Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 159 Apprehending Wu De and Taking Inventory of the Wu Family (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

In the stillness of the night, the countryside is utterly tranquil!

Pinghe Township.

Inside the secluded courtyard where the patrolmen lived, a figure suddenly sat up abruptly on his bed!

The moonlight outside the window was bright, and by the light that streamed into the room, one could vaguely make out that this person was Wu De, the wanderer from the north!

"What's going on?!"

"Why am I so terrified!"

"Could it be that the group of people from the mountains who were hiding in our house have caused trouble?"

"Or perhaps someone recognized you?"

Thinking of this, Wu De put on his robe, walked out of the inner room, and slowly went outside.

Standing under the bright moonlight, Wu De felt a sense of calm.

Everything started because of that Zhao Xian!

If he hadn't wiped out the bandits in the northern villages, how could the Wu family have risked their lives to collude with the mountain bandits!

"Zhao Xian, one day I will tear you to pieces!"

Borrowing the bright moon to express his will, Wu Deqiang suppressed his anger and shouted in a low voice!

"Squeak~"

With a soft sound, a young figure emerged from the house. Seeing Wu De standing on the steps, he asked with considerable surprise, "Uncle, it's late. Why aren't you resting yet?"

"It's A-Jang!"

By the moonlight, Wu De recognized the young figure and immediately smiled.

"I'm lost in thought late at night, unable to fall asleep!"

With a sigh, Wu De looked at Wu Rang and said with a smile, "This old man is full of worries, and you, young man, are still not asleep?"

"I just finished my practice and was preparing to rest!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Rang immediately smiled and replied.

"Excellent! Excellent! Ah-Rang truly deserves to be our prized steed!"

Upon hearing this, Wu De nodded repeatedly, then smiled and said, "It's late, you should get some rest!"

After saying this, Wu De turned around and went back into the house, closing the door behind him once more.

Wu Rang, who was standing outside the side room, also turned around and went back inside.

The crowing of roosters rose and fell, and it was already past midnight.

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves suddenly appeared on the official road, like a clap of thunder!

Before long, several riders stopped outside the official residence. Then, the riders dismounted and walked quickly to the gate of the official residence!

"Open the door! Open the door!"

The urgent knocking at the door caused the servants inside to rush out of the house to open it!

"Who are you? What brings you here so late at night?"

The servant naturally dared not open the door directly, but instead asked first.

"I am the village head of Wohu Township, and I have come to see Lord Yuan on the orders of the county magistrate!"

Chen Yuancheng did not hide anything and immediately answered truthfully.

There was no need to hide the arrest of Wu Deben; it was an order to be carried out!

Upon hearing this, the servants inside the village immediately opened the door, only to be pushed aside by two knife-wielding attendants. Then, several officials strode into the village.

Where is Wu De, the northern border general?

Chen Yuancheng looked at the servant who looked panicked and immediately asked in a stern voice.

Upon hearing this, the servant immediately pointed towards the side courtyard!

"Walk!"

Led by Chen Yuancheng, the group immediately rushed towards the secluded courtyard!

Before long, the group arrived at the side courtyard!

As a patrol officer tasked with apprehending bandits, Wu De naturally had a team of men under his command, in addition to his subordinates.

Of course, they cannot compare to the number and strength of the Daoist people under Zhao Xian's command!

Upon seeing Chen Yuancheng and his group rush into the courtyard, several guards immediately rushed out of the side room, stopped them in front of them, and blocked their way!

"Who are you? How dare you trespass on a resting place at night!"

"We have come to pay our respects to Lord Wu on the orders of the County Magistrate!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately replied in a solemn voice.

"Squeak~"

The door opened, and Wu Rang stepped out first, followed by two minor officials.

"Who are you?"

Seeing that Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun were wearing red turbans and had sharp blades at their waists, and had extraordinary appearances, Wu Rang immediately waved his hand, ordered several guards to step back, and asked them a question!

