Chapter 256: Lend Me Fifty Taels

Chapter 256: Lend Me Fifty Taels

It was said that Yingzhou had undergone earth-shattering changes.

The major notorious stockades that had once entrenched themselves everywhere, disrupting people's livelihoods and cutting off trade routes, were wiped out one after another in just a few days.

The government's bandit suppression campaign was swift as lightning, with astounding efficiency.

In less than half a month, the bandit scourge that had plagued Yingzhou for years was nearly completely eradicated.

When the news spread, almost everyone in Yingzhou rejoiced, finally seeing hope for the days ahead.

For a time, the prestige of the Yingzhou prefectural office reached its peak. The common people were so grateful to this prefect, who had seemed unremarkable in ordinary times, that they almost wanted to build a shrine to honor him while he was alive.

However, at this time, some rumors began to spread in whispers at teahouses and taverns.

"Have you heard? It's said that the success of this bandit suppression campaign was due to... the help of a mastermind!"

"A mastermind? What mastermind could wipe out strongholds like Blackcloud Stockade and Evil Tiger Ridge in one night?"

"You have no idea! I heard from my nephew who works in the yamen that the government forces had an intimate knowledge of the hidden passages and troop deployments in the stockades! It was as if someone had drawn a map in advance and presented it to them!"

"Yes, yes, I've heard that too! It seems there was an inside informant... and not just anyone—reportedly a... real tough nut."

"Tsk tsk, to make those murderers like Zhang Heita and Lei Biao fall so hard, how capable must this informant be? And what does he seek?"

"Seek what? Who knows... Maybe the government promised huge rewards, maybe... it's a personal grudge. But regardless, it's getting rid of a menace to the people."

"But this mastermind... who exactly is he? Having done such a great deed, why hasn't the government commended him, not even revealed his name?"

"Such a person is like a dragon that shows its head but not its tail—how can we speculate? Perhaps he has already retired after achieving success, keeping his name and fortune hidden..."

Opinions varied, with no consensus.

Some said the mastermind was a righteous man whose family was ruined by bandits, seeking revenge.

Others said he was a mole planted by the government for years, finally made his move.

Still others spread incredible tales about him, as if he had the ability to fly through the sky and burrow into the earth.

Cheng Ge stood in front of the carriage, leisurely stuffing another slice of orange into his mouth.

He used his fingertip to pick off the white pith stuck to the corner of his mouth, then sniffed, his nose red from the cold wind.

Seeing this, Lü Rou, who was beside him, quickly produced a cloak and carefully draped it over him, tying the knots securely.

Cheng Ge reached out, offering the last orange slice to Lü Rou, and mumbled, "Want a taste? It's quite sweet."

Lü Rou gently shook her head with a warm smile: "Thank you, young sir. Please enjoy it."

Cheng Ge didn't insist; he nodded and tossed the orange slice into his own mouth.

While chewing, he pulled another orange from his sleeve and began peeling it skillfully.

At that moment, Prefect Song Yunzhi strode out of the yamen, clearly energized by the good news.

Seeing Cheng Ge, he immediately hurried over and made a deep bow.

"Lord Censor! The eradication of the bandit scourge in Yingzhou was entirely due to your generous assistance!

This lower official... on behalf of the thousands of people of Yingzhou, thanks you and pays his respects!" As he spoke, overcome with emotion, he started to kneel for a grand salute.

Cheng Ge: "!!!"

Quick as a flash, Cheng Ge grabbed him under his armpits—these people all wanted to cut his life short, huh.

"Prefect Song, you flatter me. It was just something I did on the side; don't dwell on it."

Song Yunzhi rose to his feet at the gesture, a hint of shame on his face: "The affairs of the yamen are complex, and the aftermath of bandit suppression has countless details. I have been busy with follow-up work, and have neglected you these past days—truly an inexcusable neglect.

My lord, why not stay a few more days in Yingzhou, so that I may fulfill the duties of a host and properly thank you?"

Cheng Ge shook his head. "No, Yingzhou is settled. I must rush to Yuanzhou; matters there cannot be delayed."

He calculated in his mind: finish the assignment quickly, then he could travel on official funds—that'd be living it up.

When Song Yunzhi heard the word "Yuanzhou," the joy on his face faded and was replaced by deep concern.

He had naturally heard about Yuanzhou—the waters there were far deeper than in Yingzhou, with entrenched interests, by no means a good place.

Although the Lord Censor before him was both wise and brave, he was after all a man alone, about to face those wily old foxes...

Song Yunzhi couldn't help but feel uneasy; this journey would likely be fraught with danger and uncertainty.

However, as an official eating the emperor's grain, one must bear his burdens, so one must forge ahead courageously.

He suppressed his worries, once again made a solemn cupped-fist salute, and spoke with a grave tone.

"Lord Censor, take care! The situation in Yuanzhou is complicated; you must be cautious in all things.

If... if you have any needs, feel free to send word. Although my abilities are limited, I am willing to do my utmost and offer all the help I can!"

Cheng Ge saw the genuine concern in his eyes, reached out a paw, and patted his shoulder.

"Alright, if anything comes up, I'll definitely come to you! By the way, have you received your salary yet? Lend me fifty taels!"

Song Yunzhi was stunned by this sudden turn: "Ah?"

Cheng Ge's expression didn't change, and his tone was perfectly matter-of-fact: "This official heard yesterday that Yingzhou's drunken goose is quite famous, so I thought I'd gain a deeper understanding of Yingzhou's local flavors and investigate the people's conditions.

After all, this is also an important part of official duties. But unfortunately, I left in a hurry and my travel funds are a bit short. Don't worry, I'll definitely pay you back when I receive my next salary."

Song Yunzhi: "......"

In the end, thanks to his charm and thick face, Cheng Ge successfully "borrowed" a huge sum of fifty taels from Song Yunzhi.

He trotted off happily to pack a drunken goose to go, then left Yingzhou with satisfaction.

...

In Yuanzhou, within a hall, incense smoke curled upward.

At the head sat a figure in a dark-patterned brocade robe, a thumb ring of emerald jade gleaming with a warm luster under the lamp.

A servant quietly stepped forward to refill his cup with hot tea.

Below sat several officials in various colored robes; the atmosphere was somewhat tense.

One of them spoke cautiously: "We've got confirmed news from Yingzhou—several major stockades... have indeed been uprooted."

I heard that the one who participated in the bandit suppression this time was someone sent down from the higher-ups."

A bulky official beside him chimed in, his tone laced with disbelief.

"Someone from above? Instead of auditing accounts or handling criminal cases, he goes off to suppress bandits?

This… this new Lord Censor's approach is so unusual? Could it be that his head..."

As he spoke, he lightly tapped his temple with his finger, implying that the Lord Censor was mentally unstable.

Another person sighed lightly, looking worried: "I suspect his real intention lies elsewhere."

Once the bandits in Yingzhou are wiped out and the trade routes are open, who would still go the long way to Fengcheng in Yuanzhou? This annual kickback money will likely drop by a full thirty percent or more!"

At these words, everyone's expressions darkened a few shades, and their eyes involuntarily darted furtively toward the man at the head of the table.

That figure picked up a teacup, his voice calm and without much fluctuation.

"This Lord Censor, how did he manage to get to Yingzhou in one piece?"