Searching for the Treasury

The room fell into silence.

No one had expected Fang Zheng to kill so decisively!

So clean, without any hesitation.

Fang Zheng's hand was still in place when Old Master Lu struggled twice and died.

He wiped the dagger on the old man's clothes and looked at the other terrified hostages. "Continue the interrogation. Find out all the evil deeds the Lu family has committed."

"Kill two more who have committed crimes first. Throw a corpse out the window every half hour."

"Anyone who doesn't cooperate will be executed!"

With that, he turned and left the South Tower.

Du Lingfeng stared blankly at the scene before him.

His throat felt unbearably tight as he looked at Zhao Lie nervously. "Your master won't kill me too, will he!"

Zhao Lie smiled. "No, you're a meritorious person. You might even be rewarded!"

Fang Zheng rushed out of the South Tower with a stern face.

As soon as they met, Wang Qian immediately asked. "Lord Fang, how is it going inside?"

Fang Zheng shook his head. "Old Master Lu is still safe, but the bandits aren't as few as you said!"

"I only counted about ten people... they must have sent people to find the Lu family treasury to buy time and keep us occupied!"

Wang Qian was suddenly enlightened!

That would explain everything! No wonder these people wouldn't negotiate.

Like the Lu family and other major households, they wouldn't trust banks with their silver and usually had their own treasuries.

So they were after the treasury.

Wang Qian sneered. "These people have quite the appetite. Do they really think they can walk away after raiding the treasury? Pure wishful thinking!"

"By the way, Lord Fang, how did they let you out so easily?"

"There's infighting inside over food shortages! They demanded we send food, or they'll start killing people."

"Magistrate Wang, at this critical moment, we must hold firm. Absolutely do not give them anything!"

Wang Qian smiled. "Rest assured, Lord Fang. I understand the gravity of the situation. Thank you for risking yourself to negotiate with those villains today. You must be tired. I'll send someone to escort you to a place to rest now."

Fang Zheng waved his hand dismissively. "Impossible! I've started something, and I must see it through. I can't abandon it halfway!"

"Where is the Lu family treasury? I'll send people to search!"

"Lord Fang, you jest. How would I know where the Lu family treasury is?"

Wang Qian felt almost like crying. Why wouldn't this man leave? Had he decided to stay?

He truly didn't know where the Lu family treasury was.

His arrangement with the Lu family was simple. The Lu family gave him money, and he helped smooth over relationships and handle some unjust cases.

Beyond that, nothing! How could he possibly know about family secrets like the treasury?

Fang Zheng had guessed he wouldn't know. He turned back to his own troops and found Bai Rui.

As an experienced thief, Bai Rui was perfect for this task.

"Bai Rui, go find the Lu family treasury. This is crucial, so act quickly!"

Bai Rui seemed intimidated, whispering. "Master, this mansion is too large. I've never robbed such a big place. I might not find it quickly..."

"What are you afraid of! I'll assign more men to help you! A large mansion means a large treasury. Search openly on horseback. We need more silver for our operations. This is extremely important, you must find it today!"

Bai Rui agreed and then left with a group to search for the treasury.

Meanwhile, Wang Qian was approached by a man in a constable's uniform, who pulled him aside and whispered. "Magistrate Wang, I just heard that Lord Fang wants to find the treasury. Do you think the capital might have heard rumors about the Lu family and sent someone to investigate?"

"What if there are account books in the treasury, and the Lu family recorded things they shouldn't have? Then we..."

Wang Qian was alarmed. "Yu Hai, what are you suggesting?"

"I mean, before now, though the Lu family was in trouble, it was still under your control. But now outsiders are involved, and the situation has changed. You should plan ahead."

"If there are account books in the treasury with records that could harm you... then we might as well take care of this Fang Zheng! Blame everything on the bandits. As for the Lu family... they were naturally killed by bandits too."

"With the Lu family gone and the account books destroyed... there would be no evidence. Even if the court investigates, you would have nothing to worry about, sir."

Wang Qian laughed coldly after listening. "Yu Hai, you've been with me for years, but you haven't improved much. Though your courage has grown considerably. You dare to kill a Regional Governor?"

"I wouldn't dare. I'm just concerned for your safety!" Yu Hai said apologetically.

Wang Qian sighed. "It's unwise to act rashly. If they really find the treasury, you escort Lord Fang there to investigate... and find the account books. If the books truly contain inappropriate content, report back immediately, and I'll sound out Fang Zheng's intentions."

Yu Hai departed, and Wang Qian resumed his composed appearance as he walked back to Fang Zheng.

With a welcoming gesture, he said. "Lord Fang, since you've decided to stay, this humble official won't insist otherwise."

"You must be tired after all this time. I've ordered my men to purchase some wine and dishes. Let's rest a while in that pavilion over there."

"Excellent! Magistrate Wang, how thoughtful."

It wasn't long before the wine and food were served, and the two began drinking together.

Fang Zheng raised his cup and sighed. "I never expected to encounter such a situation upon entering the city. It's a pity I won't get to fully appreciate Haiyuan City."

"But from what little I saw riding in, your governance is evident, Magistrate Wang."

Wang Qian smiled. "Lord Fang flatters me. These are merely trivial accomplishments. May I ask why the court has sent you to inspect local areas? To my knowledge, there haven't been any major incidents recently."

"Indeed, nothing significant." Fang Zheng set down his cup and looked at Wang Qian. "Have you heard of the Liu Xun case, Magistrate Wang?"

"I have. Lord Fang's thunderous methods earned my deepest admiration!"

"Then... do you know Liu Xun?"

"I don't. I've heard of him, but I have no connection to the man."

Fang Zheng carefully observed Wang Qian's expression and, finding no unusual reaction, continued. "The realm has been peaceful in recent years, but the Liu Xun case exposed many problems. Local officials have become corrupt and autocratic, so His Majesty specially commanded me to inspect the localities. Sigh... another two or three years away from home."

Wang Qian tensed inwardly and raised his cup. "Has your lordship made any discoveries on your journey?"

Fang Zheng chuckled. "It's just the two of us, no need for formalities. All is peaceful under heaven, this is merely a formality. Why take it so seriously?"

Wang Qian didn't dare respond and continued eating silently.

"I believe these bandits will be subdued within two days. The city gates have been closed for five days already, affecting many people's livelihoods. Why not open them?"

Wang Qian paused, then immediately objected. "Impossible! These people are highly skilled, able to take the entire Lu family hostage in a single night!"

"Especially now that they're desperate. If they escape into the city, they might go on a killing spree!"

"Young people might have a chance to escape, but what about everyone else? This is a reluctant measure to protect the elderly and children."

"Hmm, good point! Magistrate Wang, you are righteous! This official toasts you!"

After several rounds of drinks and many dishes, Bai Rui returned with a group of men, panting heavily.