Playing With The County Magistrate
Shuangque County, County Yamen
The big bellied county magistrate, Shen Jinzhong, lazily reclined on the high official chair. On his left, a charming concubine gently massaged his shoulders, while on his right, another beautiful concubine fed him fruits. Two attractive maidservants knelt on the ground, diligently rubbing his legs.
One of the concubine’s hands discreetly slipped into Shen Jinzhong’s robes, but he impatiently swatted it away. On any other day, he would have embraced the concubine and played with her affectionately, but today he was not in the mood. For some reason, his eyelid kept twitching, as if something significant was about to happen.
At that moment, a scream rang out from the backyard. “Ah—”
“Young Master! Send help—”
Shen Jinzhong’s eyelid twitched violently, and he pushed away the people around him, hastily rushing towards the backyard, shouting loudly, “What happened to the Young Master?”
“The Young Master has been abducted by the Black Demon Bandits!”
Shen Jinzhong’s mind went blank, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. He sternly asked, “How do you know it was the Black Demon Bandits?”
The wet nurse responsible for taking care of the Young Master trembled as she handed over a piece of paper.
Shen Jinzhong took a look at it and read, “To rescue your son, prepare a ransom of fifty thousand taels of silver. At three beats of the night watchman’s drum, halfway up Mount Fushan. If even one tael is missing, he won’t see the sun again. Black Demon Bandits.”
His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Yang Zhuo hid in the dense trees, wordlessly looking at A Fei. In his arms, he held a four or five-year-old child, who had been put to sleep and was soundly resting.
A Fei grinned and felt proud of himself. “Boss, my poem turned out quite well, didn’t it?”
“Master—” the county magistrate’s wife, upon hearing the news, let out a miserable scream and threw herself onto Shen Jinzhong, fiercely jabbing her sharp fingers beneath his nose.
Shen Jinzhong cried out in pain and woke up.
“If you’re going to faint, at least wait until our son is rescued!” the county magistrate’s wife coldly scolded.
Yang Zhuo and A Fei exchanged a glance and quietly left with the county magistrate’s son.
“Hurry, hurry,” Shen Jinzhong’s legs were still trembling. “Prepare the sedan chair! I must go and see Zhao Yuanwai.”
In fact, Zhao Yuanwai was not an official. He was originally a wealthy man in the county, but after acquiring wealth, he pursued fame and spent money to purchase a title of “yuanwai” (honorary officer). According to the classification of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, changing from “merchant” to “scholar” seemed to elevate his status. He associated with officials of all sizes, and had a close relationship with County Magistrate Shen Jinzhong.
As soon as Shen Jinzhong entered the gates of the Zhao mansion, Zhao Yuanwai greeted him with a hearty laugh and a respectful gesture.
“County Magistrate Shen is here, the world is shining brightly!”
“Old friend, save me—” Shen Jinzhong desperately cried out as he rushed over.
Zhao Yuanwai’s expression changed slightly, but Shen Jinzhong didn’t notice it at all.
“What has happened to County Magistrate Shen?”
Zhao Yuanwai pulled Shen Jinzhong inside with a concerned expression and gestured for him to take a seat.
Shen Jinzhong exclaimed angrily, “Those despicable Black Demon Bandits! They have been plundering the mountain every half month, and I have shown them great tolerance. Who would have thought they would kidnap my son and demand fifty thousand taels of silver as ransom! You know, my friend, I have always led a modest lifestyle. Moreover, ever since the Black Demon Bandits settled in the Sanzhu Mountain, they have seized all the benefits. Even if I wanted to profit, I wouldn’t have the chance. Where can I find these fifty thousand taels? That’s why I have come to seek your help, hoping you can aid me in this desperate situation.”
Zhao Yuanwai, shocked and angered with a hint of concern, slammed the table. “Unbelievable! The audacity of the Black Demon Bandits! However, my friend, you have put me in a difficult situation. You mentioned earlier that the county’s economy has been in a slump these past few years, and our Zhao family business can only expand to other counties. Regrettably, just this morning, my eldest son withdrew fifty thousand taels of silver to invest in Huaicheng! Now, we have less than a hundred taels of silver left in the house. If you don’t mind, you can take it all. Consider it my contribution to my nephew.”
Shen Jinzhong felt a rush of blood to his head. Less than a hundred taels? Was he being mocked?
