Longzang

Chapter 751 The Lord is Very Busy
At the Prefectural Governor's residence in Xiangrong County, Prefect Zhuang Zhong was drinking and appreciating plum blossoms with several close officials and friends from the poetry circle. Naturally, they would compose poems to liven things up. However, everyone's spirits were somewhat low today, and after only three rounds of composing poems, many had already run out of ideas.

An elderly local scholar, still unable to contain himself, spoke first: "Lord Zhuang, just who is this Southern Military Commissioner? Why are they even collecting taxes from us? A few days ago, their men came to our door, and I gave them the cold shoulder, but they made some very harsh remarks before leaving. This... this doesn't seem like official conduct; it's more like the behavior of bandits and barbarians!"

Zhuang Zhong stroked his beard and said slowly, "Brother Zhang, there's no need to worry. This Wei Yuan is nothing more than a powerful minister who is greedy for money and lustful. The King appointed him as the Grand Councilor of the Southern Army, which is really just a reward for his merit in presenting the elixir of immortality, a small incentive."

Ever since Lord Li Weisheng proposed that the court be filled with upright officials, the court has been promoting scholars on a large scale. Now, the entire court is filled with people like us, the pure and honest. This Wei Yuan is nothing but a barbaric military general; what's there to be afraid of? I bet he just wants to skim some money off the land. Hmph, all that talk about military expenses and conscription fees—isn't it just about putting money in his own pocket?!

Another official said, "Since he's only after money, why not give him a little something to get rid of him? I've heard that this Lord Wei is very unruly and capable of anything. It might be inappropriate to show him no respect at all."

After a moment of solemn thought, Zhuang Zhong said, "I heard that most families didn't give him any face. He should already know that his methods won't work in Xiangrong County. This way, we can let him run into a brick wall first, then scrape together a million taels for him, release those people imprisoned in jail, and let the matter drop. Let him go and plunder elsewhere."

Another official said, "One million taels! That's too cheap for him! In my opinion, five hundred thousand taels is the most."

The scholar hurriedly replied, "My family's wealth is meager, but if you insist on contributing, I can offer five thousand taels."

The officials also said, "We are penniless and have been eating nothing but salted vegetables at home. We really can't afford to give any more. How about I donate three thousand taels?"

"This humble official can offer more, seven thousand taels!"

There were nine people in the warm chamber, and in the end, they raised a total of 30,000 taels, a result that left Zhuang Zhong speechless. Giving that 30,000 taels would have been worse than not giving it at all.

Just as the atmosphere became somewhat awkward, the butler rushed over and whispered a few words in Zhuang Zhong's ear.

Zhuang Zhong was both shocked and furious. He stood up abruptly and exclaimed, "How could this be?!"

The steward said, "Not only the second young master, but also Lord Liu, Mr. Wang, Mr. Yu... have all been taken away."

These people included Zhuang Zhong's son, nephews and nieces, father-in-law, brother-in-law and brother-in-law, plus two illegitimate children, totaling eight or nine people, all of whom were related to Zhuang Zhong.

The officials exchanged bewildered glances. For such a composed and shrewd man to lose his composure like this, something extremely serious must have happened. These men all wielded considerable influence in the area, but judging from the steward's tone, had they all been arrested?

Suppressing his anger, Zhuang Zhong said to everyone, "This Wei Yuan is truly unscrupulous! Just now, a servant reported that Wei Yuan sent people to collect military expenses from wealthy families everywhere. They would start fighting over the slightest disagreement, and my relatives were all arrested by him. It is said that they are now being held in the Southern Military Camp."

"The Southern Military Intelligence Base?" No one had ever heard of such a place before.

"Wei Yuan personally led a large army here and set up the Southern Military Camp at the border with Huangping County."

An official hurriedly asked, "How many soldiers did he bring this time?"

After a moment's hesitation, Zhuang Zhong, considering all the information he had gathered, said, "About 100,000."

All the officials changed color.

Just then, a constable came running up, shouting, "Lord Zhuang, something terrible has happened! After the Second Young Master was taken away, the manor was left empty, and suddenly a group of bandits rushed in, claiming to be from Black Wind Stronghold. They looted the manor clean, leaving nothing behind!"

