Chapter 40 Extortion

After entering the county town, everyone was driven into an inn specially for exiles like ducks. While several officials were still counting and checking the number of people, the fat county magistrate came with his men, smiling.

"My dear officers, you have traveled day and night and must have been very tired. I have prepared some fine wine and delicious food. Would you please join us for some wine and some food?"

The fat county magistrate was quite a good person. He came as soon as he arrived, holding a pig's head in his hand, and shouted that he would treat the officials to a drink. The officials immediately smiled happily, but still turned their eyes to Wang Gang.

After all, the eldest brother hasn't spoken yet, so they don't dare to agree on their own. Escorting exiles requires staying within the range of sight. Not saying hello is considered deserting one's post, and they can't afford to be blamed if anything goes wrong.

"Brother Wang, seeing how you've managed to get the leadership position despite your impressive appearance, you must be quite capable. It just so happens that the yamen runners under my command are all just showpieces, good-looking but useless. It's a good opportunity for you to exchange ideas and learn from your brothers..."

The fat county magistrate hooked his arm around Wang Gang's neck, but secretly slipped some change into his hand. He didn't know what the practices were in the capital, but his years of service as an official taught him that there was nothing that money couldn't solve.

Wang Gang raised his eyebrows slightly, accepted it, and made a gesture for rest. The officials cheered and went out to drink with their arms around each other.

As soon as the officials left, the people who were originally a little reserved relaxed a lot, and Cheng Weiyao wanted to take the opportunity to go out and stroll around the gathering, intending to buy some daily necessities.

Although there is QQ Farm as a golden finger, condiments such as oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea still need to be solved by yourself. In addition, now that you are exiled, you also need some proper supplementation in food and clothing.

Action is worse than thought. As soon as she stepped out of the door of the inn, her way was blocked by the scabbard in front of her. Cheng Wei Yao took a step back, blinked her eyes and looked innocent.

"Are you trying to restrict my freedom, officer? Other prisoners can go out and do their shopping. There's no need to be so obvious about targeting the Prince Qingping's mansion, right?"

Wang Gang put down the scabbard and just leaned his long legs against the door, obviously not intending to let Cheng Weiyao pass easily. When he entered the city, he saw the notice posted on the county wall, saying that the reward for the blind bear was not low.

Some of his brothers were killed or injured, so he had to find some to make up for them, and the best candidate was Cheng Weiyao.

"I won't beat around the bush with you. Let's be frank. Without my sword, how could Prince Qingping easily capture that blind bear? He could wear you down with just running away..."

Wang Gang's words were euphemistic, but the meaning between the lines was one: he wanted money.

"Are you joking, my dear officer? The county magistrate said there was a reward, but I haven't seen a cent since I entered the county. Is it inappropriate for you to ask me this while you're blocking the door?"

Cheng Wei Yao smiled on the surface but cursed in her heart. After the county magistrate learned that the blind bear was hunted by Prince Qingping's palace, his dazed look made it clear that he had no intention of paying.

"That's between you and the county magistrate. If you want to save money, you can discuss it with him yourself. What I want is compensation. I can't use my knife for nothing, right? Just a token of my appreciation."

Wang Gang raised his eyebrows slightly, looking as if it was a matter of course. He didn't care whether Cheng Weiyao could receive the bounty in the end. He only knew that it would cost a lot of money to treat his brothers' injuries.

Cheng Weiyao's eyebrows were twitching. Wang Gang seemed easy to talk to, but in fact he was unreasonable. Isn't this just a case of black eating black?

"If there really isn't one, that's easy. If you want to claim the bounty, I have a tip for you. The county magistrate is clearly interested in your sister-in-law. Exile is long and arduous, so why not stay here and become a concubine and enjoy a peaceful life?"

Wang Gang smiled meaningfully. He knew that the county magistrate was a man who would not do anything without profit. He invited people to drink for no reason. He probably had something to ask for. His true colors were revealed after he drank the two cups.

"this……"

Cheng Weiyao's heart sank when she heard this. From what the county magistrate said, this kind of thing seemed to be commonplace. It was also common for some female prisoners to die during the journey of exile. Now it seemed that there might be something fishy going on here.

"I'm just making a suggestion. It's up to you whether you do it or not. I see you've been quite generous along the way. Have you spent all your dowry? If you don't want to contribute, just give a little more. I'll help you decline the county magistrate's kindness."

Wang Gang smiled narrowly. It was true that the Qingping Palace was left penniless after the confiscation of property, but Cheng Weiyao was born in a Duke's Mansion after all, and she was a replacement bride, so even if it was to cover up the scandal, the dowry would probably not be small.

"I don't have any money, but I have my life."

Cheng Weiyao frowned and planned to force her way in. This precedent must not be set, otherwise it would cause more and more trouble. Ambition is fed step by step.

Seeing that Cheng Weiyao refused to accept his toast, Wang Gang didn't hesitate and immediately started looking for it himself. He had been observing Cheng Weiyao overtly and covertly these days. Most of her jewelry and silver came out of her hands, and most of them were hidden in her sleeve pockets...

"That's too much!"

Cheng Weiyao was really annoyed. Even if the other party was after money, what was the difference between this behavior and groping?

Wang Gang didn't expect that although Cheng Weiyao looked weak, she was actually very agile. Although she lacked strength, she was as slippery as a loach and difficult to get close to.

Seeing those hands about to grab her belt, Cheng Weiyao suddenly had an idea and cried out heartbreakingly, "You lecher! I have a husband, I won't obey you!"

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

Wang Gang's face stiffened. Cheng Weiyao's voice was quite loud, and she howled loudly. Everyone inside and outside the inn cast condemning glances at her.

He really didn't expect that Cheng Weiyao was so cunning. She was so shameless as to shout at him for just a few pieces of silver.

"Could it be that I have misunderstood the officer? Then why are you blocking the door for no reason?"

In public, Cheng Wei Yao pretended to be weak and helpless, but in fact, Wang Gang in front of her had a face so dark that he could eat someone.

"The inn's entrance is narrow! I'll get out of the way!"

These words almost popped out from between Wang Gang's teeth. It would be fine if he really had that idea, but he didn't want to be labeled a beast in human clothing for no reason.

Cheng Weiyao curled her lips and smiled, and Wen Chengyun saw the interaction between the two. He had originally planned to take action, but when he saw that she could solve it herself, he let her do it.

He actually admired Cheng Weiyao's behavior. It is better to resist bravely than to speak out and suffer a great loss. One lives in the world, not in the mouths of others.

"Mother, look at her. She's still so young and yet she's still out flirting with other women. My brother didn't marry a good wife at all. She's clearly a restless vixen..."

Wen Liyu looked at Cheng Weiyao who was about to go out, and complained to the Imperial Concubine in a depressed mood. Mainly because she felt that Cheng Weiyao's loud shouting had brought shame to the Qingping Palace.