Chapter 213: Chapter 213: Trouble-Maker

Translator: 549690339

Shi Bao really wanted to give these ignorant villagers a good scolding, to make them think clearly, but remembering Ding Gaochang’s instructions, he refrained from any actions that might escalate the conflict with the villagers, and merely waited quietly.

The sun was climbing higher and the grievances of the villagers were escalating.

They were initially only voicing their complaints, but soon began to point at Shi Bao and his men, shouting insults at them, demanding that they release the true person, in order to save their own lives.

Some children even picked up small stones and began throwing them at Shi Bao and his men.

Shi Bao and his men were hit several times, their faces marked with bruises. “How dare you!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Shi Bao unshield his sword with a swish, shouting at them: “If you dare to be disrespectful again, don’t blame us for being rude!”

The other three men, who had been holding back, also drew their swords at the sight of Shi Bao doing so, glaring angrily at the lawless villagers.

The shining swords, under the sun, gave off a chilling light.

The intense killing intent that Shi Bao and his men emitted made the villagers involuntarily step back, shrinking their necks.

It seemed that talking was often futile, while taking action could solve problems.

No wonder sometimes, Master Ding said, when dealing with those who are unreasonable, it is advisable to stun them first, thus achieving twice the result with half the effort.

“The bailiffs are murderers…”

Someone cried out, and after a moment of shock, the others followed suit.

For a moment, cries and shouts mingled together, causing Shi Bao and his comrades to develop a headache.

Some of the bolder ones even charged directly at Shi Bao.

He had drawn his sword to scare them, not to hurt them.

Seeing someone charge at him, Shi Bao instinctively withdrew his sword to avoid injuring innocent commoners.

But this emboldened these people. They descended into name-calling and pushing, becoming more and more arrogant.

Having received orders from Ding Gaochang, Shi Bao and his comrades dared not harm the common people; they had no choice but to take a few steps back, left to feel as helpless as a block of tofu fallen into ash.

“These bailiffs only know how to bully and exploit us common people, they’ve arrested the true person this time, they should be taught a lesson, they really don’t know their limits, thinking we’re easy to bully!”

Someone shouted and others followed, even daring to strike Shi Bao in the face with their fists.

As Shi Bao was skilled in martial arts, he nimbly dodged the attack, his anger growing.

“How dare you! If you continue to behave in this way, don’t blame us…” Shi Bao roared angrily.

“What are you going to do about it?”

What can you do?

A mocking sneer spread across Qi Shen’s face as he looked at Shi Bao and the others with evident contempt.

They were just trying to scare them, they wouldn’t really hurt anyone.

If they were like the bailiffs in other places, who were vicious and cruel, these people might be afraid and would not dare to do anything outrageous. However, you are stuck with such a county magistrate and deputy who care about the lives of these common people, equally concerned about your own lofty reputation; therefore, don’t blame these people for taking advantage of the situation.

Qi Shen chuckled, his gaze filled with disdain when he looked at Shi Bao.

“Who is causing trouble here?”

Ding Gaochang, who had just arrived, descended from his carriage and shouted angrily: “No matter what the reason is, arrest them first, give them twenty strokes of the cane, then we will discuss the matter!”

As he had been in office for a long time, Ding Gaochang carried an intimidating air about him which, accompanied by his sharp rebuke, was somewhat oppressive. The noisy villagers were immediately silenced and even lowered their heads, too afraid to look at Ding Gaochang.

But Qi Shen looked at Ding Gaochang without a hint of fear, he added, “Mr. Ding, we can’t help but be dissatisfied. This incident concerns the lives of all villagers. Naturally, we are a little anxious. Now it’s your turn… ”

As Qi Shen opened his mouth, he intended to list all the shortcomings of the county government office and the arrest of Qi He in detail.

Ding Gaochang glared at him, snorted coldly and interrupted: “Who are you?” “I’m just a commoner named Qi Shen.” Qi Shen tilted his chin up, “Mr. Ding…” “Oh, Qi Shen.” Ding Gaochang interrupted him again: “So, it’s you.” “Yesterday, someone knocked the drum in the county town, accusing you of stealing someone else’s property. That needs to be questioned carefully.” Ding Gaochang raised his hand: “Someone, bring this Qi Shen back to the county office first. After county officials return, he will be interrogated thoroughly.”

Shen Quan and Shi Bao stepped forward and they seized Qi Shen from both sides.

Qi Shen, caught off guard by this sudden development, looked stunned. His face turned red with anger, the veins on his forehead popping as he yelled at Ding Gaochang: “You’re clearly retaliating against me for leading the village in demanding the release of the true person at the county office!”

“Actually, I didn’t know about that. All I know is that someone has accused you of robbery, and according to the current law, I have to question you. Is there anything wrong with that?”

Ding Gaochang shouted in a stern voice: “Do corrupt officials not have the right to question cases? Or are you really guilty of stealing, so you’re trying to block my mouth?”

“Absolutely not…” Qi Shen tried to argue.

“If it’s not so, you needn’t be guilty. Just wait for me to question you peacefully in the county office.” Ding Gaochang waved: “Take him away.”

Shi Bao and Shen Quan dragged Qi Shen away.

Qi Shen was initially torn between defending himself and clearing his name, but his mouth was suddenly blocked and he couldn’t make a sound. He couldn’t break free from Shen Quan and Shi Bao’s grip, and even though he was resentful, he had no other choice but to be led away.

With Qi Shen as a warning, the others were fearful and dared not say anything else.

Even if they were dissatisfied, they dared only cast glances at Ding Gaochang, fearing that he would notice, and quickly lowered their heads.

“You all don’t need to panic.”

Ding Gaochang spoke out loud: “The matter with Qi Shen just now is indeed because someone accused him, and it has nothing to do with the situation today, so there is no need to worry too much.”

“Besides, I came here today to address the noisy issue of the Water Ghost of Cuiwei lake that occurred a few days ago. Today, I also owe everyone an explanation, and you all can clearly see the true face of this so-called water ghost.”

As soon as Ding Gaochang finished speaking, someone brought Qi He, the so- called true person, over.

Qi He had been locked up for several days, during which he was also punished. His face was pale and he looked a little listless. Originally thin like a monkey, he looked even more emaciated now, like a skeleton, his eye sockets sunken in, a terrifying sight to behold.