Gang Leader of the Cao Gang

The welcome banquet for Zhu Sheng was held at Yanggu County's most famous establishment, the Gathering Immortals Tower. It was quite a grand affair. By all rights, Jiang Che, a deputy commander with an official title but no actual post, shouldn't have been seated at the head table.

Those who merited a seat at the head table were, at the very least, officials with Ninth Rank Martial Positions, like Liu Zhi and Gou Buren.

Thus, when Zhu Sheng introduced him with a hand on his shoulder, Jiang Che drew everyone's attention.

"To be so highly regarded by Captain Zhu, Deputy Commander Jiang must be exceptionally capable," Magistrate Zhao Mingcheng, dressed in scholarly robes with a gentle demeanor, praised with a smile.

"Your praise is too kind, Your Excellency. I dare not accept it," Jiang Che replied humbly.

The surrounding officials echoed Zhao Mingcheng's sentiments, offering their congratulations.

Liu Zhi stood by with a silent smile, but Gou Buren gave Jiang Che a deep look.

This was merely a minor interlude. The group soon moved past him, with Zhao Mingcheng personally introducing the identities and official positions of those present.

"This is Clerk Lu Guan."

"Assistant County Magistrate Yang Xian."

"North City Commander Song."

"Constable Chen from the Constabulary."

Everyone exchanged greetings. Zhu Sheng maintained a poker face as he mingled, showing no outward signs of his feelings. However, everyone present knew that Zhu Sheng was undoubtedly displeased.

The individuals Zhao Mingcheng introduced were clearly more aligned with him; a majority of them were from his faction. This was not just a welcome banquet, but also a display of his power to Zhu Sheng.

In terms of authority, Zhu Sheng and Zhao Mingcheng were roughly equal, one civil and one military. Given the current unstable times and widespread banditry, the County Lieutenant's powers had naturally increased.

However, their spheres of influence were not equal. Out of Yanggu County's four major districts, only the southwestern two districts and the County Garrison were managed by Zhu Sheng's men. The other half was Zhao Mingcheng's territory.

Even the Three Classes and Six Offices directly under the County Lieutenant were not under Zhu Sheng's control.

In terms of influence, he was significantly lacking.

During the banquet, everyone conversed amiably, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Magistrate Zhao Mingcheng, seated at the head, watched this scene with an inscrutable smile. Jiang Che had been observing everyone, and when his gaze met Zhao Mingcheng's.

He even smiled at Jiang Che.

Thump, thump.

Zhu Sheng picked up a silk cloth to wipe his mouth and tapped the table twice with his fingers. The boisterous crowd realized Zhu Sheng was likely about to speak and quieted down.

However, some people turned their attention to Zhao Mingcheng.

Zhu Sheng pretended not to notice, cleared his throat, and his smile gradually faded as he spoke indifferently:

"It is said that banditry has been rampant in Yanggu County in recent years, with frequent disasters, and the people live in dire straits. Originally, I, this official, did not believe it, thinking it was mere rumor.

However, just two days ago, my family was attacked and killed by bandits from Crouching Tiger Mountain. Commander Jiang then went to investigate on my behalf, and only then did I realize how rampant this banditry truly is.

Therefore, in front of all my colleagues, I, Zhu, will make a statement today.

During my term, I will surely eradicate all banditry in the county, bring those wicked individuals who prey on the people and harm their neighbors to justice, and restore a clear sky for the people of Yanggu County!"

No one expected Zhu Sheng, who had been chatting and laughing moments before, to suddenly change his tune and speak of the county's banditry, vowing to suppress it. Everyone exchanged glances and communicated with their eyes.

"Ahem..." Zhao Mingcheng covered his mouth and coughed lightly. He scanned the crowd and nodded:

"I have also heard about the incident where Captain Zhu's family was attacked. I am equally indignant. When did our Yanggu County become a playground for these bandits?

This is a disaster for the people, and even more so, a disgrace to us officials.

I deeply admire Captain Zhu's heartfelt words. However, Captain Zhu is new here and does not understand the actual situation. The bandits on Crouching Tiger Mountain are extremely arrogant and powerful.

They have been entrenched in our Yanggu County for so many years, yet they have never been eradicated; they are truly formidable.

The previous County Lieutenant was transferred away because he angered the bandits, leading to greater unrest and retaliation. I took over that mess and managed to stabilize the situation with great difficulty.

Acting rashly would be unwise. In my opinion, it is best to proceed cautiously and take things slowly."

Zhao Mingcheng's words immediately made everyone understand. While they outwardly supported Zhu Sheng, they were, in fact, opposing him. Subsequently, many officials at the table followed suit with their advice.

"Yes, Magistrate Zhao speaks wisely."

"Captain Zhu, please do not act impulsively, or you will truly harm the people."

"Yes, yes..."

Zhao Mingcheng, seeing Zhu Sheng's displeased expression, smiled and tried to smooth things over:

"Today is a welcome banquet for Captain Zhu. Let's not discuss official matters, hahaha."

Time slowly passed. Zhao Mingcheng, Zhu Sheng, and the Assistant County Magistrate excused themselves from the banquet, citing their inability to hold their liquor. However, after the three of them left, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more lively.

Constable Chen and Jiang Che got thoroughly drunk, arm in arm, as if they were about to become sworn brothers.

Creak.

The private room door was pushed open from the outside, and several men in brocade robes entered, all with smiles on their faces. They cupped their hands towards the crowd and said:

"What a coincidence, all you esteemed officials are here."

"Heh heh, please enjoy your meal and drinks. I have already made arrangements, and we will serve a few more jars of aged wine later."

"I heard today is a welcome banquet for Captain Zhu. Kou has come uninvited. Please bear with me. May I ask which one is Captain Zhu?" a middle-aged man in a blue robe among them asked with a smile.

Captain Chen waved his hand.

"Gang Leader Kou, you're a step too late. Captain Zhu and Magistrate Zhao have already left."

"I see."

The man known as Gang Leader Kou nodded. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face, and he was about to apologize and leave, but Captain Chen, who was quite drunk, stopped him.

"Although Captain Zhu has left, the commanders accompanying him are still here. Since you intended to see Captain Zhu, Gang Leader Kou, you should build a good relationship with these gentlemen."

"Hahaha, Captain Chen is right. It was my oversight." Gang Leader Kou chuckled.

"This is Commander Gou, currently serving as the South City Commander, and also a commander in our Yanggu County Garrison."

"This is Commander Liu, currently serving as the West City Commander."

"And this gentleman is even more remarkable, Deputy Commander Jiang Che. He's a favored subordinate of Captain Zhu," Captain Chen introduced them one by one.

The man surnamed Kou cupped his hands in greeting to each of them, his attitude amiable. He exchanged a few words with Liu and Gou. Initially, when he heard Jiang Che was just a deputy commander, he didn't pay much attention.

However, upon hearing that he was a favored subordinate of Captain Zhu, his attitude changed, and he became more cordial.

"May I ask who this Gang Leader Kou is?"

Jiang Che 'pretended' not to know him, his face showing confusion.

"This Gang Leader Kou is no ordinary person; he's one of the most prominent figures in our Yanggu County. Have you heard of the Cao Gang? Heh, this is the leader of the Cao Gang," Captain Chen enthusiastically introduced, clearly having an unusual relationship with Kou Yuansheng.