"I am Chen Yu, a subordinate official of the county bandit magistrate, here to pay my respects to Lord Wu on the orders of the county magistrate!"

"What exactly is the matter? Tell me the truth!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Rang had doubts in his heart and immediately asked again!

"The county thief, Cao Chensheng, has already resigned his post to the county magistrate!"

Upon hearing Wu Rang's questioning, Chen Yuancheng stepped forward and whispered.

"What does this have to do with patrolling?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Rang was slightly taken aback, unable to grasp the key point for a moment!

"Ah, please allow these gentlemen to enter the hall for discussion!"

Suddenly, the door to the main hall opened, and the Moon Pearl in the corner emitted a faint moonlight, illuminating the hall as if it were daytime!

Chen Yuancheng looked up and saw a burly official sitting in the main seat!

"please!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Rang immediately made way for Chen Yuancheng and the others!

Thank you!

Chen Yuancheng thanked him and strode towards the hall, with Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing following closely behind!

Wang Cong and Zhang Wen waited in the courtyard.

Wu Rang glanced at the two minor officials behind him and then stepped into the hall!

"Greetings, Mr. Wu!"

Chen Yuancheng bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice.

"Please rise, Mr. Chen. I have come so late at night; may I ask what orders Your Excellency has for me?"

Wu De did not suspect anything and looked at Chen Yuancheng, immediately asking the question.

"A letter from the county magistrate!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately took out the warrant that Zhao Xian had given him from his bosom and respectfully presented it to him!

Wu De had no doubts. His expression immediately turned serious. He took a deep breath and picked up the letter.

Upon opening it, Wu De glanced at it and saw only one line of text: "All actions are accurate!"

"Um?"

Upon seeing these four words, Wu De immediately felt a sense of doubt!

A streak of azure light suddenly shot out from Chen Yuancheng's sleeve, arriving in an instant, within inches of him!

"Whoosh!"

In the blink of an eye, the blue light pierced through Wu De's chest!

A small hole, about the thickness of a thumb, appeared on Wu De's chest!

"go!"

With a soft shout, a rope flew out from Chen Yuancheng's sleeve and bound Wu De tightly!

"Pfft!"

A mouthful of blood spurted from Wu De's mouth, but the ropes binding him tightened even more!

"kill!"

With a loud bang, Xu Dekun pounced on Wu Rang, and with a flash of his blade, Wu Rang's head fell to the ground!

The other two minor officials were dumbfounded by this scene and remained seated motionless in their seats!

"By order of the county magistrate, capture Wu De, the roving border guard in the north!"

Chen Yuancheng looked around the hall and shouted loudly!

"Mr. Wu, this is the meaning of 'all actions are correct'!"

Immediately afterward, Chen Yuancheng looked at Wu De in the main seat and smiled faintly.

"Dejing, go outside and seize those entourage!"

Xu Dekun looked at Xu Dejing beside him and gave him instructions.

"Yes, sir!"

Xu Dejing immediately responded, exchanged a glance with Xu Dekun, and turned to leave the main hall!

"We willingly submit to the law!"

Upon seeing this, the two minor officials in the hall immediately scrambled to their knees at Chen Yuancheng's feet and shouted urgently.

"Let them be interrogated at the county court!"

Chen Yuancheng glanced at it, then said indifferently.

Xu Dekun immediately stepped forward, took out a white porcelain bottle from his bosom, opened the bottle, poured out a elixir, pried open Wu De's mouth, and stuffed it into his mouth!

"The county magistrate wants to capture Lord Wu alive, so he has no choice but to ask Lord Wu to live a few more days!"

Looking at Wu De's unwilling eyes, Xu Dekun smiled faintly.

"Who exactly are you?"

Suddenly, Wu De looked at Chen Yuancheng and asked in a hoarse voice.

"I am Chen Yuancheng, the magistrate of Wohu Township!"

