The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

This situation is really unusual. (っ◔◡◔)っ

Under the blue sky and white sun, the door of Huating County Government Office was actually closed.

The few guards guarding the gate were also very surprised when they received this order. After they closed the door as ordered, Yan Xiaoer, who had just finished delivering the news, was already running around the yamen holding a gong and a stick.

Dang——dang——dang——

The crisp metallic sound continued to spread and resounded around the county government office. The police officers, yamen servants, and petty officials in each class of the yamen were really shocked. There is an order from the county government, and when the gong sounds, it must be the county magistrate who summons him urgently. Everyone must put down what they are doing and go to see the magistrate as soon as possible.

There were more and more people standing in front of the court, and everyone was a veteran. Although the gong was rang only a few times, everyone quickly found their position. A dark group of people stood from the hall to the courtyard. Outsiders would feel trembling with fear at the first sight.

The largest number of people are the catchers and Kuaishou in the yamen, and Huating County is a large county. There are forty catchers and forty quickies in total. These are people who eat public food. On weekdays, when everyone goes out to do business, they will also bring one or two assistants, two or three helpers, and three or four buddies.

Don't think it's an exaggeration. This group of people is the backbone of maintaining daily public order for a total of 400,000 people in eight townships in Huating County. Except for them, who are stationed in the county government, the scattered and brave petty officials scattered throughout the county are not included at this time.

Everyone gathered together and exchanged panicked looks. Everyone was extremely surprised by the unprecedented behavior of Huating County Government. No one could guess what the county magistrate was thinking, but Chen Heng had already walked out of the screen with Xinda and Liu Xianglian.

A few steps after he sat down on the public case, Chen Heng was so startled that everyone in the hall cheered up and bowed to listen to the instructions.

My officer learned today that there is a group of strong men in the county. They only know the village of fish and meat all day long, riding on the necks of the people to dominate. Where are Zhou Captou and Sun Kuaishou?

These two men were the catcher and the leader of the Kuaishou respectively. When they heard Chen Heng calling their names, they immediately stepped out of the queue.

Sir, the villain is here.

Chen Heng leaned against the picture of the rising sun on the ocean tide, took another picture of the gavel, and said with authority: Quickly take people to prepare for shackles and imprisonment, there must be no mistakes.

Yes. The two men immediately accepted the order, turned around and ordered their trusted helpers, and ran to the warehouse and execution room to pick up the instruments.

After a while, several rows of weapon racks were placed on both sides of the courtyard. The bright sunlight shines on the blade of the weapon, reflecting a breathtaking white light.

Because he has not yet completely dealt with his men, Chen Heng plans to personally lead the arrest operation. Since the county magistrate personally receives the person, many paperwork steps are naturally omitted. I ordered Xinda and continued to stay at the county government office. I was not allowed to open the gate until I came back.

Chen Heng patted down the hall wood again, stood up and looked at the more than 200 officers who were about to go on duty, and said solemnly: Today, I will go out with my officer to catch thieves. Anyone who catches one person will be rewarded with half a bag of white rice. Those who are injured will be rewarded with half a bag of white rice. Twenty taels of silver will be paid for the reward. If you become disabled, the county government will support you until you grow old.

The sudden offer of such a heavy reward was an opportunity for Chen Heng to win over people. Everyone knows that winning people's hearts depends on rewards, but there is also a lot of knowledge here. The most taboo thing is to give hard rewards for no merit. This is not a way to make friends with gentlemen. People who can be won over by this method are most likely to be villains.

It was everyone's duty to arrest people on weekdays, but when they suddenly heard the county magistrate's arrangement, they felt something strange in their hearts. But time did not allow them to think slowly. Chen Heng, who was wearing an official robe, had already stepped out of the public case. He held the official belt with one hand and put his other hand behind his back, and strode out.

Seeing that the elder is going to lead the team himself, if there is anything else to say, just follow suit. More than two hundred people passed by the weapons rack, selected their favorites, and quickly caught up with Chen Heng.

After a while, the county government door slowly opened. Yan Xiaoer is already standing at the gate holding a white horse. This is Chen Heng's old friend. He turned directly to the door and put his hands on his eyes to get a sense of direction.

