The prison in Yanshi County occupies a large area and can hold more than 200 people if packed to the brim.
After Xue Bai became the county captain, he arrested three people there.
The first arrest was made by the shopkeeper of Guo's slave tooth shop, and he was released that night; the second arrest was made by the Cao gang who wanted to beat up an official, and they were forcefully detained in the name of being involved in the Lishan stabbing case.
The county magistrate does not dare to release the person for the time being, but is looking for an opportunity to do so; tonight is the third time that dozens of traffickers have been arrested in a secret house.
"Are you planning to let it go?"
"Crack!"
Hearing Xue Bai's faint question, Qi Chou immediately gave himself a big slap, and said with a bitter smile: "The county captain is too funny, a villain can't afford it."
"I'm not in the mood to be funny with you. You are a smart person and you should know what to choose...right?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Qi Chou responded with an affirmative tone and lowered his voice: "The villain said a few words to the county captain sincerely... The villain led the county captain into the city, but he told a lot of truth. The county captain should be able to see that,
The villains are very different from those evil people. What they want is to live a stable life. Otherwise, why would Gao Xian Cheng rely more on Li San'er?"
Xue Bai patiently listened to his nonsense, nodded in agreement, patted Qi Chou on the back, and said, "If it weren't for this, my people would have killed you."
Qi Chou was excited and said hurriedly: "The county captain understands me."
"Can I trust you?"
"able!"
"How about they force you to let him go?"
"Don't let him go. The villain understands that we are the ones who captured the man. How can County Magistrate Gao spare us? I have to follow the county captain closely."
Qi Chou actually had no idea and kept looking at Xue Bai while talking.
Xue Bai had always acted calmly and had everything under control, which made him feel that "a big shot from Chang'an with an unfathomable background would not be afraid of a few local snakes."
"Just understand and explain it clearly to the brothers."
"County Lieutenant, don't worry."
“It’s time to clear the silt on the Cao River.”
Qi Chou also understood the last words. If Lieutenant Xue County wants to get rid of Li San'er, then it will be up to the officials to decide on the three-thirds of an acre of land in Yanshi County.
"County Lieutenant, please slow down, I will give you some light."
Qi Chou then diligently carried a lantern and escorted Xue Bai out of the county prison, just as he had promised when Xue Bai first arrived in Yanshi County to be greeted by him.
~~
There was a row of people standing in front of the post house. They were all servants of the Zhang family. They were all full of energy, and at first glance they were people who knew how to do things.
"Xue..."
"I am Yanshi Lieutenant Xue Bai." Xue Bai walked to the front of the hall, spoke first, glanced at these people, and said: "If something happens to Zhang Sanniang in my county, I cannot absolve myself of the blame. I want to represent the county."
The department came to apologize and asked some more questions so that the bad guy could be brought to justice."
One of the Zhang family servants immediately raised his hand and was about to speak.
"Wait!"
The other man shouted, raised his head, glanced at Xue Bai proudly, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and turned into the post house.
Xue Bai waited outside the library for a long time before seeing the other party come out with an unhappy look on his face.
"Let you in."
After saying that, Zhang's servant put his hands behind his back and stood there cursing: "You don't even have the etiquette to come to the door."
After a while, Guo Huan and Yuan Yiheng sent someone to arrive with a whole cart full of gifts.
"These are gifts from Magistrate Lu to the Zhang family's young lady, please accept them with pleasure..."
In the post house, the manager of the Zhang family has rushed to the front court and said with an unhappy look: "If I hadn't known that you had just taken office not long ago, the Zhang family would not have let you go!"
"I will never shirk it."
"Okay, Xue Lang said, then you will be responsible for my little lady to the end!"
~~
County Office.
"Did he really say that?"
"Yes, every word is correct."
Lu Linghao immediately made a bitter face and said, "Then if I take office for a long time, the Zhang family will take it out on me?"
"This... the Ming Mansion may not be afraid of the Zhang family."
"Troublesome." Lu Linghao sighed.
