Traveling to Ancient Times: My Space Contains Weapons

Chapter 429 Encountering Mountain Bandits on Feng'an Mountain

It would have been better if Zheng Wenkai hadn't said anything, but since he said that even His Majesty wanted to ask for it.

So I guess I'm just going through the motions, and in the end I'll still have to present it to His Majesty. But in this way, I can say that I've used Chu Chen's things to gain some goodwill in front of His Majesty.

Chu Chen knew exactly what Zheng Wenkai meant, so while the two were talking, he pulled Fang Yun to the front of the car.

Pointing to another case of wine in the car, he said, "Since I've promoted you from a soldier to a county magistrate, it means I'm giving you full responsibility. When Lord Yi leaves later, you can give this to him in your own name."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yun immediately knelt before Chu Chen: "Fang Yun thanks you for your guidance, young master."

Without another word, he picked up the wine and left.

Chu Chen thought to himself that with this in mind, Yi Zhengde's matter was settled.

Before construction begins, there is one more thing I need to deal with: the bandits on Feng'an Mountain.

The coal reserves in Feng'an County are astonishing. Although it is being mined in the name of the royal family, one cannot operate alone.

Fang Yun is one of our own people, planted in Feng'an County, but one person is far from enough.

Therefore, Chu Chen's first thought was of the bandits who had robbed them that night.

If we raise these people ourselves, perhaps one day they will come in handy in Feng'an County.

So, to find these bandits, there's one more person we can use: that opportunistic old official.

After exchanging pleasantries with Yi Zhengde, Zheng Wenkai entered the yamen (government office) to investigate the basic situation of Feng'an County and prepare a construction plan.

Chu Chen had no interest in this, so he had Fang Yun call the old official and his junior officer to his room.

"Alright, Magistrate Fang, you may leave now. I have something to say to them."

"My lord, Fang Yun takes his leave!"

Fang Yun tactfully left, then closed the door behind him.

Chu Chen looked at the two kneeling on the ground and said, "Get up! Tell me, what are your names?"

The old and young officials were both bewildered and frightened. The old magistrate had been beheaded, and according to Yi Zhengde, those of them who had participated should be investigated.

So being summoned by this seemingly young but incredibly powerful person, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.

So the old constable quickly kowtowed and said, "Your Honor, I am Chang Jibo, and this is my distant nephew, Chang Lu. I have met Your Honor. If I have done anything wrong, please forgive me."

Chu Chen had just taken a sip of tea when he heard them announce their names, and he immediately spat it out.

Damn, this family is full of talented people. I wonder if they live up to their names.

He paused for a moment, then suppressed a laugh and said, "Alright, no need to be nervous. Now, do you know any of the bandits in Feng'an Mountain?"

"Ah, sir, sir, you are wise! We are just lowly soldiers, how could we dare to associate with bandits?"

"Oh, if that's the case, then it's nothing. It seems this good thing will be someone else's turn."

Chu Chen smiled leisurely after hearing this and shook his head.

Good news? Could it be that the official in front of me is asking me to atone for my crimes? You know, I not only know the bandits in the mountains, but they also follow the former magistrate and often drink with him.

This is an opportunity, but it could also lead to utter ruin. Should we take the gamble?

Chang Jibo hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Sir, those bandits... I did go there a few times before with the old magistrate..."

"Oh, that makes things easier. Come on, take me to them."

After saying that, Chu Chen stood up and walked towards the door.

Seeing that Chu Chen neither blamed nor punished him, but simply asked him to lead the way, Chang Jibo tugged at Chang Lu, quickly stood up, and followed behind Chu Chen as they walked outside.

Soon after, Chang Jibo sat in the passenger seat, pointing out the way while experiencing the wonder of this object.

But more than anything, I was unsure of what this man was up to.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally mustered up his courage and asked, "Sir, my brother and I, the Chang family uncle and nephew, are committed to following you for life. We are going there because..."

"You don't need to pledge your loyalty. You're all capable, so don't worry about being punished. Just do your job well for me."

"My purpose in going there is to suppress bandits, so once we arrive, you must leave immediately!"

"Ah, bandit suppression, sir, should we have Lord Yi send..."

Before she could finish speaking, she felt Chu Chen's sharp gaze and immediately stopped talking.

"Don't worry, sir. Your martial arts are superb. How could mere bandits be a match for you? Rest assured, we were just accompanying you on a stroll this time!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen turned to him and smiled, "Hmm, not bad, only smart people live long!"

About half an hour later, the car reached a dead end, so Chu Chen stopped the car and followed Chang Jibo and Chang Lu up the mountain on foot.

After walking for about half an hour, Chang Jibo pointed to the mountain gate that was faintly visible in the distance: "Sir, the bandits' lair is over there, we..."

"Alright, you guys can go now. Wait for me by the car!"

After saying that, Chu Chen flashed away and sped towards the mountain gate.

Seeing this, Chang Jibo immediately pulled Chang Lu aside: "Come on, remember, if you want to live, you didn't see anything today, understand?"

"Uncle, I understand, I will keep it a secret!"

After saying that, the two of them took off running down the mountain, wishing their parents had given them more legs.

On the western mountaintop of Feng'an Mountain, there is a wooden village.

In the center of the hall, several people were discussing something.

"Boss, I'm afraid the whole of Feng'an County is about to change. I urge you to make preparations as soon as possible!"

"Eighth Sister, tell me, who exactly did you offend?"

After listening, the leading man turned to the plump woman sitting at the very end and asked her a question.

"Boss, this man is no ordinary person. He's probably an official from the capital. According to the news from the brothers, Luo Suo and his son were killed and their home was ransacked. Even the Lord of Yicheng is very respectful to this man."

The leader frowned deeply after hearing this, and his heart skipped a beat.

The reason why my group has been able to live peacefully in Feng'an County for so many years is entirely due to Luo Suo's protection.

At this point, they had offended a powerful figure. If the imperial court was determined to suppress the bandits, their annihilation was only a matter of time.

"In that case, brothers, it seems we can no longer stay in Feng'an County. Let's prepare to leave!"

After saying that, he stood up and prepared to make arrangements for the retreat.

Just then, a voice came from outside: "What's wrong? You've messed with me, so you're chickening out and trying to run away!"

No sooner had the words been spoken than a young figure appeared in the very center of the hall!

The head of the gang looked up, puzzled, when the plump woman immediately stood up and knelt down before Chu Chen: "My lord, everything that happened that day was my fault alone. Please forgive the others!"

Chu Chen looked at the woman kneeling on the ground with a smile: "Haha, it would have been so much better if you had been this smart earlier."