Shanxi had been plagued by bandits for a long time. When Ke Cheng first took office, he was filled with ambition, vowing to eradicate the bandits and bring peace back to the people of Shanxi.
However, the bandits in Shanxi were simply too numerous. The imperial court's attempts at clearing them out only served to scatter them, forcing them to understand the meaning of "when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold" and unite as one to resist the authorities.
The operation became increasingly difficult, like pulling a single thread that unravels the entire tapestry.
With no other options, Ke Cheng had to seek balance in other areas. After several years, he had at least managed to protect the common people. As for the merchants, as long as they were willing to pay a protection fee, the bandits would not go to extremes.
But starting last year, this balance was once again shattered. Cheng Beiyu had approached him several times, and the evidence he held confirmed that these bandits were selling weapons to foreign enemies. Even more terrifying was that a large portion of Shanxi officials were involved. This was no longer a matter that he, as a provincial governor, could resolve alone.
He wrote a secret memorial to the capital, but before he could receive a response, the silver ingots from the Silver Supervisory Office were robbed.
Although furious, he was secretly relieved. If they dared to lay hands on imperial property, the Emperor would naturally not tolerate their arrogance.
As expected, the Emperor ordered the Crown Prince to lead troops to suppress the bandits.
Ke Cheng's spirits soared. He immediately ordered his trusted subordinates to scout the bandit hideouts and even made simple strategic arrangements.
Who would have thought that the Crown Prince would not mention the bandit suppression at all, spending his days feasting and his nights reveling, then returning with a wagonload of copper ore and ingots extorted from mine owners and wealthy merchants.
Ke Cheng was utterly disappointed.
Fortunately, the Emperor, fearing further trouble, sent Prince Rui.
Although Prince Rui was a prince born of a concubine, his military achievements were undeniable. The Japanese pirates, in the end, were nothing more than a nest of bandits, and their situation bore some resemblance to the situation in Shanxi. Ke Cheng's confidence was thus rekindled. However, days had passed since Prince Rui arrived, and he had yet to see hide nor hair of him.
Today's event was even more absurd. Meng Changdong, a mere Silver Supervisory Secretary, had actually led troops to surround bandit lairs, and not just one or two, but three mountain strongholds.
Did they think these bandits were like gourds and vegetables in a field?
Facing the provincial governor's interrogation, Meng Changdong respectfully bowed to him: "Replying to Your Excellency, the governor, your humble subordinate was bored and brought the soldiers out for a stroll."
Ke Cheng was so enraged that his beard nearly bristled. He gritted his teeth and said, "A stroll? Who are you fooling? Meng Changdong, a mere Silver Supervisory Secretary, has privately mobilized troops. What crime have you committed?"
"Your Excellency, the governor, there are too many people here. May I suggest we speak elsewhere?"
Ke Cheng refused to give him face, stubbornly asking, "Where is Prince Rui? This official wishes to see him."
"Prince Rui is far away in Jinzhong. Your Excellency, the governor, may have to wait a little longer."
"Jinzhong, Chihuo Village. Has Prince Rui already made a move?"
Such a swift reaction. As expected of a second-rank provincial governor. Meng Changdong nodded: "Likely."
"Why was I not informed of such a major event?" Ke Cheng was both anxious and angry. If the snake is not killed completely, one invites disaster. If Prince Rui were assassinated, who else in Shanxi would dare to intervene? And this person before me... Ke Cheng paced back and forth for two rounds before managing to calm himself: "Now, immediately withdraw all your troops."
Why was this old man so angry?
Meng Changdong feared he might have an apoplectic fit, but he had to refuse nonetheless: "Your Excellency, the governor, holds a high position, but suppressing bandits is this subordinate's duty. Your Excellency need not worry about it."
"Such bold words! I was unaware that a Silver Supervisory Secretary could also mobilize troops to suppress bandits."
Meng Changdong was helpless and had to take out a golden plaque from his懷.
Ke Cheng initially thought it was Prince Rui's token, but upon closer inspection, he saw the four characters written on it: "As if the Emperor Himself is Present."
He looked at Meng Changdong in shock, his legs buckling as he was about to perform a kowtow, but Meng Changdong stopped him: "Your Excellency, there are many eyes and ears. Can we find a place to speak now?"
Jinzhong
Over five hundred prisoners were dragged into the yamen, bound in a long line. Cheng Beiyu, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, had his official hat askew. He looked at Situ Yan in disbelief: "That's it? It's over?"
Situ Yan raised an eyebrow: "What else? Should I have informed them beforehand?"
"Of course not, your humble subordinate merely feels... was it perhaps too easy?" If he hadn't known his subordinates well, he would have suspected them of being incompetent.
"They are merely a rabble. If three thousand men couldn't take them down, I would have retired long ago. Where is the prison? I wish to meet their leader."
Cheng Beiyu quickly said, "This way, Your Highness."
The leader of Chihuo Village was already dead; the survivors were the second-in-command and a few other minor leaders. Before Situ Yan could begin his interrogation, Cheng Beiyu stopped him: "Your Highness, you must be aware of the collusion between officials and bandits in this region. Chihuo Village must possess evidence implicating those officials. By bringing these people back to the yamen so ostentatiously, I fear those individuals may act against you."
Situ Yan smirked: "I've been waiting for them. Song Ming, hurry up. Changdong is waiting for us."