448 Dynastic Change Part 2
Those around were stunned, wondering to themselves what was going on today. Weren't they afraid the constables would arrest them?
Someone cautiously asked, "Master Chu, one tael of silver is too much. We can't earn that much silver in a day."
The tyrannical Master Chu looked around and hissed, "Anyone have a problem with that? Anyone have a problem with that?"
Looking around carefully, and seeing no constables approaching, he felt a slight sense of relief, thinking to himself, 'Master Zhou sent me here to give it a try. I don't want to be the first to stick my neck out, but I can't refuse.'
His eyes instantly shifted, becoming cunning like a wolf and ferocious like a tiger. He swept his gaze around menacingly, and no one dared meet his eyes; his stare was like a cold blade, slicing through every face.
The surrounding sounds seemed to vanish suddenly, leaving only the low growl of the tyrant Master Chu echoing in the air: "Anyone have a problem with this? Anyone have a problem with this?"
The voice was like a wolf howling in the dead of night, full of threat and domineering power, its arrogant aura like a mountain, making it hard to breathe.
A cold smile curled at the corner of the tyrannical Master Chu's lips as he looked at the timid group and hissed, "Either pay up, or get out of here, right now."
A thin, young fishmonger stepped forward. "Master Chu, please reconsider. If the constables find out, you'll likely be in serious trouble."
The tyrant, Master Chu, stared coldly at the fishmonger, walking step by step toward him. The fishmonger felt a dryness in his throat, swallowed hard, and thought to himself that with the law in place, this tyrant probably wouldn't dare to act rashly.
However, Master Chu was not affected in the slightest by the fishmonger's timidity and worry.
His face, covered in thick, menacing flesh, looked even more ferocious in the sunlight, and his eyes gleamed with a sharp light. He stretched out his thick arm, quickly grabbed the fishmonger by the collar, and lifted him up.
The fishmonger tried to back away, but it was too late. He was no match for the bully.
The fishmonger felt his body swaying in the air, his feet not touching the ground, and even his breathing became difficult. Filled with terror and unease, he tried to struggle.
But Master Chu's power rendered him immobile. He looked up at Master Chu and saw a cruel smile playing on Master Chu's lips, as if he were enjoying his fear and helplessness.
Master Chu carried the fishmonger around in one hand, glancing at the vendors selling their wares. Then, to everyone's surprise and disbelief, he slammed the fishmonger to the ground.
The fishmonger felt as if his body was about to fall apart. He struggled to stand up, but Master Chu pressed his foot against his chest, rendering him immobile.
Master Chu sneered, "Now I'm in charge." He raised his foot and stomped hard on the fishmonger's chest.
The fishmonger let out a shrill scream, feeling as if Master Chu was about to trample his heart out.
Looking around, 'Does anyone else have a problem? Anyone else?'
At this moment, two constables, one in front of a squad leader with a small mustache, dressed in official robes and carrying a thin knife, walked over.
Upon seeing the constables arrive, Master Chu felt a sudden surge of tension, thinking to himself, 'Master Zhou said that the Prince of Qi is dead, and this three-year-old has ascended the throne, abolishing the harsh laws and adhering to the old rules. Everything should be fine.'
At this moment, everyone seemed to have found their leader and began to tell the constables what had happened. Someone pointed at Master Chu and said, "This bully Master Chu has violated the law and is collecting protection money. Please arrest him, sir."
Upon hearing this, the constable ignored it, approached Master Chu, blinked, and asked, "What happened?"
Master Chu was slightly taken aback, but immediately understood and said, "Sir, these people are framing me. This fishmonger took my money but didn't give me any fish. This is really going too far."
He argued with me, but I didn't even touch him. He just lay down and pretended to be dead. Your Honor, please see the truth.
As Master Chu spoke, he kicked the fishmonger hard, cursing, "You cunning merchant! You took one tael of silver from me and tried to pocket it! You're utterly wicked! I'll teach you a lesson!"
The head constable nodded, suddenly understanding, and said, "So that's how it is. He really is a cunning fishmonger. Let's take him to the yamen and interrogate him properly."
He then said sternly, "Little Liu, take the fishmonger back and interrogate him thoroughly. How dare he cheat us!"
"Yes." Xiao Liu nodded immediately, roughly grabbing the fishmonger's hair and pulling him up.
The fishmonger cried out in pain, "My lord, please see the truth! My lord, he's lying!"
The people around him were indignant, and the squad leader's eyes narrowed, and they all dared not speak.
Suddenly, Xiao Liuzi punched the fishmonger on the head. The dull thud echoed in everyone's hearts, and the fishmonger immediately fainted.
Xiao Liu grabbed the fishmonger by the hair, dragging him roughly toward the yamen as if he were carrying a dead snake. He showed no pity or sympathy, treating him as if he were a dead fish.
The glimmer of hope that had just appeared in my heart was instantly replaced by despair, swallowed up by the cold, stark reality.
The squad leader looked around and asked softly, "Is there anything else? Has anyone else committed a crime? Don't be afraid, speak up bravely. I will stand up for you."
The surroundings were silent, and some people lowered their eyes, afraid that they would be next.
The foreman nodded in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a notice was posted, and a group of people began to read it aloud.
King Qi died peacefully, and his great-grandson succeeded him. The laws enacted during King Qi's reign were abolished, and the laws in effect before his death were reinstated.
The harsh death penalty was abolished, corvée labor was restored, and all taxes and fees were collected at normal rates.
Silence, silence, mourning, joy, ecstasy.
Master Chu was overjoyed, 'The world has finally changed!'
Even the silent ones looked up at the sky, thinking, 'The world has truly changed.'
Less than half a day later, with a loud 'bang,' the door was kicked open.
"Cui'er, I'm here. You can't escape this time. And no one will bother you." The young nobleman, reeking of alcohol, arrived directly at the door, accompanied by two burly servants.
The elderly couple who tried to stop them were kicked one after the other, and the wall collapsed because it couldn't withstand the force.
The news spread like wildfire. The grand event was here, it really was here! Noble families, gangs, big and small, local thugs and bullies, and even those with some cultivation all cheered at this moment.
"From today onwards, this territory belongs to our Tiger Head Gang."
"Bah! What are you Tiger Head Gang members? We Eagle Wolf Gang call the shots! From today onwards, this land belongs to us. Tiger Head Gang, get out of here!"
'You dare to underestimate our Tiger Head Gang? Our gang leader is a third-level expert; he can kill you with a single strike.'
Brothers, let's go! Let them know how powerful we are.
If we take it, we'll have drinks and meat tonight, an extra feast!
In an instant, the streets were empty. Iron rods and spears were used in a fierce melee, with a ruthless and fearless spirit. If you wanted to drink or eat meat, just look at what you had in your hands.
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