Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 217 Your Father is in My Hands! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"!!!"

The sudden gunshot and the shouts of the guards instantly stunned everyone in the government office, and most of them didn't even understand what had happened.

next second.

Suddenly, Zhang Yin's body swayed, and he fell uncontrollably to the ground. Then, clutching his bleeding calf, he let out a piercing scream:

"Ow—!"

"This, this, this..."

These people were finally awakened by Zhang Yin's screams and realized what had just happened.

Yan Maoqing didn't lay the groundwork at all, and even the review and verification steps were completely skipped.

He immediately used violence to injure Zhang Yin, a third-rank commander of the imperial court, and even seemed to be trying to take control of almost all the officials, powerful families and merchants in Taiyuan Prefecture.

Is this in accordance with the system?

Is this in accordance with the rules?

Does this young man even understand what rules and regulations mean?!
At this moment, the more these people realized what Yan Maoqing was doing, the more their minds went blank.

The people here are best at utilizing systems and rules; these are their comfort zone.

Within the framework of systems and rules, they are invincible, able to unite and eliminate anyone who gets in their way, and even the "supreme" emperor is helpless against them.

But now, suddenly someone who disregards rules and regulations jumps out and drags them out of their comfort zone. For a moment, they feel as lost and helpless as virgins who have suddenly been stripped naked...

"???"

Kao Chieh was also dumbfounded upon seeing this, and his heart clenched.

Although he had a brief exchange with Yan Maoqing before, and had experienced Yan Maoqing's inexplicable enthusiasm and sincerity.

However, this was still not enough for him to see clearly what kind of person Yan Maoqing really was, and he still did not have any expectations for this young man whose beard had not even fully grown.

Now, they have witnessed Yan Maoqing's ruthless methods.

He not only no longer had any expectations of Yan Maoqing, but he also began to worry about Gao Gong's situation.

This young man is far too arrogant and reckless!

His actions effectively severed ties with officials, powerful figures, and merchants in Taiyuan Prefecture and even throughout Shanxi Province, causing this vast interest group to feel insecure.

Then, these people, who were already bound together by shared interests, will inevitably launch an unprecedented counterattack in order to protect themselves.

Impeachment, attacks, framing, spreading rumors... these commonly used methods are still the mildest.

Aren't these young men afraid that these people might take risks and launch a mutiny or a popular uprising, throwing the entire situation in Shanxi into chaos?
When that time comes, would the emperor really give up the entire Shanxi province for just one person?
At that time, Yan Maoqing will inevitably become the next Liu Jin, a pawn used to quell public anger!

Gao Gong, who followed Yan Maoqing, would likely be branded with infamous names like "Eight Tigers," comparable to corrupt eunuchs who disrupt the government. Not only would he be in danger, but the Gao family's reputation would also be ruined.

"Did you hear everything clearly?"

Yan Maoqing's voice rang out again in the government office, and he raised a hand.
"My soldiers are all not very good-tempered, and they will show no mercy to the White Lotus Rebels. You had better obey my orders. I'll give you five numbers, five!"

"..."

The countdown had barely begun when someone immediately obediently covered their head and squatted down.

Most of these people were dressed in plain clothes, yet they were qualified to greet Yan Maoqing and to enter the government office to attend the welcoming banquet, which speaks volumes about their status.

They were the wealthiest merchants in Taiyuan Prefecture.

Merchants tend to be more flexible and adaptable than confrontational, especially those merchants in this era who needed to rely on the government to achieve regional monopolies and profit from them.

They are also weak and dependent, and are more accustomed to compromising with the powerful, showing no restraint when it comes to yielding.

However, this does not mean that they have been conquered by Yan Maoqing.

In terms of methods, they may not be inferior to officials in the bureaucracy, and may even be so dirty that they stop at nothing.

However, they prefer to stay behind the scenes. They would never personally confront problems that can be solved with money, nor would they be the first to stick their necks out, as this is not in their own interest.

Money can be intangible or tangible...

"Minister Yan, you probably don't have that authority!"

A third-rank provincial administration official finally stepped forward and loudly rebuked,

"There are many officials of the fourth rank or above in the imperial court here. Even the Western Depot of yesteryear could not treat officials of the fourth rank or above in this way. Even if they are guilty, the evidence must be presented to the Emperor for his personal decision!"

