"Did he really say that?"
"Where would your subordinate dare to fabricate such a thing? He really said it himself, not a single word out of place."
After hearing Cui Hao's words, Liao Wenxing's expression also turned grim.
"My lord, those people are now in Han Mo's hands. What do you think we should do now?"
At this point, the matter had gone beyond the scope that a mere county magistrate like Cui Hao could resolve.
The incident that night had been so significant. Yue Fei and his companions had turned the entire prison upside down. They had left in the end, but the remaining prisoners were not to be trifled with.
For nearly two hours, the entire dungeon was left unguarded.
In total, thirteen death row inmates had escaped.
Moreover, nearly half of these were people they had jointly framed.
If even one or two of these individuals were to lose their minds and cause trouble in Daming Prefecture or Bianliang City, both of them would be in serious trouble.
"It's all your fault! What are we going to do now!"
Looking at the awkward Cui Hao, Liao Wenxing scolded him angrily.
"I... your subordinate deserves to die, but my lord still needs to make a decision quickly on this matter, otherwise, the longer this drags on, the more troublesome it will become..."
Cui Hao was also frustrated. After all, a higher official could easily suppress a subordinate, and everyone knew that Liao Wenxing had obtained his position as magistrate through Wang Fu's connections.
"You ask me, who should I ask?"
Even though Cui Hao had adopted a humble demeanor, Liao Wenxing still wasn't prepared to show him any courtesy.
He had originally thought that Han Mo might help him smooth over this matter, considering they were both county magistrates and that Tangyin and Neihuang counties were neighboring prefectures.
However, he hadn't expected that this fellow would not only refuse to help but also appear to be in a position to extort him.
On one hand, Han Mo's actions in Bianliang City were extremely secretive. On the other hand, even if those who were schemed against suspected that this young man was behind it, they were unwilling to publicize the matter out of pride.
Furthermore, there were hundreds of miles between Tangyin and Bianliang City, making it difficult to ascertain Han Mo's background.
Therefore, he only knew that this young man was from the Han family of Xiangzhou, and was also the top scholar of the current imperial examination, known as the greatest talent of the Great Song Dynasty. Beyond that, he knew nothing else.
"My lord, someone at the door has delivered a calling card, requesting an audience with you!"
Just as Liao Wenxing was feeling extremely annoyed, a bailiff cautiously walked in, holding a name card.
"Didn't I tell you all? I am not seeing anyone today. Get out!"
This matter was of utmost importance. If it wasn't handled properly, let alone the official hat on his head, even his livelihood might be at stake.
At this moment, he had no intention of meeting irrelevant people.
"That person said he is from Bianliang..."
"Bianliang? Bring me the card!"
Upon hearing the word Bianliang, Liao Wenxing trembled all over and quickly spoke.
"Yes!"
The bailiff did not dare to delay and quickly handed over the card in his hand.
Liao Wenxing took it, opened the card, and a look of great joy spread across his face.
"Where is that person?"
"He is staying outside!"
"Quickly invite him! Take him to my study, and bring me those two cakes of Beiyuan Xianchun tea!"
"Yes!"
Seeing Liao Wenxing suddenly change like a different person, and even willing to bring out his prized tea to entertain a guest, Cui Hao became truly curious. Who was this visitor?
"My lord, who is this person?"
Cui Hao asked cautiously.
"Who? He is our savior!"
Liao Wenxing said, handing the calling card to Cui Hao.
"It's... it's Prime Minister Wang..."
Seeing the characters on the card, "Minister of the Right, concurrently Scholar of the Department of Merit, Wang Fu," Cui Hao's expression also became excited.
Although Liao Wenxing had climbed his way to his position through Wang Fu's connections, it was practically impossible for him to see Wang Fu on a regular basis.
After all, he was just an eighth-rank magistrate, a far cry from Wang Fu, who was a Grand Scholar of the court.
Now, with someone holding a calling card from the Prime Minister's mansion directly seeking him out, it clearly indicated that there was a task they were expected to undertake.
As long as they handled the matter well, or curried favor with this visitor, solving their current predicament would be as simple as Wang Fu saying a word.
"You know, this matter absolutely must not be disclosed. Also, you should go back now. This incident originated from you, and you understand what happens next, right?"
As Liao Wenxing said this, he gave Cui Hao a meaningful look.
Cui Hao trembled all over, but then quickly nodded in agreement.
He naturally understood that Liao Wenxing meant that all the expenses for handling this matter would have to be borne by him.
"My lord, rest assured, this subordinate will take full responsibility!"
Although it pained him, Cui Hao still wisely agreed. He had tried to steal a chicken but ended up losing the rice.
This incident had become so big, and if the Court of Judicial Review started investigating, Liao Wenxing would definitely shift all the blame onto him.
At that time, his considerable wealth would be spent anyway. Rather than losing both money and reputation, it was better to be proactive now, at least he could retain his official position.
"It's good that you understand. But rest assured, I have my own plans, and I won't let you suffer too much! As long as we can climb onto Prime Minister Wang's big tree, promotions and wealth will be just around the corner..."
Liao Wenxing was quite pleased with Cui Hao's compliance, but he also understood that they had been colluding for many years, and Cui Hao knew quite a few of his secrets. If he were pushed too hard, it wouldn't be good for him if things turned ugly.
So, before Cui Hao left, he once again painted a grand picture for him.
"Thank you, my lord, for your support. Rest assured, your subordinate understands!"
Even though he knew he was just drawing a picture, a glimmer of hope arose in Cui Hao's heart.
Meanwhile, both Yue Fei and Xu Qing were directly stunned by Han Mo's imposing demeanor.
Yue Fei had also imagined that the magistrate of Neihuang County would be an upright and incorruptible official, who could help them with a letter of certification.
This way, perhaps they would have a chance to clear their names.
However, he hadn't expected that this Lord Han would be so formidable!