A Step Too Late

When Qin Zhi Hao and his two guards arrived at the warehouse, the man in a bright blue robe who came to greet them earlier was no longer around, and the surrounding was unusually quiet.

Sensing something amiss, Qin Zhi Hao was on guard. His hand moved to touch at the hilt of his sword that was hanging by his waist, preparing himself for an unforeseen situation. His other hand raised to signal his men to be on the watch.

Qin Zhi Hao walked cautiously and entered the warehouse. This time, the workers who were busy moving around the crates were no longer seen. Most of the crates were left around just like that and the man in charge of the warehouse who was called Sun Qian was missing.

It was not long ago since he had left the warehouse. The people who were at the warehouse earlier were surely quick to leave to abandon the place.

The place seemed as if was deserted. It was as if the warehouse that they have visited earlier were not the same as the warehouse now.

A deep frown appeared on his face, and his anger simmer. Earlier, he had come over and inspected the papers, and the man called Sun Qian had taken him around the place, acting as if they were nothing doubtful about the place as well as the papers they were storing in the warehouse.

They could not find anything suspicious.

However, the message from Officer Zhou had told him a different story. A few days ago, a group of merchants had entered the West Market through the Southern Gate. The group of merchants was carrying rolls of papers meant to be used to build the lantern and the papers were then brought over to the warehouse which was located at the port.

Coincidentally, another group of merchants had entered through the same gate and they were carrying a suspicious number of fireworks. These fireworks were brought into the city and were going to be light up on the night of the lantern festival.

However, from Officer Zhou Ming's investigation, it was found that the amount that firework brought into the city was not the same as the one that they have sent over to the storehouse.

Half of them have gone missing.

Qin Zhi Hao glanced at his guards and signaled them to search the warehouse. Pei Zi turned left, while the other guard turned right. Then, he walked around the warehouse. Qin Zhi Hao kicked at one of the crates, and rolls of papers scattered on the ground.

Of course, these papers were not the same as the one that was going to be used to construct the grand lantern.

As he walked forward, Qin Zhi Hao reached the end of the room and there was a hidden door just behind the pile of crates. His grip on the sword tightened again. Kicking the door, Qin Zhi Hao crept into the room and his eyes narrowed dangerously.

When he came to inspect the warehouse earlier, he was unable to see this door as it was hidden behind those crates.

But someone had moved the crates slightly hastily to enter this room, and had forgotten to cover their tracks, exposing the existence of this secret room.

Qin Zhi Hao slid into the room and rushed forward when he saw the marking on the floor.

Judging from the marking and dust, something, or rather, some heavy crates were placed on the floor and they were taken away just a moment ago.

As Qin Zhi Hao was inspecting the sign, a strange sound was heard coming from his left. He stood up stealthily and walked over. Just behind the wall, Sun Qian leaned half of his body against the wall.

His eyes were half-opened. There was a large cut around his stomach area and thick blood pooled near his body.

Qin Zhi Hao immediately walked forward to check for his pulse. His eyes darkened upon sensing that this man was no longer with a pulse, and his hands tightened into a fist, knowing that he was without a witness.

Just then, Pei Zi and the other guard appeared into the room and reported that they could not find anything useful for their investigation.

The person they were looking for had long escaped. They were a step too late. They have nothing to help them continue the investigation, and the item they were looking for was missing from the scene.

When the emperor learned about this news, he was going to be furious.

However, there was nothing they can do but to continue and look for a new clue.

His eyes narrowed as he recalled how the Emperor had summoned him and showed him that strange letter. His Majesty had received that tip-off months ago and had summoned him to return to the capital immediately.

But so far, he had could not be much help to the Emperor.

In the end, the only thing that he could do was to tighten the security around the Emperor and ensure that nothing will happen to His Majesty during the Lantern Festival.

…

The sky has turned red when Officer Zhou Ming head over to his home. A while later, the sky was going to turn dark and the night will fall.

He was a few feet away from his house when he saw his old mother outside the house. His steps halted upon noticing that his mother was talking with someone familiar.

His eyes darkened, noticing that the person was no other than Xiao Feng!

Officer Zhou Ming picked up his pace and tugged at the boy's shoulder hard.

Yu Feng's body was forced to turn around, and the pancake in his hand fell to the ground, causing the yellow dust to mix into the pancake. Just like that the food was no longer edible.

Old Madame Zhou stared at his son in anger. She raised her hand and pointed to him in anger. "You! Zhou Ming! How did I raise you? How can you be so rough to this poor boy?"

Hearing his mother berating him, Officer Zhou Ming's expression changed. "Mom, don't be fooled by this kid. He is not—"

Before his words were finished, Officer Zhou received a slap on his arms. Turning to the person who caused him to be in this predicament, Zhou Ming's anger rose upon seeing Yu Feng's mocking smile.

However, though he wanted to explain himself, his mother had refused to listen to him. Gradually, a small crowd began to form. The passerby stopped and laughed upon seeing this scene. Left with no choice, Zhou Ming can only cajole his mother and promised to be good to the poor boy before he persuaded her to go back inside as the sky has turned darker.

"Are you happy?" Officer Zhou Ming narrowed his eyes dangerously at the boy.

"You ruined my food. How can I be happy?" Yu Feng pointed at the pancake on the ground. He crouched down to pick it up and heaved a long sigh. "Look. Your mother made me her delicious pancake, but it is not edible now."

"What do you want?"

"You promised me a chance to see Orange. I'm here to collect what you owe."

"Your cat is not with me."

Yu Feng stared at the officer in anger. "Are you going back on your words?"

Officer Zhou Ming raised a hand. "However, I can bring you to your cat later." He leaned forward and whispered. "Meet me at the intersection where we first caught you at midnight."