Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 278: Collusion between Officials and Demons
After listening to Zhao Ping's story, Lu Zheng had a general understanding of the situation in Qianshan County.

It turns out that this place was a wealthy county in the previous dynasty, and was rich because of the abundance of various minerals in the mountains.

However, mineral resources gradually dried up and Qianshan County declined.

When we arrived in Anguo, Qianshan County had become a remote place with a sparse population.

Except for the county town, there are almost no people living in the rest of the area.

For the sake of profit, several magistrates in Qianshan County have associated with cultivators, demons, and ghosts, engaging in many shameful activities, such as human trafficking and illegal mining...

The county officials have committed many bad behaviors, but ordinary people have no way to appeal.

Because of the government, Zhao Ping's family was transformed from ordinary people into mining slaves, mining in the mountains to make a living.

When Zhao Ping was young, he was seriously ill. Luckily, he pretended to be dead and escaped from the mining area. Later, he accidentally became a disciple of a master and became a warrior.

After learning martial arts and returning, Zhao Ping wanted to rescue his relatives, but found that one of his relatives had died and he didn't know where they were buried.

Afterwards, Zhao Ping thought of assassinating the county magistrate to avenge his hatred, but he failed without a doubt.

Lu Zheng sorted out his thoughts and integrated the information provided by several parties.

Lu Zheng looked at Zhao Ping and asked, "You know Qianshan County very well. Can you draw a map for me?"

Zhao Ping nodded and said, "I remember some of it and can give you a rough outline."

Lu Zheng took out a pen and paper and said, "It would be better to mark some mountain names and mining areas."

Zhao Ping couldn't help but ask, "Sir, you want to rescue those people? Those mining areas are guarded by officials. If you encounter them..."

Zhao Ping did not know about Lu Zheng's deeds. She only knew from Qing Wan that Lu Zheng was a Confucian and Taoist scholar.

"What's wrong?" Lu Zheng asked.

Zhao Ping said, "Someone previously filed a petition at the Maozhou government office, but there was no response. Young Master is a scholar. If he gets into trouble with the government, even with his fame and achievements, he probably won't be able to get past the Maozhou government."

Lu Zheng smiled faintly upon hearing this. "Don't worry, young lady. I have my own plans. I understand both the laws of the land and the principles of heaven. Why should I fear the Maozhou government?"

Zhao Ping couldn't help but say, "Those officials don't abide by the laws of the country..."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "It's unreasonable. If we talk about fists, I am not inferior to others."

Zhao Ping thought that Lu Zheng was indeed capable of dealing with the monsters here, but facing the superior official, could he really kill him directly?

Killing an official appointed by the imperial court is a crime even if it is justified. Even scholars with official titles do not have the power to punish officials, otherwise there will be an uproar.

Lu Zheng said, "Don't worry, young lady. I will adapt to the situation."

Lu Zheng said no more and went to read the confessions of those little demons.

After some understanding, Lu Zheng selected a few little demons to lead the way, and let the others deal with the rest on their own.

After a while, terrifying screams echoed in the valley.

These rescued people had suffered a lot of torture in the past, and now they were venting their anger all at once.

The few little demons who had luckily escaped the disaster huddled together and trembled.

Lu Zheng stood aside and nodded slightly as he watched.

No matter what, these people still have blood in their veins and have not completely lost the courage to face monsters because of their previous experiences.

Lu Zheng instructed Qing Wan, "Qing Wan, cook some food so everyone can have a good meal."

"it is good!"

Qing Wan nodded repeatedly, then summoned out the bean soldiers and started to get busy.

Lu Zheng also took out some herbs to replenish qi and blood and added them to the food.

Soon, Zhao Ping drew the map and handed it to Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng took a look and found that a mining area was quite close to them.

"Have you been here?" Lu Zheng asked.

Zhao Ping nodded and said, "This is a silver mine. It was closed during the previous dynasty due to low production. But later, the county magistrate sent people to secretly mine it again. After all, even a few mosquitoes are still meat. There are about ten guards stationed here, and hundreds of mining slaves..."

Lu Zheng asked about a few more locations and started to plan.

On the other side, everyone was eating hot meals and felt much more energetic.

After everyone finished eating and rested, Lu Zheng said, "Everyone, I have something to say."

When everyone heard Lu Zheng's words, they all quieted down and looked at Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng paused, then continued, "Even though we've rescued you now, it's still difficult to place you there. After all, you no longer have your household registration, and you should all be familiar with the government's approach."

"Now, you have two choices. One is to take some money and temporarily seek refuge in other counties. I, Lu Zheng, will strive to seek justice for you as soon as possible."

"Second, you must come with me to Qianshan County and personally ask the government for an explanation."

"Of course, before that, I'm planning to go to the mining area to rescue some suffering people. If you're willing, you can come with me. You don't need to do anything, just show your strength."

"Everyone, rest assured. Although I don't have any great abilities, I will definitely ensure that you are all safe, unless I die."

"Qing Wan, there should be weapons and armor here. Take them out and let them choose. Those who want to go can change into a new set of equipment."

