New Policies in Sichuan

Chapter 11 After the Fire

"Your Excellency! There's a fire at Fenghe Grain Store!"

The shout caused a moment of silence inside and outside the warehouse, followed by a series of crackling sounds, as if someone had thrown a handful of iron filings into boiling water.

The onlookers were the first to panic.

"Is it on fire?"

"Fenghe Grain Store?"

"Is it the biggest one in the south of the city?"

"My God, that's a major grain store!"

Some people subconsciously looked towards the south of the city, some had already started to back away, and a few quick-footed ones clearly looked conflicted, wanting to watch the excitement but not daring to cross the Crown Prince's line of sight.

Inside the warehouse, Zhou Ling'an's face turned deathly pale in an instant, even more so than when he saw the empty warehouse, as if someone had casually emptied half a bucket of his blood.

Lu Yuanfeng stumbled, nearly losing half of his dignity.

He quickly regained his composure, but even that composure couldn't hide the fleeting panic in his eyes.

That one moment is enough.

Meng Xuanzhe stood in the middle of the warehouse door, glancing at the messenger, then at Zhou Ling'an and Lu Yuanfeng, and only one thought crossed his mind:

Okay.

The fire had barely started to burn the thread when it was exposed.

What does this tell us?

This shows that the people at Fenghe Grain Store have at least one advantage—they react quickly.

Of course, this advantage is only for themselves.

To Meng Xuanzhe, the faster these people reacted, the more it meant that something sinister was going on at Fenghe Grain Store, and something quite sinister at that. Otherwise, why would someone panic over just mentioning the name of a grain store? Why would they burn something? It couldn't be that the proprietress got up in the middle of the night to use the account books as kindling to keep warm, could it?

He even wanted to say something complimentary: "You guys are much better at destroying evidence than at disaster relief."

Lu Yuanfeng finally spoke first, his voice was fairly steady, but the last syllable was a little strained.

"Your Highness, there are many shops selling timber in the city, and the lighting is quite varied, so it's not entirely surprising that fires occasionally break out..."

"Oh?" Meng Xuanzhe looked at him. "Is Master Lu already explaining things on behalf of Fenghe Grain Store?"

Lu Yuanfeng hesitated for a moment, then quickly cupped his hands and said, "This humble subject has only seen too many dangers of fire in the city and spoke out of turn; I had no other intention."

"Is that so?" Meng Xuanzhe nodded. "I thought you were particularly interested in Fenghe Grain Store."

Lu Yuanfeng managed to maintain the smile on his face.

But Gao Chengli was almost laughing at the whole thing.

Your Highness is being truly immoral by asking questions now.

If someone utters even a single extra word, he can immediately seize the opportunity to criticize them. And you can't simply not answer; not answering makes you seem guilty, but answering risks falling into a trap.

What's this called?

This is what happens when the Crown Prince stops physically assaulting people and starts using words to force them into a cold sweat.

Gu Chengyan had already quickly memorized the words "Fenghe Grain Store on fire," and casually added another note next to it:

—The moment the thread first appears, the fire is ignited.

This sentence is written in a cold tone, but it's coldly accurate.

Zhou Ling'an finally came to his senses and quickly stepped forward, as if afraid that if he was even a little slow, the fire would spread all the way from the grain store to his county government warehouse.

"Your Highness, a fire in the city is no small matter. I will personally lead men to put it out—"

"What's the rush?" Meng Xuanzhe said calmly.

Zhou Ling'an was taken aback.

Not only was he stunned, but Gao Chengli was also stunned.

The grain store over there is on fire, why aren't we in a hurry here?

Meng Xuanzhe was in no hurry to rush over immediately.

The reason is simple: this fire is probably beyond the point where water can put it out.

He had seen many of these kinds of tricks in his previous life.

If you want to destroy accounts, the best way is not to stealthily move them, but to stage an "accident"; if you want to silence someone, the best way is not to kill them openly, but to let them "die in the chaos" first; as for the most important thing—the mastermind is often not in the fire, but outside the fire, waiting to see whether you put out the fire first or the person first.

If he were to lead a large group of people to Fenghe Grain Store now, what would he most likely see?

