Chapter 109: Young Master Cui's Methods

The greatest significance of rules or systems lies in their ability to operate independently even after an individual is no longer present.

Now, under Li Yun’s command, this “bandit army” shouldn’t even be called a bandit squad. The system had been initially established. With Zhou Liang and Zhang Hu still here, and Li Zheng watching over, even without Li Yun, the bandit suppression efforts could continue.

The only difference was the absence of Li Yun, the fearless leader who would break through doors and lead the charge. Without him, the difficulty of suppressing bandits would likely increase significantly, making it far less effortless than before.

However, for Li Yun, bandit suppression was no longer particularly difficult. Instead, it served as a driving force for expanding his influence. Therefore, he needed to attend to official matters, preventing external forces from interrupting this growth.

After receiving the summons from Xuanzhou City, Li Yun didn’t rush to go. After all, he wasn’t an official and saw no need to flatter his superiors.

He stayed on Black Dragon Mountain for two more days to complete the reorganization and let the squad leaders personally see the four men who left the mountain. Only then did Li Yun depart, heading toward Xuanzhou City with Chen Da and a group of legitimate constables.

Since the group was small, Li Yun hired a carriage to carry them, taking about two days to reach the outskirts of Xuanzhou.

Upon arrival, Li Yun spent the night at an inn, took a hot bath, tidied himself, and only the next morning did he set off for the government office. After notifying them, it wasn’t long before he was granted a smooth audience with Governor Cui.

Such treatment was unheard of for an ordinary person.

Ordinary folk would find it difficult even to meet the county clerk, let alone an aristocratic governor from a family with a thousand-year legacy.

Compared to their last encounter, Governor Cui was much warmer this time. Upon seeing Li Yun, he even rose from his seat, smiling as he gestured to a chair and said, “I’ve been looking for Captain Li for several days now. If you hadn’t come, I might not have been able to keep the suppression commander.”

Only then did Li Yun realize that the court’s suppression commander had already arrived in Xuanzhou. He looked at Cui Shao, clasped his fists, and asked, “May I ask why the commander sought me?”

“Sit down and talk,” Cui invited, then took a sip of tea before speaking slowly, “I’ve heard that in the past two months, Captain Li has been at Shidai, and the bandit suppression has gone smoothly.”

“That’s true,” Li Yun smiled as he sipped tea. “In two months, our squad has eliminated seven bandit camps in Shidai, capturing or killing over three hundred bandits.”

Governor Cui smiled and asked, “What about the remaining bandits?”

Li Yun was momentarily taken aback, then furrowed his brow and remained silent.

Governor Cui set down his teacup and said slowly, “According to reports from Shidai, Captain Li has been recruiting surrendered bandits to fight bandits.”

“That’s against the court’s rules,” he added lightly. “According to regulations, it’s good to suppress bandits, but once done, those bandits must be sent to prison and subjected to the law.”

“Reorganizing them without trial is a grave taboo.”

Li Yun frowned deeply at this.

“If Governor Cui can provide me with five hundred provincial soldiers, I’ll immediately disband those bandits. Except for those killed in battle, the rest will be imprisoned.”

“Otherwise, I won’t bother suppressing these bandits. I’ll return to Qingyang. Whoever wants to suppress them can do it themselves.”

Naturally, this was just a formality.

Cui Shao couldn’t possibly send five hundred provincial soldiers. Even if he did, Li Yun could simply report all those bandits as killed in action, and the province would have no grounds to object.

Seeing Li Yun’s reaction, a satisfied smile appeared on Cui Shao’s face.

He felt everything was under his control.

Governor Cui sipped his tea again and smiled, “Don’t be anxious; I haven’t finished speaking.”

He put down his cup and said calmly, “Our nation faces perilous times, and extraordinary measures must be taken. I can cover up your taboo of gathering bandit troops.”

He paused, then looked at Li Yun and continued, “This is no small matter. If the court learns of it, the censorate will definitely submit a memorial. It won’t be as simple as you saying you’re returning to Qingyang.”