"Four!"

Yan Maoqing glanced at him, ignored him, and continued counting at her own unhurried pace.

at the same time.

A commotion suddenly broke out outside the government office.

Anyone with a discerning eye can immediately guess what's going on.

The incident happened so suddenly that the news didn't even have a chance to get out of the government office, so it was impossible for it to attract the attention of the garrison troops and other civilians. Only the trusted followers of these officials, powerful families, and merchants, as well as the sedan chair carriers, were present.

Hearing the gunshots coming from the government office, and then that loud shout, these people naturally guessed that something might have happened inside.

This is also a crucial moment for them to express their loyalty to their master, so how could they not do their best to perform?

"Hehehe..."

Hearing the commotion, some people curled their lips into smirks, and a mocking look immediately appeared in their eyes as they looked at Yan Maoqing.

Even now, some people still believe that Yan Maoqing is just bluffing and would never dare to make a big fuss. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had to play along with them before, waiting until they all entered the Taiyuan government office before making his move.

Didn't you see that even though Zhang Yin was hit by a bullet, Yan Maoqing only dared to shoot at his non-lethal calf?

The only problem now is that Zhang Yin's identity as the leader of the White Lotus Sect has been confirmed, and Yan Maoqing is probably acting on imperial orders, which is why he dares to take direct action against him.

What they needed to do was figure out how to shut Zhang Yin up forever as soon as possible, so that he wouldn't implicate them when he was about to die...

at this time.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!..."

Suddenly, another burst of gunfire rang out outside the government office, followed by a chorus of painful screams.

Yan Maoqing knew that Shen Kun and Gao Gong were not bloodthirsty people. It must have been those followers and sedan chair carriers outside who did not take the soldiers of the Heroic Camp seriously and, relying on their master's power, caused trouble with weapons.

"They opened fire without even a warning?!"

The officials, powerful figures, and merchants all felt a shiver run through them, their bodies stiffened, their faces turned deathly pale, and some even broke out in a cold sweat.

"three!"

Yan Maoqing's voice rang out at just the right moment.

"?!"

Many people felt a chill and squatted down, covering their heads.

The burst of gunfire and cries of agony shattered any remaining hope they had.

No one dared to doubt Yan Maoqing and the soldier's warning anymore; once the time came, they really would open fire and kill!
Giving them five days to consider was already a small concession; otherwise, their fate would likely have been the same as that of their trusted servants and sedan chair bearers outside.

Their current situation is like that of a scholar encountering a soldier; there is no logic to it.

A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm!

As long as the green hills remain, you won’t have to worry about running out of firewood!
Almost everyone was telling themselves that there was no need to fight Yan Maoqing at this time; if they lost their lives, they would lose everything.

Only by saving their lives can they have the opportunity to launch a counterattack.

Even what happened today can cause a huge uproar in the court and among the people, and become a sharp sword that will bring Yan Maoqing to his doom in the future!
"two!"

The provincial governor who had just stood up to rebuke Yan Maoqing also silently retreated back into the crowd, squatted down with his head in his hands and a look of indignation on his face.

"..."

Kao Chieh had already done so when Yen Mao-ching shouted "three".

The admonitions passed down from his grandfather to his father, and then from his father to him, made it less difficult for him to reconcile his own beliefs in this matter.

Furthermore, Yan Maoqing was Gao Gong's classmate and deskmate. For the sake of that brat Gao Gong, it was only right to give Yan Maoqing some face.

Anyway, Gao Gong is outside the government office right now, so he can't see it...

"hehe."

Seeing that the Provincial Administration Commissioner had knelt down with his hands on his head, the few remaining people also chose to compromise. Apart from him and the soldiers of the Heroic Battalion, no one else was standing in the hall. Yan Maoqing finally stopped counting and simply smiled at the Provincial Administration Commissioner.
"By the way, what's your name?"

"..."

The resentment on the face of the Provincial Administration Commissioner vanished immediately. He didn't even dare to look Yan Maoqing in the eye, turning his face away and remaining silent.

However, what Yan Maoqing said next chilled him to the bone, and even his eyes became much clearer in an instant: "It doesn't matter if you don't say it, anyway, I'll remember you."