Yuan Yiheng didn't know what to say. After thinking about it, he could only complain about Gao Chong and said in a low voice: "The people's hearts are not enough, and a lifetime of expenses has been spent. Prime Minister Gao Xian insists on doing something taboo."
Lu Linghao felt the same way.
He relied on the great eunuch in the palace and considered himself to be much nobler than Gao Chong.
"What's the use of saying all this? He wants to sell prisoners for so many people, can he stop?"
"Then you shouldn't reach out to the minister's house."
"That's enough." Lu Linghao said, "Is it too late for you to come up with ideas and whisper about this? You just said that the Zhang family wants Xue Bai to be responsible, right?"
"Yes, he is the county captain after all."
"You don't understand this. With Xue Bai's talents, connections, and holy family, the Zhang family has long wanted to marry him. This is the responsibility he should bear. I think this matter must be borne by him."
"That's what the Ming government said." Yuan Yiheng, as a staff member, although he didn't come up with any ideas, was very good at picking up missing pieces and filling in gaps, he said: "If Gao County Cheng is responsible for this matter, it will be a big deal; and
If Xue County Lieutenant were to take charge of it, it would be just a small matter. The Ming Dynasty really understands the current situation."
~~
The post house has all been replaced by the Zhang family. Xue Bai walked up to the pavilion and no longer had to worry about anyone prying.
Pushing the door open, Du Jin was sitting there sorting out the talismans.
The style of the sign is like the menu sign on the wall of Fengweilou, with special anti-counterfeiting marks. The content on it is nothing more than "A word No. 3", but it is actually a token to mobilize the clerk.
"There are not enough manpower."
"Don't be afraid, just start by trying to win them over and divide them."
"I'm worried about your safety." Du Jin hugged Xue Bai and said, "This is their territory."
"It will also be our territory."
"Um."
"Why don't you wear a skirt?"
"How can I have time to change?"
After these two sentences, the two of them still talked about business.
After leaving Chang'an, Du Jin was not as confident as before and was always a little anxious.
"Finally, I can tell you face to face that I didn't set up this situation well. I have to find out the daughter of a minister who can attract the attention of all parties within a few days, and I have to spread the news. It's too hasty."
"I know that you don't have to be perfect, as long as you can achieve these two goals, it's going well so far."
"There is no time to choose a candidate. You must be outstanding, have seen the world, and have skills. Otherwise, you cannot go deep into the tiger's den."
"It's still deep into the tiger's den."
"Um."
"Have many people seen her?"
"Not many, and even fewer people have seen her up close, but we have to calm down the situation before the Guo family arrives."
"good."
"I'm very worried. How can Chang'an explain it?"
"It doesn't matter. As long as they are convicted of the crime, it's up to us how to explain it. On the contrary, if we lose, the right to explain it lies with them. In this situation, victory is a complete victory, and defeat is a complete defeat. Therefore, there is no need to have any scruples.
, there is no need to be perfect, it is just to do it by any means necessary.”
"Um……"
~~
It was dawn the next day, and Xue Bai came out of the post house and went straight home.
Lu Linghao sent people to keep an eye on him until noon, but he didn't see any action. Instead, he was so worried that he came to the door in person.
After waiting in the hall for a long time, Xue Bai came over and woke up as soon as he saw it.
"Xue Lang... How can he still sleep after such a big thing happened?" Lu Linghao said anxiously: "I haven't slept all night, so I'm just waiting in pain."
"What is Mingfu waiting for?"
"What are you waiting for? I'm waiting for the outcome of the case and for the Zhang family's young lady to calm down. It's the New Year's Day soon. Don't make the saint feel bad because of things in our small county!"
After all, Xue Bai came from Chang'an. Hearing this, he did not hide his disapproving expression.
Among the three county magistrates, he has just arrived in Yanshi, seems to have a good relationship with the Zhang family's young lady, and has made great achievements in saving people. He currently seems to have the least responsibility, which is why he looks so relaxed.
"How does the Ming government want to end the case?"
"Of course big things are reduced to small things, and small things are reduced to small things."
Xue Bai asked back: "Perfunctory Zhang family?"
Lu Linghao looked sad and asked, "How are you doing?"
