90

It was another good day without having to hold court, but County Magistrate Cao was not in a very good mood.

I spent so much effort on running for office, but in the end there was still no definite answer from the higher-ups.

If he doesn't move away, does he have to stay in this damn place any longer?

You have to know that the times are different now. After the Red Flag Gang swallowed up Luoling Island, their power suddenly increased dramatically. Not to mention the fishing villages along the coast of this county, even the two neighboring counties were brought under their control. Now there are at least thousands of peasants. If they send troops to attack the county town, won't it be taken down in one fell swoop?

County Magistrate Cao was really afraid of angering that group of vicious people, so he didn't even dare to levy taxes randomly. However, he needed money to get promoted, so he could only collect taxes from the rich. It turned out that this group of people were not easy to deal with. They all used connections to pretend to obey his orders, and in order to collect the autumn taxes, he almost offended everyone. If he couldn't get away, what would he do next?

Not to mention the tax burden this summer, I am just worried that those wealthy people will become so bold as to hire someone to hurt someone.

Alas, he is a poor county magistrate who can hardly protect himself, and has to stay in such a situation with wolves in front and tigers behind. It is really miserable!

Feeling unhappy, even the best spring tea didn't taste good anymore. County Magistrate Cao was just wondering whether to listen to some music to relax or go out for a walk when he saw Master Yang running in hurriedly.

"Dong Weng, the Red Flag Gang has sent someone here..."

Before Master Yang could finish his words, County Magistrate Cao spat out a mouthful of water. Struggling with a cough, he asked, "Have they reached the county town? How many people have arrived?"

Master Yang was embarrassed and immediately corrected himself: "It's not that they sent troops, it's that lady from last time who sent a visiting card."

He quickly handed over the visiting card tucked into his sleeve. Seeing the words "Red Flag Gang" on it, County Magistrate Cao's eyelids twitched, and he didn't dare to take it. He only muttered, "What is she doing here? I've already restrained my men and told them to stay away from the seaside. There's no one detained in the county government office..."

Master Yang quickly advised, "It's not a good idea for Dongweng to keep guessing here. You should meet the person first. The two who came this time are the same two from last time, and they are very polite. Maybe it's not a bad thing."

County Magistrate Cao calmed down and thought to himself, well, it's still proper to submit a visiting card specifically.

Besides, it was that lady who came, so I guess she didn't have any intention of breaking up with me, so I had to meet her first.

Having made up his mind, he hurriedly said, "Quickly invite everyone into the second hall and prepare some good tea. Oh, and ask a few more people to come over..."

Although the other party may not have bad intentions, he still felt uneasy without anyone around. After all, she was the concubine of a wealthy man on the sea. Maybe the guard she brought with her was a master?

Master Yang immediately obeyed the order and went there. County Magistrate Cao did not dare to be careless and keep people waiting, so he arrived at the second hall early to wait for the emperor.

So Cheng Xi walked into the county government office again and was led to a more spacious hall. The county magistrate stood up to greet him with a smile, and his attitude was very different.

Cheng Xi smiled and bowed, "I'm sorry for coming here so presumptuously. I hope the county lord will forgive me."

She was still wearing a gorgeous dress, exquisite makeup, and had a bold demeanor that was different from that of an ordinary woman, which instantly reminded people of what happened that day.

It was like seeing a fancy venomous snake. County Magistrate Cao dared not have the slightest thought. He smiled and said, "Madam, you are too polite. Please take a seat. Someone, bring tea!"

Cheng Xi didn't bother to be polite with him and sat down in the guest seat with confidence. Sun Erlang still stood behind her silently. Although his presence was not noticeable, it still made County Magistrate Cao feel nervous. Fortunately, there were only two of them, so he could barely maintain his composure.

After the tea was served, County Magistrate Cao coughed dryly and asked tentatively, "I wonder if Madam has come here on some important matter?"

The woman opposite smiled faintly and said, "Now that my Red Flag Gang has settled in Dongning, how could we forget the County Master? I'm afraid we'll have to fight with the illegal salt dealers soon, so I came to inform you."

A fight? I'm afraid it won't be a fight! County Magistrate Cao's face turned green. What does this have to do with him?

Isn't the salt field in Lin County? Why are you looking for trouble with the county magistrate or the garrison of Lin County? Why are you looking for me?

However, his heart was churning, but he couldn't speak directly. County Magistrate Cao smiled stiffly and said, "Well, smuggling salt is a serious crime against the imperial court. Your gang's willingness to eliminate the bandits is also a good thing..."

Unexpectedly, the woman raised her eyebrows and asked with a smile, "So, the county magistrate has no interest in selling salt?"

County Magistrate Cao nearly choked to death. What kind of a question was that? Not knowing how to answer, he looked to Master Yang for help.

Master Yang was also bewildered, but at least he was well versed in common things. He quickly reacted and said carefully, "Madam, are you worried that the salt fields may be the private property of my master?"

After this reminder, County Magistrate Cao immediately realized what was happening. Indeed, the imperial salt fields had long been in disrepair, with countless private salt fields, large and small, built, and most of them likely had connections.

Now that the Red Flag Gang is going to attack the salt dealers, it's not surprising that they're asking about it, fearing they might accidentally injure his men.

But how could he have such luck! As soon as he took office, he encountered General Qiu's sweep of the sea, and he really didn't dare to lift a finger.

At that time, not to mention him, even those who originally had wealth in the salt fields all became cowardly and did not dare to default on paying the army's expenses. Even the number of private salt ships came decreased.

When that great god finally fell, he would have no business in the salt fields. He was just a county magistrate with no power, no soldiers, and no money. What could he use to occupy the salt fields?

