Chapter 147

"One hundred taels!"

Xie Jin blurted out, "That's daylight robbery!"

"It's a deal if you agree to it. If you won't, forget it. If you accept, write an IOU."

Xie Jin laughed in anger. "You want an IOU too?"

"Of course. What if you deny it later? This County Office does everything by the law," the man said smugly.

"What a fine way to uphold the law." Xie Jin was so furious he laughed.

"I want to see your County Magistrate. Let's see if he says the same thing."

When Xie Jin tried to go inside, the man blocked him with a scowl. "You think you can see the magistrate whenever you like? Stop right there..."

The man grabbed Xie Jin's shoulder. As a martial artist, Xie Jin was acutely sensitive to physical contact. His Internal Force surged on instinct, and he caught the man's arm in a backhand grip.

"Ow, ow, ow! This is rebellion! Arrest him!"

At his shout, several Yamen Guards who had been slacking off and dozing gathered around. Uncle Gao's face changed with alarm, but Xie Jin remained calm. His leg had yet to heal, but he could beat this sorry lot even if he fought on one leg.

Since the man had called him a rebel, he might as well "rebel." He would seize the County Magistrate and force the prefect to come out. Then they would see whether he or this County Office was the one in rebellion.

At that thought, only a cold gleam remained in Xie Jin's eyes.

Just as a fight was about to break out, a woman's voice cut in urgently.

"Young master, please let go! There's no need for anyone to fight."

A well-dressed woman of about thirty, with a full figure, hurried out and stepped between them.