Seeing the fire raging, the workers cried out in despair, the neighbors ran around with buckets, the account books were burned to ashes, and the door lock was "coincidentally" broken by the smoke. The most valuable and most deadly parts had probably already grown legs in advance.

I'm definitely going to be busy.

You can't be so busy that others want you to be busy.

Meng Xuanzhe's mind raced, but his expression remained calm.

He pointed at Zhao Heiniu: "Sun Kuo."

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Take two men and keep a close watch on Zhao Heiniu," Meng Xuanzhe said calmly. "From now on, no one is allowed to speak to him alone except me. If anyone dares to approach him, take them down first, and report back later."

Sun Kuo was taken aback at first, then his eyes lit up.

Wonderful.

This is the person protecting witnesses outside the fire scene.

If the fire at Fenghe Grain Store really started because this thread was pulled out last night and this morning, then the people who are most afraid are not only that the account books will be searched, but also that more living people who know about the transportation and grain routes will open their mouths.

Zhao Heiniu was also taken aback, and then his expression changed.

He was a rough man, and the reason he dared to kneel down and testify earlier was because of his ruthless and desperate nature. But as ruthless as he was, when he actually heard "no one is allowed to speak to him alone," he still instinctively felt a chill run down his spine.

Because this illustrates one thing—

His Highness felt that he might be silenced.

This is not as simple as just coming to get a certificate.

Zhao Heiniu's lips moved, and his voice lowered: "Your Highness, this humble subject..."

"So you're scared now?" Meng Xuanzhe glanced at him. "Fear is a good thing. Fear means you still want to live."

Zhao Heiniu: "..."

This method of comforting people is quite strange.

Strange as it may be, his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, inexplicably calmed down.

Since the Crown Prince said this in front of so many people, it means he really intends to protect him.

It's not about saying "commendable loyalty and righteousness" and then turning around and abandoning people to fend for themselves.

For men like them, this feeling was more real than any reward.

Meng Xuanzhe then looked at Gu Chengyan.

"Take Shen the clerk and copy down all the pages in that old book that contain the terms 'temporary dispatch,' 'transfer,' and 'business.' Don't just copy Fenghe Grain Store; copy everything else as well."

Gu Chengyan immediately replied, "Yes."

Shen Bushu, who was listening nearby, felt his eyelids twitch.

This prince truly has no intention of giving anyone a chance.

The most sinister part of his order wasn't about making copies, but rather "not just copying from Fenghe Grain Store."

What does that mean?

The implication is that if you only focus on Fenghe Grain Store, you'll think the Crown Prince only caught this one. But His Highness didn't agree; he dragged out all the businesses involved in "temporary storage" and "transfer" in one go.

In this way, even those who originally wanted to sit on the shore and watch Fenghe Grain Store go downhill will now have to start sweating.

Because the next fire might just burn down on your own head.

Gao Chengli watched with growing alarm.

Your Highness's methods of investigating cases are increasingly unlike those of a prince fresh out of the palace, and more like those of a seasoned bureaucrat accustomed to dealing with messy affairs.

Protect people first, then seal the tent, then expand the coverage area.

He lays out layer upon layer, never following the rhythm others had prepared for him.

He suddenly realized that if there were really people at Fenghe Grain Store waiting for the Crown Prince to panic and put out the fire, they would most likely be disappointed.

Sure enough, Meng Xuanzhe's next sentence was:

"As for fire—"

He turned to the messenger and asked, "Was it the front yard or the back yard that burned?"

The waiter was taken aback, clearly not expecting that the prince's first question wouldn't be "How big is the fire?" but rather "Where is it burning?"

"Your Highness, the fire started in the western side courtyard! Now it's spreading to the shops in front..."

Meng Xuanzhe's eyes turned slightly cold.

The western side courtyard.

That makes it even more similar.

The most important items in a grain store are usually not placed in the front storefront, but rather in the backyard or a side courtyard. The western side courtyard is built first, and the front storefront is built later, making it look like someone is burning from the inside out, giving the neighbors a dramatic "Oh no, the fire is out of control" spectacle.

He could almost picture the scene:

First, drag away what needs to be dragged away, and throw what needs to be thrown into the fire. Then shout for help to put out the fire. Everyone was moved by the unfortunate fire at Fenghe Grain Store. As for what was burned inside and whether it was completely burned, we could only leave it to fate.

very good.

