And just like that, Zhang Fangtian and the others were escorted out of Suyu City!
Meanwhile, Master Hu thought the matter had been settled and that Song Yaoyao and the others should be leaving.
But after waiting for ages, he saw no sign that they intended to leave. Master Hu asked cautiously:
"My lord, Zhang Fangtian and the others have all been paid their wages in full."
"I know."
Seeing Master Hu's expression, Song Yaoyao knew what he was thinking and said:
"Wondering why we haven't left yet?"
Master Hu nodded.
"We've just settled the matter of Zhang Fangtian and the others' wages.
"Next, we need to settle the matter of your brazen attempt to bribe me."
Master Hu's expression changed instantly. How could he have forgotten about that?
Looking at Song Yaoyao's smile, which never reached her eyes, Master Hu had a bad feeling.
The official before him was absolutely ruthless. This would never be over so easily.
Master Hu stammered:
"M-my lord..."
"Master Hu, in our Heavenly Phoenix Kingdom, bribing an official is punishable not only by a fine and a beating, but also by Tattoing Punishment on the offender's face."
(Tattoing Punishment: characters are tattooed onto an offender's face or another part of their body, then coated with ink or pigment to leave a permanent mark.)
Master Hu dropped to his knees in terror and kowtowed repeatedly:
"My lord, I know I was wrong! I'll never dare do it again.
"My lord, please spare me!"
Master Hu knew that if he received Tattoing Punishment, both he and the entire Hu Family would be finished!
What Song Yaoyao had not mentioned was that giving or taking bribes did indeed warrant Tattoing Punishment, but only when enormous sums were involved.
A hundred taels of silver was not a large