Xiao Zhixing's face darkened, and Lin Rushu and the others were also angered by what they heard.
Shi Jiaowu asked on behalf of the official, "What is that official's name?"
The leader said, "The corrupt official is named Wei Shi. He is the head of our Sanmen Village and is also said to be the brother-in-law of our county magistrate."
Anotta, a local expert, frowned and said, "This place belongs to Pantou County. The county magistrate is Xiao Renyi. He has been the county magistrate of Pantou for more than 20 years. His third wife is indeed surnamed Shi. She is the daughter of the Shi family, a wealthy merchant family in the area."
After saying that, he glanced at Xiao Zhixing before saying, "Magistrate Xiao seems to be a relative of Marquis Ping's family."
Xiao Zhixing understood. They were people left over from the Yin Dynasty, who had been entrenched in this place for more than 20 years, essentially acting as local bullies. In fact, they might be a distant relative of the Xiao family.
However, Xiao Zhixing did not blindly believe everything she heard. She instructed Ying Er and Bai Mei to inquire about the situation in Sanmenli and Pantou County.
The group decided to wait there for a day or two.
On the third day, Ying Er returned to report: "Wei Shi has been the head of Sanmenli for five years. He is tyrannical, corrupt, and disregards human life. This has caused widespread resentment in the area. Many people have moved away because they could not make a living. Those who did not move away either endured it or were forced to become bandits in the mountains."
Xiao Zhixing frowned.
This place borders Zhongzhou, and yet no one reported this to the imperial court.
Besides Xiao Renyi and Xiao Xin, who else is hiding behind them as their protectors?
Bai Mei also returned later. "Xiao Renyi served as an official here for twenty-three years. With the position of county magistrate, he became the local tyrant of most of Mengzhou. It is said that the five southern counties of Mengzhou are all his henchmen."
Xiao Zhixing's heart stirred, and he summoned Anotta alone. "Anotta, what do you have to say to me?"
(Oh no, I'm stuck in writing! Help!)
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