Chapter 36: Who Gave You the Gall

“Latest decree?”

Upon learning that Liang Xiao had issued a new decree, Zhongli Xiu felt a mixture of anticipation and unease.

“He intends to tighten security, but with such a large population in Pei County, it will be difficult to achieve this quickly. It might only serve to alert the troublemakers,” he mused.

Zhongli Wanxue snorted softly, “If he manages to succeed, that would prove his methods are truly remarkable.”

Zhongli Xiu said nothing in response. His daughter, still unmarried, had already given her heart entirely to her beloved. Since the Zhongli family had decided to align themselves with Liang Xiao, this was not necessarily a bad thing.

However, the security situation in Pei County had always been a thorny issue. How Liang Xiao planned to resolve it remained uncertain.

The day’s screening concluded. Out of three thousand applicants, Liang Xiao selected only five hundred.

All three thousand recruits had passed the physical fitness tests arranged by Liang Xiao, but among the fifteen hundred soldiers already stationed there, six hundred failed and were reassigned to logistics.

These six hundred had been lax in training, living idly and relying on flattering Yuan Bailong to keep their positions. Now aware of their shortcomings, they dared not complain about being placed in logistics, a leniency granted by Liang Xiao himself.

Liang Xiao personally redistributed the weapons and armor surrendered by these six hundred, entrusting them to the most outstanding new recruits.

These new soldiers were physically exceptional, honest, diligent, and had families local to the area. They deeply appreciated Liang Xiao’s tax reductions, and their eyes glowed with reverence and gratitude whenever they saw him. Thus, they were chosen as Liang Xiao’s elite personal guards.

Chen Lin, the bookbinder, and Lin Yuan, the carpenter, officially accepted Liang Xiao’s appointments as instructors, responsible for teaching the soldiers literacy.

Meanwhile, another three thousand people applied for military service today, to be screened tomorrow.

News of the decree spread, and the Wu family scoffed at it.

“A county with a population of 140,000—does he really think a single document can bring lasting peace?” Wu Ping’s eyes nearly burned with anger.

Recalling Zhongli Wanxue’s admiring gaze toward Liang Xiao, jealousy flared within him.

Wu Wenting said seriously, “This place is no longer safe for us. Tomorrow morning, you should lead some of our clan to relocate to Xiapi, to avoid Liang Xiao targeting the Wu family.”

Though reluctant to part with Zhongli Wanxue, Wu Ping knew he had offended Liang Xiao and reluctantly agreed.

The next morning.

Wu Town, south of the military camp.

After personally selecting some elite soldiers, Liang Xiao entrusted the remaining men to Liang De for screening and then summoned Cao Qing.

Cao Chen had distinguished himself by previously raiding Yuan Bailong’s home and had regained some authority as Right County Captain.

As Cao Chen’s younger brother, Cao Qing was equally devoted to serving Liang Xiao and had been promoted to county constable.

“County Magistrate, after my investigation, the biggest local tyrant in Pei County is indeed Gou Ming, leader of the Angry Dragon Gang. This man terrorizes the countryside, and no one dares to provoke him. Yuan Bailong often shelters him,” Cao Qing reported.

Liang Xiao listened carefully and nodded slightly after confirming the facts.

“Come with me.”

Previously, when Zhongli Xiu and his son visited and pledged support, they also provided useful intelligence about Pei County.

Among these was information about Gou Ming, leader of the Angry Dragon Gang.

He commanded over a hundred men, idle and engaged in unspeakable deeds, frequently oppressing women.

Rumors circulated that many virtuous women had been defiled by him, with no recourse to justice, and some had even taken their own lives in despair.

Zhongli Qingfeng suspected Gou Ming had ties to the largest bandit group north of Pei County—the Black Cloud Fortress—and might be supplying them with bandits and slaves.

The Black Cloud Fortress’s strength was unknown, and its leader called himself “Gou Master.”

After verifying this, Liang Xiao immediately took ten guards from the Liang household, along with three hundred trusted soldiers led by Liang De, and summoned four imperial guards from Zhuo’s house. Over three hundred men set out for Baiyun Town in the northwest of Pei County.

