Cloud Ping County.
In the east, in an area filled with nobility, there was a luxurious residence that occupied a few acres of land. It had green tiles and white walls, and there were many pavilions and pavilions.
In front of the residence was a red door. Two stone lions were squatting at the door, baring their fangs and brandishing their claws. There was also a signboard with the words' Zhou Residence 'written in gold.
At this moment, the main door was not open. A few people in green robes and hats were sitting on long benches, yawning lazily. The side door was open for people to enter and exit.
This was the residence of the Zhou Family in the county!
According to the rules of the Zhou Dynasty, only the family of the County Lord or the Fifth Rank Bright Hall had the right to be called a 'residence'!
Although the Zhou Family was powerful, their influence did not extend beyond one county. Hence, it was suitable to be called a residence.
Although the Zhou Dynasty had fallen and the rules of etiquette were broken, some rules were still strictly followed, especially in the county and prefectural residences.
At this moment, in the study room, there were two people playing chess.
One of them had a simple and unsophisticated face. He had a long beard and wore a scholar's headscarf. He had the aura of a scholar, but his eyes were dark and warm. They were unfathomable. This was the current head of the Zhou Family, Zhou Tong 'an.
In front of him was a young man that was warm like jade, and he held a white piece in his hand, and he was playing with concentration.
Soon, the young man's forehead started to sweat. A dragon had been killed. He could not help but say, "Father, your chess skills are profound. I am ashamed!"
This person was Zhou Tong 'an's son, Zhou Binglin. When he was young, he was quick-witted and could compose poems in seven steps. He was known as a' child prodigy 'and was quite famous.
When Zhou Tong 'an saw this, he sighed.
Although the head of a large family had power, it was not easy to be one. Although he had helped his son spread his name and trained him, it seemed like he only had a layer of skin and flesh.
Of course, in a peaceful world, this layer of skin and flesh would be enough, but not now.
He then asked, "The festive season is approaching. Have all the officials in the county prepared their gifts?"
"It has been prepared. According to father's instructions, it is 50% thicker than usual!"
Zhou Binglin said respectfully, "Also … Second Uncle has sent 1,000 taels of silver. Martial Master Song is personally escorting it!"
"Alright!"
Zhou Tongan nodded. "Your Second Uncle is an official in a foreign land. He has to take care of things from top to bottom … He is the future hope of our Zhou family. He can protect our family business for another forty years. We must not neglect him …"
He was talking about Zhou Tong 'an's second brother, Zhou Tongren.
This person had been a Juren for a long time. Although he did not pass the Jinshi examination, he had made up for his official position and was now an eighth-ranked County Magistrate.
The Deputy Magistrate was the assistant of the County Magistrate. He did not usually manage the affairs of the county, but the County Magistrate had to give him some face. Above him was the seventh-rank County Magistrate, Marquis Baili.
However, it was not in Yunping County.
This was easy to understand. The Zhou Family was already powerful. If there was an eighth-rank district magistrate or even a district leader, wouldn't the entire Yun Ping County have the surname Zhou?
It was the instinct of those in a superior position.
Now that the Zhou system was corrupt, it was still within the same county, which was not too far away. If it was before, it might not even be within the same prefecture.
"My son is awake!"
Zhou Binglin acknowledged respectfully, and then said, "Also, regarding the Wu family … have you suppressed them too much? It doesn't seem to be worth it to ruin our relationship with the Dao Academy … In terms of reputation … "
"Hmph!"
Zhou Tong 'an snorted coldly, causing Zhou Binglin to tremble. "I'm afraid it's more than that, right? I know that you've always been interested in Wu Qing … It's inevitable that you'll extend your love to her … "
In this world, the law was very strict. A son could not disobey his father. Otherwise, he would be despised by the world and face imminent disaster. Zhou Binglin broke out in cold sweat and apologized. "I wouldn't dare!"
"It's good that you really think so …"
Zhou Tong 'an said coldly. "Suppressing the Wu family is not only the only way for us to establish a relationship with that family in the county. Moreover … Wu Qing is not someone you are qualified to enjoy. Do you understand? … She's been taken by someone important! "
A beautiful figure appeared in Zhou Binglin's mind. His heart ached, but he did not dare to show it. He said, "I understand!"
Regardless of what he thought, Zhou Tong 'an was very satisfied with this response. His expression turned gentle. "I've already made arrangements. As long as we take down that kid, Wu Ming, there will be people in the Dao Academy who will make things difficult for us … We'll attack from both sides, and then …"
Suddenly, a rush of footsteps interrupted Zhou Tong 'an's words.
He frowned. Zhou Binglin's heart trembled. He knew that this was a sign that his father was extremely angry. He bowed even more submissively and did not dare to make a sound.
"Master, I have something to report!"
"Come in!" Hearing the voice outside, Zhou Tong 'an suppressed his anger. He knew that the servants knew his temperament and would not dare to disturb him unless it was urgent.
"Reporting to Master!"
A sinister-looking middle-aged man dressed in black entered. He bowed to Zhou Tong 'an. "Deacon Yu and Foreign Dignitary Qing Ping have not been in contact for a day and a night. According to the information, a demonic person was found in Green Stone Village. He calls himself Qing Ping and manipulates corpses to cultivate evil techniques. He has been beaten to death and buried in a cesspit. His corpse has been turned to ashes!"
