pappabearbooks Chapter 62 Subduing
Chapter 62 Subduing
Looking at the group of people behind Xue Ming, Li Chong was fairly satisfied.
Although Xue Tao had his own ulterior motives, he still wanted to open up the road to Daming Prefecture, as eliminating the bandits would also benefit him.
Therefore, quite a few people were sent, and judging from their demeanor, they had also recruited others to join them, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to gather so many able-bodied men.
Li Chong's expression softened somewhat: "Patriarch Xue is very kind. If we are victorious this time, I will reward you further. However..."
Changing the subject, Li Chong looked around and said, "So, you're saying you're unwilling to obey the county's orders?"
Xue Ming hurriedly stepped forward to explain, "Your Excellency, please forgive us, but those people over there are also bandits from the mountains! Someone in my family recognized the leader; he was the one who robbed our grain several years ago. These people cannot be trusted!"
Hu Changyong grinned and said provocatively, "So what if I robbed you? I didn't kill any of your people. You've already taken advantage of the situation. You still don't know what's good for you."
Hu Changyong's words seemed to be directed at Xue Ming, but his eyes were fixed on Li Chong, clearly indicating that his true intentions were not what they seemed.
Li Chong didn't even glance at him, and continued speaking to Xue Ming, "I know their identities and backgrounds better than you do, but I'm still going to use them. Do you have any objections?"
"Well……"
Xue Ming was speechless.
His expression shifted several times before he cupped his hands and replied, "I dare not; I will leave everything to the magistrate's discretion."
Having subdued Xue Ming, Li Chong no longer cared what he was plotting and turned his attention to Hu Changyong and his group.
"Military Advisor Jia, is this your sincerity? I believe I have already treated you leniently. If you do not wish for revenge, you may leave Yanggu now. As for the matter of suppressing the bandits, I will handle it myself!"
Jia Zhuo stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Please forgive us, Your Excellency, we are just humble people from the mountains..."
"Old Jia!" Hu Changyong grabbed Jia Zhuo and glared at Li Chong. "Hey Li, don't try to talk nonsense with me. You want to get promoted and make a fortune, and we want to go back to the mountains. It's no big deal for us to go together."
"But after this battle, we'll keep to ourselves. Don't try to act all high and mighty in front of me. Otherwise, I'm not incapable of doing what those Du and Deng are capable of!"
"Also, release Xiao Mei'er first."
Li Chong's face was ashen: "Is this your answer?"
Zhong Mei was extremely anxious. She wanted to speak, but Li Chong stopped her, making her so anxious that she was jumping up and down.
But in Hu Changyong's eyes, her reaction sounded more like a plea for help, and his tone became increasingly forceful.
"Don't try to pull any fancy words on me! Release him first!"
Li Chong smiled slightly, but there was little warmth in that smile.
He released Zhongmei's arm and asked softly, "Would you like to go back, or would you like to stay by my side?"
Jia Zhuo sighed, while Hu Changyong looked at Zhong Mei with eager eyes.
Zhong Mei hesitated for a moment, looked at Hu Changyong, then at Li Chong, and then took a few steps back.
"Third Uncle, I think it's better if I stay here. Magistrate Li... he's not a bad person. Please speak to me properly. We're going back to avenge my father."
Hu Changyong was stunned; he hadn't expected Zhong Mei to make this choice.
"You, me..."
Having confirmed Zhong Mei's intentions, Li Chong felt much more at ease.
"Erlang, come forward."
Li Chong gave a soft instruction, and Wu Song, with his towering figure, stepped forward, carrying a broadsword in his hand.
Upon seeing Wu Song, Hu Changyong's group became somewhat agitated.
Previously, Li Chong sent Wu Song to deliver a message and negotiate, and to show off his skills. Now it seems the result was quite good.
Li Chong then looked at Xue Ming: "Wen Zhao, get your men moving. Since some people don't care about saving face, then don't give them any!"
Xue Ming was taken aback at first, then became excited.
Young people, who isn't hot-blooded?
It's impossible for him not to be angry after being scolded so many times by Hu Changyong; he just kept putting on a show of dignity.
Now that he understood Li Chong's tone, he immediately realized what was going on.
"Yes, sir!"
After saying that, Xue Ming gave an order and then waved his hand. The people behind him immediately moved and subtly surrounded Hu Changyong and the others.
Following that, Wu Dalang and the others drew their swords and looked at Hu Changyong.
Zhong Mei's expression tightened, and she reached out to grab Li Chong's sleeve: "Lord Li..."
Li Chong patted her head: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Zhong Mei hesitated for a moment, then slowly released her grip.
Jia Zhuo stepped forward anxiously: "Your Excellency, why has it come to this? Why has it come to this?"
"Mr. Jia, as an official appointed by the imperial court, I'm already showing you enough respect by personally discussing cooperation with you people, aren't I?" Li Chong asked bluntly.
Jia Zhuo nodded bitterly.
Li Chong looked at Hu Changyong, who was gripping his weapon tightly: "But some people don't know what's good for them, so don't blame me. A bunch of stray dogs, do they really think they're some kind of big shot? Can't this county get things done without you?"
Hu Changyong was taken aback by Li Chong's sudden change of attitude and was at a loss for words. He could only continue to glare at Li Chong.
Li Chong sneered, "You've all seen Erlang's skills. Add Wenzhao's men to the mix, and I'll risk everything this time and wipe you all out. Let's see if you're still so stubborn then! And..."
Looking at the crowd behind Hu Changyong, Li Chong said loudly, "I know you were forced to go up the mountain by the situation. Who would choose to become an outlaw if they could survive? Therefore, I hereby guarantee with my honor that if a fight breaks out and anyone is willing to lay down their weapons and surrender, all previous transgressions will be forgiven!"
"Wen Zhao," Li Chong called out, "if someone surrenders, and you were to give them a few acres of land from your Xue family so they could live as ordinary citizens, would your family be willing to pay that amount?"
Xue Ming couldn't hide his excitement: "Your Excellency, let alone these people, even if the land were doubled, there would still be land for them to cultivate!"
Li Chong nodded: "Very well, with so many people in front of me, I certainly won't go back on my word. Do you still want to fight?"
Hu Changyong's face had turned pale.
They all thought highly of Zhongmei's biological father, which meant that they were honest people at heart. The attraction of a county magistrate allowing them to clean up their act and go ashore was self-evident.
In just a moment, Hu Changyong realized that he really had no right to be arrogant in front of Li Chong.
Li Chong, wielding a carrot in one hand and a large stick in the other, quickly made him realize the situation.
Jia Zhuo continued to argue, "No merger! No merger! I never said anything about merger, Your Excellency, please calm down."
Li Chong waved his hand: "I want Uncle Hu to say it himself, whether he's willing to obey orders or not?"
All eyes turned to Hu Changyong, and the pressure on him suddenly increased significantly.
Zhong Mei looked at him worriedly: "Third Uncle..."
After a while, a clanging sound came.
Hu Changyong dropped the knife from his hand: "I...I obey orders."