The compliance test is now complete, progressing step by step!
Yan Maoqing then turned to look at the middle-aged man squatting next to Zhang Yin, one hand holding his head and the other firmly supporting Zhang Yin:
"If I remember correctly, you are Zhang Yin's son, right?"

The middle-aged man was Zhang Yin's eldest son, Zhang Daren. At this moment, he wished he could tear Yan Maoqing to pieces, but under such circumstances, he could do nothing. He gritted his teeth and looked at Yan Maoqing:

"Minister Yan shot and wounded my father without cause. Does he have any further instructions?"

"I wouldn't dare offer advice; you may leave now."

Yan Maoqing waved his hand, signaling the soldiers of the Heroes' Camp to let them pass.

"Um?!"

Zhang Daren thought he had misheard and immediately looked surprised and doubtful.

Ignoring the excruciating pain in his leg, Zhang Yin suddenly looked up at Yan Maoqing.

Kao Chieh, along with a group of officials, powerful figures, and businessmen, were utterly perplexed.

No one could understand why Yan Maoqing, who had just ordered his soldiers to injure Zhang Yin with a clear purpose, would now let his son go. Wasn't he afraid that Zhang Daren would cause trouble outside?
"Go."

Yan Maoqing nodded to Zhang Daren and said with a smile,
“Your father is in my hands. Now it’s time to test your filial piety.”

"Go and incite the troops of the Right Guard of Taiyuan to mutiny and rebel."

“Go and rally the followers of the White Lotus Sect that your father has developed over the years to raise the banner of rebellion against the Ming Dynasty.”

"Do whatever you want."

"As long as you leave the government office, that will be the case if anything happens next. Then I can act freely, and the people in the government office will have a chance to survive."

"?"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt another doubt.

What does this mean? Why did Zhang Daren go to launch a mutiny in the garrison and incite the followers to rebel against the Ming Dynasty so that they would have a chance to survive?

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Yan Maoqing raised his hand and clapped three times at the opportune moment.

Yan Shifan then led a few men in carrying a large wooden box containing only a few stones, which they smashed on the ground with a loud bang.

Only then did Yan Maoqing look around at everyone and begin to berate them:

"Things have come to this point because the Emperor gave you face, but you didn't take it!"

"Do you really think that the Emperor burned the box of accounts that Anda presented?"

“If we investigate these accounts further, how many of you can withstand scrutiny? How many of you can remain untainted? You even dare to feign compliance for petty gains, secretly colluding to harm the Emperor. Do you really think the Emperor is unaware of this?!”

"Only I can save you now. Detaining you in the government office is the way to save you!"

"I don't want to become a pawn in the Emperor's hands, ending up like Liu Jin of the previous dynasty. You certainly don't want to be branded as traitors of the White Lotus Sect, suffering the fate of having your property confiscated and your entire family executed, do you?"

"Then you'd better stay here quietly for the next few days and do whatever I say!"

Do you understand?

"This……"

Everyone present was intelligent; how could they not understand what Yan Maoqing was saying?

The Emperor is thoroughly enraged by the Datong affair. His decision to send Yan Maoqing with the accounts presented by Anda shows his determination. He not only wants Yan Maoqing to review the old accounts, but also wants to label them all as White Lotus rebels and completely eliminate these obstacles.

It turns out that Yan Maoqing had long understood the dangerous situation he would be in if he followed orders.

Therefore, while outwardly complying and secretly trying to rescue them, they are also leaving themselves a way out...

As for how to rescue them and how to save themselves.

The plan was to detain them in the government office to create sufficient alibis, thereby clearing them of suspicion and pushing Zhang Yin and Zhang Daren out to take the blame for everything related to the White Lotus Sect!
Good trick!
What a good idea!
In this way, Yan Maoqing would not become the target of public criticism, and he could report back to the Emperor.

They could also avoid having their property confiscated and their families executed, thus preserving their assets and lives.

Moreover, taking down Zhang Yin would bring up the "Li Fuda case" from back then. The Emperor is quite protective of his own, and he probably hopes that this matter will be over as soon as possible!

So Yan Maoqing was one of our own, and quite a master at it...

As for the swift and decisive actions taken by the Heroes' Camp outside the government office, it was merely a smokescreen to let the Emperor know that they were indeed working diligently.

However, things have progressed to this point, and they already understand.