In just a moment, more than 200 people were standing neatly behind the county magistrate. Any county magistrate's ceremonial guard can be omitted today. Chen Heng waved his riding crop and shouted: Let's go.

The horse's hooves gallop lightly, but the horse's speed is not fast. More than two hundred officers were trotting to keep up with their master. In such a move, the entire Huating County government came out in force, which naturally attracted people on the street to avoid and watch.

What happened? What happened?

Isn't this the new county magistrate from Huating County?

What is he going to do? There are so many officials here, and I haven't heard of any strong thieves recently. We haven't seen such excitement in years.

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The people in the city were still talking about it, but they couldn't stop Chen Heng from rushing out of the city. They didn't expect that Liu Xianglian had secretly arrived at the intersection of Xu Biao's house. He was waiting for those people in the county government who were cheating and cheating to come over and secretly report the news.

In the previous episode, Chen Heng tested people several times, and he had already discovered that Xu Biao, a local tycoon, had the most eyes and ears. It is precisely because of the presence of these people that Chen Heng was in a hurry today, doing things so quickly and airtight.

The gate of the county government office was closed from beginning to end, so there was no chance of sneaking around. Chen Heng concluded that these people could only report the news on the way out of the city. Because there were so many people on the street, if one or two leaked out quietly, his subordinates must be sure that Chen Heng would never notice it.

Liu Xianglian waited patiently here. He wanted to take a closer look and see who these dogs were. The adults personally led the team, but they dared to sneak out to report the news. Such a person must be Xu Biao's confidant and cannot be easily used by adults.

Sure enough, he didn't wait long before he saw two sneaky figures appearing. Liu Xianglian also knew these two people. They were both Sun Kuaishou's subordinates. After confirming that they were going to run to the Xu family gate, Liu Xianglian stopped them directly.

Two moves of the grappling hand can easily capture the vital points of two people. Liu Xianglian stood between the two of them and threatened: Don't move. If you move, I guarantee that you will have to rely on one hand to eat for the rest of your life.

When the two met it turned out to be Liu Xianglian, how could they not know that they had fallen into a trap. Someone forced an explanation and said with a dry smile: Boss Liu, we... we brothers have a family emergency and are about to go home... We told Sun Tou, and Sun Tou personally promised us.

Let me explain these words slowly to you when you come back. Liu Xianglian chuckled lightly, and while controlling the two of them back to the county government office, she asked Xinda, who was left behind, for a horse.

I'm going to find you, sir. Keep an eye on those two people. Liu Xianglian sat on the saddle and adjusted the reins in her hands.

I know. Hurry up, go and protect the Lord. Xinda is actually very anxious. His good brother has so many abilities. In addition to being smart, he can only kill a chicken on weekdays. The pigs at the entrance of the village usually have a fierce temper. His brother had to avoid some of them. Now that Liu Xianglian was no longer around to protect him, how could he feel at ease?

Don't worry, I'm here. Liu Xianglian smiled proudly. He was extremely skilled in equestrian skills, and Chen Heng was leading many classes of guards on foot, so they must not be walking very fast. So he was very confident that he could catch up in a short time.

drive!

After raising her riding whip, Liu Xianglian ignored the people on the road and could only shout while riding: The county government is handling the case. Anyone who is idle should get out of here.

About half an hour later, he really caught up with Chen Heng on the rural road.

Sir. Riding a military horse and galloping past a group of government officials, Liu Xianglian finally arrived at Chen Heng's side and immediately clasped her fists and said, Fortunately, I did not disgrace my order.

Chen Heng nodded, Liu Xianglian was finally trained by him slowly.

Follow me.

yes!

Now the plan of killing three birds with one stone has achieved the second goal. Chen Heng is increasingly looking forward to his trip to Linjiang Village in Xiuzhu Township.

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Linjiang Village has a large population, about 1,500 households. Most people with the surname Zhao and Wang in the village occupy two to three hundred households each. The daily life of the common people has not changed much. They work at sunrise and rest at sunset. In addition to avoiding the Zhao family, they can also live a makeshift life.

Today, a group of guardsmen armed with knives and sticks suddenly broke in at the entrance of the village. Everyone was dumbfounded. When had the people of Linjiang Village ever seen such a battle? If it weren't for the leader wearing official imperial uniform and possessing natural persuasiveness, everyone would have thought they had encountered bandits.

