Coincidentally, Qiao Xuan had incurred the wrath of the Deputy Prefect's wife earlier in the day. However, as night fell, a shocking incident unfolded at the courier station, and the discovery of bloodstains led straight to his residence. It seemed like an open-and-shut case.
Regardless of his protestations, denial proved futile.
"Lord Qin, I have grounds to suspect you're buying time for the assassin!" accused Sun Bai.
"You!"
The magistrate, relishing the Deputy Prefect's discomfort, seized the opportunity, stating, "Brother Qin, let them conduct the search. How else will you explain this to Lord Shao? If they find nothing, it will vindicate you."
Shao Yunduan's injury, attributed to the assassination attempt, implicated the Deputy Prefect. Refusing the search would not appease Shao Yunduan, and further consequences loomed, including potential loss of his official position as Deputy Prefect.