"I am Xu Dekun, the village head of Wohu Township!"

The two answered without hesitation.

The situation is settled, there's no need to hide anything!

"Hidden Tiger Village"

"Ha, what a formidable place this Crouching Tiger Village is!"

"What a shrewd Zhao Xian!"

With the fog in his mind completely dissipated, Wu De's eyes widened in anger, and he roared fiercely!

"I should have fought with all my might and killed you in Saigo!"

"If you don't kill the snake, it will harm you instead!"

"I hate it!"

"I hate it!"

The lone wolf howled mournfully, a truly desolate scene!

"Lord Chen, this fellow confessed before any torture was even used!"

"To murder a high-ranking official is a capital offense!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Dekun looked at Chen Yuancheng beside him and teased him with a smile.

"Mr. Wu, the Sergeant is currently in Saigo!"

"The Wu family colluded with bandits in Mangshan and led their followers to resist arrest; their extermination is imminent!"

"What a pity, such a once-great family!"

Xu Dekun then looked at Wu De and said with a cold expression.

"Ah! Zhao Xian!"

"You'll die a horrible death!"

"You will all suffer a terrible death!"

Upon hearing Xu Dekun's words, Wu De's eyes turned bloodshot, and a look of utter grief crossed his face. He struggled violently and roared!

Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun simply stared at him coldly, without saying a word!

After a while, Wu De finally stopped, a bitter smile on his face.

"Mr. Wu, you nurtured bandits to enhance your own power and enrich yourself, instructing them to destroy families and clans, and wreak havoc on the village. Did you ever imagine that the Wu family would end up like this?"

"The ways of Heaven are constant; retribution may be delayed, but the time will come!"

Only after capturing Wu De did Chen Yuancheng speak, his expression indifferent.

"Heh~ heh~"

After letting out a few cold laughs, Wu De stopped talking!

"Mr. Chen, will this guy bite off his tongue and commit suicide?"

Suddenly, Xu Dekun asked again.

"He's a patrol officer, so he's naturally very familiar with the county jailers. He knows their methods well, and he won't go looking for trouble!"

Chen Yuancheng immediately shook his head, seemingly explaining to Xu Dekun, but actually subtly warning Wu De!

Meanwhile, Xu Dejing came out of the main hall, stood on the steps, looked down at the six attendants below, and immediately shouted in a stern voice.

"Wu De, surrender now! If you resist, you will be punished the same as Wu De!"

"Lord Wu has treated us well; by killing this official, we have saved Lord Wu!"

Upon hearing this, some of the attendants immediately panicked, while others raised their arms and charged towards Xu Dejing, Wang Cong, and Zhang Wen!

In the blink of an eye, a chaotic battle broke out outside the hall!

Before long, the sounds of fighting gradually subsided, and then a figure covered in blood walked in!

"All six retainers refused to surrender and have been executed!"

Xu Dejing looked at Chen Yuancheng and immediately replied in a solemn voice.

"Send out the golden eagle!"

Chen Yuancheng nodded and looked at Xu Dekun.

Xu Dekun didn't waste any time. He walked outside the hall, and with a flash of spiritual light, a golden divine eagle several feet tall appeared on his arm. "Go!"

With a flick of his wrist, the golden eagle flapped its wings and soared into the sky!

It's only a few dozen miles from Xixiang to Shalin Township. This golden eagle is a spirit beast, and it will arrive at Shalin Township in no time!

"Let's go, take this fellow with us, and go meet up with Lord Zhao!"

As Chen Yuancheng was speaking, a group of officials walked into the courtyard.

The one leading them was none other than a high-ranking official with a salary of 100 shi (a unit of grain measure)!

Upon seeing the newcomer, Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun exchanged a glance, both of them noticing a hint of disdain in his eyes!

The man ran over the corpses in the courtyard and ascended to the main hall, only to find Wu De tightly bound with ropes in the main seat!

On the other side, a headless corpse lay on the ground, blood flowing everywhere.

