Chapter 294: Replacement

In two days, all kinds of information were gradually collected into Feinian's hands.

First of all, there was nothing unusual about Shangguan Cai in the registration information for the Scholarship Examination. She passed the examination at the Tomb of Lost Souls and ranked at the bottom. According to Shangguan's family background, it is unlikely that she would go to the border area to become an unknown eighth-grade alchemist.

Secondly, the personnel files at the Jinxia Privy Council House do record the name "Shangguancai". Moreover, the identity and procedures were all in compliance with the rules, and the Ministry of Finance paid this person his salary on time.

It can be said that there is nothing unusual about these documents. If Shangguan Cai had not reappeared in Gyeonggi, it would not have attracted the attention of the review officer.

But even so, the matter only stayed at the imposter stage. A Qi senser who failed to pass the medical examination reached a deal with another would-be alchemist and replaced the latter to serve in the local Privy Council. Not only is it rare, but it does not gain much publicity. If investigated, it seems to be a waste of manpower and time of the general office. .

——If this matter does not involve Jinxia City.

After all, of all the flaws found so far, this one is the closest to Xia Fan.

However, how can a Qi-sensing person whose level is barely above the passing mark influence an elite alchemist like Xia Fan? He'er's calculations are by no means random; there must be some specific reason for the rise in ranking.

"Sir, we have found the person you are looking for. She is now in the Lingbu Punishment Hall." A subordinate reported to him.

Feinian nodded, "I'll be there right away."

Maybe this replacement had nothing to do with Xia Fan, maybe he was looking in the wrong direction from the beginning, but at this time, he could only give it a try and try his best.

He didn't want to disappoint His Highness the Second Prince.

…

Two pots of charcoal fire were burning in the execution hall, making the dark room even more solemn.

This is the place where the headquarters uses to strictly interrogate prisoners. There are all kinds of shackles and torture instruments hanging on the walls. Just looking at them makes people feel chilly.

The woman brought by the subordinates sat between the two braziers. Her hands were tied behind the back of the chair. Although she struggled, she could not move. Because the cloth was stuffed in her mouth, she could only make a small whimpering sound, and her wide eyes were full of panic and fear.

"How did you arrest people?" Feinian looked at them quietly for a moment before asking.

"Sir, my subordinate used her friends to pretend to invite her to a party, and then did it in an unoccupied room."

"Very good. We don't have much time. Let's strive for a quick victory."

Before that, he had already found out the details of the Shangguan family - the other party was the sixth daughter in the family. She was quite favored on weekdays, so she had an arrogant personality. She was also considered a young lady in Gyeonggi Province. She often participated in poetry gatherings with other girls from aristocratic families. , garden tours and other activities, I probably have never experienced this kind of battle.

Feinian knew that without authorization, he could not really interrogate a woman from a wealthy family, and he could not even hurt her. Otherwise, once the resentment and resistance of this class are aroused, the subsequent integration work of the Privy Council will be greatly hindered.

That's why he chose a very intimidating place like the torture chamber.

This inquiry must be completed before the Shangguan family becomes aware of their daughter's accident.

Feinian strode up to the other party, stretched out his hand and pulled out the cloth from her mouth, "Are you Shangguan Cai?"

"Where are you!? Who are you? Why are you arresting me?" She asked loudly with her mouth empty. Although her words were very strong, her slightly trembling tone revealed her inner fear.

Feinian picked up a soldering iron from the brazier and waved it in front of her.

The latter immediately shut up.

"From now on, I'll only ask each question once. What's your name?"

"Shang, Shangguan Cai."

"Do you know you committed a crime?"

"I..." She hesitated for a moment, but after seeing the red soldering iron, she confessed, "I just lost the appointment documents for the Privy Council Office. This is not a crime, right?"

Without any prompting from him, the other party took the initiative to mention the paperwork. It seemed that he was probably aware of it.

"Lost?" Fei Nian suddenly said sharply, "Do you know how much trouble you have caused? A while ago, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was attacked in full view of the public, and there was a shadow of a conspiracy behind it. The Privy Council is fully investigating the matter. , and the name Shangguan Cai is also suspected of treason! "

"How is that possible?" The other party was greatly surprised, "That person clearly said he just wanted to become an eighth-grade official——"

"Who is that person?" Fei Nian leaned in front of Shangguan Cai.

The latter couldn't help but shrink back - only then did she realize that she had let something slip, but now that the matter was over, she didn't care so much anymore. After all, the other party was committing treason, and once she got involved, the family might not be able to save her. "I... don't know, I really don't know! She found me through an intermediary, and I don't know anything about her. I didn't want that appointment, and that person was willing to spend a lot of money to buy it. , I agreed immediately. Besides, this kind of thing happens everywhere, doesn’t it?”

Seeing Shangguan Cai speak, Fei Nian knew that his "deterrence" had worked. He sat back in his seat and said in a soothing tone, "It is true that buying offices is everywhere, and it is understandable that you would agree. But this matter is suspected of The nature of rebellion is completely different. If you can help us find out the identity of the other party, you will not only be innocent, but you will also have merit. Did she tell you anything?

"We talked very little, mainly about remuneration. By the way, she also asked me to hide at home for half a year and try to avoid going out as much as possible, but I think no one would care about an eighth-grade alchemist in a border area."

"That is to say, you have seen her in person."

"We have only met once..."

"If you see her again, can you recognize her immediately?"

Shangguan Cai thought for a moment, "I think... it should be no problem."

"Very good, I will arrange for someone to draw a portrait. You tell them the basic features, and they will draw a head portrait that matches it. You can choose the closest one." Fei Nian put the iron back into the fire, put on a gentle smile, and untied the rope behind her, "Since you have nothing to do with the treason, we don't have to talk here. Please forgive the Privy Council for its impoliteness. This case is of great importance, and the Ministry has no choice but to do it."

His sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes made the woman's cheeks blush slightly, "...I understand."

"Thank you for your cooperation. I will let my subordinates take you to the reception room."

...

Walking out of the execution hall, Fei Nian unexpectedly saw an acquaintance.

"Lockweaver" Yan Qing

"Why did you come to such a place?"

"Your Highness asked me to come and see how Olina Okan is doing. If she has recovered well, there is no need to hold back in the interrogation." She glanced in the direction Shangguan Cai left, "Who is that person? He doesn't look like someone who should come to the Lingbu Criminal Court."

Fei Nian sighed, "Your Highness asked me to investigate Xia Fan's rise in rank. This person may be related to it."

"Is there something wrong with Xia Fan?"

"It is still unknown, but if we can find out the details, it will not be bad for the Privy Council."

"Then keep working hard." Yan Qing said indifferently.

After Fei Nian left, she retracted her gaze and turned to walk deep into the prison.