Chapter Sixty-Nine: Do You Want to Live?

Li Yun had long known that the Ten Kings Stronghold maintained connections with some prominent families in Xuanzhou. In fact, one could say that the Ten Kings Stronghold was a ferocious beast raised by certain people within the city of Xuanzhou. Even if it couldn't be called a direct patronage, it was at least a collaboration.

But regardless of what connections the Ten Kings Stronghold had in Xuanzhou, by all rights, the officials of Qingyang should have been permitted to carry out their campaign against the bandits, and the people of the prefecture had no reason to interfere. This was far too blatant!

The expression on Constable Li's face changed. He looked up at the martial officer before him, frowned slightly, and asked, "Commander Du, you say the prefecture is preparing to eradicate the Ten Kings Stronghold. May I ask when you plan to take action? Should we in Qingyang assist?"

"When to act is a matter for Prefect Cao and the other officials to discuss. I, Du, do not know," the officer replied, smiling. "Though our numbers in the prefecture are not large, we still have several hundred men. There is no need for Qingyang's small force to intervene. Rest assured, Constable Li, your contributions are noted by Prefect Cao. Once the Ten Kings Stronghold is eliminated, there will be benefits for you."

Li Yun smiled. He cast one last glance at Magistrate Xue, then spoke slowly: "Lingyang Mountain lies within Qingyang's borders. If the prefecture doesn't know when it will act, why not allow Qingyang to deal with the bandits?"

"What do you mean by that, Constable Li?" Commander Du frowned. "Qingyang is also within Xuanzhou; all should be under the prefecture's unified command. Besides, how many men does Qingyang even have?"

"If you startle the bandits and disrupt Prefect Cao's arrangements, can you bear the consequences?"

Arrangements? Li Yun sneered inwardly and said, "Very well, let the prefecture handle the bandits. As for the Ten Kings Stronghold bandits in the county jail, they've already been handed over to the yamen. Commander Du, if you and the magistrate wish to take them, you may."

Magistrate Xue, who had been calmly sipping tea, nearly spat it out. Commander Du glanced at Magistrate Xue, then said, "I already asked Magistrate Xue. He said the men were arrested by Constable Li, so your opinion must be sought."

Li Yun shot Magistrate Xue a look and replied slowly, "Then allow me to discuss the matter with the magistrate."

Commander Du grew impatient. "Prefect Cao has given the order. If any problems arise, the prefecture will take responsibility. What's there to discuss?"

At that moment, Magistrate Xue, who had remained silent, finally spoke. He stood, looked at Commander Du, and said, "Prefect Cao has no authority over me."

He extended a hand. "Show me the document from Inspector Tian."

Commander Du's eyelids twitched. This was no joke—such matters would never reach Inspector Tian, and even if Tian approved, no official documents would be issued.

Facing Li Yun, Commander Du could be arrogant, but against Magistrate Xue, he was powerless. After all, even Inspector Tian could only impeach Magistrate Xue, not dismiss him.

Commander Du forced a smile. "Don't be angry, Magistrate Xue. I'm just the messenger; this has nothing to do with me."

"In that case—"

Magistrate Xue smiled and said, "Commander Du, please take your tea in the side hall. I need to discuss matters with Constable Li."

Commander Du sighed and could only nod in agreement. As he reached the door, he turned back to remind them, "Magistrate Xue, the campaign against the bandits is Prefect Cao's responsibility."

With that, he departed.

A hint of anger had crept into Xue Song's gaze.

"What a piece of work!"

Li Yun sat down, speaking quietly, "Magistrate, it is likely that someone in the prefecture doesn't want anything to happen to the Ten Kings Stronghold. They may even wish to rescue those we've apprehended."

"You can see it; of course, I can as well," Xue Song sighed. "Xuanzhou, from top to bottom, is utterly rotten."

Li Yun asked, "How do you intend to handle this, Magistrate?"

Magistrate Xue sighed. "Inspector Tian has surely benefited from this affair. It's not easy to manage."

He looked up at Li Yun. "Our county truly doesn't have many men. Otherwise..."

Li Yun shook his head resolutely.

He had already formed a mortal enmity with the Ten Kings Stronghold—one that would not rest until death. Though the stronghold was currently in disarray, once they recovered, they would undoubtedly retaliate against Cangshan Fortress. The bandits of Cangshan Fortress could perhaps withstand it, but the villagers of Li Family Village at the foot of the mountain would be defenseless.

Li Yun was determined to seize this opportunity to crush the Ten Kings Stronghold, even if it meant sacrificing his official position.

He poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, then looked up at Magistrate Xue. "Magistrate, since the Ten Kings Stronghold is within Qingyang's borders, we can use this fact to argue with the prefecture and with Prefect Cao."

"I want to ask you to go to Xuanzhou and reason with Prefect Cao."

"And what good will that do?" Magistrate Xue frowned. "If Inspector Tian says a word, I will have nothing more to say."

"At least it will delay matters for several days," Li Yun said softly. "With travel and negotiations, it will take five or six days."

Magistrate Xue understood Li Yun's meaning and frowned slightly. "Five or six days... Can it be done?"

Constable Li smiled. "We must try."

"Fine," Magistrate Xue agreed quickly. "This afternoon, I'll depart with Commander Du for Xuanzhou City."

He looked at Li Yun and asked, "Should we let them take the bandits from the jail?"

Li Yun shook his head, chuckling softly. "Magistrate, the fact that they've come for these men shows they're crossing a line. It means at least one or more of those bandits holds an important position within the Ten Kings Stronghold—perhaps even knows its secrets regarding Xuanzhou."

"Magistrate, you could even petition the court about this, which would give you leverage over them."

Li Yun continued, "Therefore, these men must not be released. If you refuse, your influence in Xuanzhou will surely increase."

Magistrate Xue sighed and shook his head. "You haven't experienced officialdom. Matters such as these won't serve as leverage; they'll only make me a thorn in their side."

"If you have no further interest in officialdom, then there's nothing to fear."

"They won't dare attack openly; as for secret schemes—" Constable Li patted his chest. "I'll shield you from them!"

Magistrate Xue glanced at Li Yun and laughed, "You're young, but your bravado is impressive."

"Those bandits will remain in the county jail for now. I'll go to Xuanzhou this afternoon. Everything will be decided when I return."

Li Yun beamed. "Magistrate, your wisdom is unmatched."

...

With his hands clasped behind his back, Magistrate Xue entered the side hall, where Commander Du was sipping tea. Commander Du hurriedly stood and asked with a smile, "Magistrate Xue, how did the discussion go?"

"It's settled," Magistrate Xue replied, smiling. "The matter of the bandits is serious. Commander Du, without official documents, I must go to the prefecture to clarify. We'll depart after lunch; I'll travel with you."

Commander Du was stunned. He stammered, "Magistrate Xue, we've met before, we're old acquaintances. You don't trust my word?"

"We have met," Magistrate Xue snorted. "A few months ago at the foot of Cangshan, I remember clearly—it was you, Commander Du, who left my daughter behind!"

Commander Du had no defense and could only hang his head guiltily, offering several apologetic words. Yet Magistrate Xue insisted on going to Xuanzhou, and with no other option, Commander Du agreed to take him.

As they set off together, Constable Li had already entered the county jail, gathering the Ten Kings Stronghold bandits together.

He sat in a chair, scrutinizing the dozen or so bandits, idly playing with a short knife, and then gave them a kindly smile.

"Do you want to live?"