Han Mo's two lightly worded official documents had cornered them. Now, they either had to die or bow their heads.
But what was the consequence of bowing their heads, and how could it be better than death?
"My lord, this matter was indeed due to our lack of foresight. However, it's not something that can be done in a day or two to convert so much wealth into small coins. We implore you to give us some time!"
Having been pushed into a corner with no room to retreat, Zhang Huai took a deep breath and quickly said.
"That sounds more like a human talking. However, you aren't planning to drag this out for a year or a half, are you? This official doesn't have that much time to slowly fiddle with you."
"How about we set the deadline at half a month?"
"Three days! You only have three days! And today, I want to see thirty thousand guan in copper coins and fifty thousand shi of grain!"
Seeing Zhang Huai's shifty eyes, Han Mo understood what this fellow was plotting. However, at this moment, he couldn't afford to worry about that.
With these thirty thousand guan in copper coins and fifty thousand shi of grain, he could temporarily resolve the immediate crisis.
As for the remaining matters, he could only take it one step at a time.
"By sunset, these items will surely be delivered to the treasury!"
"Good. If they are not delivered by sunset, then you two prepare to depart first thing tomorrow morning!"
Hearing Han Mo's casually spoken words, both Zhang Huai and Zhou Ding were filled with rage.
This was blatant blackmail. However, they had no choice but to bow their heads under the circumstances.
"My lord, if you pressure them like this, they might just lash out in desperation!"
Even Wu Jie knew that this was no small sum. If they were to fill all their deficits, these people would be severely crippled.
"I only fear they won't!"
Han Mo also let out a wry smile. Was this not the only option available?
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Wu Jie was taken aback. However, he soon understood Han Mo's plan.
If things were to proceed through normal channels, even though the soldiers stationed in Neihuang County were starving, he, as the county magistrate, could not directly open the treasury to distribute pay and provisions.
Military provisions were uniformly allocated by the central treasury.
Without the transfer commissioner's document, even if people were starving to death, he couldn't move a single cent from the treasury!
Although this system was indeed rigid, a system was a system. If Han Mo dared to distribute provisions privately, then subsequent troubles would follow.
At this moment, the only way was to force these individuals into a desperate act.
Then, he would lead the forces to quell the rebellion.
In this way, the amount of wealth these people possessed would be for them to decide!
After understanding this, Wu Jie looked at Han Mo with a hint of reverence.
While these corrupt officials were indeed detestable, Han Mo's methods were also exceptionally cunning!
"You go down and prepare first. Select more capable individuals. I will send someone to pressure them later to add fuel to the fire. I believe this matter should be resolved by tomorrow evening at the latest!"
Seeing Wu Jie's somewhat fearful gaze, Han Mo said with a wry smile.
"Yes!"
Wu Jie left, and Han Mo had no intention of explaining himself.
He did indeed need to win over these two brothers, but more importantly, he had to establish his authority in their hearts.
The objective of forging connections at this moment had been achieved. The two of them had successfully become Han Mo's deputies.
For the remaining matters, he had to sow seeds of fear in their hearts.
Although this was not the best time, since it was unavoidable, Han Mo could only passively accept this outcome.
"This infuriates me, it infuriates me!"
As soon as Zhou Ding and Zhang Huai returned to Zhang Huai's residence, Zhou Ding couldn't help but roar.
"My lords, what's wrong? Could it be that that brat is still not satisfied?"
Li Chong also hurried over.
"That brat wants us to produce thirty thousand guan in copper coins and fifty thousand shi of grain by sunset today! And the remaining copper coins and grain must be filled into the treasury within ten days!"
Zhang Huai said through gritted teeth.
"Fifty thousand shi of grain?"
This time, Li Chong was also stunned.
So all their previous preparations were in vain.
Were all the things they had to regurgitate still going to be demanded, not a single cent less?
Grain prices were rising daily. If the grain in Neihuang continued to increase at this rate, it was estimated that within ten days, grain would be selling at one guan per dou!
At this point, asking them to hand over so much grain was no different from killing them!
"Since that brat is so unreasonable, let's just make him disappear completely!"
After a moment of deliberation, Zhou Ding lowered his voice and said.
"He comes from the Han family of Xiangzhou!"
Li Chong said somewhat fearfully.
"So what if he's from a noble family? Do those bandits and outlaws bother with such things? Li Mao'er suffered such a great loss, doesn't he want revenge?"
"But who can guarantee that after the court wipes out these bandits, they won't speak out of turn?"
Compared to the panicked Li Chong and the enraged Zhou Ding, Zhang Huai was undoubtedly much calmer.
There was no impermeable wall in this world. If the few of them colluded with Li Mao'er for revenge, the chance of success was indeed high.
However, the cleanup and aftermath would not be so easy.
After all, they could control their own people, but they couldn't control Li Mao'er's people.
If they truly attacked the county seat and killed court officials, even out of respect for the emperor, the court would have to mobilize troops to suppress them.
Compared to genuine elites, these bandits were simply no match.
Perhaps there was no problem when they were at large, but who could guarantee that they wouldn't betray them when their lives were threatened with a knife to their throats...
If even the slightest hint of this matter leaked out, the fate awaiting the few of them would be utter annihilation.
"So what if they speak out of turn? Have we not made enough money over the years? At this point, haven't you realized that this brat wants to slowly force us to our deaths? I've made up my mind. After this matter is resolved, I will directly take my family and flee far away!"
Seeing that Zhang Huai's words had made Li Chong waver again, Zhou Ding sneered and said directly.
"Flee far away..."
After hearing Zhou Ding's words, Li Chong and Zhang Huai couldn't help but exchange glances again...