Yanggu County Yamen.
Captain Zhu Sheng, County Magistrate Zhao Mingcheng, the county assistant magistrate, the registrar, and the other officials were all gathered here, discussing major matters such as this year's tax revenues. Their conversation was most harmonious.
As though certain little cliques did not exist at all.
"My lord, a yamen runner seeks an audience outside. He says he has an urgent matter to report." The minor clerk waiting outside bowed as he stepped beside Zhao Mingcheng and whispered in his ear.
"Let him in."
Zhao Mingcheng nodded.
Understanding, the clerk went outside and led the yamen runner into the inner hall. It was also the runner's first time seeing so many officials. He hurriedly dropped to one knee.
"Greetings, my lords."
"What urgent matter do you have to report? Speak."
The yamen runner raised his head and glanced at them. He felt that there seemed to be a hint of a smile on Zhu Sheng's face, but since the county magistrate had spoken, he did not dare delay and immediately said,
"Deputy Commander Jiang of the West City Martial Camp has led over a hundred fully armed soldiers to surround the Cao Gang. They intend to wipe them out!"
"What?!"
Zhao Mingcheng sprang to his feet, his face full of shock. The county assistant magistrate and registrar around him also went pale, and all of them turned their gazes toward Zhu Sheng at once.
Zhao Mingcheng questioned in a grave voice,
"Captain Zhu, what is going on?"
Jiang Che, a mere deputy commander, had neither the authority to mobilize over a hundred soldiers nor the nerve to surround and destroy the Cao Gang. There could only be one possibility: Zhu Sheng had ordered all of this.
"Didn't he already say it? Deputy Commander Jiang is leading troops to