This County Chief Official of his truly existed in name only now.
Because the entire county seat had already been brought under the outsiders' control.
Besides using threats and intimidation to force some people into submission, they had also recruited a bunch of idle locals—thugs, people who did not hold proper jobs and resented the current situation—and tempted others with benefits. After bringing these people under control, they implanted chips in them through technological means, thereby achieving complete control.
"They actually let you go? You're the County Lord. Wouldn't controlling you make it easier for them to control the people under you?"
At my question, Ma Tao gave a bitter smile. "They wanted to control me, but I refused and threatened to kill myself. They aren't afraid of me dying, but they don't want my death to stir up hatred toward them among some people. After all, I still have some influence in the county, and the Ma Family is a large clan. One misstep could bring them a great deal of trouble. That's why they allowed me to return home, but they forbade me from interfering in outside matters, and they won't come here to cause me trouble. Still, I know this is only temporary. Once they have complete control of the county seat, I'll be dispensable. By then, our entire Ma Family... Heh..."
He said nothing more, merely giving a hollow chuckle that sounded rather bleak.
I understood what he meant. Once those people controlled the whole county seat, the Ma Family would likely be finished. Most of its members might even become the other side's followers.
That was entirely possible. If chips were implanted in them, their memories could be erased completely and even replaced with new ones. Those implanted with chips could only obey their commands.