"Chen Yuancheng, the steward of Wohu Township, pays his respects to Lord Yuan!"

"Village official Xu Dekun pays his respects to Lord Yuan!"

"Xu Dejing, a subordinate official of the Ministry of War, pays his respects to Lord Yuan!"

Chen Yuancheng and the other two immediately bowed to the newcomers.

"Please rise, all three of you!"

"Why is that?"

Yuan Weixu helped the three people in front of him up, then pointed at Wu De and asked with a look of surprise and doubt.

"A warrant from the county magistrate!"

Chen Yuancheng picked up the silk scroll from the table and presented it to Yuan Wei with both hands.

Yuan Wei only glanced at it, but he immediately recognized that it was the county magistrate's handwriting, and there was also the county magistrate's seal on it!

"Everything you do is correct!"

After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Wei's heart was already filled with turbulent waves!

What exactly did Wu De do wrong?

Suddenly, Yuan Wei looked at Chen Yuancheng and asked in a solemn voice.

"The bandits in the northern villages are all kept by the Wu family!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei's face showed an expression of disbelief!

"In addition, he assassinated Military Officer Zhao Jun and colluded with bandits in Yunling!"

Xu Dekun added from the side.

Yuan Wei had certainly heard about the assassination attempt on Zhao Xian, but he had never known that the Wu family was raising bandits and colluding with the bandits of Yunling!

"This matter has nothing to do with Yuan Jun; it was all done by the Wu family!"

Seeing Yuan Wei's worried expression, Chen Yuancheng couldn't help but offer a word of comfort.

Chen Yuancheng had also heard of Yuan Wei's reputation!

He is fair, capable, and methodical in handling affairs; he is truly a competent official!

It is said that the county magistrate intends to promote him to the position of Registrar of Households in the county.

The head of Pinghe Township was a rank of 100 shi (a unit of grain measure), and the head of the household administration was also a rank of 100 shi. However, the head of the household administration was a county official, so his rank was slightly higher!

Otherwise, why would Zhao Xian, a military officer, have been able to sit openly and confidently in the hall that day, waiting for Yuan Wei and Wu De, two officials of the rank of 100 shi, to pay their respects?

That's the reason!

"This was indeed done by the Wu family, not by Lord Bingcao."

Yuan Wei looked at Chen Yuancheng and the other man, but he didn't say the rest of his words. However, Chen Yuancheng and the other man naturally understood.

Is it possible that Zhao Xian was settling a personal score and fabricating evidence?

"When Zhao Jun was suppressing the demons and bandits earlier, he had already discovered letters exchanged between Wu De and the bandits on the bandits' bodies!"

"Zhao Jun reported this to the county magistrate, who instructed him to continue gathering evidence!"

"A few days ago, the Wu family secretly colluded with the Mangshan bandits hiding deep in the Yunling Mountains. After Zhao Jun learned of this, he reported it to the county magistrate and obtained her written order!"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng waved the silk scroll in his hand and continued, "The bandits of Mangshan who attacked and killed the inner disciples of the Yunlan Sect are already on the wanted list!"

"The Wu family colluded with these bandits and deserves to be exterminated!"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng's voice became a few decibels louder!

"Extermination of the entire clan?!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei's face showed a hint of surprise once again.

"The sky over Qingzhou belongs to the Yunlan Sect!"

Seeing Yuan Wei's shock, Chen Yuancheng had no choice but to continue explaining.

Only then did the officials realize that the Wu family was truly doomed this time!

Having provoked the Yunlan Sect, how could they possibly escape so easily!

"Alright, Lord Yuan, we still need to take this fellow back to Xixiang!"

"As for these corpses and these two minor officials, please send someone to deliver them to the Wu family in Xixiang!"

After saying this, Chen Yuancheng bowed and immediately walked out of the hall.

Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing also mentioned Wu De and walked outside.

