"My lord, you must not listen to these fellows' nonsense. When I returned home today, I ran into these people on the road. Without a word, they drew their weapons and tried to take my life. Are there any merchants like this in the world?"
Although Yue Fei sensed the situation was dire, he quickly tried to explain.
However, Cui Hao was clearly framing them and would not listen to their explanations now.
"Guards! Escort them all down. I will interrogate each of them in detail!"
Seeing the growing crowd of onlookers, Cui Hao sneered and waved his hand, signaling the bailiffs beside him to apprehend everyone.
"My lord, we are wronged, we are wronged!"
These innocent villagers naturally cried out in protest, but Cui Hao had already made up his mind. What good would their cries of injustice do now?
The minor disturbance was quickly suppressed. Even though Yue Fei's martial arts were first-class, he dared not resist when facing the constables of the yamen.
After everyone was locked in prison, Yue Fei had not even realized what had happened when Zhou Ding was escorted out by several bailiffs.
"You all go out first. I need to interrogate him alone!"
Although this was against the rules, Cui Hao was, after all, the county lieutenant of the county yamen. His bailiffs dared not argue with him.
"Tell me, old brother Zhou, what exactly is going on?"
After sending everyone away, Cui Hao lowered his voice and asked.
"Don't mention it, it's a long and complicated story!"
Even Zhou Ding hadn't expected that they would meet again in such a manner.
For a moment, he felt deeply ashamed. However, speaking of it, he felt fortunate to have met Cui Hao here today.
"Then, old brother, what are your plans from here on out?"
Seeing Zhou Ding's ashamed expression, Cui Hao didn't press further and changed the subject.
"I was careless for a moment, and my entire family was captured by that fellow surnamed Han. I am now ruined, what plans can I have..."
Zhou Ding's face was one of utter desolation as he spoke.
"These villagers are easy to deal with, but, elder brother, you know that the matter you've gotten involved in this time is quite serious. The arrest warrant from the Ministry of Punishment has already been issued, I'm afraid..."
"That fellow surnamed Han has wicked methods. I will not rest until I've dealt with him! Although he confiscated my property, I still have a villa in Neihuang County that is unknown to most people. In that villa, I have hidden ten thousand strings of cash. If Brother Cui can help me escape this disaster, I am willing to offer it all!"
Zhou Ding was a shrewd official. From his words, he naturally understood that this fellow wouldn't act without incentive.
However, at this point, he had no other choice. Compared to his life, ten thousand strings of cash was nothing.
"What are you saying, my brother? Am I the kind of person who forgets favors? Leave this matter to me. However, I am just a minor county lieutenant. Once we are outside Tangyin..."
Upon hearing about the ten thousand strings of cash, Cui Hao's expression immediately improved. However, he knew how serious Zhou Ding's situation was, so he was upfront about his conditions.
"Brother Cui, please rest assured. Once we leave the county yamen, the rest of the matter will have nothing to do with Brother Cui!"
"This matter, although simple to talk about, truly requires some effort to be done without a trace. For the next few days, Brother Zhou will have to bear with the inconvenience..."
After the pleasantries, Cui Hao coughed and continued.
"Brother Cui, do you have paper and brush? I will write down the location of the property, and then Brother Cui can send someone to claim it!"
Zhou Ding naturally understood that this fellow didn't quite trust him and wanted to get the money first before deciding whether to save him.
But at this point, he was a prisoner and had no room for negotiation. Whatever Cui Hao wanted to do, he could only accept his fate.
"Brother Zhou, what are you doing? Don't you trust me?"
Hearing Zhou Ding's words, Cui Hao was overjoyed, but he couldn't show it on his face.
"No, no, no, there are always expenses for official matters. Brother Cui is already doing me a great favor by saving me, and I understand that!"
"You understand official matters better than I do, Brother Zhou. If you say so, then I won't be polite?"
"It is my duty, it is my duty!"
At this point, Zhou Ding naturally played along with a smile.
After discussing the main business, Zhou Ding was sent back to the prison. However, as soon as he stepped into his cell, he was immediately taken to a solitary confinement room.
When dinnertime arrived, not only was he served a sumptuous meal, but he was also given a small pot of wine.
On the other hand, the villagers from Xiaoti Village, no matter how much they shouted, were completely ignored.
"You damnable corrupt officials, I ask you, who instigated this matter? Not only did you rob passing merchants, but you also brought them to the yamen as bandits to claim a reward. You have too much guts!"
It wasn't until late at night that Cui Hao swaggered to the prison cell of Yue Fei and the others.
"You damnable dog official, I think you're clearly trying to pocket our reward money! Have you ever seen a merchant whose calluses on their hands are thicker than copper coins?"
Before Yue Fei could speak, the hot-headed Xu Qing couldn't help but curse.
"You damnable peasants, I think you won't confess without torture. Guards! Bring on the torture!"
They were just honest and simple villagers. If it weren't for their numbers, Cui Hao would have wanted to silence them by now.
He had originally intended to scare these people tonight to make them keep quiet, and then the matter would be settled.
However, he hadn't expected that before he could finish speaking, this reckless Xu Qing would directly jump out.
"Yes!"
Upon hearing Cui Hao's command, several prison guards immediately rushed in, intending to drag Xu Qing out.
"Bang—"