Zhuang Zhong was both shocked and furious. He asked, "Were there any casualties?"

"I haven't heard of that. Only a few servants suffered minor injuries. The second young master and his family were captured earlier and didn't encounter the bandits."

Zhuang Zhong frowned and said coldly, "Only a few servants were lightly injured in the bandit attack? They offered no resistance at all? The master is in trouble, but the servants are unharmed? This is outrageous! Take men now and arrest all these servants, torture them severely, and find out who colluded with the bandits!" The official obeyed and left. But not long after, more officials arrived, all reporting looting by bandits in various places. Without exception, after the master was captured by Wei Yuan, bandits from all sides appeared and ransacked the homes.

The thieves had many names, such as the Joyful Union Sect, the Yin-Yang Sect, the Joyful Faction, the Five Poisons Sect, the Wind and Rain Pavilion, and so on.

Seeing Zhuang Zhong's ashen face, an official said, "Lord Zhuang, given the current situation, we need General Wang to send troops to protect each household. Those servants and guards are no match for Wei Yuan. We must ensure the safety of each household first."

This General Wang is a guerrilla general who commands the government troops of Xiangrong County, and is naturally a trusted confidant of Zhuang.

Just as Zhuang Zhong nodded, a captain rushed in and said as soon as he entered the warm pavilion, "Lord Zhuang, something terrible has happened! General Wang has also been arrested by Wei Yuan, who says he has failed in his duties and allowed his soldiers to disguise themselves as bandits and plunder!"

Zhuang Zhong could no longer contain himself and asked, "How could General Wang have been arrested? Where are the guards and personal soldiers?"

"At that time, General Cui Yu personally came to the camp. General Wang had no suspicions and went out to greet him. However, Cui Yu attacked on the spot, and General Wang was no match for him and was captured. Then Cui Yu set up cannons to bombard the camp, and the entire camp of government troops... surrendered."

With a loud crash, Zhuang Zhong smashed the wine cup on the ground, angrily shouting, "Is Wei Yuan trying to rebel? Openly attacking the military camp and kidnapping the commander?"

But Zhuang Zhong was no fool. After venting his anger, he became increasingly alarmed. In just one day, Wei Yuan had launched attacks in all directions. The families who had arrested Wei Yuan's men and thrown them into prison that day all suffered misfortune without exception. This was clearly revenge!

Zhuang Zhong narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Submit a memorial to the court and accuse Wei Yuan!"

He then went into his study and wrote a letter to the Left Chancellor and several Grand Secretaries, sending them to the Jin capital with urgent dispatches. The next morning, Zhuang Zhong packed up and set off without traveling by carriage or horseback, taking only a few capable attendants with him, heading at full speed to the Southern Military Camp to meet Wei Yuan.

When Zhuang Zhong arrived at the military camp, it was nearly noon. He solemnly announced his identity, and the guards looked him up and down, saying, "So you're the prefect? ​​You look respectable, but you're a good-for-nothing!"

Several attendants were furious and shouted, "How dare he speak to Lord Zhuang like that! He deserves to die! Guards, seize him!"

But after summoning the messenger, the attendants looked around and realized that there were neither officials nor soldiers present.

The soldier crossed his arms, glanced at the group, and looked at them with an expression that said, "Let's see how you take him down."

Zhuang Zhong's face was naturally extremely ugly. He had come in a hurry, only bringing a few attendants. And now he was at the gate of the enemy's camp, where there were 100,000 troops. If a fight broke out, there would be no chance of survival.

Fortunately, an officer appeared at this moment, and the attendants finally found their pillar of support and stepped forward to complain.

Upon hearing the explanation, the officer rebuked the soldier: "How dare you speak to Lord Zhuang like that? I've taught you so many times, and you still can't learn to speak properly. Get out of here and get someone else."

The soldier walked away with a grin.

The officer, all smiles, said to Zhuang Zhong, "Lord Zhuang, please come with me. Lord Wei is not yet up. Please wait a moment."

Zhuang Zhong nodded solemnly and followed the officer to a tent, where he sat and waited.

They waited until evening, without even a cup of water in between.

(End of this chapter)