"Of course not!" Xu Yu was startled. Turning around, he saw the county soldiers and shouted, "Hurry up and put down your weapons! Put them down now!"
He was the second most important official in Yunzhong County, and he was on par with Zuo Su. He was highly respected, and upon hearing his order, the county soldiers laid down their weapons one by one.
These county soldiers originally did not want to rebel, but after the first one took the lead, the sound of throwing down their weapons followed one after another.
Sang Hong then said, "County Commandant Dong Jin led the county soldiers to storm the Imperial Envoy's residence. He should have been executed immediately. However, considering that he was worried about the safety of the Prefect, it is somewhat understandable. He will be detained for now and released after an investigation shows that he is not involved in this case."
"During this period, Gao Ying served as the county magistrate in his place to maintain order in Yunzhong County."
Gao Ying was taken aback, but he reacted quickly. Upon hearing this, he immediately led a group of Imperial Guardsmen to the middle of the county soldiers: "This subordinate will certainly live up to your expectations!"
For a member of a powerful clan like him, a mere county constable was nothing. However, he clearly needed to control the military now.
Sang Hong nodded. Gao Ying was steady and reliable. With him as the county magistrate, although they might not be able to control the soldiers in a short time, having someone there would always be helpful.
Of course, this mission was quite dangerous. If those middle and upper-ranking officers were determined to rebel, Gao Ying would be in danger, but there was no time to worry about that now.
He looked at Xu Yu beside him: "Does Prefect Xu have any objections to this arrangement?"
Xu Yu's expression changed slightly, but he immediately said, "Maintaining stability is the most important thing right now, how could I possibly have any objections?"
He then waved to the soldiers, saying, "Why aren't you paying your respects to the new county magistrate?"
"Greetings, County Commandant." The soldiers bowed to Gao Ying listlessly, clearly having no other choice.
"Gao Ying, take them back to their positions first. Everyone remember to maintain order in the city and don't let those scoundrels take advantage of the situation," Sang Hong instructed, ordering them to get rid of these county soldiers first and defuse the crisis.
As for how to appease them after they leave, that will test Gao Ying's abilities. After spending time together, he believes Gao Ying has the ability to do so.
"Understood!" Gao Ying bowed, called to a group of Imperial Guardsmen, and then led the county soldiers away one by one.
After they left, Sang Hong looked at Xu Yu and said, "Lord Xu, your timing is quite perfect."
They didn't come earlier or later, but they appeared right after the riots were quelled, which makes it hard not to be suspicious.
Xu Yu smiled wryly, "I rushed here as soon as I received the news. Although I was a bit late, at least I didn't let things get out of control. Lord Sang, what exactly happened? Why did they suddenly arrest Lord Zuo?"
His subtext was that although I arrived a little late, I still managed to gather the county troops for you. Even if I didn't achieve anything, I still had my share of troubles.
Sang Hong understood the unspoken meaning in his words and naturally couldn't get angry. Just as he was about to reply, the sound of rapid hoofbeats rang out, and several more groups of people were approaching from afar.
Leading them were Jian Taiding, Pei Shao, the brothers Yu Xuansu and Yu Xuanqing, and other officials.
Jian Taiding rode his horse and arrived at the door first, coldly saying, "Lord Sang, why have you made such a commotion?"
He was followed by a squad of soldiers, who were clearly much more elite than the county soldiers who had come before.
Sang Hong said coldly, "Just now, County Lieutenant Dong Jin led troops to storm the Imperial Envoy's residence. Does Lord Jian intend to follow suit?"
Jian Taiding narrowed his eyes but did not answer, and an eerie silence fell over the room.
Sang Hong stood proudly. Although the other party was a grandmaster and had more soldiers, they were imperial envoys with the court behind them and the Golden Medal Eleven looking after them.
So even if you're no match for them, you can't lose your spirit; at least you should die with dignity.
Zu An stood beside Sang Hong, worried that Jian Taiding would also try to capture the leader first, and that he had to protect his cheap father-in-law.
Feeling his gesture, Sang Hong felt a warmth in his heart; indeed, family was the most reliable.
At this moment, Jian Taiding laughed: "Lord Sang is overthinking it. I just heard that Lord Zuo was arrested, so I came to see what happened."
As he spoke, he jumped off his horse, and the officials who had been on edge all breathed a sigh of relief, fearing that he might do something impulsive.
So, which side should these officials of Yunzhong County support? If they support Jian Taiding, the court will later find them guilty of treason.
If they had helped the imperial envoy and his party, they might not have achieved what they have today.
Sang Hong also breathed a sigh of relief: "I received a real-name report that Lord Zuo colluded with the demon race to smuggle Yuan Stones and strategic materials that are strictly prohibited by the court. That's why I detained Lord Zuo first. Once it is found that Lord Zuo is innocent, I will definitely clear his name."
Although everyone had heard some rumors before coming, they were still all in an uproar after Sang Hong personally confirmed it.
There must be some misunderstanding here.
"Lord Zuo has always been diligent and conscientious; how could he possibly collude with the demon race?"
"This must be a frame-up!"
...
Sang Hong glanced at the clamoring officials and said calmly, "Since you all speak so confidently, do you dare to stake your lives on Lord Zuo's guarantee?"
Those people were immediately stunned. They were just saying polite words out of camaraderie. How could you be so disrespectful?
Since the other party dared to arrest Zuo Su, they obviously had some evidence. In this situation, who would dare to vouch for him?
If the charges are actually proven, they'll be completely finished.
At this moment, Jian Taiding spoke up: "I wonder who the person who filed the real-name report is, and what kind of evidence led Lord Sang to arrest them directly?"
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