The government can't control this banditry, so let's do whatever you want.
Of course, everyone could not agree to such an irresponsible attitude, and the angry rebuke became even louder than before.
"What?! This is what the Yamen told us?!"
"Master Wang, as the parent official of Zhongling! Are you going to put the people in dire straits like this? It is simply the greatest absurdity in the world!"
"Hmph! Folks! Since Mr. Wang doesn't care, the worst we can do is go to the state government and file a complaint!"
"..."
Listening to the threatening words, the white-haired master shook his head helplessly, sighing in his heart that good people are bullied by others, and good horses are ridden by others.
It is true that people sue officials in other places, but at least they are done secretly. There is no such thing as the current situation where people dare to threaten openly.
However, this cannot be blamed on others. If you want to blame it, you can only blame yourself for being too weak and thinking too much about "the people"...
Keeping Wei Changtian's words in mind, the master waited for a while, feeling that the time was almost up, and then he cupped his hands to everyone and said helplessly:
"Everyone, I won't hide anything from you even now."
"Actually, you don't need to complain. The county magistrate feels that he has failed the folks in Zhongling and is ready to resign and return to his hometown."
"Once Mr. Wang leaves, it will take at least a year and a half before the next county magistrate comes. And even if the new magistrate comes, will he definitely be able to defeat this bandit?"
"Everyone, please listen to my advice."
"I'm afraid there will be no peace in Zhongling County from now on. You... better pack your things and leave as soon as possible!"
"..."
This time, there was no noise, no anger, no dissatisfaction.
After Master said these few words, all the people blocking the door were dumbfounded.
How could they have imagined that the tall and thin magistrate who never loses his temper would actually resign and leave like this!
There is no need for them to sue the state government, they will just stop doing it!
But the county magistrate can leave, but they can't!
These people's family fortunes are all in Zhongling. Who would be willing to leave the good life they already have and go to a new place where they are unfamiliar with and start over?
But if I don’t leave... will I have to wait here for the bandits to rob and kill me again and again?
"The county magistrate can't leave! I, I am willing to donate money to suppress the bandits!"
I don't know who suddenly shouted, and after a brief silence, there was a chorus of responses.
"Yes, yes! Mr. Wang cannot resign! My Liu family is also willing to donate money!"
"Didn't the county magistrate say before that as long as you have money, you can ask the state government to send troops to suppress the bandits? Let's collect the money! We must not give up Zhongling County to the bandits!"
"That's right! A good official like Magistrate Wang is hard to find in the world! My Jia family is also willing to take money!"
"Wanchang Mihang is also willing!"
"For my dead son! I will donate too!"
"We all donate! We all donate..."
"..."
The scene in front of the county government office suddenly changed. A group of people who had just been filled with indignation and wanted an explanation instantly turned into good citizens full of social responsibility, and they all rushed to express their willingness to donate money to suppress the bandits.
The master looked at all this and marveled at Mr. Wei's ingenious plan, but a look of embarrassment appeared on his face.
"Everyone, this is just...that's all! Then I will inform the county magistrate about this matter to make a decision..."
"Master! You must persuade the county magistrate not to resign!"
"Yes! The money is easy to negotiate! This official is something you can never resign from!"
"I was not willing to donate money to suppress the bandits before because I was stupid! Please tell the magistrate that we have realized our mistake..."
"Okay, okay, I will tell you the truth..."
The white-haired master waved to the government servant next to him while dealing with the crowd.
Upon seeing this, the latter immediately retreated quietly, and soon a horseman came out from the back gate of the county government office and headed straight to the south of the city.
…
A quarter of an hour later.
On the official road in the south of the city, more than a hundred soldiers in green armor stood tall and solemn, while the thin county magistrate knelt down in front of Liang Zhen and Wei Changtian with tears in his eyes. In the end, it took several people to help him up.
"Master Liang! Young Master..."
"Old man, I really don't know what to say. Such a great kindness and kindness will definitely be remembered by the people of Zhongling..."
"Hahaha, Sir Wang, there's no need to be polite, it's just a matter of effort."
Liang Zhen laughed twice, and it was obvious that he was in a good mood: "Since those wealthy businessmen are willing to donate money, it's time for us to set off. There is no need for Mr. Wang to send any more gifts. We will meet again in the future."
"Master Liang... I have another unkind request."
The thin county magistrate looked at Wei Changtian and asked very solemnly: "Forgive me for being presumptuous, may I ask you your surname?"
"..."
Wei Changtian was slightly startled, and then he announced his family name generously: "Wei family in the capital, Wei Changtian."
"Mr. Wei, thank you...what!"
The thin county magistrate suddenly trembled all over and froze on the spot.
"You, you are the one..."
"yes."
Wei Changtian was not surprised that the thin county magistrate had such a reaction. He smiled and looked at Liang Zhen before getting in the car and leaving.
However, after taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back and asked loudly:
"Master Wang, I know that you are an upright official, but I don't know whether you are an official for the sake of the people or for your own reputation?"
"Of course it's for..."
The thin county magistrate who came back to his senses subconsciously wanted to answer, but the second half of the sentence was never uttered.
"Da da da da" the rapid sound of horse hooves sounded, announcing the end of an episode where Wei Changtian and others went south to Shuzhou.
The thin magistrate stood there for a long time, then suddenly straightened his somewhat stooped body and dusted off the old official uniform.
He stretched his arms forward like a hug, raised his hands to his forehead, and gave a deep bow to the raised road dust.