East Palace.

In the main hall, Prince Zhu Biao was sitting on the couch with a solemn expression, waiting for the latest developments.

After receiving the news, South Korean Duke Li Shanchang also entered the palace and stayed with Zhu Biao, preparing to negotiate with Zhu Biao when necessary.

At this moment, the sound of footsteps came, and Xiao Qi quickly walked into the hall.

"how's it going?!"

Zhu Biao looked up and asked hurriedly before Xiao Qi could speak.

"Reporting to His Majesty the Crown Prince, there is no news from the Huitong Hall, but Marquis Jiu'an has returned to the capital and has just entered the palace to see His Majesty."

Xiao Qi bowed his hands and replied respectfully.

Hearing Xiao Qi's answer, Zhu Biao couldn't help but frown.

However, although the robbers have not yet been brought to justice, they are relieved to know that Hu Fei has returned to the city.

"But…"

Xiao Qi glanced at Zhu Biao and stopped talking.

"What's wrong?"

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment and asked in a deep voice.

"Because Hou Jiu'an left his post without permission, His Majesty was furious, and in a moment of desperation, he hit Hou Jiu'an on the forehead with a teacup."

"I heard that there was a lot of blood, but the wound has been treated by the imperial doctor and has now rushed to the Huitong Hall."

Xiao Qi paused and said slowly.

"It's better to suffer a little bit of physical pain, it will save him from always having his own way!"

Zhu Biao snorted lightly and said slightly dissatisfied.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is right. Marquis Jiu'an is probably to blame this time."

"If this matter does not end well, for example if the robber is not caught or the tribute is not recovered, it will be a crime of dereliction of duty!"

"At that time, I'm afraid even if Your Majesty wants to be lenient, it will be difficult."

Li Shanchang first agreed with Zhu Biao, and then said with a worried look.

After listening to Li Shanchang's words, Zhu Biao couldn't help but frown, and his expression began to become more solemn.

If this is really the case, I am afraid that even he will not be able to speak for Hu Fei by then, because the matter has become a big deal and someone must be responsible for it.

"Xiao Qi, go to the Huitong Hall immediately and tell Hu Fei that no matter what, you must find a way to solve it as soon as possible. The bandits and the tribute must be found together!"

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, looked up at Xiao Qi, and said in a deep voice.

Xiao Qi agreed and immediately turned around and headed to the Huitong Hall.

As Xiao Qi took the order and left, Zhu Biao couldn't help but sigh, and the expression between his eyebrows became more complicated.

"Your Highness, there is no need to worry too much. With Jiu'an Hou's intelligence, this matter will soon come to light."

Li Shanchang looked at Zhu Biao who looked worried and comforted him softly.

"I hope so."

Zhu Biao nodded and murmured to himself.

…

Huitong Hall.

When Hu Fei finished treating his wounds and rushed to the Huitong Hall, Tang Duo and Zhou Tong were already waiting at the door with a group of their subordinates.

Han Jiang has also led people to the scene.

"Master, what's wrong with your head?!"

Seeing the injury on Hu Fei's forehead, Pei Jie was stunned for a moment, walked closer quickly, and asked with concern.

"nothing."

"How's it going? Did you find any clues?"

Hu Fei waved his hand and asked calmly.

He didn't bother to explain such an embarrassing thing. This was the first time he was so embarrassed.

Zhu Yuanzhang's blow was really cruel. If he had been a little more biased, he might have lost an eye.

Upon hearing Hu Fei's question, Pei Jie shook his head helplessly, indicating that there was no progress yet.

"The lower official has once again ordered the Capital Army and Horse Department not to let go of any suspicious persons. From now on, the Ministry of War and the Capital Army and Horse Department will all be at the disposal of Marquis Jiu'an!"

At this time, Tang Duo also came closer, bowed respectfully, and said loudly.

Hu Fei nodded, looked at Tang Duo, and then turned to look at Zhou Tong, who looked nervous.

While treating his wounds at the Royal Hospital, he had already learned from Pang Yuhai some things that had happened in the Yangxin Hall before he came.

"Everyone in the Ministry of Rites is at the disposal of Hou Jiu'an. If you have any orders, just ask!"

After noticing Hu Fei's cold gaze, Zhou Tong hurried forward and said flatteringly.

"No need, just take your people and hide in the house, don't let me see you again!"

"Oh, no, don't let you see me again, lest someone read my book in front of His Majesty again!"

Hu Fei sneered, shook his head and said coldly.

As soon as he finished speaking, Hu Fei led the people and walked straight inside, leaving Zhou Tong standing there dumbfounded, with a pale face.

Zhou Tong shirks his responsibility in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, which makes Hu Fei extremely unhappy. However, the capture of the robber is about to take place, and he does not have much free time to deal with Zhou Tong.

In the backyard of Huitong Hall, in a wing room, the floor was filled with boxes, which contained the tributes that the Japanese mission paid to Zhu Yuanzhang but were rejected by Zhu Yuanzhang.

This is the first scene of the crime, where the robbers sneaked in and stole the tribute.

Hu Fei slowly walked into the wing with his men, his eyes coldly scanning every corner of the room.

Although Hu Fei was investigating the case, this was the place where the tributes were stored, so the mission specially sent people to follow Hu Fei.

Moreover, since the theft occurred, not only the Ministry of War and Imperial Guards, but also the mission itself has sent people to strictly guard this wing.

"What exactly was lost?"

Hu Fei asked calmly after looking around.

The occasional severe pain on his forehead made the corners of his mouth tremble unconsciously when he spoke.

"It's a luminous pearl, priceless!"

After listening to Hu Fei's question, an attendant of the mission said in a deep voice.

"Priceless? Is it expensive?"

Hu Fei looked at the attendant, curled his lips, and asked lightly.

"Even if it costs you ten lives, I can't afford it!"

The man snorted coldly and said dissatisfied.

Hearing this, Chun Die's face instantly darkened. He directly pulled out the short knife in his hand and placed it on the man's neck, his eyes cold.

Seeing this scene, the man trembled and froze on the spot.

"That's such a big statement. Then I would like to see what kind of luminous pearl it is. It's actually worth ten human lives."

"But don't speak so openly next time, even if you think what you are saying is true, because I am really in a bad mood right now."

Hu Fei waved his hand gently towards Chundie and said calmly.

After Chundie glared at the man, she slowly put away the knife.

As the blade left his neck, the man finally breathed a sigh of relief, frowned, and did not dare to say anything more.

"How did the robbers get in?"

Hu Fei paused and then asked.

"I came in through the front door. I used incense to charm the guard guarding the door, then I broke the door lock and walked in."

Upon hearing Hu Fei's question, Tang Duo hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully.

"Since you have charmed the guard, why did you destroy the door lock?"

Hu Fei turned his head and asked.

"Because only Yoshitaka Kuroda has the key, and it's not with the guard."

Tang Duo continued to answer.

"Then how did Yoshitaka Kuroda get injured?"

Hu Fei frowned, asked, and came to the door to check the door lock.

The door lock had indeed been forcibly broken by someone, but it was not damage, but violence. Unlocking the lock was exactly the method of a robber.
To be continued...