Upon hearing this, Qing Wan called upon the bean soldiers and brought over a pile of weapons and leather armor.

The sharp weapons flashed with cold light, dazzling and eye-catching.

When someone saw this, he was immediately excited and reached for his weapon, saying loudly: "I was about to die, but luckily you saved me! Let's go together and kill those dog officials and bird monsters!" For a moment, everyone was in anger, and both men and women clamored to take revenge.

Zhao Ping frowned upon seeing this and could not help but whisper, "To coerce the people is tantamount to rebellion. Sir, this is unacceptable!"

Lu Zheng had a calm expression and said calmly, "Miss, you're joking. I'm pleading for the people. How can that be considered rebellion?"

Zhao Ping couldn't help but ask, "If you do this, the government will definitely say something. Why is it so? This is bad for you..."

Zhao Ping didn't quite understand why Lu Zheng made this choice. If the matter got out of hand, it would not be good for Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng turned to look at Zhao Ping. "Young lady, you dared to assassinate the county magistrate. It's obvious that you have put your life at risk. Why are you worrying about these things now? I'm not afraid, so what are you afraid of?"

Zhao Ping said sternly, "I haven't even repaid you for saving my life yet, so how can I let you put yourself in danger? Let me go in your place!"

Lu Zheng just smiled when he heard this, "I'm not as incompetent as you think. There's no need to be like this. It's just a Qianshan County official."

"This……"

Seeing that she couldn't persuade Lu Zheng, Zhao Ping couldn't help but ask, "What is your background, young master?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Well, it's hard for me to say it myself. I'll let Qingwan explain it to you in detail later."

Lu Zheng really didn't know how to introduce himself, as he always felt that it would sound like boasting.

Soon, everyone was ready to go.

Lu Zheng walked in front, followed by a group of people with great momentum.

On the way, Zhao Ping asked Qing Wan curiously.

Qing Wan told everyone about Lu Zheng's situation. Although she concealed a lot, everyone was surprised. They didn't expect that Lu Zheng's background was so great.

He was actually chatting and laughing with the governor and governor of Hongzhou?
No one thought Qing Wan was joking. After all, they had seen the abilities of the two men. It would be strange if they didn't have some powerful connections or background.

Seeing that everyone was moving a bit too slowly, Lu Zheng said, "You guys go to the main road first. I'll go straight to the nearest mining area and bring everyone over to join us..."

Lu Zheng agreed on a location and told Qing Wan to stay and look after these people. Then he took off into the air and flew away quickly.

When everyone saw Lu Zheng flying away, they all marveled at his remarkable cultivation and became more confident. They wanted to follow Lu Zheng to the government to seek justice in person.

……

In a certain mountain, there is a semi-open-air mining area.

There are miners who are constantly mining ore. Even in the cool autumn season, they are all sweating and exhausted.

There are supervisors around watching these workers, and anyone who tries to slack off will be punished.

This mountain is remote, and there are many warriors among the supervisors. Once you enter the mining area, you will basically spend your whole life here.

Besides, life here is not long. If you can survive ten years under such high-intensity work, you are considered very lucky.

In a wooden house, two managers looked at the accounts with unhappy expressions.

"The money we've paid out so far this month is 20% less than last month. If this continues, we won't be able to pay in the full amount!"

"We can only ask them to work more. If they don't work as much as they want, they won't be allowed to rest or eat!"

"Two people have died from exhaustion in the past few days. If the workload increases, more people will die."

"If someone dies, you can buy him again. He's not worth much. If we don't have enough money, we won't be able to survive..."

"The higher-ups are exploiting us so hard, and we're having a hard time too."

"If it really doesn't work, we can only pool some money ourselves and ask them to get more people from outside."

The two stewards discussed in low voices.

"Outside, which outside?"

A voice suddenly sounded.

Upon hearing this, the two managers turned around and saw that a strange man had appeared in the room.

"who are you?"

A manager immediately stared at Lu Zheng warily.

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "A passerby heard the commotion here."

The steward couldn't help but frown and said, "Are you a cultivator? This is a government-owned mining area, a forbidden area. Please leave!"

Lu Zheng looked the two up and down and said quietly, "You don't look like officials in the way you're dressed. Does Qianshan County have a government-owned mine? Do you have any documents from the imperial court? Can you show them to me?"

Seeing is believing. He just took a look around outside and didn't think this was a mining area approved by the government.

Lu Zheng was not well-educated, but he knew that the imperial court would not use ordinary people or soldiers to guard the mines.

The manager's face darkened when he heard this. They indeed did not hold any official positions, but were servants recruited by the county magistrate to help manage the mining area.

The steward said, "Young man, don't talk nonsense! We are appointed by the government. Who are you? What qualifications do you have to examine our documents?"

Lu Zheng flipped his hand, and an identity card appeared in his hand. He said slowly, "I am a Confucian and Taoist scholar from Kaiyang County, Hongzhou. This is my official certificate. Am I qualified?"

The two managers looked at the ID card in Lu Zheng's hand and were immediately shocked. It really was...

Lu Zheng looked at the two of them and said calmly, "Where are your documents?"

(End of this chapter)