My Sexy CEO Wife

Chapter 354 - 351: Parting the Clouds

"Chen San, Liu Qing." Gao Fei called out.

"What are your orders, sir?" Chen San and Liu Qing hurried over.

"The two of you change into casual clothes, then go outside and gather some information." Gao Fei instructed.

"Yes, sir." Chen San and Liu Qing accepted the order and left.

It wasn't until evening that Chen San and Liu Qing returned.

"Sir, we have found out some things that may help with the case." Chen San spoke gravely.

"Speak quickly." Gao Fei urged, "What have you found out?"

"Li Xiaoming has a bad reputation; the people all have grievances against him," Chen San reported.

"Go on."

"The ten missing decurions are also notorious, often oppressing the people."

"Is there anything else?"

"That's all we have found out."

"Tomorrow, we will take a look at the barracks."

...

The night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, Gao Fei and his men left the post station.

Before long, they arrived at the barracks.

"Halt!" The soldiers guarding the gate stopped Gao Fei and his men, "Who goes there!"

"This is my token." Chen San took out a token and flashed it in front of the soldiers, putting it away before they could see it clearly, "Who here holds the highest rank? Have him come out quickly to meet the Imperial Envoy!"

"Imperial Envoy?" The soldier was taken aback.

"What are you dazed for, go quickly!" Chen San scolded.

"Ah... Yes, I'll go right now." The soldier hurried into the barracks.

"Hmm, this barracks looks quite impressive," Gao Fei looked around, "It's just that some of the houses are a bit old."

In the official system, a centurion held a rank neither high nor low, commanding hundreds of soldiers. Their primary duty was to protect the local people and maintain order in the area, akin to a county magistrate from ancient times.

"Which one of you is the Imperial Envoy?" A group of soldiers rushed out from the barracks, led by a middle-aged man, burly and strong, clad in heavy armor.

"I am," Gao Fei stepped forward.

"Could you show me your token?" The middle-aged man scrutinized Gao Fei from head to toe.

"Certainly." Gao Fei handed over the token that proved his identity.

The middle-aged man examined it carefully, then returned it to Gao Fei with great respect, "I was not aware of the Imperial Envoy's arrival, my neglect in greeting you from afar is inexcusable, I ask for the Imperial Envoy's forgiveness."

"Who are you?" Gao Fei inquired.

"My name is Feng Chen, I am the newly appointed centurion. Sir, let us talk inside."

"Alright."

Thus, accompanied by Feng Chen, Gao Fei entered the barracks.

"Hah!"

"Hey!"

"Ho!"

Just upon entering the barracks, they heard a series of shouting sounds, uniform and full of strength.

"The soldiers are in training," Feng Chen explained, "If the noise bothers you, sir, I can have them stop..."

"No need," Gao Fei waved his hand, "Let the soldiers continue their training."

They walked straight on and finally entered a large room.

"Please have a seat, sir." Feng Chen moved a chair for Gao Fei, then brewed him a cup of hot tea, "Sir, please enjoy the tea."

"I came here this time to investigate a case," Gao Fei said straightforwardly: "Someone has accused Li Xiaoming of murdering ten Decurions, and the lord of the city was so enraged upon hearing this that he appointed me as the Imperial Envoy to look into the matter."

"Some time ago... ten Decurions mysteriously disappeared... and they have not been found to this day..." Feng Chen said solemnly: "Later, I also suspected that they met with misfortune, but whether it was done by Lord Li... I really don't know."

"How is your relationship with Li Xiaoming?" Gao Fei asked.

"Pretty good," Feng Chen replied: "Lord Li has shown me great favor. If it weren't for his promotion... I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Do you think it's likely that Li Xiaoming is the murderer?"

"I'm not privy to the details, so I can't make a judgment."

...

Gao Fei asked some questions, and Feng Chen answered them all, with responses that were by the book, leaving Gao Fei unable to find any faults.

"What was Li Xiaoming's relationship like with the ten missing Decurions?"

"Not bad," said Feng Chen.

"Could you elaborate?"

"Well... patience is needed in human interactions, as is time to adapt to each other, the ten missing Decurions were all promoted by Lord Li himself, they had a lot of respect for Lord Li, and they unconditionally complied with any order he gave," he explained.

"Where did Li Xiaoming live before?"

"Just next door... Uh, it has become my bedroom now."

"May I take a look?"

"Of course."

...

"This is where Li Xiaoming lived? Not bad at all!" Gao Fei exclaimed. In front of him stood a two-story building constructed of square stones with a painted exterior. The building was surrounded by a variety of trees and flowers, and there was even a pond in front of it.

"Please come in," Feng Chen beckoned invitingly.

Gao Fei strode firmly into the building. From the outside, the building was already impressive, but the interior was even more luxurious. Describing it as opulent wouldn't be an exaggeration.

The first floor was a hall with a set of solid wood tables and chairs, and some porcelain was placed in the corner of the wall. The bedroom was on the second floor. After touring the building, Gao Fei concluded: "Li Xiaoming sure knew how to enjoy life, this building would be considered a mansion even in Chaotic Wind City."

"It looks splendid, but it didn't cost much," Feng Chen hastily interjected, anxious not to let Gao Fei overthink: "The stones for the building were brought from the mountain behind us, and the furniture inside was built by ourselves; it didn't cost much... "

"These porcelain vases are antiques, aren't they? They look quite valuable!"

"Uh... yes, they are antiques, but they're not worth much."

"This set of chairs is made from ebony wood, right?"

"You have a great eye, sir, even noticing that."

"And this floor... the bed... the tables... none of them are ordinary items, huh."

"Sir... "

"Don't be nervous, I'm just asking casually, I don't mean anything by it."

"I'm not nervous..."

"You're not nervous? Then what's with the sweat on your forehead? Don't tell me it's because you're hot."

"Uh... to be honest with you, I am indeed feeling somewhat warm."

"You're quite the comedian," Gao Fei said after wandering around the building for a while before turning to leave.

A comedian? Feng Chen's mouth twitched slightly. Where was I being funny?

In one day's time, Gao Fei had walked through the military camp inside and out, and in the end, he suggested: Tonight, he wanted to stay overnight in the military camp!

Since Gao Fei brought it up, Feng Chen certainly couldn't refuse. He arranged a fine room for Gao Fei, (originally Feng Chen wanted Gao Fei to stay in the small building that Li Xiaoming used to live in, but Gao Fei didn't agree) and then prepared a lavish banquet.

The dishes were fine, and so was the wine.

Gao Fei was very satisfied with his meal.

"Lord Feng, I'm getting a bit envious of you," Gao Fei said, holding his wine glass and smiling.

Feng Chen was startled: "Envious of me? What's there to be envious of?"