No one is allowed to move. Chen Heng shouted. He glanced at the people and saw a few familiar faces. He nodded at them and said, I am the magistrate of Huating County. I know you guys. Do you still know me? Remember me.

Those who were pointed by the riding crop bowed carefully and said, Sir. I remember you. I have seen you in court.

Okay, where is Zhao Zhiming's home in this village? Please take me there quickly.

What? ? ? ? This new boss wants to arrest Zhao Zhiming? Everyone was a little surprised and uncertain, but there were also brave people who had already jumped out to show Chen Heng the way.

Sir, follow me.

Chen Heng no longer delayed, and ordered Captain Zhou to take a few people with him to recapture Zhao Lizheng who had returned to the village. The rest of the group continued to follow the guide and went to Zhao's house to kill.

Zhao Zhiming's house is really well built. It occupies a very large area and the walls are high and thick. Seeing the Zhao family's gate closing in, Chen Heng, who had limited force, took a few steps back and asked Liu Xianglian to go up and call for formation.

Huating County Government is handling the case. People inside should open the door quickly.

Needless to say, there was absolutely no sound inside the gate. Liu Xianglian has been practicing martial arts all year round and has sharp ears and eyesight. Even from a distance, she can hear the sound of weapons being unsheathed behind the door.

He smiled contemptuously. If someone asked for a toast and was fined with it, he would accompany him to the end. Liu Xianglian rode directly to the courtyard wall. He raised his hand and pressed it, then stepped on the saddle with both legs. Amidst the neighing of the military horses, he leaped onto the wall.

Seeing such a magical skill, all the guards were dumbfounded and said to themselves: What a beautiful kung fu.

Liu Xianglian on the wall turned over like a swallow again, and jumped into the Zhao family courtyard amidst everyone's exclamations. When the talent landed, he already held the two swords in his hands.

Don't leave anytime soon.

Before she finished speaking, Liu Xianglian was already charging towards the Zhao family guards at the door.

Chen Heng was watching outside, stamping his feet and beating his chest. When he heard the shouts of killing inside the house, he became even more anxious. How could Liu Xianglian be so brave and fierce? He hurriedly shouted to the left and right: What are you doing standing still? Go knock on the door and help you, Team Leader Liu.

As soon as the elder spoke, everyone dared not continue to be stunned and ran directly towards the gate. But they were only halfway through when they saw the Zhao family's door open by itself. A group of panicked Zhao family guards ran out shouting. Behind him was Liu Xianglian whose clothes were stained with blood. She was holding a sword in both hands and was eager to kill.

Take them down, take them all down.

Chen Heng took another half step back, trying not to cause trouble to everyone. At the same time, let a group of people come forward quickly.

The Zhao family has only a few dozen guards, so how can they be a match for two hundred guards? Working in groups of several people, they quickly controlled the situation. In other words, this group of people had been killed by Liu Xianglian.

Stubborn resistance was the decision made by Zhao Zhiming’s foolish son, Zhao Daheng. In the hearts of these guards, they have actually wanted to surrender for a long time. That is to say, his background is not clean, so he has to obey Zhao Daheng's orders.

Ten people were left behind to protect their own safety. Chen Heng waited until Liu Xianglian had controlled Zhao Daheng and other criminals, then he took a few steps forward, stopped at the door of Zhao's house, and pointed at the door.

Go inside and search it carefully. Seal all the things and put a seal on the door. Zhou Captou, you bring ten people and guard here day and night. Don't let anyone in.

Yes, sir.

They are making arrangements here, and Zhao Daheng has been taken out in shackles. This was the first time this person saw Chen Heng. In addition to panic, he was also confused about the current situation.

My lord, my lord. Zhao Daheng repeatedly begged for mercy to Chen Heng, You have arrested the wrong person. I just thought that bandits were coming, so I asked the guards to lock the hospital door. I wanted to wait for my father to come back and think about it in the long run.

He was a bit quick-witted, and at this moment he was still trying to make amends for his behavior just now. But he guessed Chen Heng's thoughts wrongly, and he didn't know what he had done in the past. Even ten lives were not enough to fill the gap.

