"Reporting to the Governor, the Jinshan bandits are a group of outlaws who have risen in the past century, specializing in robbing merchant caravans and government coffers. They have been wanted for a long time, and every year many businesses suffer devastating losses," Su Changfeng said respectfully.
"Oh? Tell me, what is so special about Jinshan Village?" Chu Chen asked indifferently.
"Reporting to the Governor, the leader of the Jinshan bandits, Jin Sanyang, was once the personal guard of the current Crown Prince and was deeply trusted," Su Changfeng explained.
"I see," Chu Chen nodded. "In that case, I am curious, why would Jin Sanyang rebel? Is it simply because he was the Crown Prince's guard?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, it is rumored that Jin Sanyang was once the personal guard of the late Emperor. Later, due to a serious crime, he defected to the current Emperor. He then changed his name, lived incognito, infiltrated the capital, and established this Jinshan Village," Su Changfeng replied.
"So that's how it is. What is the strength of Jinshan Village then?" Chu Chen pressed.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, Jinshan Village has a very strong force. It is said that there are thousands of scouts alone. In addition, Jinshan Village also keeps a private army. They are well-equipped and skilled in martial arts, rumored to be formed by ethnic groups from the southern border. Every time they cause trouble, it causes great upheaval."
"Southern border ethnic groups?" Chu Chen showed a hint of surprise. He did not expect Jinshan Village to have connections with the southern border. It seemed that Jinshan Village was indeed a troublesome problem.
After a moment of thought, Chu Chen said, "Where is the specific location of Jinshan Village?"
Su Changfeng cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, Jinshan Village is located near the remote and desolate desert in the northwest, about two hundred li from here."
"Two hundred li..." Chu Chen pondered for a moment and finally made a decision: "In that case, you will immediately lead a portion of the Imperial Guards to Jinshan Village. Annihilate them. As for the others, they will remain at the prison to prevent Jinshan Village from making a comeback."
"As you command." Su Changfeng took his orders and left.
"Wait a moment." Chu Chen suddenly remembered something and instructed, "This matter should not be publicized. You will act secretly. Remember, if there is any riot, do not harm innocent people. If you encounter resistance, kill them without mercy!"
Su Changfeng's expression changed, and he finally cupped his hands and bowed: "I respectfully obey the Governor's orders."
Jinshan Village.
"Boss, the Governor's mansion has sealed off the entire capital. What should we do?" In a luxurious hall, more than twenty burly men gathered, their faces full of worry.
"Although the Governor's mansion has sealed off the capital, they have restricted our exit. Only wealthy households and officials entering the capital are allowed to pay ransom and escort goods. Anyone who resists arrest will be killed. We cannot let so many brothers die in vain."
"Yes, Big Brother. The Governor's mansion has our handle, and they will definitely not let us go. I think we should just go all the way and fight to the death."
"Everyone, please calm down. Our name as Jinshan bandits is quite well-known in the martial world. The Governor's mansion is not without its scruples. What can they do to us? If they really push us, who is afraid of whom?"
In the hall, everyone chattered and argued, their expressions agitated.
Just then, footsteps were heard, the door was pushed open, and a group of soldiers in armor rushed in, holding swords and surrounding everyone in the room.
"Who are you?" Seeing this, everyone's faces changed drastically, and they stared at the soldiers vigilantly.
"We are here by order to apprehend the ringleaders of the rebellion. Surrender immediately, and your lives will be spared!" the leading soldier shouted loudly.
Upon hearing this, everyone was furious.
"You are the lackeys of the Duke of Chu's mansion!"
"Damn it, I knew they had bad intentions and were taking advantage of our misfortune!"
"Brothers, let's fight them!"
In an instant, the members of Jinshan Village were filled with righteous indignation, drew their sabers, and ferociously charged at the soldiers. In a flash, the two sides began to fight, with screams filling the air and blood staining the ground.
Soon, only a few people remained in the field, all of them members of Jinshan Village.
"Hmph, since our Jinshan bandits were founded, we have been invincible and never lost. You mere pawns still want to capture me? It's a pipe dream." A burly man sneered.
"Is that so?" At this moment, a cold voice suddenly rang out. Chu Chen slowly walked in from outside, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene, and said indifferently, "Now, do you still think the Jinshan bandits are an invincible existence?"
Hearing this, the people of Jinshan Village were stunned for a moment, and then their faces showed a mixture of emotions such as resentment and shame. Although the Jinshan bandits were powerful, they were still no match for the Duke of Chu's mansion. This was because the Duke of Chu's mansion's army was well-equipped, well-trained, and held military power, which the Jinshan bandits could not compare to.
He raised his finger, and the soldiers behind him immediately rushed forward, surrounded these Jinshan bandits, and disarmed them. Chu Chen stepped forward, looked down at them from above, and said slowly, "The Jinshan bandits colluded with the ethnic groups from the southern border, intending to overthrow the dynasty. Their crimes are heinous. Today, I, on behalf of His Majesty, will eliminate this scourge."
"Commander." Su Changfeng hurried over, asking with concern.
"What about the matter I asked you to investigate?" Chu Chen waved his hand and then asked with a frown.
"Your subordinate has already sent people to Jinshan Village to gather information. It is estimated that in about half an incense stick's time, there should be news," Su Changfeng said respectfully.
"Yes, then I will wait." Chu Chen nodded, sat on a chair, closed his eyes, and rested, quietly waiting for news.
Half an incense stick later.
"Reporting to the Commander, the Governor's mansion has sent people to take over Jinshan Village, and also..."
"Don't hesitate, just say what you have to say." Chu Chen opened his eyes and looked at the soldier reporting the news.
"Yes!" The soldier quickly stood up and said, "Just now, I received confirmed news that all the treasures in Jinshan Village have been looted, and even the gold, silver, jewelry, and banknotes in the bank have disappeared."
"Heh heh, as expected," Chu Chen nodded slightly.
Su Changfeng's expression changed slightly, and he quickly asked, "Governor, do you mean that the gold and silver treasures in Jinshan Village have been stolen?"
Chu Chen chuckled and shook his head: "No, to be precise, someone deliberately transferred them elsewhere."
"Deliberately transferred?" Su Changfeng was stunned.
"Yes." Chu Chen nodded, his gaze fixed on the soldier reporting the news, and said, "Describe the situation at that time in detail. Do not miss any details. I need you to narrate it thoroughly."
The soldier nodded and said, "Reporting to the Commander, at that time, I led a group of soldiers, as per your instructions, to suppress the other members of Jinshan Village. As a result... as a result, those people were no match for us and were subdued without any effort."