Chapter Twenty-One: The Empress Dowager Sends Her Regards (Combined Edition)

Wang, the Centurion, had not even donned his official robes before being roused in the night to deal with this affair.

Tonight, the Hangzhou prefecture was in chaos.

First, a fire broke out on the eastern side of the city. Fortunately, few people lived there, and the blaze was swiftly contained. Though an entire alley was lost, it had long been neglected, so there was little property damage. This could be reported tomorrow as a minor incident, unlikely to stir much trouble and easily forgotten in a few days.

But just as Wang was about to lead his men back, he discovered a distant manor ablaze, flames raging fiercely, thick smoke billowing skyward. Even the towering pavilion threatened to collapse amid the inferno.

That was the farmstead of Master Cao, renowned for his charity and benevolence, spoken of fondly by the people. How could such a man fall victim to this calamity?

No time for reflection; Wang spun his horse and rushed with his men toward the scene. Two fires in succession was no small matter. Aside from the prefecture’s night patrol troops, constables from the government office arrived, and even the Imperial Astronomers were disturbed.

Three contingents swiftly encircled the manor. Wang, without exchanging pleasantries with his colleagues, led his team to break through the gates, charging ahead.

After all, this incident concerned his career. To reach his current sixth-rank position, Wang could not even tally the years and resources expended. Yet to be stripped of it wo