Era of Magic and Martial Arts-Chapter 366 - 350: His Name

Hearing that he was not listed among the people involved in the case, Wang Cong’s face relaxed slightly. In front of Qian Huan, he shot Feng Mu a cold glance but said nothing more.

Feng Mu was not willing to be outdone and returned Wang Cong’s cold fake smile under Qian Huan’s gaze. Their eyes met, revealing everything without a word.

Feng Mu understood, Wang Cong understood, and Qian Huan understood as well; they all tacitly agreed, united in purpose, and were all very pleased!

Qian Huan looked at the two, seemingly sighing wearily, and said with heartfelt earnestness:

"The Internal Inspection Department needs to be strategic and nuanced in executing tasks and cannot resort to brute force. So, does the Internal Inspection Department have solid evidence?"

Feng Mu’s ears automatically blocked out the first half of Qian Huan’s sentence, perfectly grasping the hint in the latter part. He nodded and then beckoned with his hand to the side.

Ready to spring into action, Jiang Li was the first to dash forward, quickly reaching Feng Mu’s side ahead of Guan Chong, Liu Yi, Song Ping’an, and other team members, handing over the just-organized testimonies and evidence to Feng Mu.

Guan Chong, Liu Yi, Song Ping’an, and others were a step slower, exchanging complex looks, "....."

Feng Mu took the stack of testimonies, glanced casually at them, and then handed them to Qian Huan, responding in an orderly manner:

"Following the Warden’s instructions, our colleagues in the Internal Inspection Department have worked tirelessly, day and night, to collect some valuable testimonies and evidence. Among these materials, indeed, there are several clues pointing directly to a few Prison Chiefs."

Qian Huan took the testimonies, his eyes lingering on the bloodstained fingerprints for a moment. The vivid red marks conveyed a heavy weight, making him immediately believe in the authenticity of the testimonies.

He looked up at Feng Mu and said meaningfully:

"Be sure to act cautiously, lest innocent people suffer injustice."

Feng Mu didn’t directly respond to Qian Huan’s question but skillfully pointed to the side to resolve Qian Huan’s doubts:

"This is my competent assistant from the Internal Inspection Department. He is fully responsible for organizing all the testimonies. His name is Jiang Li."

Qian Huan was slightly taken aback, then smiled contentedly, glancing approvingly at Jiang Li:

"Jiang Li, reasoned and appropriate—his name suits him well."

Jiang Li paid no mind to Qian Huan’s praise, only displaying reverence for the Minister.

Feng Mu waved his hand lightly, causing Jiang Li to quickly retreat to the side.

Qian Huan observed these details, genuinely impressed that the Internal Inspection Department, established just a day ago, could already demonstrate such cohesion under Feng Mu’s leadership.

It seemed quite "battle-ready," as if always prepared to fiercely clamp down, which was very reassuring.

Qian Huan patted Feng Mu’s shoulder, his tone full of affirmation: "The Internal Inspection Department has done an excellent job; leaving it to you certainly puts my mind at ease."

He paused slightly, then lowered his voice: "So, do the current pieces of evidence suffice to lock onto the target? Who can we clamp down on?"

Feng Mu pondered for a moment and then replied:

"At present, we can clamp down on Zhou Hu, but the evidence chain is still incomplete, and time is too pressing. If someone defends him, he might manage to evade."

Qian Huan understood: "True, it’s only been a day; even forging evidence couldn’t be this quick."

Before Qian Huan could speak, Feng Mu, as if a worm in his stomach, said every word that hit home for him:

"What I mean is that bringing out the evidence too quickly might arouse suspicion. This case has significant implications, and the Internet is in an uproar as well. Solving the case too swiftly could backfire.

If we can wait a few more days, until I sort out an interconnected chain of evidence, then it can be made public, and you’ll have all mouths shut for you, Warden."

Previously, Qian Huan was extremely anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, but a day had passed, and he had quickly removed the obstacles from above with his own sacrifices.

Just as Wang Cong said, the noise from below is not as loud as the snap of a finger from above.

His mood was still urgent but no longer flustered like before. Qian Huan nodded, agreeing with Feng Mu’s suggestion:

"I trust you with handling things; we’ll proceed according to your plan."

Feng Mu sensed the added confidence in Qian Huan’s tone, squinted slightly, and glanced at Wang Cong, who responded with a subtle wink.

Qian Huan abruptly changed his tone, speaking coldly:

"I heard that the Patrol Office seems to be causing you trouble?"

Feng Mu acknowledged with a sigh, explaining calmly:

"That’s right. I am currently complying with the Patrol Office’s request to cooperate with their investigation. But rest assured, Warden, I have everything set up, so even in my absence, the Internal Inspection Department can continue operating, serving you... "

Feng Mu was well-versed in the art of speaking. His words never mentioned "asking for help" and were always considering the Warden, showing an almost divine level of loyalty.

Looking at Feng Mu’s actions, then at those smiling faces, shamelessly indulging at his expense, it became incredibly clear; the gap between people even surpasses that between humans and beasts.

Qian Huan couldn’t help but recall a famous saying from the Ancient Era:

"Isn’t this what’s meant by ’time reveals a person’s heart, adversity tests true friendship’? Feng Mu, indeed, exemplifies loyalty, with 99% of his 100 kilos comprising pure loyalty!"

Qian Huan suddenly waved to interrupt Feng Mu, declaring firmly:

"Without you as the Minister, the Internal Inspection Department loses its spirit. How could it be called the Internal Inspection Department at all? You’re my right-hand man, working loyally for me. I cannot let those lesser people slander you."

Feng Mu’s expression changed, his eyes glistening slightly.

Qian Huan thought for a moment, then said solemnly:

"But since the higher-ups in the prison system have issued orders, put up appearances and go through the motions at the Patrol Office. Don’t worry; I’ll soon get you out. Otherwise, these people might really think I’m made of mud and all can trample over me."

He paused, speaking seemingly absent-mindedly:

"But I sense you’re not too worried. Is it because your father works at the Patrol Office—Feng Ju, right? I hear he’s recently gained favor from the special envoy from Upper City and is a strong contender for the next commissioner of the Patrol Office."

Feng Mu’s pupils contracted slightly, replying honestly:

"That plays a part, but not much. The most crucial factor is that I have a clear conscience.

Even if the Patrol Office wrongfully frames me and eventually convicts me, I will just return to Second Prison under a different identity to continue serving you, Warden.

From my perspective, even such a worst-case scenario doesn’t seem unacceptable."

Qian Huan was greatly moved, staring at Feng Mu in disbelief; Feng Mu’s expression was utterly sincere, his facial expressions entirely genuine with not a hint of deceit.

From now on, in Qian Huan’s lexicon, loyalty would no longer be an abstract term—it had a specific name: Feng Mu!