"What?"
This earth-shattering news made Zhou Tong 'an speechless. The black and white pieces on the chessboard fell to the ground.
"Taoist Qing Ping …"
Zhou Binglin was also in a trance. He remembered that the Taoist wore a bamboo crown and a feathered robe. Even his father respected him. How could he die like this?
How could he end up in such a miserable state?
"… How did Taoist Qing Ping die? Can you reverse the verdict? "
After Zhou Tongan breathed heavily, he asked coldly.
"Before this, Taoist Qing Ping had already made arrangements to capture the son of the Wu family. It should have been a fight and he was killed! As for reversing the verdict … "
The man in black said awkwardly, "There are villagers in the village as witnesses. There are also Bronze Corpses and Iron Corpses. Some of them were stolen in the county and have criminal records … There are real witnesses and material evidence. The evidence is irrefutable. It will be very difficult!"
Hearing this, Zhou Tong 'an's face was as black as the bottom of a pot. "What about Deacon Yu? Where is he? "
"Deacon Yu is missing. It is suspected that he has fallen into the hands of the Wu family!"
The man in black braced himself and said. He saw that Zhou Tong 'an did not make a raging Thunder. Instead, his expression became gloomy.
After a long time, Zhou Tong 'an sneered. "Good! Good! Good! I didn't expect there to be an expert in the Wu family! "
He immediately ordered, "Go and take back all the benefits given to Taoist Qing Ping. Also … create evidence that Yu Cheng embezzled the family's wealth and was chased out a long time ago. Do you understand?"
Zhou Binglin listened in a daze. He looked at the man in black who bowed and left. He felt a chill in his heart.
Once something happened, it was normal to distance oneself from it.
After all, the Wu family was also a big family in the county. They could not use some methods to deal with the commoners. Once they went to court, they would be in a passive position. It was human nature to sacrifice the rook to save the king.
However, knowing it was one thing and doing it was another.
Although the descendants of Yu Cheng and Qing Ping could be taken care of in secret if they knew the truth, wouldn't the tea turn cold when they left? They would probably not have a good ending.
His way of doing things was truly frightening!
…
At the same time, in the Wu family's fort.
Wu Ming was wearing a fox fur coat and a silver crown on his head. He looked as handsome as jade. There was a good incense burner in the house and the air was clear. It was like a fairyland.
According to the Zhou Dynasty's rules, men had to wear a crown at the age of fifteen. Nobles and officials of the third rank and above wore jade crowns. Nobles and officials of the fifth rank wore gold crowns and silver crowns. As for commoners, they could only wear wooden or bamboo crowns.
At this time, Feng Han said, "The Zhou family has lived in Yunping for a long time. Zhou Yong followed General Wu Qi to quell the rebellion in Shu. He spent half his life in the military and received a fief. The Zhou family rose to prominence and had several generations of High Scholars. Now, they have more than 5,400 mu of land. They have more than a thousand people and many servants. Currently, the highest official rank is Zhou Tong 'an's younger brother, Zhou Tong' an. He is the Green Wood County Magistrate. In Yunping County, the person closest to the Zhou family is Registrar Hu. He was able to become the county registrar because of the Zhou family's efforts. Therefore, they treat him as a benefactor … In addition, the Zhou family also sent servants to secretly help a few families to do business.
Wu Ming nodded his head from time to time. Feng Han had put in a lot of effort.
In a short period of time, he had found out about the Zhou family's strength. This made Wu Ming feel like he was looking at a giant that had taken root in Yunping County.
"Also … there is a registrar. This is going to be difficult!"
A cold light flashed in Wu Ming's eyes.
Dazhou had a county system. In a county, there was a county magistrate who was rank seven and held great power. Under him, there was a rank eight County Deputy and County Lieutenant. The County Deputy usually did not do anything, but the County Lieutenant could control the troops.
And under this core, there are the Officials, Households, Punishments, Works, and so on. For example, the Six Ministries, where the Merit Officials are all of the ninth rank.
In addition, there was a rank nine Chief Patrol Officer who was in charge of the bandits. There was also a registrar who was in charge of the documents of the various departments. He communicated with the higher-ups and organized confidential information.
However, the registrar held great power and was almost like the Prime Minister. If his rank was higher, he could even make the county magistrate a mere figurehead. Hence, he was only a rank nine.
In addition to these official positions, there were the various household officials, warehouse officials, bailiffs, village patrol inspectors, and even more helpers who couldn't even enter the official register.
Although the county government was small, it had all the essentials. It was like a small hub.
At this moment, Wu Ming compared the Wu family and the Zhou family. They were both wealthy families in the county. On the surface, they treated everyone equally. However, they could not do anything to the commoners that could destroy their families.
However, when it came to relationships, the Wu family was much weaker.
Although there were gifts for the four seasons, such as ice and charcoal, that was all. Compared to the Zhou family who supported the registrar to get the position, it was a little shallow.
At least, Wu Ming was sure that if it came to court, the county magistrate would treat everyone equally. However, the registrar would be on the side of the Zhou family.
When that time came, even if he had solid evidence, there would be some suspense.
"Not to mention … in the worst-case scenario, the Zhou family could use their connections in the county to suppress the county magistrate … There is no way they can win!"
Hence, Wu Ming did not plan to settle this matter in court.
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