“You see, you see, your sincerity has truly touched me. Even with just a hundred taels, it has affected you like this,” Zhao Yuanwai patted Shen Jinzhong’s back and lied through his teeth. He had a hidden resentment. He resented Shen Jinzhong for not dispatching troops to eradicate the bandits, as the presence of the Black Demon Bandits greatly harmed the interests of the Zhao family.
Their friendship was only based on the smooth operation of the Zhao family business. Now that Shen Jinzhong had suffered such a huge loss, Zhao Yuanwai couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle. How could he possibly lend him fifty thousand taels? Giving him a hundred taels was already a magnanimous gesture. Moreover, he didn’t believe that Shen Jinzhong couldn’t come up with fifty thousand taels. He could infer this just by observing the fact that Shen Jinzhong hadn’t lost a single pound since he arrived in Shuangque County.
Zhao Yuanwai raised his tea cup and took a sip.
Shen Jinzhong gnashed his teeth with hidden hatred, but he couldn’t afford to lose his temper at this moment. He forced a smile, bid farewell, and hurriedly made his way to the next house.
The night was dark and filled with howling winds.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen hid behind the bushes, waiting to witness the drama. Yan Ge lazily sat on Huangfu Yuchen’s lap, and Huangfu Yuchen patted his head, occasionally offering him his favorite beef jerky from a wax paper package.
Not far away, Yang Zhuo, A Fei, Gao Feng, and Gao Yun, with their faces covered, embraced their swords, staring menacingly downhill. A Fei’s right arm cradled a small child with a drooping head, motionless.
Before long, a group of dark figures appeared at the foot of the mountain. Yan Ge could clearly see that the leader, as described by Yang Zhuo, was indeed Shen Jinzhong, with his prominent belly. He was accompanied by twenty or thirty constables.
“My Lord, if we bring this many people up Sanzhu mountain, won’t the Black Demon Bandits retaliate in anger?” a clerk struggled to climb uphill and asked.
Shen Jinzhong said, “Based on my analysis, the ones who kidnapped the young master are merely small fries from the Black Demon Bandits. This time, they must have acted without the knowledge of the leaders. Otherwise, why would they choose Fushan as the location instead of Sanzhu Mountain? If they dare to cause any trouble, we will make a big commotion and alert the Black Demon Bandit. That’s what they fear.”
Yan Ge secretly chuckled. This dog official was quite narrow-minded, but unfortunately not clever enough.
The clerk shook his head. “If we had wiped out the Black Demon Bandits when they were not yet powerful, we wouldn’t be facing this situation today.”
Shen Jinzhong gave him a cold stare, unable to say anything.
The county magistrate assistant interrupted the clerk. “It’s easier said than done! How can our few soldiers in the county eliminate the bandits?”
“Enough arguing,” Shen Jinzhong spotted a few figures not far away and spoke in a low voice.
Yang Zhuo was not as crafty as Gao Feng, so the latter acted as the leader.
Gao Feng deliberately assumed an indifferent posture, lazily cleaning his ears. “The county magistrate is indeed the county magistrate! Such arrogance, making us wait for so long.”
Shen Jinzhong glanced at the familiar clothing on the child in A Fei’s arms. He waved his hands repeatedly and anxiously said, “No, no, please forgive me, masters. It’s just that the road was difficult to traverse in the dark, which caused me to arrive a bit late. I have brought the silver. I implore you, honorable heroes, to keep your word and return my son. Is my son unharmed?”
A Fei replied, “Rest assured, not a hair on him was harmed. He is fast asleep.”
Gao Yun said in a deep voice, “Hand over the silver first. Once we have counted and confirmed, we will naturally return your son.”
Shen Jinzhong looked at the knife pressed against his son’s neck and reluctantly handed over the bundle. “Here are 49,500-taels of silver bills and 500 taels of silver. I guarantee that not a single coin is missing.”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. They had thought that with the Black Demon Bandits in the picture, the Shen family couldn’t come up with any money. They hadn’t expected him to gather the full fifty thousand taels.
Yan Ge glanced at Huangfu Yuchen, whose cold smile could make people shudder. He patted Huangfu Yuchen’s thigh and said, “Watch me take revenge for you.”
Immediately, he secretly transmitted a message to Gao Yun, “Steal one silver ingot.”
Gao Yun was quick-witted and je understood Yan Ge’s intention. After receiving the bundle, he skillfully used his sleeve to discreetly take away a five tael silver ingot, then began counting by the torchlight. “Four silver bills of ten thousand taels each, nine silver bills of one thousand taels each, followed by five silver bills of one hundred taels each, fifty taels per ingot of cash silver, one, two, three…”
“Hmmm….you’re short by fifty taels.” Gao Feng’s voice turned cold.