Take him away and escort him back to the county government office, where he will be properly interrogated by me. Chen Heng waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to bring this person to him. He heard Liu Xianglian say that there are many talented people in this world, some who can shrink bones, and some who can hurt people with secret arrows.

He didn't want to become a fool, so he simply stayed as far away from other people as possible.

A gentleman doesn't build a dangerous wall.

In this way, another bird was obtained. Chen Heng waited until the prisoners were tied up with ropes and connected into a long string. Then he said to the people who were hiding in the cracks of the windows watching the excitement: Don't panic, everyone. I learned that Zhao Zhiming and Zhao Daheng and his son are usually bullying men and dominating women and doing evil, so I came here to arrest them. Today, I will arrest them. Take it away, if you have any grievances, you can come to Huating County Yamen and tell me.

After saying that, Chen Heng mounted his horse and looked around Linjiang Village. A few more officers were left behind, running around the village to announce the matter. He took the first step and took people back to Fucheng.

When we arrived at Songjiang City, it was already dark. More than two hundred people lit torches and formed a long queue in the wilderness. The long queue passed through the city gate like a fire dragon and disappeared at the end of the long street under the awe-inspiring eyes of the people in the city.

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The next day, Chen Heng just got up, but the trial of the Zhao family's father and son case had not yet begun. Xinda came again to report that the people of Xiuzhu Township were already kneeling at the gate of the county government office.

In this way, the third bird officially fell into Chen Heng's hands.

Before interrogating Zhao Zhiming, Zhao Daheng and others, Chen Heng first asked the people about the reasons for the lawsuit. Hearing this is really eye-opening. It is said that all the ways to make money are in the law.

In addition to his evil deeds, Zhao Zhiming usually lends interest to others and seizes land. There was a man in the village who had lost his hand. He said that his family originally had several acres of land, but he was forced to borrow money from the Zhao family. If you can't repay the interest afterwards, your property will be taken away. The man refused to obey at first, but that night he was caught by the Zhao family and taken to the back mountain, where his right hand was chopped off.

It was really shocking, and Chen Heng was even more angry. I also asked several of the man's fellow villagers, and the latter all confirmed that this was the case. Chen Heng immediately asked Xinda to write this crime on paper.

Chen Heng originally thought that he would spend half a day dealing with the people of Xiuzhu Township, and then slowly interrogate the Zhao family and his son. Who would have thought, there are too many people complaining. I was busy until night before I could send everyone off.

At this point, Chen Heng was unwilling to stop even a step. Zhao Zhiming and Zhao Daheng were directly summoned for interrogation. Put the testimony of the people before them. Seeing the black and white words on the printed paper, the father and son had nothing to say. In addition to begging for mercy, he also said that he wanted to see Mr. Zhen and Mr. Xu.

Chen Heng really wanted to laugh when he heard this, and said with bad intentions: Do you really think that at this moment, the two of them are still willing to save you, an old acquaintance?

With one hand on the case, Chen Heng said to the Zhao father and son, If you tell everything you know, maybe I can give you a lighter sentence as appropriate.

Hearing this, Zhao Zhiming raised his head hopefully and said, Sir, is there still a way for us to survive?

Chen Heng suppressed his smile. His face illuminated by the lights was full of unsmiling majesty, and it seemed that there was no room for bargaining. When Zhao Zhiming saw this, he realized that his death date had been determined.

My lord, please spare my life. My lord, please, please let my son go. All the mistakes are my fault alone. This child doesn't know anything.

Seeing Zhao Zhiming crying and making a fuss, Chen Heng shook his head helplessly. He just said in a deep voice: You only have a precious son, and others don't have any relatives or siblings? If I had known this, why bother in the first place.

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When Zhen and Xu heard that Zhao Zhiming had been arrested, they were so angry that they smashed cups and banged the table at home, shouting, Damn it. They couldn't understand why Chen Heng, who was fine just a few days ago, could fall out so easily.

It's true that if you don't take the road in heaven, you have to break through the door to hell. Do you really think that you can be lawless by marrying the daughter of Zuodu Yushi? When the old lady of the Zhen family celebrates her birthday, even the chief minister Gu will prepare small gifts for her. . It’s disgusting, it’s really extremely disgusting.”

Hahahaha, Daiyu will go home tomorrow.