As Wu De passed by Yuan Wei, he and Yuan Wei exchanged a glance, and Yuan Wei immediately turned his face away, not looking at Wu De at all.

"Old He, you've been a village official in Pinghe for many years, it's time for you to take a step back!"

"With such a major incident occurring in the Wu family, the village head of Xixiang is likely to bear considerable responsibility!"

"You'll be in charge of delivering these corpses to the Wu family this time!"

"When the county officials arrive, do not shrink back!"

At this point, Yuan Wei did not continue speaking and turned to walk out of the hall.

"Thank you for your guidance, Yuan-kun!"

Upon hearing this, an elderly official behind Yuan Wei was overjoyed and respectfully bowed down!

Meanwhile, outside the village of Shalin, two riders sped along the official road toward the county town!

At dawn, the sun was about to rise, and the sky was just beginning to brighten.

The Wu family was shrouded in silence, the thick stench of blood filling the air.

There wasn't even a single bark from the dog inside!

In the backyard of the Wu family, Cao Quan and his group had been guarding the place all night.

"Young master, why won't the sergeant let us in?"

"Could it be that he's been rummaging through the Wu family's treasures, trying to hoard them all?"

Suddenly, a guest approached, leaned close to Cao Quan's ear, and whispered something.

"Zhao Jun is not that kind of person!"

"If you dare to spout nonsense again, don't blame me for kicking you out of the Cao family!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Quan immediately glared at the guest and replied in a low voice.

"Young master, please calm down! Young master, please calm down!"

Upon hearing this, the guest immediately begged for mercy, "But the night is over, the fighting inside has long since ceased, and it's time for us to go back!"

Just then, a lithe figure suddenly appeared.

Upon seeing the visitor, Cao Quan immediately stood up to greet him, and the guest immediately fell silent.

"A-Duan, what are your orders, Lord Zhao?"

Cao Quan smiled and looked at the newcomer, asking with a smile.

"The clerk said that, apart from Lord Cao, the rest of you should follow me to the vicinity of the village. After breakfast, we will return to Wohu Village first!"

Zhao Duan immediately looked at Cao Quan and said with a smile.

"Oh, and everyone can receive three hundred coins!"

He then passed Cao Quan and shouted loudly at the Cao family guests.

However, the guests of the Cao family did not respond at all after hearing this; instead, they showed some dissatisfaction on their faces!

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao!"

Upon seeing this, Cao Quan immediately bowed to Zhao Duan!

Seeing Cao Quan's reaction, the Cao family guests also bowed and greeted him, scattering out, "Thank you, General Cao!"

Seeing this, Zhao Duan secretly made a mental note of it, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply smiled and said, "Around noon, someone from the county should arrive!"

"Cao Jun, you'd better make good preparations!"

After revealing a few inside details, Zhao Duan turned and left!

After Zhao Duan left, Cao Quan's smile vanished, and he turned around to stare intently at the Cao family guests before him!

"Young Master, I'll wait~"

Seeing Cao Quan's cold and stern expression, the leading guest smiled awkwardly, scratched his head, and seemed at a loss for what to do.

"Did you all go into battle last night?"

"Was there any blood?"

Cao Quan pressed him for answers, then flicked his sleeves and turned to leave.

"Go to the village inn for food, collect the talisman money, and hurry back to Wohu Township!"

Seeing Cao Quan leave, the eight guests of the Cao family looked at each other, and finally could only smile bitterly and walk towards the Xixiang Village.

Back at the Wu family home, Cao Quan avoided the neatly arranged corpses and piled-up heads on the ground, took a deep breath, and strode towards the main hall of the Wu family home.

When Cao Quan entered the hall, he saw Zhao Xianzheng, Liu Ping, and Liu Sheng checking the Wu family's assets, and they were extremely busy.

"The guests at my home were rude and uncouth; I apologize for making you laugh, Mr. Zhao!"

Cao Quan walked up to Zhao Xian and respectfully bowed.

