time."

Jian Taiding's face darkened. "Is Officer Sang implying that we would collude with Officer Zuo?"

The other officials also chimed in, clearly displeased that they, too, were being suspected.

Sang Hong stated calmly, "This official did not mean that. However, this case is extremely peculiar and requires exceptional caution. Our decision is also for your benefit, to avoid inadvertently implicating any of you."

"If Officer Zuo is innocent, there will be no impact if you don't see him."

"However, if Officer Zuo is truly as the report claims, then it's likely his accomplices who are most eager to see him right now."

As he spoke, he deliberately cast a glance across the entire scene.

Jian Taiding's breath hitched. Given what Sang Hong had just said, if he insisted further, wouldn't it confirm his guilt as Zuo Su's accomplice?

"Then I hope Officer Sang uncovers the truth soon, to prevent major unrest in Yunzhong County." After saying this, he turned and left.

Once he left, the other officials also departed one by one.

Xu Yu hesitated to speak several times, but finally let out a long sigh and departed.

Watching them leave, Sang Hong instructed the Imperial Guards, "Guard the imperial envoy's residence strictly. Not even a fly is to be allowed in!"

"Understood!"

Sang Hong arranged for Dong Jin to be taken away and held in solitary confinement, ensuring he had no opportunity to collude with Zuo Su.

Zu An then seized the opportunity to ask, "Why did Jian Taiding show such concern after Zuo Su's arrest, considering they were clearly at odds before?"

Sang Hong scoffed, "When do what officials think in their hearts ever align with what they say aloud? He's probably just using this opportunity to put on a show and distance himself from Zuo Su. He's likely grinning from ear to ear back home."

Pei You, who was standing nearby, said thankfully, "Fortunately, we had Agent Eleven and Brother Zu just now, otherwise, if a real fight broke out, there would have been countless casualties."

Sang Hong looked up towards the second floor. "Where is Agent Eleven? Quickly, go invite him down. We must thank him properly."

He also wanted to discuss the current situation with him.

Soon, a guard ran back. "Agent Eleven has disappeared!"

Pei You exclaimed in amazement, "Agent Eleven truly is like a divine dragon, only showing his head and never his tail."

Sang Hong, however, frowned. "In times like these, isn't he going to discuss things with us?"

Zu An cleared his throat lightly. "Agent Eleven surely has his reasons. But I'm sure he'll be silently protecting us from the shadows. Let's resolve the matters here ourselves."