If he wasn't so poor, would he have raised the salt tax?

After a long struggle to keep his expression from twisting, County Magistrate Cao laughed dryly and said, "I am an honest man and never interfere with the salt fields. Your gang is free to do as you please."

Seeing his expression, Cheng Xi chuckled: "Your Excellency has misunderstood. What my gang leader wants to ask is, are you interested in the salt fields?"

Huh? Magistrate Cao was stunned. What did this mean?

Fortunately, this time the other party didn't keep us in suspense and came straight to the point: "In the future, my Red Flag Gang will definitely occupy the salt fields, and I'm afraid that will have some involvement with the garrison. We also hope to make money through peace. If someone can mediate, there will be no need for us to quarrel. I wonder if you could trouble the county magistrate to make some arrangements?"

When County Magistrate Cao heard this, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. Wait, what did she mean? Was she trying to use his name to acquire the salt fields? How could that be possible?

"Madam, you must be joking. I'm just a county magistrate. How can I have such a big face?" County Magistrate Cao was shaking his head like a rattle, and Master Yang couldn't stop him at all.

Seeing him like this, Cheng Xi suddenly asked, "I wonder if the county lord has read the court newspaper recently?"

County Magistrate Cao was stunned by the question. Of course he had read the official report, but wasn't he talking about illegal salt just now?

Cheng Xi didn't wait for his reply and smiled faintly: "I heard that a big leader of the Suoyi Gang escaped from prison and has not been found yet. If things go as expected, the Suoyi Gang will definitely bring disaster to the south. The north is also experiencing a severe drought, and countless refugees have been displaced. I'm afraid it will take a year or two to clean up the mess. In this situation, I don't know where in the world there will be peace."

Magistrate Cao opened his mouth, but for a moment he was speechless.

He knew this, but Dongning wasn't safe either! The pirates were sitting right in front of him, so how could he answer?

"Does the County Master feel that Dongning is unstable?" Cheng Xi directly expressed the other party's thoughts. "However, with my Red Flag Gang stationed in Dongning, no bandits or pirates dare to harass us. In the long run, we will surely be able to maintain peace. With our support, wouldn't the County Master want to reap the benefits?"

Magistrate Cao finally reacted and instinctively wanted to refute, but the words turned around and turned around: "Madam, you don't know, this county is poor, but there are many powerful people who occupy land and resist taxes. Even I can't stop them. I am also in a difficult situation..."

The official rhetoric was already being used, and the meaning was obvious. Cheng Xi immediately said, "They are just some wealthy families, no different from pigs and sheep. If the county magistrate wishes to deal with them, my Red Flag Gang is willing to lend a hand."

County Magistrate Cao's eyes lit up. If that was true, he might be able to gain a foothold in Dongning.

Anyway, it seems that it is not easy to be transferred. If I am assigned to a place where war breaks out, I will be in tears.

Unfortunately, he had no reliable backing, his superiors could not curry favor with him, and his colleagues looked down on him as a "Mrs. Ru" who was also a Jinshi. It would be better for him to rely on a wealthy man and get some benefits.

But he couldn't say this. Magistrate Cao stroked his long beard, pretending to be in deep thought, and quickly gave a wink to Master Yang.

After all, he was an old advisor, so he reacted quickly, smiling and saying, "If your gang can truly help stabilize Dongning, my master will certainly be delighted. However, the matter of the salt fields still carries some risks..."

"How can there be so many tricks for smuggling salt? It's just a matter of seeing who has the sharpest knife. The garrison only wants money. Are they really going to report to the court and send troops to suppress them?" Cheng Xi smiled nonchalantly. "My gang leader said that since the salt fields are near Dongning, they are our territory. But after all, we are not officials. We don't have smooth news and channels. If we get into conflict with others, it will be bad. But it's different with the county magistrate. After all, you are an official of the court. The garrison has to give you some face, right? Those cats and rats dare to occupy the salt fields, let alone the county magistrate, who is a parent official?"

If someone else said this, County Magistrate Cao would probably still be hesitant and not dare to believe it completely.

But what the beautiful woman in front of him said casually was surprisingly convincing.

They even sent their concubines, how could they lie? And to be honest, in this world, whoever has the bigger fist has the final say.

If they could wipe out the pirates on Luoling Island, what would a few salt merchants matter to them? The Red Flag Gang probably already had control of the salt fields, and they simply didn't want to break off relations.

If he refuses outright without knowing what's good for him, can't the other party find someone else?

At the thought of this, County Magistrate Cao's breathing quickened. He hurriedly said, "Madam, you are too kind. The rampant illegal salt dealers are a serious problem. If it can benefit the court, how can I refuse? However, this matter requires further consideration..."

Cheng Xi smiled and said, "Salt fields are a business that can cost a lot of money in a single day. As long as the county lord is willing to take the trouble, the salt fields can be registered under his name. How can I not pay my tribute then?"

This, does this mean it’s not a one-time deal?

Magistrate Cao almost cried out in frustration. He quickly glanced at Master Yang, who nodded repeatedly, also looking excited. This could be a good thing!

Magistrate Cao swallowed several times, calmed himself, and finally managed to speak: "Madam, you are being so polite. I am also wholeheartedly serving the people and the court. Oh, right, it is also my fault for not treating my guests well. Come, quickly prepare some wine and food. This time, I must treat Madam to a couple of drinks..."

Standing aside, looking at County Magistrate Cao who no longer looked like a "master", Sun Erlang breathed a sigh of relief and loosened his clenched fists.

This can be done.