"Um?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian was slightly taken aback, then looked at Cao Quan with a puzzled expression, "Ah Quan, could it be that you've been guarding outside all night and are too cold to think straight?"

"What nonsense are you spouting here!"

Seeing Zhao Xian's blank expression, Cao Quan had no choice but to explain again.

"Haha! You villagers are so ignorant, how could you possibly understand the friendship between us!"

"It's alright, it's alright! Besides, the fact that these villagers came to fight is already a great achievement!"

Zhao Xian laughed loudly, waved his hands repeatedly, and said nonchalantly.

"Ah Quan, do you know how wealthy the Wu family is?"

Immediately afterward, Zhao Xian looked at Cao Quan with feigned mystery and asked with a smile.

"Cao has no idea about this!"

Cao Quan shook his head, saying he didn't know.

"They found a full one hundred mid-grade spirit stones!"

Zhao Xian held up one finger and said to Cao Quan.

"There are so many!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Quan was also shocked!

Because Zhao Xian only mentioned mid-grade spirit stones, not including other family assets!

"These all belong to the county magistrate!"

Surrounded by Zhao Xian's confidants, Zhao Xian naturally spoke his mind without reservation.

Of course, Liu Sheng had just joined Zhao Xian's forces and had not yet been tested, so he could not be considered a trusted confidant!

"Besides that, there are also over seven hundred low-grade spirit stones, presumably for the Wu family's daily expenses!"

"As for the talisman coins, there are over two hundred thousand talisman coins!"

"Seven boxes full!"

"These are just the untapped assets; the Wu family's land, oxen, servants, and dependents haven't even been accounted for!"

After saying all that in one breath, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of shock on his face!

Of course, there were also some classics, historical texts, philosophical works, martial arts manuals, and miraculous elixirs, all of which Zhao Xian personally collected.

Zhao Xian's three storage bags were already full.

Zhao Xian also packed two large boxes and sent them to Zhao Zheng.

These are the accumulations of the Wu family over a century, the foundation of a great clan!

This is also the kind of heritage that the Zhao family of Yangpingli lacks the most.

Compared to those fleeting riches, these things are far more important to Zhao Xian, and he would never hand them over to anyone!

"No, these can only be divided up after Mr. Chen and the others arrive!"

These should have been registered and submitted to the county, but Zhao Xian wouldn't let his subordinates' path to wealth be delayed.

When is a better time to make a fortune than to raid someone's home?

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's blunt words, Liu Ping frowned slightly, while Liu Sheng and Cao Quan were overjoyed.

Zhao Xian kept this scene in mind, but said nothing more.

Liu Ping has his own beliefs, but it cannot be said that Liu Sheng and Cao Quan are despicable scoundrels from the Daoying camp!

For a ruler to be able to recognize and appoint capable people is already extremely difficult!

"Ah Ping, check these again, making sure there are absolutely no mistakes!"

"Ah Zhong, Ah Duan, Ah Bing, the three of you continue to stay with Ah Ping!"

Zhao Xian glanced outside the hall and immediately gave an order.

"After a busy night, let's go grab something to eat!"

After saying this, Zhao Xian walked out of the hall, with Liu Sheng and Cao Quan following closely behind.

Upon arriving outside the hall, Mu Chun was already cooking spirit rice porridge, while Shi Ziyuan was cooking jade pearl rice.

During the search of their home, dozens of kilograms of meat were found.

"Fourth brother, pick two servants to cook some rice porridge for these servants and maids as well!"

Zhao Xian glanced at the group of servants and Wu family members squatting on the ground outside the hall, then looked at Zhao Cheng and spoke.

"You, you, go and cook some porridge!"

Zhao Cheng immediately selected two servants and shouted loudly.

Looking at the servants and maids below the hall, Zhao Xian felt a pang of sadness and had some thoughts.

"It won't be too late to discuss it with my elder brother when he arrives!"