Chapter 45: The Two Zhao States at War >

he bandits burst into laughter."Please, please give me back my chicken. It's the only one I have. My younger brother is frail and needs to eat eggs to make him stronger. Please, don't take it away fro...Jianghe County, Zhao's residence.

County magistrate Zhao Kang got up early, washed, finished his breakfast, and only then did the steward Zhao Zhongming report: "Master, Zhao Fuguang from Zhaoshan Village has arrived."

"Oh So early"

Zhao Kang was slightly taken aback: "My cousin knows his place and wouldn't visit without a reason. Where could he be now"

“He’s waiting outside.” Zhao Zhongming bowed.

Come in!

For a moment, Zhao Fugui trembled and followed Zhao Zhongming into the Zhao residence.

Upon seeing Zhao Kang, Zhao Fuguai hurriedly bowed.

"I've met Lord Zhao."

"Cousin, you came to see me so early. Is something the matter" Zhao Kang asked.

Zhao Fu貴 nodded hurriedly: "Something's wrong, something big!"

Last night, Liu Youcai, the landowner of our village, sent several slaves to murder Yang Lin!

What

Before Zhao Fugui could finish his words, both Zhao Zhongming and Zhao Kang were taken aback.

Well

"Is Yang Lin still alive"

Both of them eagerly asked.

"He's alive, Yang Lin is fine, just got a fright."

Zhao Kang let out a breath of relief, and at the same time, some surprise.

How could he still be alive after several people went to kill him at night

It seems this Yang Lin really has some skill.

"Are you here to apprehend the bandits I'll have someone escort you back!"

Zhao Kang loved tofu very much. He cared for those who made things he liked, so he also admired Yang Lin, the one who made the tofu.

Zhao Fu貴 hurriedly shook his head: "My lord, two of Liu Youcai's servants have died, and one was caught alive. He has already confessed and signed a statement."

Here is further evidence, four short knives, and the sworn testimony of thirty-eight villagers from this village. Their handprints are also on record.

Zhao Fu貴 hurriedly took out all the evidence.

Zhao Kang was startled again.

Yang Lin not only got away unscathed, but he actually took down two of them and caught one alive

Hurry, bring it up!

Zhao Kang hurriedly checked the evidence. At a glance, the evidence was complete.

Zhao Kang slammed his fist on the table: "Good heavens, Liu Youcai! He's so bold! To dare to hire an assassin!"

"Sir."

Zhao Fugui hurried forward, taking out the silver coin from his sleeve and handing it to housekeeper Zhao Zhongming.

"This is Yang Lin's little thought. Please, sir, amidst your busy schedule, uphold justice and punish the evildoers!"

Zhao Zhongming received the silver without a sound and nodded to Zhao Kang.

Zhao Kang's face was solemn: "Cousin, please rest assured. Our Great Qin has a vast and open sky, and we will definitely not allow these small villains to run rampant!"

"Just now, please come with me to the county office. I will gather three shifts of clerks and personally lead a team to hunt down the criminal!"

This matter wasn't within the county magistrate's purview, but Zhao Kang was willing to handle it for two reasons: first, he received some silver; second, he had a favorable impression of Yang Lin and intended to take this opportunity to meet the scholar who made tofu.

Zhao Fugui was overjoyed and quickly agreed.

Upon arriving at the county government office, Zhao Kang hadn't even had time to submit his documents when a burly county magistrate named Zhao Deyi rushed over.

"Well now, Lord Zhao, you've summoned my people so early. What business do you have"

Zhao Deyi asked in a deep, heavy voice. The three shifts of yamen guards were divided into standing duty, swift duty, and strong duty.

The station master was a civilian official appointed by the magistrate, essentially those constables who carried water and fire clubs and shouted "Wēiwǔ".

And the quick class, also known as Quick Hands, commonly called catchers, are in charge of pursuing criminals and arresting them. In their daily lives, they report to the county magistrate.

Therefore, although the position of County Magistrate is above that of County Clerk, it is a civilian post and does not directly command the fast battalion on a daily basis.