“That is impossible!” Shen Jinzhong exclaimed.
“This is unacceptable! How dare you fool this lord! It seems you don’t want this son of yours anymore!” Gao Feng and Gao Yun, being brothers, were incredibly synchronized. With a wave of their hands, they ordered, “Take action!”
The young master of the county magistrate let out a miserable scream as blood sprayed from his neck, and his head rolled away.
“My son!” Shen Jinzhong’s vision darkened, and he didn’t even have time to give the command before fainting on the ground.
“Kill them all!” Gao Feng gave the order once again.
Shen Jinzhong had passed out, and with no one else to lead, the group scattered in fear, abandoning Shen Jinzhong’s unconscious body.
Gao Feng and the others pursued for a few steps before retracing their steps. They exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter.
Yan Ge was especially delighted, “Hehehe…”
The young master of the county magistrate had been sent back to the county office long ago. The one who had screamed earlier was Yan Ge.
Shen Jinzhong, under intense pressure, couldn’t discern the difference between his voice and that of his own son. The decapitated figure was merely a straw man dressed in the county magistrate’s son’s clothes, and the blood was prepared in advance in a blood bag.
After the laughter subsided, a heavy atmosphere settled among them. Fifty thousand taels was not a small sum. Who could dare to claim that it represented all of Shen Jinzhong’s wealth?
“Young Master, what about this silver?” Gao Feng asked.
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “The governor will use this silver as compensation for the soldiers who fought against the bandits. It is meant as solace.”
Yang Zhuo sighed, “Young Master’s consideration for the soldiers is truly a blessing for them.”
Huangfu Yuchen stated, “On the road ahead, your mission will be expanded. Whether entering the county or the city, you must gather information on the county magistrate and the governor. If you encounter corrupt officials, deal with them one by one!”
“Yes!” Yang Zhuo and the others responded solemnly.
“Let’s go back.” Huangfu Yuchen took Yan Ge’s hand and turned to descend the mountain.
Seeing them leaving, Gao Feng picked the unconscious magistrate and hurriedly followed.
Playing With The County Magistrate
Shuangque County, County Yamen
The big bellied county magistrate, Shen Jinzhong, lazily reclined on the high official chair. On his left, a charming concubine gently massaged his shoulders, while on his right, another beautiful concubine fed him fruits. Two attractive maidservants knelt on the ground, diligently rubbing his legs.
One of the concubine’s hands discreetly slipped into Shen Jinzhong’s robes, but he impatiently swatted it away. On any other day, he would have embraced the concubine and played with her affectionately, but today he was not in the mood. For some reason, his eyelid kept twitching, as if something significant was about to happen.
At that moment, a scream rang out from the backyard. “Ah—”
“Young Master! Send help—”
Shen Jinzhong’s eyelid twitched violently, and he pushed away the people around him, hastily rushing towards the backyard, shouting loudly, “What happened to the Young Master?”
“The Young Master has been abducted by the Black Demon Bandits!”
Shen Jinzhong’s mind went blank, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. He sternly asked, “How do you know it was the Black Demon Bandits?”
The wet nurse responsible for taking care of the Young Master trembled as she handed over a piece of paper.
Shen Jinzhong took a look at it and read, “To rescue your son, prepare a ransom of fifty thousand taels of silver. At three beats of the night watchman’s drum, halfway up Mount Fushan. If even one tael is missing, he won’t see the sun again. Black Demon Bandits.”
His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Yang Zhuo hid in the dense trees, wordlessly looking at A Fei. In his arms, he held a four or five-year-old child, who had been put to sleep and was soundly resting.
A Fei grinned and felt proud of himself. “Boss, my poem turned out quite well, didn’t it?”
“Master—” the county magistrate’s wife, upon hearing the news, let out a miserable scream and threw herself onto Shen Jinzhong, fiercely jabbing her sharp fingers beneath his nose.
Shen Jinzhong cried out in pain and woke up.
“If you’re going to faint, at least wait until our son is rescued!” the county magistrate’s wife coldly scolded.
Yang Zhuo and A Fei exchanged a glance and quietly left with the county magistrate’s son.
“Hurry, hurry,” Shen Jinzhong’s legs were still trembling. “Prepare the sedan chair! I must go and see Zhao Yuanwai.”