It seems we can no longer interfere in the affairs of Datong; otherwise, the Emperor has already turned against us and might really take their lives.

They know perfectly well which is more important, money or life...

"???"

Kao Chieh was once again speechless upon hearing this.

Misreading!

Although this young man is not old, he is actually a master of the ways of officialdom.
Third brother, how could you befriend such a cunning person and even lead troops to aid and abet evil? You'll surely bring shame upon yourself in the future, and you've completely disgraced the Gao family!

at the same time.

"!!!"

Zhang Yin and Zhang Daren were already as white as paper; it seemed that the father and son had become outsiders now.
"Minister Yan, since Governor Guan is not here, shouldn't we send someone to invite him over?"

It was that same Provincial Administration Commissioner again who tentatively asked the question.

The "Guan Fantai" he mentioned was naturally his superior, Guan Jieshan, the Provincial Governor.

Apart from the Prince of Jin, he was the only person of the highest rank in the entire Taiyuan Prefecture who did not condescend to go out of the city to welcome Yan Maoqing.

"Do you think that by relying solely on Zhang Yin and his son, without even a decent official investigating, I can go back and report, quell the Emperor's anger, and turn the page on this matter?"

Yan Maoqing glanced sideways and asked in return,
"Since we can't be of one mind and one heart, you should come out with me!"

This is the true meaning of "capture the king first, then the thief"!
One was the "old manager" of the White Lotus Sect, and the other was a high-ranking official who served as the head of two of the three departments in a province.

Yan Maoqing had only been in the city for less than half an hour when he had turned the two of them into isolated and helpless commanders. What efficiency!
"Minister Yan, please calm down. I was just asking casually. I'll leave it to you to decide!"

The councilor quickly shrank back like a turtle, afraid that if he displeased Yan Maoqing, he would be kicked out of the government office along with Zhang Daren.

Got it!

Zhang Yin and Zhang Daren felt a chill run down their spines again.

Not only those two, but even Guan Jieshan, a high-ranking official in charge of a region, has now become an outsider in Taiyuan Prefecture...

But then Yan Maoqing let out another cold laugh:
"Too late! I already remembered you, but you still didn't know what was good for you. Since you've chosen your own death, don't blame me."

"Guards, expel these two White Lotus Sect traitors from the government office. If you see them again, kill them without asking for permission!"

The political advisor was so frightened that he turned ashen-faced and immediately knelt down, begging for mercy.
"Minister Yan, I was too talkative. I know I was wrong. Please give me another chance!"

However, Yan Maoqing's personal guards didn't care about any of this. Several of them immediately stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Daren and the councilor, and dragged them away.

Throughout this process, not a single official, powerful figure, or merchant dared to plead for him.

This demonstrates just how successful Yan Maoqing's obedience test was.

It was only because Shen Kun and Gao Gong were on duty outside the government office at that moment that they would have immediately recalled what had happened in front of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices not long ago.

Is Yan Maoqing a devout believer?
He simply wanted to divide and conquer these people, let them implicate each other to obtain sufficient evidence, and ensure that no thief escaped or an innocent person was wronged.

Then, they also want to avoid unnecessary risks and casualties. Even if confrontation is unavoidable, they try their best to reduce the intensity of the confrontation!

Although he was not stingy with killing, he was not a bloodthirsty person.

After all, these officials, powerful figures, and merchants wouldn't personally fight in the conflict; the first to suffer casualties would always be the ordinary soldiers and civilians who had no choice in the matter...

"Anyone else who wants to leave? Feel free to do so."

Yan Maoqing turned back to look at everyone, and after waiting for a while and seeing no one respond, he grinned again.

"Since there isn't any, you should send your still-breathing servants and sedan chair bearers back to the manor with a message."

"Reassure your family as soon as possible and warn them not to act rashly no matter what happens in the coming days."

"Otherwise, if your family members cause trouble along with the White Lotus traitors and implicate you, don't blame me for not helping you."

With things having progressed to this point, Yan Maoqing had completed all the groundwork laid in his plan.

The next step is simply to deal with whatever comes our way.

As for Zhang Yin, who had been shot, Yan Maoqing knew he would still be of great use if spared. He then gave Yan Shifan a meaningful look.

"Take this person away and keep him under strict guard."

(End of this chapter)