usatvline Chapter 111 Standoff
Chapter 111 Standoff
Outside the Zhu family's gate, two groups of people were locked in a tense standoff, the atmosphere extremely tense.
Wu Dalang, having shed his previous timid demeanor of bowing to everyone, straightened his face and shouted, "The yamen is arresting people! How dare you obstruct us? Are you trying to rebel?"
He was able to climb to his current position because of Li Chong's support, and he knows best how hard-won his position is.
Therefore, after gaining power, Wu Dalang changed his previous smooth demeanor and became tough.
He understood very well that if he was no longer useful to Li Chong, someone else would replace him at any time.
In Yanggu County, there are few people who can become officials, but there are countless people who want to become head constables.
A group of guards stood in front of Wu Dalang, holding sticks and blocking his way.
"Officer, this is the residence of Old Master Zhu. Even a county magistrate has procedures for arresting people, right? My second young master has always been charitable. It is not appropriate for you to arrest people without any evidence."
A man who looked like an accountant stepped forward and tried to reason with Wu Dalang.
But these days, even the government's constables are being overly optimistic about enforcing the law in a civilized manner.
Wu Dalang grinned maliciously and spat out a curse.
"Damn it, what kind of pretentious nonsense are you spouting! Can't you recognize the clothes we're wearing? What kind of rules do you need for officials to arrest people? If you don't get out of my way, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
After saying this, Wu Dalang waved his hand, and the brothers behind him who had fought alongside him against bandits drew their knives.
Compared to the mountain bandits, these servants and guards were obviously no threat.
Upon seeing the knives drawn on the other side, the guards instinctively flinched, and many even took a few steps back.
How can you fight against someone's weapon when you're holding a stick?
Wu Dalang looked disdainful, secretly laughing to himself: "Just as the master said, they're all just a bunch of paper tigers."
Recalling the past, he would have to fawn over and greet even a steward of the Zhu family, and the steward might not even pay him any attention.
Now, using the brothers to intimidate and coerce is obviously more effective and more satisfying.
He took a step forward casually, and the crowd opposite him retreated a little.
Wu Dalang glanced sideways and said, "Aren't you going to make way?"
Just as the situation was becoming increasingly urgent, a commotion broke out at the rear, and the Zhu family's guards all breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhu Zhicheng has arrived.
The butler helped Zhu Zhicheng through the group of guards and brought him to Wu Dalang.
Zhu Zhicheng bowed and said, "Officer Wu, what are your orders, sir? Although I am old, I am still willing to serve the government."
Seeing his trembling appearance, Wu Dalang secretly curled his lip.
"Old man, you're really good at playing dumb."
However, remembering Li Chong's instructions before he left, Wu Dalang waved his hand, signaling the constables behind him to put away their knives, and then his face was full of smiles.
"Oh, old man, I dare not accept your courtesy. You are a highly respected elder, always understanding and righteous, and the county magistrate is always grateful to you. If he knew that you bowed to me, he would skin me alive."
Zhu Zhicheng spoke gently, a warm smile on his face: "Officer Wu, you flatter me. I am but a commoner, unworthy of such high regard from the county magistrate."
As he spoke, he turned his head and gestured to the butler behind him.
The butler gave a signal, and someone stepped forward and handed Wu Dalang a stack of paper money.
You should know what this is without even asking.
Zhu Zhicheng said, "You all have come a long way, so please accept this invitation to a drink."
Unexpectedly, Wu Dalang's face hardened, and he took a step back: "What do you mean by this, sir? We are here to carry out official business, not to take advantage of the situation to extort or demand bribes. If the county magistrate finds out, he will surely punish us severely. Please don't harm me, sir."
Although Wu Dalang lacked talent, he still understood the principle of having enough to eat at every meal.
The reward Li Chong gave him during the last bandit suppression was enough for him to settle down; he wouldn't be tempted by such a small amount of money.
Zhu Zhicheng's face darkened. How come these black-skinned people suddenly changed their ways and no longer care about money?
Seeing Wu Dalang's businesslike demeanor, he had no choice but to ask, "I apologize for my presumption. May I ask what brings you here, Officer Wu?"
Wu Dalang said solemnly, "There is a murder case. The magistrate has issued an order to invite your second son to court for questioning. I would like to ask you to do me a favor, sir."
Zhu Zhicheng then asked, "What kind of murder case is it?"
After a pause, Wu Dalang answered truthfully.
After all, they were going to bring people to court, so they couldn't not tell them the reason. The Zhu family was not an ordinary family that could be manipulated by the government.
Zhu Zhicheng felt much more at ease after hearing that it was still the same thing.
Although he was annoyed that Li Chong was making a mountain out of a molehill, he knew perfectly well that the common people should not fight against the officials, and he could not hand over any leverage to Li Chong.
After a moment of silence, Zhu Zhicheng turned around and said in a low voice, "Since it is the magistrate's order, this old man cannot disobey. Please, Officer Wu, come with me."
Seeing the old man stride forward, Wu Dalang followed suit.
However, at the end of the group, two constables quietly broke away and disappeared in a flash.
Because everyone in the household was focused on Wu Dalang and the others, no one else noticed anything amiss, and the group walked toward Zhu Bingzhong's courtyard.
Soon, Zhu Bingzhong, whose clothes were disheveled, was called out.
"Father, what are these black-skinned men doing here?" Zhu Bingzhong asked lazily.
Zhu Zhicheng did not answer, but turned around and gestured, "Officer Wu, please do as you please."
As soon as he finished speaking, he left with his men.
Wu Dalang sneered and stepped forward to grab Zhu Bingzhong: "Young Master Zhu, you've committed a crime. Please come with us!"
Zhu Bingzhong hadn't even reacted yet: "What did you say? Do you know who I am? How dare you come to my house to take someone away, and you mean me? You've gone too far!"
Before he could continue his rude remarks, two constables appeared behind Wu Dalang, grabbed Zhu Bingzhong from the left and right, and took him away.
"Thank you so much, sir!" Wu Dalang shouted, bowing deeply to Zhu Zhicheng's retreating figure. "In gratitude for your kindness, sir, we will not put the restraints on the young master. Farewell!"
After saying that, Wu Dalang led his men, carrying the struggling Zhu Bingzhong, and left the Zhu family.
"Father! Father! Save me, save me!"
Zhu Bingzhong's cries for help were clearly audible, and Zhu Zhicheng couldn't help but close his eyes. He feared that his son would suffer if he went there.
However, given his personality, perhaps experiencing some hardship will help him mature.
"Go, send someone to the yamen to inform the eldest son, and then go to the village to find a few 'witnesses.' If the magistrate wants to file a lawsuit, then we'll fight him to the end! I want to see what he's really up to!"
"Yes! I'll take care of it right away!"
The steward hurriedly turned and left, while Zhu Zhicheng instructed others to prepare carriages and horses. He also wanted to go to the yamen to personally oversee Li Chong's trial.