In fact, Zhao Yuanwai was not an official. He was originally a wealthy man in the county, but after acquiring wealth, he pursued fame and spent money to purchase a title of “yuanwai” (honorary officer). According to the classification of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, changing from “merchant” to “scholar” seemed to elevate his status. He associated with officials of all sizes, and had a close relationship with County Magistrate Shen Jinzhong.
As soon as Shen Jinzhong entered the gates of the Zhao mansion, Zhao Yuanwai greeted him with a hearty laugh and a respectful gesture.
“County Magistrate Shen is here, the world is shining brightly!”
“Old friend, save me—” Shen Jinzhong desperately cried out as he rushed over.
Zhao Yuanwai’s expression changed slightly, but Shen Jinzhong didn’t notice it at all.
“What has happened to County Magistrate Shen?”
Zhao Yuanwai pulled Shen Jinzhong inside with a concerned expression and gestured for him to take a seat.
Shen Jinzhong exclaimed angrily, “Those despicable Black Demon Bandits! They have been plundering the mountain every half month, and I have shown them great tolerance. Who would have thought they would kidnap my son and demand fifty thousand taels of silver as ransom! You know, my friend, I have always led a modest lifestyle. Moreover, ever since the Black Demon Bandits settled in the Sanzhu Mountain, they have seized all the benefits. Even if I wanted to profit, I wouldn’t have the chance. Where can I find these fifty thousand taels? That’s why I have come to seek your help, hoping you can aid me in this desperate situation.”
Zhao Yuanwai, shocked and angered with a hint of concern, slammed the table. “Unbelievable! The audacity of the Black Demon Bandits! However, my friend, you have put me in a difficult situation. You mentioned earlier that the county’s economy has been in a slump these past few years, and our Zhao family business can only expand to other counties. Regrettably, just this morning, my eldest son withdrew fifty thousand taels of silver to invest in Huaicheng! Now, we have less than a hundred taels of silver left in the house. If you don’t mind, you can take it all. Consider it my contribution to my nephew.”
Shen Jinzhong felt a rush of blood to his head. Less than a hundred taels? Was he being mocked?
“You see, you see, your sincerity has truly touched me. Even with just a hundred taels, it has affected you like this,” Zhao Yuanwai patted Shen Jinzhong’s back and lied through his teeth. He had a hidden resentment. He resented Shen Jinzhong for not dispatching troops to eradicate the bandits, as the presence of the Black Demon Bandits greatly harmed the interests of the Zhao family.
Their friendship was only based on the smooth operation of the Zhao family business. Now that Shen Jinzhong had suffered such a huge loss, Zhao Yuanwai couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle. How could he possibly lend him fifty thousand taels? Giving him a hundred taels was already a magnanimous gesture. Moreover, he didn’t believe that Shen Jinzhong couldn’t come up with fifty thousand taels. He could infer this just by observing the fact that Shen Jinzhong hadn’t lost a single pound since he arrived in Shuangque County.
Zhao Yuanwai raised his tea cup and took a sip.
Shen Jinzhong gnashed his teeth with hidden hatred, but he couldn’t afford to lose his temper at this moment. He forced a smile, bid farewell, and hurriedly made his way to the next house.
The night was dark and filled with howling winds.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen hid behind the bushes, waiting to witness the drama. Yan Ge lazily sat on Huangfu Yuchen’s lap, and Huangfu Yuchen patted his head, occasionally offering him his favorite beef jerky from a wax paper package.
Not far away, Yang Zhuo, A Fei, Gao Feng, and Gao Yun, with their faces covered, embraced their swords, staring menacingly downhill. A Fei’s right arm cradled a small child with a drooping head, motionless.
Before long, a group of dark figures appeared at the foot of the mountain. Yan Ge could clearly see that the leader, as described by Yang Zhuo, was indeed Shen Jinzhong, with his prominent belly. He was accompanied by twenty or thirty constables.
“My Lord, if we bring this many people up Sanzhu mountain, won’t the Black Demon Bandits retaliate in anger?” a clerk struggled to climb uphill and asked.
Shen Jinzhong said, “Based on my analysis, the ones who kidnapped the young master are merely small fries from the Black Demon Bandits. This time, they must have acted without the knowledge of the leaders. Otherwise, why would they choose Fushan as the location instead of Sanzhu Mountain? If they dare to cause any trouble, we will make a big commotion and alert the Black Demon Bandit. That’s what they fear.”
