The county deputy unfolded the warrant, his expression growing more terrified the longer he looked.
He anxiously grabbed Lan Xi's arm, trying to persuade her, How about we wait for the county magistrate to return before searching?
It had been so peaceful these past few days; how could such a thing happen!
Lan Xi's gaze turned cold and sharp as she looked at the deputy. The prefect has ordered that Jia's mansion be searched immediately upon obtaining the evidence. Are you going to defy orders?
The blood instantly drained from the faces of the deputy and the master registrar. Their hearts pounded like rapid drumbeats, feeling as if they would leap out of their chests the very next second.
The master registrar pulled the deputy's hand down, shaking his head at him while explaining to Lan Xi, Of course not. It's just that this happened so suddenly, we haven't quite processed it yet.
The heavy doors of the Jia mansion were smashed open, and Lan Xi led her men straight to Jia Demao's room.
Box after box of silver was carried out, leaving the officials of Qingxia County with faces paler than cold iron.
The county yamen's treasury was tight. They knew about the hidden fields, but they never expected there to be this much silver.
Manager Lan, there is a total of one hundred and three thousand taels of silver. All thirty-two members of the Jia household have been captured; no one escaped.
Meanwhile, Song Qiming and his group had arrived at Yinma Town.
Lord Jia, why are there fewer and fewer commoners on this road? he asked Jia Demao, feigning confusion.
Jia Demao gave a knowing smile, well-prepared for the question.
Yinma Town is only separated from the Wumeng tribe's territory by a single mountain. The people rarely go out; they feel safer staying in their villages.
Song Qiming nodded slightly. Since we are here, I would like to see the border. Lead the way, Lord Jia.
Jia Demao looked nervously at his advisor. Seeing the man give a subtle nod, he took a deep breath and forced a smile onto his face.
Having too many yamen runners is too conspicuous. To avoid drawing the attention of the Wumeng people, it's best not to get too close.
Song Qiming nodded without saying a word.
Following Jia Demao's lead, Yao Ye clearly noticed that this was not the road leading to the hidden fields.
When they arrived and stood on a small hillside, the wasteland originally located at the foot of the mountain was completely blocked by the woods, making it impossible to see.
Song Qiming gazed across the valley toward the other side of the mountain. This place isn't far from the Wumeng territory. Does anyone come over often?
Jia Demao nodded and replied, On the first and fifteenth of every month, quite a few foreigners come to the towns and villages to buy things. However, the people on both sides look down on each other. Whenever a conflict arises, it puts me in a very difficult position.
Song Qiming glanced at him calmly, hiding the sarcasm in his eyes.
Calming conflicts by making the local people suffer the losses—how very difficult indeed.
Originally thinking they could head back after looking around, Song Qiming stubbornly dragged things out for nearly four hours, only suggesting they leave when the sun was about to set in the late afternoon.
After being on edge for so long with his mental focus pushed to the limit, the pot-bellied Jia Demao was not only sweating from exhaustion, but his mind had also begun to grow foggy.
The runners, having walked all day, were even more exhausted. Their legs were so weak they could barely stand, and they could only drag their feet at the back of the group.
If it weren't for Song Qiming and Jia Demao insisting on returning, they would have loved to just lie down on the ground and sleep.
Yao Ye turned his head and scanned the surroundings.
Everything was going according to plan. Now, it all depended on whether Manager Lan had succeeded on her end.
Approaching the city gates, Lan Xi, who had been waiting for a long time, saw the large group approaching and immediately waved the flag planted on the gate three times.
Song Qiming understood immediately upon seeing this. He turned to glance at Jia Demao, who was squinting sleepily.
In a split second, before anyone could react, Song Qiming leaped up from his horse like a dark shadow.
He grabbed Jia Demao by the collar, flew down from the saddle, threw the man to the ground, and forcefully bound his hands.
That instantly chased away any drowsiness.
Jia Demao stiffly turned his neck, looking at Song Qiming with eyes full of shock.
My Lord, what are you doing?
The runners panicked. Some tried to step forward, but suddenly, a group of guards rushed out from inside the city gates.
Song Qiming raised his fist and shouted loudly, Magistrate Jia Demao of Qingxia County has perverted the law for bribes, smuggled salt, and oppressed the people. I am arresting him according to the law. No one is to move!
For a moment, the runners who were about to draw their swords froze. While they hesitated, Lan Xi and her people had already run up to them.
