Qi Xuansu originally thought that he could earn another merit by solving a murder case in Baidi City, but that opportunity flew away when it was concluded to be a coital death.1

When those merchants saw the Fourth Lady of the Governor’s Mansion and a Chief Military Officer getting involved in the case, they knew that things were not so simple. Even the two Tiangang Hall Daoist priests investigating the case almost died, so naturally, the merchants were smart enough not to question the outcome.0

There was a natural check and balance system in place in the Jade Capital with too many influential figures, so no individual held control over everything. However, the situation in the local Daoist mansion was more complicated. 0

There were various forces involved in a local Daoist mansion, including the Imperial Court, the gentry, and the secret societies. The relationships between all parties were so intricate that it was difficult for outsiders to distinguish who was supporting which side.0

Taking the case of Baidi City as an example, Wang Ruyi certainly had no power to command a dignified Chief Military Officer of Shuzhong like Zhao Fu’an. Only Zhao Fu’an’s direct superior, the Chief Admiral of Shuzhou, and Wang Chuanzun,...0