Chapter 2098: Attempted Hijacking
When Shao Yunduan rejected him, Constable Li sneered. “Before I arrived, Lord Liu instructed us to reclaim at least half of the silver and grains owed by Anze Province. Lord Shao, you have no grounds to refuse. If you’re unwilling, we’ll remain in Anze Province until you ply.”
“Why not take your dispute to Lord Liu in the provincial capital?”
Constable Li’s expression remained haughty, indicating his allegiance solely to Lord Liu. Any other argument was futile.
The people of Anze Province simmered with anger!
Though dispatched by the Prefect, they showed unexpected kindness.
Shao Yunduan refused to yield. “Feel free to stay. Acmodations and basic sustenance will be provided at the inn. Anything beyond that, you’ll have to cover yourselves and stay as long as you wish.”
Jia Heming grasped Shao Yunduan’s intention and assured, “Worry not, Lord. I’ll ensure our guests are well looked after.”
After all, the inn in Anze City had its limitations. But it would suffice, and he’d manage.
There was ample supply of steamed buns, meat, and vegetables for three meals a day. Whether they found it delectable was their concern. Wine? Absolutely not!
Shao Yunduan had no intention of visiting the province.
In this tumultuous era, Grandmaster Miao wasn’t the sole practitioner of caution and self-preservation.
Prefect Liu’s demeanor was so abrasive and irrational that even if Shao Yunduan attempted to reason with him, it would likely be futile. Thus, he saw no reason to engage.
Constable Li seethed with anger, on the verge of erupting.
Yet, he hesitated to act rashly. He had learned his lesson from their last encounter. The constables of Anze Prefecture matched his skills, and the bailiffs were formidable opponents.
Engaging in conflict would yield no advantage, even with a force of 300 at his disposal.
Reluctantly, Constable Li and his entourage took up residence in the inn.
Jia Heming’s hospitality irked them, but they dared not voice their discontent.
After two days, Constable Li found staying any longer untenable.
With no alternative, he sought out Shao Yunduan once more. Meeting with no success, he appealed to Shao Yunduan to escort them out of the city.
“Lord Shao, by escorting us out, you demonstrate goodwill towards the Prefect…”
Constable Li insinuated that saving face was mutually beneficial. If Shao Yunduan extended this courtesy, it would reflect positively on the Prefect. Failure to do so would damage the Prefect’s reputation among other County Magistrates.
At that juncture, deteriorating relations between the Prefect and Lord seemed inevitable. The Lord, undoubtedly, wished to avoid such a scenario…
He harbored no fear, yet Constable Li’s presence in Anze City with 300 men was undesirable. Since the Constable expressed willingness to depart, providing him with a means to do so seemed prudent. After pondering briefly, Shao Yunduan acquiesced.
Swift resolution was paramount.
Unexpectedly, Constable Li instigated a confrontation outside the city gates, attempting to forcibly remove Shao Yunduan!
Had he not underestimated Ah-Ye, who stood by Shao Yunduan, he might have succeeded!
Ah-Ye swiftly countered Constable Li’s sudden assault. As Constable Li’s 300 men joined the fray, Shao Yunduan managed to evade and regroup.
In mere moments, Shao Yunduan rallied guards to his defense. The fifty men tasked with his escort appeared unyielding in the face of adversity.
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