Very skilled.

This perfectly aligns with the basic professional qualities required of local interest groups when faced with sudden investigations.

The more Meng Xuanzhe thought about it, the less anxious he became.

He looked at Sun Kuo: "Take eight men and split into two groups. One group goes to the grain store first. Don't rush to set fire to it. First, seal off the front and back doors. Don't allow a single person, vehicle, or box to leave. Anyone who dares to force their way in, take them down first."

Sun Kuo clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This humble general obeys!"

"The other team should go check the alleyway to the west and the area outside the back wall," Meng Xuanzhe continued. "Don't focus on the fire, focus on the people. Especially those carrying boxes, those driving carts, and those running faster than the fire—stop them all."

A glint flashed in Sun Kuo's eyes, and he became as energetic as if he had just received a military merit: "Yes, sir!"

Gao Chengli, listening from the side, was so excited he wanted to slap his thigh.

Yup!

The fire has started, but more important than putting it out is preventing those who should run from running away first.

When many people hear that a grain store is on fire, their first reaction is "Quickly put out the fire!" But His Highness wasn't thinking about the fire at all; he was thinking about what else was inside and outside the fire that hadn't been extinguished in time.

This is quite unusual.

Lu Yuanfeng's expression was now quite unpleasant.

Meng Xuanzhe's plan almost always hit the most critical spots.

Seal the gate.

Block the back alley.

Stop vehicles and boxes.

Keep an eye on the fastest runners.

This isn't putting out a fire; it's taking a backup plan.

He finally couldn't hold back any longer and forced a smile, saying, "Your Highness, fire is merciless. If we block the door first, wouldn't that prevent the workers from escaping—"

Meng Xuanzhe turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Master Lu".

"This humble subject is here."

"You're not right," Meng Xuanzhe smiled. "I'm not trying to stop people from escaping; I'm afraid that someone might take advantage of others' escape to run off with the account books and silver contracts."

Lu Yuanfeng: "..."

Outside the warehouse door, someone couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

The laughter wasn't loud, but it was jarring.

Lu Yuanfeng's composure was almost completely ruined.

But he still has to hang up.

The Crown Prince's every word is now perfectly reasonable, and the kind of reasoning that, once it reaches the ears of the common people, makes them think, "Yeah, why do they always get to run first?"

Meng Xuanzhe ignored him and turned to look at Zhou Ling'an.

"Magistrate Zhou."

Zhou Ling'an hurriedly replied, "Your humble servant is here!"

"Take the remaining men from the county government and go put out the fire," Meng Xuanzhe said calmly. "But there are two rules: First, do not go near the inner room of the west wing; put out the fire from the outside first. Second, take back everything in the grain store that contains written documents—accounts, tickets, contracts, books, letters—even if only half of them remain."

Zhou Ling'an was taken aback.

This order is far too detailed.

He was so thin that it seemed unlikely someone who had been involved in a fire case for the first time.

He had initially planned to lead his men to the scene first, hoping to at least help the county cover up the chaos and hold things back, and ideally, deal with the most critical issues as well. But the Crown Prince's two pressures immediately made him realize—

It's difficult to do anything about it now.

Because His Highness had already told everyone in advance: what you should look at most is not the fire, but the words.

In a fire, the easiest thing to be "rescued" is precisely the word.

Zhou Ling'an felt bitter inside, but on the surface he could only accept the order: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will go immediately."

Meng Xuanzhe nodded, but then called out to him again.

"besides."

Zhou Ling'an's heart tightened: "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

"You can go, but Master Lu cannot," Meng Xuanzhe said calmly. "Since he has dealings with Fenghe Grain Store, it's best not to get close to him right now, lest things get complicated later."

Lu Yuanfeng's expression changed instantly.

This really put him in his place.

The fact that they had contact was something he had just acknowledged; the claim that they shouldn't get close was also something the Crown Prince had used to trick him.

If he insists on going with them now, it means he has something to hide; if he doesn't go, then if there are people on the other side of the fire who need help, need to relay messages, or need to be silenced, he will be completely at a loss.

Gao Chengli was almost silently praising His Highness.

That's a statement that's both dignified and ruthless.

