Chapter 91: Abusing Power
Editor: Atlas Studios
They were initially so confident that they would succeed, and they even arranged for someone to take the lead in mortgaging their title deed. Who knew that someone would come out and cause trouble? Besides, the other party was even just a child.
Not only was Wu Shancai furious, but those squires also looked at Mu Yangling as if she was an enemy who had killed their father.
Wouldn’t cutting off someone’s source of income be equivalent to killing their father?
The Hus’ attack on the city this time was an unexpected event, but they had long planned to buy more fields and slaves. However, farmers held on to their fields as if they were precious treasures. Unless there was a major change, who would sell their land for no reason?
In the past, they could forcefully buy the land or acquire it through giving out high-interest loans, but ever since Qi Xiuyuan was stationed in Xingzhou Prefecture, they had to be careful.
Although it was said that military officials were not allowed to interfere in local government affairs, his father was an imperial censor whose duty was to impeach officials. As such, they really did not dare to offend him too much.
As for the local squires, although they looked down on Qi Xiuyuan, they could still tell which was the more powerful party since he had soldiers.
It wasn’t easy for them to have a chance to scheme against these bumpkins openly, but it was ruined by a child. They couldn’t help but hate her.
Ignoring their gazes, Mu Yangling returned to the general’s residence with Mu Shi.
“You’ve offended both Wu Shancai and the squires of Xingzhou Prefecture.” Fan Zijin’s teasing voice came from behind.
Mu Yangling turned around and saw Qi Haoran and Fan Zijin smiling at her.
Mu Shi hurriedly cupped his hands and bowed. “Greetings, young masters. My daughter has embarrassed herself in front of the two of you. I’m afraid we will implicate the residence because of this matter. We’ll move out later.”
“Do you think I’m afraid of them?” Qi Haoran waved his hand and said, “Uncle Mu, just stay here for as long as you want.”
He then looked at Mu Yangling in admiration. “Well said. Zijin also said that they’re colluding with each other. It’s a pity that my elder brother can’t interfere in local government affairs. Otherwise, he would certainly impeach him.”
Emperor Shizong imposed more restrictions on the actions of officials and advocated more tolerance for the people according to the rule of law. On the other hand, Emperor Gaozong believed that the collapse of the country was mostly started by unruly civilians and generals, so he imposed more restrictions on military officials and even transferred all the troops stationed at the border to prevent civil unrest.
If not for the decree previously set by Emperor Shizong that prevented him from easily changing the constitution, Emperor Gaozong would probably have reformed the law.
Therefore, the current situation in Great Zhou was very strange.
Among those casting covetous eyes upon Great Zhou, there was Great Jin in the north, West Xia and Tibet in the west, and Dali in the south. Given his weak personality, the Great Zhou Emperor would give in to outsiders if he could. If he could not fight, he would try his best not to. Even if he was forced to fight, he still wanted to restrain his generals and not offend the neighboring countries. At the same time, he had to prevent the generals leading the troops from becoming stronger.
As for the commoners, the Great Zhou Emperor could scrape from them as much as he could. This explained all the varied and strange taxes that appeared.
What Mu Yangling found most baffling was the degree to which Great Zhou practiced freedom of speech. The commoners would scold the corrupt officials and the king for being muddle-headed as they took out silver to pay taxes.
The emperor was scolded by the commoners all the way to the entrance of the palace, but he did not even dare to let out a fart. In fact, he even turned around and wanted to issue an edict for his sins.
The confrontation between the civil and military officials had reached an unprecedented height. It was common for the emperor to not allow military officials to interfere in local affairs. In order to avoid suspicion, the military officials had always turned a blind eye as much as possible. Naturally, Qi Xiuyuan had to avoid getting involved, too.
“But Mingshui County fell because the county magistrate escaped with his men. Are we going to let him off just like that?” If Qian Shu had not taken away more than half of the bailiffs, Mingshui County would not have been breached so quickly.
Qi Haoran snorted coldly. “Of course we can’t let this matter go just like that. My brother has already written a memorandum to impeach him. How long can that corrupt official hide for?” Seeing that the streets were filled with refugees, Qi Haoran protected them as he headed to the general’s residence. “Tough luck getting the grains from the disaster relief warehouse though. My brother said that since these squires and Wu Shancai are colluding with each other, it will be extremely difficult for you guys to get the grains from Wu Shancai.”
