novelaction Chapter 193
Chapter 193
Shen Lian and Lin Lu were both dressed in casual clothes, even linen clothes that Zhou Chu had specially arranged for them to wear the day before.
Therefore, these minor officials could not recognize their identities at all; at most, they would think that Yan Song and Zhang Cong were dressed much better than ordinary people.
Although such people are few, they do exist. They are usually people whose families have suddenly experienced a major change and who have no choice but to work to make a living. They are reluctant to let go of their former pride and are unwilling to pawn their clothes.
To describe it in one sentence: it's a mess.
Clearly, these petty officials regarded Yan Song and his companion as such people.
As the minor officials surrounded Yan Song and Zhang Cong, the workers nearby quickly moved away, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
"Take my bowl and smash my pot; if you don't want to eat this rice, then don't eat it."
The leading clerk, his face full of menacing features, spoke with a sinister expression.
"So whose bowl are you carrying? And whose pot are you smashing now?"
Yan Song had seen all sorts of situations, so this small scene naturally didn't frighten him. It was mainly the presence of Shen Lian and Lin Lu behind him that gave him confidence.
Upon hearing this, the faces of the minor officials all turned grim.
"Brothers, teach this fool a lesson."
The leading clerk waved his hand, and the rest of the clerks stopped talking and surrounded Yan Song.
Zhou Chu gave Shen Lian a look, and Shen Lian immediately understood, taking out the Embroidered Spring Knife that was originally wrapped in cloth.
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is on duty here; who dares to act recklessly?"
The Embroidered Spring Blade has always been one of the symbols of the Imperial Guards' status, and no one dares to forge it.
These minor officials, who served the Suzhou government, naturally recognized the Embroidered Spring Blade. Upon seeing the Embroidered Spring Blade in Shen Lian's hand, their expressions immediately changed.
"I wonder why you are here, sir?"
The arrogant clerk who had been so arrogant just moments before suddenly became obsequious and fawning in front of Shen Lian.
If these clerks were to ask who they feared most, it would undoubtedly be the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Clerks generally did not fear officials, because the clerks were like ironclad fortresses while the prefects were like flowing water. Officials in the Suzhou prefectural government came and went, one after another.
However, most of the clerks were locals, and they all inherited their positions from their fathers. For example, most of the new recruits trained by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the capital came from various places and were descendants of clerks waiting to inherit their fathers' positions.
Clerks have no future and see no hope; they are just waiting to die. So they may respect each local official, but they are not afraid of them.
They will never miss any opportunity to make money; this has always been the case throughout history.
However, the attitude towards the Embroidered Uniform Guard was completely different. It wasn't just awe, but a deep-seated fear, since every clerk had to undergo training with the Embroidered Uniform Guard before taking office.
This relationship alone filled them with awe and respect for the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Moreover, the methods of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are far more ruthless than those of these officials. The Embroidered Uniform Guard can deal with them without any reason. Even if they are just low-level clerks, once they are caught by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, even if they die inside, everyone will think it is normal.
After all, very few clerks are truly clean.
"You are incredibly audacious to dare to lay a hand on the Prefect."
Shen Lian glanced at the crowd and sneered.
Upon hearing this, all the minor officials felt their scalps tingle. They looked at Yan Song in disbelief, unsure whether Shen Lian was referring to him.
"What? Didn't you say I was courting death?"
Now that Yan Song felt more confident, he shook the dust off his clothes and said...
It’s over.
After Yan Song confirmed it, these minor officials turned ashen-faced, finally realizing the seriousness of the problem.
Soon, the official in charge of the quarry received the news and ran to the crowd, already drenched in sweat.
When he saw Zhou Chu, his heart sank even further, and he thought to himself that it was all over.
He had witnessed Zhou Chu's forced entry into Suzhou Prefecture to arrest his colleagues. Now, all the officials in Suzhou Prefecture tacitly agreed on one thing: they should not provoke the Embroidered Uniform Guard, especially not Zhou Chu.
Looking at the situation now, he felt dizzy and wished he could faint immediately.
"Lord Zhang, how dare you!"
Yan Song looked at the official and sneered.
"Please spare my life, sir! I was just confused for a moment."
This man wished he could kneel before Yan Song, but he also knew that he was doomed.
When Zhou Chu left, he instructed Shen Lian and Lin Lu to take all the clerks and officials back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As for how to handle the aftermath of the quarry incident, that was Yan Song's business.
Zhou Chu was well aware that everyone had their own responsibilities. He could guide Yan Song to discover the problem, since Yan Song had no experience in this area, but the subsequent handling was up to Yan Song.
If he can't even handle this simple matter, what's the point of having Yan Song?
"Your Excellency is truly wise and insightful, with keen eyes that have seen through the problem at a glance."
Zhang Cong followed behind Zhou Chu, flattering him.
Zhou Chu smiled upon hearing this, finding Zhang Cong's flattery quite appealing.
"It is Lord Zhang who has surprised me. As far as I know, Lord Zhang has not been in office for long. Why is he so knowledgeable about local affairs?"
Zhou Chu asked as he rode his horse.
“Your Excellency may not know this, but my father is a minor official in our area. I have been around him since I was a child and have seen a lot of things, so I naturally understand the issues involved.”
Zhang Cong explained.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu suddenly understood.
Zhou Chu and the others led these people back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters, while Zhang Cong left halfway there, since his office was not the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.
"Sir, who are these people?"
Chen Zhao has now completely become Zhou Chu's lackey. He is now very clear that he must carry out Zhou Chu's instructions without any hesitation.
“They are all corrupt clerks and officials from the quarry. Arrange for someone to interrogate them.”
Zhou Chu poured himself a cup of tea.
"I will make the arrangements immediately."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhao turned around and went to arrange manpower.
"Is there any food left in the kitchen?"
Zhou Chu turned to look at the Imperial Guard beside him.
"Yes, sir. The commander specifically instructed the kitchen to reserve it for you."
The Imperial Guard replied respectfully, and after saying this, he went to the kitchen to arrange for someone to bring the food over.
Zhou Chu, Shen Lian, and Lin Lu are all martial artists, and their qi and blood are far superior to those of ordinary people. Their appetite is two to three times that of ordinary people, and they eat a lot of meat every day.
The thin porridge they had at the quarry earlier wasn't even half full, and all three of them were now starving.
After the food was served, the three of them wolfed it down, eating without any manners.
After eating and drinking his fill, Zhou Chu let out a satisfied burp and looked at Chen Zhao, who had returned.
"What are your orders, sir?"
Chen Zhao, with great perceptiveness, said...
"Let's take some men and head to Vice President Zhang's house to collect the debt."
Zhou Chu grinned.
Since the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce has released these refugees, they should consider the consequences.
As the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate.