Chapter 65: 65: Annihilate the Bandits!

Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Annihilate the Bandits!

Chen Yuan’s gaze shifted slightly, his fingers gently tapping on the tabletop, as he watched Tie Qinghua kneeling on the ground, seeking protection. But in his mind, he wondered if she had guessed that Tie Xuan’s death was related to him.

In his thoughts, he linked the details of the past and present. On the surface, there were indeed no grudges or financial disputes between him and Tie Xuan.

So…

Chen Yuan stood up and helped Tie Qinghua to her feet, speaking softly,

“For the sake of Brother Tie, I shall protect the Tie Family!”

“Thank you, my lord…”

...

Tie Qinghua revealed a slight, relieved smile.

With the protection of Arrest Officer Chen, the Tie Family would certainly have nothing to worry about.

She could finally take a breath of relief.

“However, fifty taels of silver is too little, make it one hundred.” Chen Yuan extended one finger.

Tie Qinghua hesitated. One hundred taels of silver was indeed beyond her budget, and with the current situation of the Tie Family, it was impossible to afford such an amount every month for Chen Yuan.

But seeing the uncompromising look on Chen Yuan’s face, Tie Qinghua did not dare to retort and merely nodded,

“If my lord says one hundred taels, then it shall be one hundred taels!”

Yet in her mind, she thought about how to expand the Tie Family’s business. She had seen some of Chen Yuan’s character; he was definitely a rather cold-hearted person, not to be defied.

Chen Yuan, with one hand behind his back, slightly curved the corners of his mouth,

“Rest assured, with me here, while the Tie Family might not dominate South City, they will definitely hold a significant share. That Wang Family you mentioned is not bad, their foundation will be under your control from now on.”

He did not have time to deal with these matters; he just needed to sit and await his tribute.

Thus, he would truly hold significant power in Ping’an County from then on. His monthly income from silver would be no less than that of Li Mingqi, of course, unless Li Mingqi had other sources of income.

Tie Qinghua was astounded for a moment, but quickly responded. It seemed that Arrest Officer Chen was likely set to make an example of the Wang Family to establish his authority. She clasped her hands and bowed slightly,

“Thank you, my lord. Qinghua will ensure these businesses are well managed for my lord.”

…

…

The next day,

early morning.

As Chen Yuan anticipated, indeed, several local forces united and came to the County Government, hoping it would advocate for them. Their goods had been robbed within the territory of Ping’an County, so they naturally rushed to report to the Government.

Otherwise, their annual tributes would have been given in vain.

If it were just one family, perhaps the Government would have ignored it, but with six merchant convoys involved, valued at nearly a thousand taels, no one could afford to overlook it.

Some families might even decline due to this single incident of raiding.

Both the County Magistrate Wu Qingfeng and County Magistrate Li Mingqi summoned Chen Yuan, who was responsible for apprehending the thieves, to the County Government at once.

As Chen Yuan walked in with a calm demeanor, the heads of the six families scrutinized him, doubting whether such a young arrest officer could eliminate those ruthless bandits.

Tie Qinghua looked straight ahead, shifting her gaze immediately after it met Chen Yuan’s.

Without Chen Yuan’s permission, she truly did not have the courage to expose herself.

“This humble officer greets the esteemed Magistrates.”

Looking up at the seated County Magistrate Wu Qingfeng and County Magistrate Li Mingqi, Chen Yuan met their gaze and bowed slightly.

“Chen Yuan, how do you fulfill your duties as an arrest officer? Such atrocities have occurred within the county, and you’re entirely unaware?” Wu Qingfeng spoke with a somewhat cold tone.

He did not start with a rebuke, as that would seem unbecoming of his status.

“Replying to your honor, I have just taken office and indeed am not very familiar with the county…” said Chen Yuan in a low voice.

“What have you been doing these past few days?” Wu Qingfeng stared at Chen Yuan, a cold smile playing on his lips.

“I was ordered to investigate the whereabouts of the No-Life Sect criminals.”

Chen Yuan said so.

“Under whose orders?”

Li Mingqi furrowed his brows and coughed lightly:

“By the order of this official, arrest officer Chen has been investigating tirelessly these past few days, without even a moment’s rest. How could he know about the incident that happened outside the town the day before yesterday?”

“County Magistrate Wu, do not be too harsh.”

Wu Qingfeng squinted with a smile:

“I see, so arrest officer Chen has been so tirelessly investigating; he must have found something.”

Chen Yuan’s expression did not change; he nodded directly:

“Indeed, there have been some traces, but it is not yet certain.”

Wu Qingfeng’s gaze stiffened, then he continued:

“Since that is the case, this official will wait to hear the good news from arrest officer Chen.”

Li Mingqi coughed lightly twice:

“County Magistrate Wu, today is not the time to discuss the demon folk of the No-Life Sect.”

“Everyone, just inform arrest officer Chen of the situation in detail. The County Government will certainly do its utmost to track down those bandits…” Wu Qingfeng, unconcerned, smiled and looked at the several people sitting below.

He then stood up, leaving the hall with his several scribes, leaving only Li Mingqi to hold the fort.

The remaining Li Mingqi watched Wu Qingfeng’s departing figure and hummed softly for a few moments, knowing well what game Wu Qingfeng was playing, leaving all these burdens to him while he himself had nothing to deal with.

But he could not say much because, according to his duties, as the County Magistrate, it was indeed his responsibility.

Chen Yuan raised his head, his gaze shifting slightly, revealing a trace of a smile, then he walked over to Li Mingqi and whispered a few words in his ear, making the corners of Li Mingqi’s mouth twitch imperceptibly.

He thought to himself that Chen Yuan was truly talented.

The remaining Family Heads looked at each other, completely clueless about what Chen Yuan and the others were discussing, only feeling a somewhat ominous premonition.

“Gentlemen, please, let arrest officer Chen hear it,” Li Mingqi said indifferently.

As his voice faded, a portly middle-aged man stood up and bowed to Chen Yuan:

“Arrest officer Chen, we…”

After hearing the statement, Chen Yuan expressed a slight surprise:

“Do you all believe it was the bandits roaming near Ping’an County who did it?”

“Aside from them, I fear no one else would dare touch our goods…” someone chimed in.

“Indeed, I’ve heard that these bandits are capable of all evils and have come from other states. It was thought they were merely passing through, yet they dared to make a move!”

“Arrest officer Chen, we hope that the government acts swiftly to exterminate these thieves and return peace to Ping’an County,” someone said loudly.

Chen Yuan glanced at him:

“Do you know where they are now? There are many mountains within Ping’an County, and these bandits could hide anywhere. They’re not so easily found.”

The man fell silent in response.

“Arrest officer Chen, these are not our concerns. They should be the concerns of the government. I am only concerned about when my goods might return,” another person said sternly.

“I see, well then, you shall return and wait for the notification. Once they are eradicated, we will certainly inform you,” Chen Yuan said.

Chen Yuan exhaled a lazy breath, seemingly tired, but more dismissive.

“Arrest officer Chen, what do you mean by this?”

“Is this how the County Government deals with bandits?”

Seeing this scene, some grew angry.

Chen Yuan’s gaze sharpened, and he picked up the long sword in his hand.