“Perhaps the court will punish you severely.”

At this, Li Yun finally understood what this man was after: intimidation and blackmail to keep him under control.

Li Yun glanced up at Cui Shao with a dark expression.

For law-abiding people, this would be a serious liability that could bring ruin to their families. But for Li Yun, this was no leverage.

One day, if this man from the Cui family ever dared use this against him, the moment the punitive documents arrived from the court, Li Yun would be the first to storm Xuanzhou and sever that governor’s head as an offering to his banner!

Noticing Li Yun’s hostile stare, Cui Shao realized this wild young man was angry.

Li Yun was still useful to him, so a smile returned to Cui Shao’s face as he reassured, “Don’t worry. As I said, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If I can conceal this matter, I will do so for you. Even if the court sends people to investigate, I will do my best to shield you.”

He appeared calm and confident, taking responsibility for everything.

One must admit, this aristocratic scion was a fool when it came to judging the situation and understanding the local terrain, but he was indeed skilled at manipulating people.

Had Li Yun been any other soldier, he would have been grateful, if not immediately bowing in submission, after such rhetoric.

Li Yun narrowed his eyes, feeling deeply displeased.

Cui Shao neither offered money nor provisions, yet expected him to suppress bandits. Now he even tried to use this as leverage to threaten him!

Such tactics were truly despicable.

If Xuanzhou ever descended into chaos, Li Yun silently vowed, he would be the first to kill this man.

Unaware of Li Yun’s murderous intent, Cui Shao only sensed some anger. He smiled and said, “Captain Li, don’t be upset. The court’s rules are rigid, but at least here, you have earned merit.”

He paused, then continued, “Later this afternoon, I will take you to meet the newly arrived suppression commander, Lord Fan Zhao.”

He looked at Li Yun with a smile. “By the way, he shares your name.”

Li Yun glanced at Cui Shao and asked, “Governor, what does this commander want with me?”

“He is here from the court, responsible for suppression affairs in Xuanzhou and nearby prefectures. Your work suppressing bandits falls under his jurisdiction.”

Governor Cui smiled and said, “Now, let’s review the bandit suppression results over the past two months in Shidai, so you won’t say anything wrong when you meet Lord Fan.”

Li Yun furrowed his brow, not quite understanding Cui Shao’s meaning. Soon, he heard the governor continue, “Earlier you said you suppressed how many bandits in Shidai over the past two months?”

“Seven camps, about three to four hundred men,” Li Yun replied.

“No, no,” Cui Shao shook his head. “Shidai is mountainous and densely forested, a notorious haven for bandits. How could there be only three or four hundred bandits in such a large county?”

Shidai’s population was small; three or four hundred bandits seemed too few!

Li Yun internally scoffed but soon understood the governor’s implication. After hesitation, he said, “Then… five or six hundred?”

Still shaking his head, Cui Shao said, “It’s whatever the true number is. Captain Li, no need to be modest or hide anything.”

Li Yun rolled his eyes internally.

He realized this governor was likely preparing to exaggerate the achievements for the court.

After all, the successes in Xuanzhou’s bandit suppression all occurred before Lord Fan’s arrival. Reporting now would credit the local government, not the new suppression commander.

If the credit were delayed, it would inevitably be tied to the new commander.

To gain favor at court, Cui Shao wanted to inflate the merits.

“Well…” Li Yun hesitated, then gritted his teeth, “Over a thousand bandits were eliminated in Shidai.”

“How many exactly?” Cui Shao smiled. “This is no small matter. You should be precise when reporting, or the court might not believe it.”

Li Yun thought briefly and made up a number.

“One thousand two hundred seventy-three.”

“Good,” Governor Cui finally revealed a satisfied smile and applauded.

“Remember this number and don’t forget it. Later we will meet Lord Fan.”

He stood, hands behind his back, and headed out.

“I will take you to meet the suppression commander.”

(End of chapter)