Yan Ge secretly chuckled. This dog official was quite narrow-minded, but unfortunately not clever enough.
The clerk shook his head. “If we had wiped out the Black Demon Bandits when they were not yet powerful, we wouldn’t be facing this situation today.”
Shen Jinzhong gave him a cold stare, unable to say anything.
The county magistrate assistant interrupted the clerk. “It’s easier said than done! How can our few soldiers in the county eliminate the bandits?”
“Enough arguing,” Shen Jinzhong spotted a few figures not far away and spoke in a low voice.
Yang Zhuo was not as crafty as Gao Feng, so the latter acted as the leader.
Gao Feng deliberately assumed an indifferent posture, lazily cleaning his ears. “The county magistrate is indeed the county magistrate! Such arrogance, making us wait for so long.”
Shen Jinzhong glanced at the familiar clothing on the child in A Fei’s arms. He waved his hands repeatedly and anxiously said, “No, no, please forgive me, masters. It’s just that the road was difficult to traverse in the dark, which caused me to arrive a bit late. I have brought the silver. I implore you, honorable heroes, to keep your word and return my son. Is my son unharmed?”
A Fei replied, “Rest assured, not a hair on him was harmed. He is fast asleep.”
Gao Yun said in a deep voice, “Hand over the silver first. Once we have counted and confirmed, we will naturally return your son.”
Shen Jinzhong looked at the knife pressed against his son’s neck and reluctantly handed over the bundle. “Here are 49,500-taels of silver bills and 500 taels of silver. I guarantee that not a single coin is missing.”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. They had thought that with the Black Demon Bandits in the picture, the Shen family couldn’t come up with any money. They hadn’t expected him to gather the full fifty thousand taels.
Yan Ge glanced at Huangfu Yuchen, whose cold smile could make people shudder. He patted Huangfu Yuchen’s thigh and said, “Watch me take revenge for you.”
Immediately, he secretly transmitted a message to Gao Yun, “Steal one silver ingot.”
Gao Yun was quick-witted and je understood Yan Ge’s intention. After receiving the bundle, he skillfully used his sleeve to discreetly take away a five tael silver ingot, then began counting by the torchlight. “Four silver bills of ten thousand taels each, nine silver bills of one thousand taels each, followed by five silver bills of one hundred taels each, fifty taels per ingot of cash silver, one, two, three…”
“Hmmm….you’re short by fifty taels.” Gao Feng’s voice turned cold.
“That is impossible!” Shen Jinzhong exclaimed.
“This is unacceptable! How dare you fool this lord! It seems you don’t want this son of yours anymore!” Gao Feng and Gao Yun, being brothers, were incredibly synchronized. With a wave of their hands, they ordered, “Take action!”
The young master of the county magistrate let out a miserable scream as blood sprayed from his neck, and his head rolled away.
“My son!” Shen Jinzhong’s vision darkened, and he didn’t even have time to give the command before fainting on the ground.
“Kill them all!” Gao Feng gave the order once again.
Shen Jinzhong had passed out, and with no one else to lead, the group scattered in fear, abandoning Shen Jinzhong’s unconscious body.
Gao Feng and the others pursued for a few steps before retracing their steps. They exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter.
Yan Ge was especially delighted, “Hehehe…”
The young master of the county magistrate had been sent back to the county office long ago. The one who had screamed earlier was Yan Ge.
Shen Jinzhong, under intense pressure, couldn’t discern the difference between his voice and that of his own son. The decapitated figure was merely a straw man dressed in the county magistrate’s son’s clothes, and the blood was prepared in advance in a blood bag.
After the laughter subsided, a heavy atmosphere settled among them. Fifty thousand taels was not a small sum. Who could dare to claim that it represented all of Shen Jinzhong’s wealth?
“Young Master, what about this silver?” Gao Feng asked.
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “The governor will use this silver as compensation for the soldiers who fought against the bandits. It is meant as solace.”
Yang Zhuo sighed, “Young Master’s consideration for the soldiers is truly a blessing for them.”
Huangfu Yuchen stated, “On the road ahead, your mission will be expanded. Whether entering the county or the city, you must gather information on the county magistrate and the governor. If you encounter corrupt officials, deal with them one by one!”
“Yes!” Yang Zhuo and the others responded solemnly.
“Let’s go back.” Huangfu Yuchen took Yan Ge’s hand and turned to descend the mountain.
Seeing them leaving, Gao Feng picked the unconscious magistrate and hurriedly followed.
