"Are you threatening us?" The middle-aged Jew looked as if he had heard an incredibly funny joke. "With the few men your Patrol Team has now? Even if you add those who have sided with you or are secretly under your control, how many people can you gather? Do you know how many men the Jewish Gang has? If necessary, we can even turn all thirty thousand Jews living here into our people. What gives you the right to threaten us?"
"The threat I mentioned doesn't come from us," Zhang Heng said. "I believe some of you have heard rumors recently. Our young Emperor has just returned from the battlefield and ascended the throne. He is eager to do something that will earn the people's praise and support. Holding gladiatorial games is only the first step. Next, he plans to turn his attention to public security. His Majesty has noticed the Southeast District's long-standing lawless state and expressed concern for the imperial citizens living here. Whatever you may think, in His Majesty's eyes, you are ultimately all subjects of the Empire. Besides, the situation here has indeed affected the surrounding areas. Otherwise, why do you think I joined the Patrol Team here?"
Zhang Heng paused before continuing, "My arrival is only the first step. If I fail to improve public security here, then a thousand Praetorian Guards will move in and take over security duties. When that happens, you'll be facing their spears and short swords. Are you sure you want to drive me away?"
The moment Zhang Heng's words left his mouth, an uproar broke out.
None of the large and small factions had expected the Praetorian Guard to be involved. Especially after hearing that the newly enthroned Emperor intended to make a move against the Southeast District, everyone's