The Magistrate was assassinated, a matter nearly as grave as the previous suspicion of the Prince being killed, perhaps even more serious. After all, the rumor about Luo Zhenwu, the Prince, was purely hearsay, which the Imperial never confirmed. But this one was indeed a fourth-rank officer, stationed at a crucial transport hub. His importance far surpassed that of any Magistrate in remote regions.
Such lawlessness signified the complete disappearance of Imperial majesty.
This was a sign of rebellion, plain and simple.
The Demon Suppression Department placed the area around the crime scene, extending ten miles out, under martial law. The entire city was panicked, and the military defenses were activated, completely blocking all city gates.
Tang Buqi utilized his status to sneak Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling quietly into the crime scene.