Qi Haoran looked around and lowered his voice. “With our West Camp guarding the prefectural capital, it’s impossible for you to riot and force him to submit.”
Mu Yangling’s face was filled with surprise. “Who said that we’re going to riot?” Mu Yangling didn’t mind squabbling and such, but to attack would be to rebel. It wasn’t as if she was tired of living.
Qi Haoran had an expression that said, “Don’t lie to me.” He said, “You were just short of using your fists just now. Aren’t you going to riot?”
Mu Yangling snorted and said, “I’m not going to attack. I’m not a fool to attack an official.”
The Mu family did not have any fields, so it was even more impossible for them to sell themselves as slaves. Two days ago, Shu Wanniang had suggested going south, and Mu Shi had agreed. Currently, they were just waiting to leave after the people in Nearhill Village settled down.
Now that Xingzhou Prefecture was designated as the border, in the future, there would definitely be more and more Hus going south to plunder resources on the enemy’s land. In the past, when there was only Shu Wanniang and Little Bowen, Mu Shi and Mu Yangling were capable of protecting them. But with the addition of the newborn twins, how could they protect so many people? It wasn’t as if they had three heads and six arms.
The best solution was to leave this place and go south to find a beautiful place to settle down.
Shu Wanniang did not have any ties here. Mu Shi only felt a sense of responsibility for Nearhill Village and his feelings for it were indifferent. Now, he was just waiting for the villagers to settle down on account of his parents.
Although Mu Yangling was reluctant, she understood her parents’ decision. Since they would not be living in Xingzhou Prefecture in the future, why would she be afraid of offending the squires here?
They were only powerful in this province and county, so there was no need to worry. Furthermore, they were staying in the Qi Residence, and the military and civil officials were not on good terms to begin with. Adding fuel to the fire was not a big deal.
Thinking of this, Mu Yangling looked at Qi Haoran sincerely and said, “Thank you.”
Qi Haoran was confused. “What are you thanking me for?”
“Thank you for letting me borrow your power.” Mu Yangling smiled and said, “If I’m not staying in the Qi Residence, I wouldn’t dare to argue with Magistrate Wu and those squires.”
Qi Haoran was stunned for a moment before he reacted. Then, he waved his hand and said, “No big deal. Go ahead and rely on our influence and see who dares to bully you.”
Fan Zijin wished he could step on him. What if Mu Yangling really took advantage of his power and went around bullying others?
Mu Yangling laughed and replied heartily, “Don’t worry, I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Seeing that she was in good spirits, Qi Haoran’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled her over to avoid Mu Shi and asked in a low voice, “Are your injuries healed now?”
“More or less. Why?”
Itching to spar, Qi Haoran stole a glance at Mu Shi before lowering his voice even more. “Let’s go to the drill ground to spar.”
Qi Haoran had long wanted to spar with Mu Yangling, but he had never found an opportunity. Though she was staying at his house, she had been injured all this while. He had been waiting for this opportunity.
Eager to see what the legendary ancient martial arts were like, Mu Yangling glanced at her father and saw that he was looking at the items in the stall with Fan Zijin. She nodded slightly.
Standing at the side, Mu Shi awkwardly took the drum from Fan Zijin’s hand and said, “Thank you, Mr. Fan. Our two children already have this. There’s no need for so much.”
Fan Zijin smiled faintly as he said, “They’re children. No harm keeping a few of these around. It’d be of use when they have younger siblings in the future.”
When Mu Shi heard this, he could only accept it. Fan Zijin glanced sideways at the two of them. Seeing that they had already finished their discussion, he no longer helped them attract Mu Shi’s attention.
When Mu Yangling returned, she changed into a set of light clothes and ran to the drill ground. Qi Haoran was already waiting there. Even Fan Zijin had changed into a martial arts uniform and was standing there.
Seeing Mu Yangling coming over, Qi Haoran revealed a big smile that was as bright as the sun in the sky, almost blinding her.