Southeast Street, Baiyun Town.

A group of Angry Dragon Gang members prowled the street, attempting to blend in.

At that moment, Gou Ming, his face covered in pockmarks, blocked a woman, his expression urgent, and grabbed her.

“Where do you think you’re running off to, young lady?”

The woman was surrounded by gang members, unable to move, tears streaming as she struggled free from Gou Ming’s grasp and fell to her knees.

“I—I was only in town to market. Please, show mercy and spare me!”

Gou Ming remained unmoved and stepped forward to lift her.

Terrified, the woman backed away.

“Stop harassing my wife, you scoundrels!”

A craftsman’s angry roar came from afar.

“Shut up!”

Before the craftsman could reach his wife, Gou Ming slapped him to the ground with a backhand.

“My dear, you’re as beautiful as a flower. Since ancient times, beauty belongs with heroes. Why waste yourself on a coward? Look at me, look!” Gou Ming spread his arms with a leering smile.

The craftsman’s wife dared not look up but tried to run toward her husband, only to be blocked by Gou Ming.

The craftsman was intercepted by gang members, brutally beaten until his face was bruised and swollen. Clutching his belly, he refused to give up, crawling toward Gou Ming.

Tears welled in the couple’s eyes as they gazed at each other in despair.

“Do you even respect the law?” the wife cried, drawing laughter from the gang.

Gou Ming’s expression darkened. “In Baiyun Town, I am the law! If you want your husband safe, spend a few days with me, and you’ll be unharmed!”

The woman glanced around, desperate, about to mar her own face when a sharp, commanding voice rang out.

“How dare you break the law and oppress the innocent!”

Everyone turned, eyes wide with shock.

It was Zhongli Wanxue, flanked by six male and four female guards, walking confidently from afar.

Though wearing a veil, her graceful figure and star-bright eyes captivated all, though the sword at her waist seemed at odds with her gentle demeanor.

“Isn’t that the most beautiful woman in Xuzhou, the daughter of the Zhongli family?” the crowd exclaimed.

Gou Ming’s eyes gleamed, but he quickly composed himself.

The Zhongli family were wealthy merchants in Pei County, with over a hundred retainers and guards—not to be trifled with.

“Miss Zhongli, are these your people?” Gou Ming asked with a sly smile.

Zhongli Wanxue’s voice was cold. “Does it matter? In broad daylight, you harass women and disregard the law. I advise you to surrender.”

Gou Ming sneered, pointing at the craftsman and his wife. “Ask them if I’ve harassed them.”

The couple, reunited, shook their heads reluctantly at Zhongli Wanxue.

Gou Ming scanned the surrounding pedestrians, who also shook their heads fearfully.

“You deceitful villain!” Zhongli Wanxue seethed. She knew well they were intimidated by his threats and feared retaliation.

If this were outside the town, she could have slain him with a single sword stroke to uphold justice. But here, under Liang Xiao’s jurisdiction, she had to abide by the law.

Standing before such a beauty, Gou Ming tried to adopt a refined air, shrugging. Yet his lascivious nature showed through as he spoke.

“Miss Zhongli, falsely accusing a good man is a crime too. However, if you’re willing to dine with me or spend a pleasant evening, I might overlook this and not pursue charges against this couple.”

“Twisting truth! Insolent!” Zhongli Wanxue’s guards bristled with rage.

She drew her sword, about to act, but was restrained by her guards.

“Miss, this is the county seat. Leave the rough work to us. Worst case, we’ll end up in jail. A mere thug isn’t worth our concern.”

Before she could reply, a voice filled with anger rang out behind her.

“Who gave you the audacity to gather and cause a public disturbance, defying the law?”

Following the voice, everyone turned to see Liang Xiao arriving from the southeast.

“Ah?”

Zhongli Wanxue, initially filled with righteous indignation, was suddenly flustered. She hastily handed her sword, sheath and all, to one of her female guards.

“Miss Zhongli, you’re here too? Are you alright?”