He and Zhao Deyi, one literature and one martial arts, assisted the magistrate. The two didn't get along, which was something the old magistrate was happy to see.

But now, Zhao Deyi suddenly appeared. Zhao Kang felt that something was wrong!

Zhao Kang said, "Someone from the village reported that a murder for hire happened last night and someone has died. This official will personally lead people to apprehend the criminals!"

"Humph," Zhao Deyi sneered, waving his hand dismissively. "Such a trivial matter as catching thieves doesn't warrant the attention of County Magistrate Zhao! As County Lieutenant, it is my duty to protect the people and eradicate harm. I can handle this small matter myself with my men! No need to trouble you further, sir."

Zhao Deyi's words were polite, but the subtext was telling Zhao Kang: I'll take care of this!

Zhao Kang wasn't a pushover either, he calmly replied, "This case is already under my jurisdiction, and I intend to see it through to the end. There's no need to trouble Zhao, sir."

Zhao Deyi chuckled and leaned in close to Zhao Kang, lowering his voice. "I heard that Yang fellow didn't just survive, he also killed two servants of the Liu family. Mr. Zhao, do you think it might be that Yang Lin committed murder first and then framed Liu Youcai"

Saying that, he proudly raised an eyebrow at Zhao Kang.

Zhao Kang was furious.

He might take money, but he has a bottom line! He would never say black is white.

And since Zhao Deyi knew about this and deliberately intervened, he must have taken money from the Liu family!

If this matter were truly handed over to Zhao Deyi, not only would he fail to punish the Liu family, but he might even turn the tables and accuse us.

"Zhao, you!" Zhao Kang said coldly, "Could it be that this official can no longer handle this case"

"Humph," Zhao Deyi sneered. "Of course, Lord Zhao can meddle in this, but this is within my jurisdiction. If I mishandle it, then by all means, Lord Zhao may offer guidance. Otherwise, I suggest Lord Zhao refrain from worrying."

"If I wasn't going to involve myself, then what" Zhao Kang coldly retorted.

"Well then, let the magistrate decide." Zhao Deyi sneered.

Honorable County Magistrate, that is to say, the chief magistrate of a county.

Zhao Kang's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Today, Zhao Deyi is so insistent. Could it be that the county magistrate's side has also been bribed

If that were true, then even if I wanted to help Yang Lin, I'm afraid I would be powerless!

After a moment, the two arrived at the back hall and saw Magistrate Wu Yong of Jianghe County.

Wu Yong was over forty when he passed the imperial examination, and subsequently bought a position as magistrate of Jianghe. Three years have passed, and now he is well-fed and portly.

After hearing both parties recount the events, Wu Yong frowned and turned to look at his clerk.

The Master shook his head slightly, meaning that no one had come to give him silver.

Wu Yong's face immediately fell.

Seeing that Zhao Kang and Zhao Deyi were arguing over this, he concluded that both of them had been bribed.

The result was that no one filial piety to themselves!

"Humph, since it's a murder case, we have to investigate it thoroughly!"

"You two don't need to argue anymore. Everything will proceed as usual. Zhao Deyi will go after the culprit, and Zhao Kang, as the county magistrate, just don't meddle. I'm exhausted, all of you retire."

Since there was no filial piety, Wu Yong was too lazy to bother with this mess.

Hearing this, the two could only withdraw.

After leaving the hall, Zhao Deyi said triumphantly: "County Magistrate, please rest assured, this case will be handled properly by me. You don't need to interfere anymore, hahaha!"

Outside, Zhao Fugui had been waiting impatiently for a long time. Seeing Zhao Kang come out, he rushed forward to greet him.

"Sir, how are you"

Zhao Kang frowned and shook his head: "Things are not good. Zhao Deyi snatched the job and will be leaving with people for Kaoshan Village right away! You should also go back and tell Yang Lin, Zhao Deyi is extremely greedy and has connections in both the white and black worlds, he must be careful!"

"Extorted..."

Let him compromise, it's better to lose some money than face bigger trouble!t be the one to control it, and not let ghosts or monsters come in.This step has to be taken because only then can we drive the development of our entire industrial chain, moving forward in sync!"What...