Chapter 124 The Arrogant Official
In front of Yong County’s government office, Su Wen looked at Zuo Qing in surprise and asked curiously, “We’re coming to the government office for a banquet?”
Zuo Qing laughed and said, “That’s right. You haven’t been to the government office before, have you? Today, I’ll open up your vision.” “Haha, thank you Envoy for your guidance!” Su Wen hurriedly said.
As the three of them entered the magistrate court, a government official led them to a back hall.
Upon entering the back hall, Su Wen’s eyes widened.
An entire herd of cows and sheep were being roasted in the courtyard, While there were laborers in charge of taking care of each cow and sheep.
Inside the house, the table was already filled with dishes.
There were more than ten people in the room. When they saw Su Wen and the others enter, their gazes became slightly hostile.
No one greeted or spoke.
After everyone took their seats, Su Wen sat down beside Zuo Qing. Zuo Qing smiled and said, “These guys are the representatives of the various sects in the Li Precture. We’re all here for the splitting of the mine.”
Su Wen asked curiously, “Why is the division of mineral resources in this magistrate court?”
Zuo Qing said in a deep voice, “Although we martial artists and sects seem strong, when compared to the Royal Court, our strength is still much weaker. In the sect, there are many people and the expenses are also great. If we continue to make trouble, we will be cleared out sooner or later. We have to think of a way to earn some money legitimately.
When it comes to mining, it’s a profitable business, so long as you have people, there will be a lot of money! But if we want to occupy the mining pit, it’s impossible without the approval of the authorities. Therefore, this county magistrate is in charge of it.” Just as he finished speaking, a middle-aged man dressed in a green robe walked in.
Everyone stood up.
“This is the county magistrate of Yong County, Lu Qingcai.”
Zuo Qing whispered. Lu Qingcai walked to the front and smiled as he waved his hand, “Everyone, take a seat.”
Everyone sat down, and Lu Qingcai said, “Everyone here is an old acquaintance of mine. We’ve worked together for more than a year, so I’ll be frank. This year, only three mines can be left for you.”
Everyone’s expression changed drastically. A man with a scar on his face couldn’t help but say, “Lord Lu, isn’t this too much! We pay tribute every year to you without fail. Last year, there were still five mines. Why are there only three this year?”
Lu Qingcai shook his head and said, “Steward Bao, don’t be agitated. Listen to me.”
“This year, during the great calamity of Attached Province, I believe everyone has benefited quite a bit, right? It’s just that this official doesn’t have a choice this year as well. I’m not afraid to be direct with you, the prefectural magistrate specifically asked for two mines, so I can only give you the remaining three. If you have any objections, then this official can’t help you as well!”
Zuo Qing narrowed his eyes and said coldly, “Three mines and seven sects. How should we split them?”
Lu Qingcai smiled and said, “I don’t care how you guys split it, but as usual, each sect has to hand over the tributes today. 20,000 taels for each sect! Those who don’t will be considered to have withdrawn.”
At this moment, Wei Jinyong whispered into Su Wen’s ear and explained to him in a low voice, “This is the rule of Yong County. Each sect has to give 20,000 taels of silver. As for the distribution of mines, this official doesn’t care. However, if anyone doesn’t pay and wants to mine, he will report it as a rebellion. When the time comes, he will surround them with an army!”
Su Wen asked curiously, “What happens after you give the money?”
“Naturally, whoever has the biggest fist will have the most. Our Moon Worship Sect usually occupies one and a half portions of the mines, but with the number of mines this year reduced by two, I fear this year won’t be so easy.”
At this moment, Lu Qingcai laughed and said, “You guys, I know that you guys have also taken the opportunity to get quite a number of young men this year, right? The riot army is also about to disperse, so when the time comes, you’ll get more men back. Even if it’s just three mines, working day and night to mine it won’t be much less than five mines, right? Actually, it’s about the same, just that more people will die. Don’t you guys think so?”
He said it so lightly that human lives were as light as a feather in his mouth.
Su Wen looked at the person in front of him and suddenly felt like punching him to death!
However, he knew that it was useless even if he killed Lu Qingcai.
He heard clearly that the prefectural magistrate above him had reserved two mines!
Furthermore, he could hear the meaning behind his words. The young men that these sects had brought in were all actually from the rioting mob.
It was no wonder that the Martial Inspectorate wanted to purge these people.
Right at this moment, Zuo Qing raised his cup and smiled as he said, “Lord is right! If it’s like this, then it really isn’t much!”
Although he said so, it did not mean that others would think the same!
The scar-faced Steward Bao suddenly stood up and looked at Lu Qingcai. Gritting his teeth, he said, “I give you some face and call you Lord Lu. If I don’t give you any face, do you believe that I will cut you into pieces? Our Giant Cauldron Sect’s share cannot be reduced at all!”
Lu Qingcai was fearless. Instead, he stood up, stuck his head out, and laughed loudly. “If Steward Bao wants my head, you can cut it off! However, my Great Zhou’s government has always been united. If I die and your Giant Cauldron Sect can survive, and you, Bao Quan, don’t die, then I’ll consider you capable!
The amount I give is and has always been the amount you deserve. You can discuss it amongst yourselves, just stop your nonsense! I’m not afraid to tell you that the Martial Inspectorate has already sent people into Li Prefecture, and there are many sects sitting on the list to be purged! You should weigh your options first. Without me covering up for you, can you escape from the Martial Inspectorate’s pursuit?”
The atmosphere instantly turned awkward! Su Wen could tell that Bao Quan was furious, but did not dare to make a move!
Suddenly, Su Wen stood up and praised loudly, “Good spirit! Good spirit!”
He raised his wine cup and said with a smile, “Lord Lu is full of courage, I admire you! This kind of heroism is something even the officials of the capital can’t compare to. Let me toast to Lord Lu!”
Lu Qingcai glanced at Su Wen from the corner of his eye and sneered. “Have you met the officials of the capital?”
Su Wen smiled and said, “I’ve seen a few when following my father! However, those officials aren’t as heroic as you, sir. They’re all a little wretched.”
“And your father is?”
“The pimp in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.”
“Hahahaha!” Lu Qingcai threw his head back and laughed. “You’re interesting, kid!”
However, he still drank the wine in his cup, which was also a way to smooth things over for Su Wen. He smiled and said, “Have a seat.”
After sitting down, he said, “Officials in the capital naturally have to be more cautious, but being an official in the capital is the leader of a land. If you’re afraid of everyone, then you don’t have to be an official! To put it bluntly, how can you be a corrupt official if you’re timid?”
There was a flash of light in his eyes as he sneered, “Since I dare to take your money, I’m not afraid of you. If I’m controlled by you, then I don’t need to be a local official anymore. Even if it’s an aristocratic family, they will give me the tributes without a word. I’ll give you some face, so you have to take responsibility. Don’t really think that just because you know some martial arts, you’re so amazing. There are many experts in the royal court!” Su Wen looked at his arrogant expression and couldn’t help but sigh.
His courage made him a talent, but in reality, the more heroic he was, the more he dared to do anything. It was truly detestable.
However, Su Wen also understood that martial arts were not omnipotent. At the very least, he could not truly change the state of the Great Zhou bureaucracy! If he really wanted to do something, what he needed was authority!