"I misunderstood. I will never force the Ming Dynasty."
"I made a mistake." Lu Linghao said in a gentle tone, "If something like this happened, Xue Lang couldn't just sit back and do nothing. You stayed in the posthouse for so long last night. What did the Zhang family's young lady say?"
"I haven't seen the Zhang family's young lady." Xue Bai told the truth.
"How the Zhang family wants to explain, Xue Lang should at least ask, if there is compensation..."
"Mingfu." Xue Bai had to remind: "Does Mingfu think that the Zhang family lacks any compensation?"
"Yes, yes."
Lu Linghao accepted the attitude of his subordinate because he wanted to compensate Xue Bai to the Zhang family.
After all, the son-in-law whom the Duke of Chang'an failed to capture at the Qujiang Banquet now belongs to him. This is like the oiran from Yangzhou who was in the limelight in the past and was robbed while on his way to Yanshi.
The music on the couch carries the meaning.
Zhang Quyi was just a cousin of a saint in Chang'an. Lu Linghao was in Yanshi, but he was the head of a county.
"In our Yanshi, the only one who can settle this matter is you, Xue Lang. Regardless of my reputation as the county magistrate, I still care about the people of Yanshi. If the matter turns out to be a big deal, who will suffer?"
"What does it have to do with the people? If this matter is settled, will this year's rent adjustment and peace buying be avoided?"
Lu Linghao understood that Xue Bai did not want Gao Chong to take Li Saner to collect the money, which was equivalent to openly taking away the power of the county captain.
This concession must still be made.
"Although it cannot be avoided... In this way, the county will come forward and ask each family to donate some more. When the matter calms down, it will not be too late for Xue Lang to take the servants to collect taxes."
"I had a chat with the manager of the Zhang family last night." Xue Bai immediately responded as soon as he got the benefit, saying: "The Zhang family must have an explanation, and they will never make a big deal into a trivial matter, otherwise, they will lose face."
"I understand, I should."
Lu Linghao made a big concession. He didn't want to wait for a while and said this, so he had to ask again: "What does the Zhang family want?"
Xue Bai hesitated and asked in turn: "What is the relationship between Mingfu and Guo Wanjin?"
"What do you mean? Do you want to answer Guo Wanjin?"
"Otherwise who will take it?"
Lu Linghao fell silent.
At least Guo Wanjin is only a wealthy man, not an official. He is indeed the best candidate to explain the case, but we must carefully consider whether the relationship between the two can be cleared.
In addition, Lu Linghao's decision on how to decide this matter does not count. He will ultimately have to discuss it with others.
~~
When he talked to Gao Chong that day, the other party was immediately unhappy.
"Mingfu is too soft."
Although Gao Chong was one level lower in officialdom, he sometimes had a tough attitude towards Lu Linghao, saying: "If Xue Bai takes a step forward, you will take a step back. Today you will give way to the Fa Cao, and tomorrow you will harm the Guo family, and then you will give up the Bing Cao, Hu Cao... then you will be thrown away."
That’s the position of the county magistrate, your and my head.”
"This is inappropriate. After all, Guo Wanjin is just a businessman. Yang Chongyi can die only if he is ordered to do so. Why can't Guo Wanjin die?"
"It's Yang Chongyi. Ren Lingfang died. How much money did Guo Wanjin spend on running things up and down these years? His connections may not be smaller than Xue Bai's."
"If only connections are useful, why do you need an official position? He also had connections when he went to Japan County, but today he caused a big trouble!"
Gao Chong said: "Calm down."
"This county is calm."
"I think the Ming Dynasty was bluffed by Xue Bai." Gao Chong said: "First find out whether it is a big disaster or a trap set up by Xue Bai?"
"What's the difference? Once you figure it out, if it's too late, you and I will lose our heads."
"This is such a coincidence, I will never let others lead me by the nose easily."
"Hey, why don't you understand?" Lu Linghao said anxiously: "One after another, the saints are paying attention to Yanshi. Please push someone out to calm the situation."
"I will investigate this matter myself, and the Ming government cannot mess up its situation."