With a simple "Don't get close," Lu Yuanfeng was effectively kicked out of the game from the edge of the fire.

Lu Yuanfeng forced a smile, but a vein was already bulging on his forehead: "Your Highness is right. Since I have some business dealings with Fenghe Grain Store, I should naturally avoid suspicion."

"Very good." Meng Xuanzhe looked at him. "Master Lu is a wise man."

The phrase "a wise man" sent a chill down Lu Yuanfeng's spine.

The wise are sometimes the ones who die the fastest.

After arranging all of this, Meng Xuanzhe finally stepped outside.

Gao Chengli hurriedly followed, asking in a low voice, "Your Highness, are we heading to the grain store now?"

"Go," Meng Xuanzhe said, "but don't rush in."

"what?"

"Fire scenes are the best liars," Meng Xuanzhe said calmly. "If you rush in, you'll mostly see what others have prepared for you. First, block the people and the doors, then wait for the fire to subside a layer before you can see clearly what's burning and what's not."

Gao Chengli listened, completely stunned.

He truly hadn't expected that a fire could be viewed like this.

In his mind, a fire was just a fire, and he just needed to put it out. But His Highness was clearly treating the fire as a moving ledger—

Where the fire starts first, the fire starts later; whoever runs first, whoever shouts later; what things are rushed to be moved, and what things are left untouched.

This is not a place to go watch the fire.

This is to see people's hearts.

The group quickly left the warehouse and headed south of the city.

On the way, Gu Chengyan continued to mutter to himself as he walked: "The old records of the granary show 'temporary storage,' Zhao Heiniu has witnesses, and the fire at Fenghe Grain Store happened so timely... If this isn't a coincidence, then it means—"

"That means we pulled the right line," Meng Xuanzhe interjected.

Gu Chengyan nodded and said, "But since they dared to start a fire, I'm afraid they want more than just to destroy the tent."

"Of course not," Meng Xuanzhe said. "Tents can be repaired after they burn, but what really cannot be kept are those who know how the accounts were taken."

Gao Chengli felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this, and subconsciously turned around to look at Zhao Heiniu, who was being watched by the guards.

fortunately.

Fortunately, His Highness's first action was to protect him.

Otherwise, if the fire starts now, Zhao Heiniu might "accidentally" fall into a ditch or be "provoked by an enemy" and get hit with a stick.

By then, even if you recognize the car, the fingers, and the employee's name, it will all be for nothing.

Thinking of this, Gao Chengli suddenly felt a complex sense of awe towards his prince.

He had initially thought that the crown prince was warm-hearted, daring to take charge, and unafraid of dirt or chaos; but from today onwards, he had to change his opinion.

This person isn't just someone who dares to interfere.

He's also very good at managing things.

And it can be a bit scary.

As they spoke, they were already close to the south of the city.

From afar, a plume of black smoke could be seen rising, turning half the street gray and sooty. A crowd had already gathered at the street corner—some carrying buckets, some carrying basins, some watching the spectacle, and some hoping to snag a bargain. It was a chaotic mess, like a pot of porridge without a lid.

But the most conspicuous were Sun Kuo's men.

Eight guards had arrived first and were blocking the entrance and exit of the grain store, as Meng Xuanzhe had instructed. Several men who looked like shop assistants were stopped at the door. Their faces were covered in soot from cigarettes, but their expressions didn't seem to be simply concerned about putting out a fire. They looked more like they were in a hurry to snatch something else from inside.

Sure enough, a mule cart was stopped at the alleyway west of the grain store.

The cart was covered with burlap, and the corners of the cloth were charred, making it look like it had just been snatched from the fire.

Meng Xuanzhe smiled upon seeing this.

He really did manage to block the way.

well.

This fire was worthwhile.

He stopped and looked at the Fenghe Grain Store ahead, its smoke billowing, and gently exhaled.

"See that?" he said to Gao Chengli.

Gao Chengli hurriedly replied, "This servant saw it."

"This is what they call 'the fire is merciless, but people's hearts find a way,'" Meng Xuanzhe said calmly. "The fire burns upwards, people run outside, and tents are moved onto carts."

After he finished speaking, he stepped forward, and the smile in his eyes gradually faded.

"Let's go."

"Tonight's fire—"

"I must see for myself who it was burned for."