I can extract hidden information from everything.

Chapter 24 Mission: Officer Fang Shows Goodwill

Xu Yan's gaze swept over the letter on the table.

He picked up the letter, glanced at it quickly, and then clutched it tightly in his hand.

The letter mentioned that there was a small village called Huangsha Village, about 50 miles away from Anping County.

The village has about a few dozen people who rely on farming to make a living.

Life wasn't exactly wealthy, but it wasn't poor either.

However, just three days ago, everyone in the village was murdered.

No one survived; corpses were scattered everywhere.

When the officials learned of the news, they had no time to collect the bodies and could only leave the remains exposed in the wilderness.

Xu Yan knew very well who did this; it was inextricably linked to the Ascension Sect.

He had just taken over as head constable when Zhou Dianli assigned him this task, which was clearly a deliberate attempt to target him.

"The task is indeed very difficult, but it is Lord Zhang's high expectation for you."

Zhou, the clerk, smiled and said, "You should accept it, right?"

Although the words were well-chosen, they clearly put Xu Yan in the spotlight.

Xu Yan raised his eyebrows and nodded, saying, "I'll take it."

Now that the opponent has drawn their sword, it's not something that can be easily dealt with.

If I cancel this appointment, I'm afraid I'll be facing even more traps.

Why not just take a gamble?

Zhou Dianli poured another cup of tea: "You won't be the only one going on this mission."

"After hearing about this mission, Lord Fang expressed his desire to go with you, as a way of helping you out."

After Zhou Dianli finished speaking, Fang Yue took the lead and stepped out.

"Lord Xu, this matter is not simple. If you go alone, you will surely encounter misfortune. I will go with you."

Xu Yan glanced at Fang Yue, and the memories in his mind gradually became clear, and he also realized Fang Yue's identity.

If there are any good people left in the government office, it's probably Fang Yue.

He was not only the only one who took his work seriously, but he was also an upright person who never used his position as a constable to oppress the people.

Xu Yan noticed Fang Yue winking at him, thought for a moment, and nodded, "Okay."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Dianli could not hide the joy on his face: "With two constables involved, we will surely be able to resolve this smoothly."

After saying that, he changed the subject.

"Now that you two have accepted the mission, you should prepare as soon as possible. We must depart tomorrow."

The implication was that they didn't want them to stay there.

Xu Yan decisively turned around and walked out of the yamen.

Since we still have one day, let's make arrangements in advance.

Fang Yue thought for a moment, then followed Xu Yan out of the yamen.

After the two left, the pavilion became quiet, with only a gentle breeze blowing through it.

"My lord, I don't quite understand."

Officer Zhao asked in confusion, "Aren't we supposed to get rid of Xu Yan? Why do we need Fang Yue to go with him? It will only make the operation more difficult."

This is precisely what he doesn't understand the most.

Fang Yue is considered the strongest among the four constables.

If he goes along, killing Xu Yan will become even more difficult.

Clerk Zhou raised his hand and splashed the tea onto Constable Zhao's face: "Foolish!"

Officer Zhao hurriedly lowered his head, not even daring to wipe the tea off his face: "Please enlighten me, sir."

Zhou Dianli sneered: "Fang Yue has a family background and connections, but he came to Anping County for certain reasons."

"But he's not one of us. Adults need people they can work with, not people who cause trouble."

"Since we can't kill Fang Yue ourselves, let others do it."

After understanding some of what was being said, Officer Zhao asked, "Why didn't you take action earlier?"

"You really are stupid," Zhou Dianli said calmly. "Sir, you originally didn't want to associate with the Ascension Sect, after all, they are a group of people who have fallen into evil ways, but now that we have made contact, we might as well make full use of this relationship."

Officer Zhao suddenly realized: "So it was a plan to kill two birds with one stone."

As he said this, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

Everyone in the government office is a cunning old fox, especially the county magistrate, who is the most cunning of all.

Such a plan is truly ruthless.

"Get ready."

Zhou Dianli poured another cup of tea: "After they die, all four branches will need to expand their manpower, and you will be the head constable of the first branch."

Overjoyed, Constable Zhao immediately prostrated himself and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir! I am willing to go through fire and water for you!"

After saying that, Officer Zhao's eyes darted around, and he whispered.

"Yesterday I met a beautiful woman. She has a daughter who is about sixteen years old. I haven't touched her yet."

"Very clean and fresh."

A wicked glint flashed in Zhou Dianli's eyes: "Bring him to my room tonight."

"Yes, sir!"

……

Xu Yan had no idea what happened next.

Initially, he planned to practice his swordsmanship first and then go to the Treasure Pavilion in the afternoon, but now he intends to go there immediately.

Given the current unforeseen circumstances, finding something useful as soon as possible is even more important for him.

Xu Yan had only been gone a short while when he heard footsteps behind him.

"Lord Fang, is there something you need?" Xu Yan asked.

Fang Yue stopped a short distance away and hesitated before saying, "Lord Xu, how about we find a teahouse and discuss this in detail?"

Xu Yan nodded: "Lead the way."

He had no grudge against Fang Yue, and Fang Yue was an upright person, one of the few decent people in the government office.

Xu Yan also wanted to know what the other party wanted.

Without saying much, the two headed toward the nearest teahouse.

Before long, Fang Yue led Xu Yan to a window seat on the second floor.

Many people carefully avoided looking at Fang Yue, who was dressed as a constable.

"Anping County should be a place where officials protect the people, but now they make the people feel fear."

Fang Yue clenched his fist: "It's a truly murky pool of water."

Xu Yan picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Saying things like that will only upset you. Let's get down to business."

He wasn't a particularly noble person; he was only focused on resolving the immediate crisis and didn't want to gossip.

Fang Yue withdrew his gaze and said seriously, "I used to think that Lord Xu was a despicable black coroner, but recent events have changed my opinion. Lord Xu has probably been hiding himself all along, waiting until he has enough strength to show his true colors."

Xu Yan did not respond.

What he really wanted to say was that he was just going with the flow and there was nothing to hide.

But he didn't explain, saying that what others thought was none of his business.

He just wanted to live a better life in Anping County.

Seeing that Xu Yan remained silent, Fang Yue went straight to the point: "After this mission, I would like to form an alliance with Lord Xu to prepare for the Zhenxie Division's assessment."

The reason I came to see Xu Yan today, including to carry out a mission with him, is actually for only one purpose: to get to know Xu Yan.

First, Xu Yan is exceptionally capable.

He was alone in Anping County and needed someone to support him.

Second, Xu Yan is of upright character.

Judging from Xu Yan's recent actions, his past bad reputation may have been just a cover for his true self.

It was for these two reasons that he decided to come and find Xu Yan.

Xu Yan stroked his chin, frowning slightly: "The Evil Suppression Division? What kind of place is that?"