After comforting Lu Linghao, Gao Chong thought that there were others who were already anxious.
~~
In Kuixingfang, Xue Bai had just sent Lu Linghao away, and Song Mian had brought Song Li to visit him again.
"I never thought that something so outrageous and harmful could happen in Yanshi County." Song Mian sighed, "It was actually in the back alley of the Xingfu Temple Health Center."
Xue Bai didn't express any emotion at all, and said: "If you plunder and sell good people, they will all be hanged."
After chatting for a while in the secret house, Song Mian said: "I think the young lady of the Zhang family must have been frightened a lot. Why don't you let my two sisters go over and accompany you?"
Xue Bai was surprised: "Why did Mr. Song ask me about this?"
Song Li was impatient with his brother's roundabout ways and asked, "Does Xue Lang have a good relationship with the Zhang family's young lady?"
"It's just a one-time relationship."
"That's good...oh, I mean, I mean, that's it."
Song Li prides himself on being a romantic, and he is indeed a man who has lived among thousands of flowers. He rarely feels so confused. Because he saw Miss Zhang from a distance last night, and he liked her very much.
As for how she had been to the secret house, he was not worried at all. After all, he knew about it. Moreover, the culture of the Tang Dynasty did not care about this. The wife was chosen based on her family status, and the woman who remarried had more wealth. In short, Zhang Xiao
The lady is really beautiful, and Song Li is very willing to marry her.
Occasionally when he was sober, he also knew that the married daughter of the Zhang family was either a prince or a fifth surname. The Song family's family status was not good enough, so he had to rely on his talents and appearance to win over her.
"To be honest with Xue Lang, I met the Zhang family's young lady last night... I'm ashamed to say it. It was love at first sight. Could you please Xue Lang take me to pay a visit?"
Xue Bai knew that there would be people rushing to show their courtesy, but he did not expect such courtesy. He waved his hand and said, "I have some official duties today, so it is not appropriate to see Mrs. Zhang."
"General affairs? Why are there any general affairs now?" Song Li was stunned, "If you want to collect taxes, I will donate this shortfall."
Song Mian quickly pulled his brother back and told him not to be too showy.
Xue Bai smiled and said: "If you don't go to collect taxes, I want to take a look at Yingxianmen Pier. I heard that Miss Zhang was kidnapped there."
Song Li hurriedly said: "I will accompany Xue Lang."
So Song Mian went to arrange the donation, while Song Li accompanied Xue Bai to the dock.
Just when I went out, I saw Cui Youfu, the captain of Shou'an, walking towards me.
Both sides held court, and Xue Bai asked, "Has Cui County Lieutenant returned to his jurisdiction yet?"
"There are no general affairs in the county, so why not stay and investigate the case with Xue Lang."
"Brother Cui is not afraid of taking more responsibility?"
"If you don't do anything, there will be no guilt." Cui Youfu said with a smile, "But if we serve as officials, how can we stay in our positions and eat nothing?"
Xue Bai then understood Cui Youfu's position and nodded.
It was nothing more than waiting for the case to be investigated and giving the Shou'an County Lieutenant a chance to try to take real power.
In short, in front of this idiot Song Li, the two of them reached a consensus in a few words.
Song Li knew that Xue Bai was engaged, so he stared at Cui Youfu and looked him up and down along the way, thinking to himself whether this noble family man was married or not. If he was so interested, he must also be interested in the young lady of the Zhang family.
…
Although there is no city wall between the south gate and Luoshui, there are many residential buildings. Most of the merchants traveling from south to north, laborers on the docks, and watermen live outside the city.
Cui Youfu looked at the bustling dock and asked: "Xue Lang has any clues?"
"The boatman deliberately kidnapped the Zhang family's young lady." Xue Bai said: "Then he anchored here and took her into the county town."
"On purpose?"
After Song Li heard this, he couldn't help but secretly thought that there were still people in Yanshi County who wanted to follow the dragon and the phoenix. Could it be related to Gao Chong?
Xue Bai looked around for a while and then walked towards the tax office, where the head of the household, Sun Yuan, was counting the tax.
"It's rare to see Master Sun."
"The county captain is here? Is there anything related to Hu Cao?"
"Mr. Sun, did you see human traffickers robbing and selling the young lady of the Zhang family yesterday?"
"What does the county lieutenant mean?"
"Investigating the case."
Sun Yuan shook his head and said: "The villain didn't see anything."
"They have been plundering and selling good people all year round on the Cao River, and Master Sun has not noticed any signs?"
"What does the county captain mean?"
Xue Bai was very patient and answered the same question twice, saying: "Don't worry, I won't embarrass you. Just hand over the Guanjin documents and tax account books and we will find out."
"The county captain is afraid that he has no power..."
"take."
When Xue Xin heard this, he stepped forward directly.
Chai Gou'er actually stepped forward and apologized to Sun Yuan, saying with a smile: "Master Sun, please bear with me. It is the county magistrate who asked the county captain to investigate the case. We must find out who kidnapped him before and after."
"Explain a lot to him." Xue Xin scolded and pushed Sun Yuan away.
He actually knew that it was Sun Yuan's nephew who called Xue Bai a dog.
suddenly,
"Xue County Lieutenant."
Everyone looked towards the Luohe River and saw many men filing out of a large boat.
The leader was in his thirties, tall and tall, wearing a gorgeous fur cloak and rags of linen underneath. There was a short knife hanging on his waist, and a dagger on his belt.
He walked towards Xue Bai. Along the way, everyone, including the water workers, passers-by and officials, saluted one after another.
"Qu handsome."
"Qu handsome."
"Qu Shuai..."
When Cui Youfu saw this, he couldn't help but smile. He was from a noble family and he really looked down on such a tacky attitude. He said to Xue Bai, "This scoundrel is more majestic than our two county captains."
The next moment, they were surrounded by plow workers.
"I've seen Lieutenant Xue County."
Li Saner appeared much more humble than Xue Bai expected. When he spoke, he had a friendly smile on his face, but he did not hide the fierceness in his eyes.
While he was speaking, he stepped forward and held Xue Xin's hand.
"If you don't do this, just make friends with the villain, okay?"
Xue Bai noticed that Li Saner's index finger was broken in part, which was an old injury. In this case, his grip strength was insufficient, but he was still able to be a commander, which showed that he was a bit ruthless.
"There is no reason to stop working in the county office just because of 'making friends'." Xue Bai said in a business-like manner.
After that, he motioned to Xue Xin to take the documents and leave.
Jiang Hai stepped forward and looked at Li San'er with provocation in his eyes.
"County Lieutenant, are you too disrespectful to this villain?" Li San'er smiled and put one hand on the short knife at his waist.
“The county office handles affairs without regard for face.”
Li Saner watched Xue Bai insist on leaving with the documents, but the hand on the short knife did not move.
He could have killed him, but at the moment he was still a commoner, without a county magistrate to finish him off, and his rash actions were the same as rebellion. He just wanted to scare Xue Bai with his momentum, but he didn't expect that the other party would not accept this trick at all.
Li San'er did not feel that he was losing face, and said loudly: "The county captain's behavior is very similar to that of the person I admire most in my life."
"Yeah?"
"He is also a humble slave, but he has great ambitions. If the county captain sees him, he should become friends with him."
Xue Bai then stopped, waved, and asked Li San'er to step forward and asked, "Does what happened last night have anything to do with you?"
"No, I just returned to Yanshi. I don't know the officials in Chang'an City."
"Okay, let me remind you that the ministers of Chang'an City need an explanation. If Guo Wanjin is not brought out to explain, who do you think...should be sacrificed?"
"The county lieutenant is unhappy and his means of alienation are too despicable."
"That's all."
"Well, the days ahead are long."
Li Saner knew a few words and some idioms, smiled when he spoke, and was indeed somewhat elegant like a small official.
He waved his hand to ask the plow workers to move out of the way and let Xue Bai leave. Even if he wanted to take action, he would not do it in broad daylight and in full view of everyone.
Unfortunately, today's deterrence failed, but he was left with a little haze in his heart.