Chapter 59: Deal with Killing, Not with Burying

59. Chapter 59: Deal with Killing, Not with Burying

In short, Shen Yunyao's approach is exactly to deal with killing but not with burying.

Shen Mama and Ma Mama exchanged a glance, both sensing something amiss.

Why do many people call Xie Zian a "Xiao Zuzong"? It's because of his kill‑but‑don't‑bury style.

Whenever Xie Zian is in Jingcheng, he causes trouble every few days, yet he is never at fault.

When trouble arises, it must be dealt with, right?

But this Xiao Zuzong just shrugs it off—he did nothing wrong, so why should he bear responsibility?

Originally, Xie Zian only relied on the Xie Family; now he leans on not just the Xie Family but also the Emperor and the Empress.

The Imperial Uncle's wife before us, judging by this conduct, is cut from the same mold as the Imperial Uncle himself.

Could it truly be the saying, "If you're not family, you don't enter the same house"?

With these two together, some people in Jingcheng must be in constant chaos!

Nevertheless, what can Shen Mama and Ma Mama do?

Shen Yunyao is the master they will follow in the future, so they can only do their best to help Shen Yunyao resolve troubles.

Wang Deshun and Zhao Muqing are feeling triumphant now, after having quelled the Manichaeist rebellion before it even fully erupted.

Subdue the enemy without fighting!

Those skilled in war need no glorious reputation!

The two, awaiting the imperial edict, turned pale upon hearing Shen Mama's report.

This Linlang County is Li Zaiye's territory.

If Li Zaiye truly intends something, their ignorance could indeed cause them to capsize in the hidden currents.

"Commander Zhao, we recall that your imperial palace guards have a privilege: when an official breaks the law, if the evidence is solid, they may execute first and report later, correct?"

Wang Deshun glanced at Zhao Muqing, already harboring murderous intent toward Linlang County Governor Li Zaiye.

Come to think of it, if Li Zaiye were a good official, how could the Manichaeist sect have flourished on his turf?

Such rebel activity chooses years of famine, when the authorities fail to provide relief, or when local administration is corrupt and the populace suffers.

"Such a treacherous, disaster‑bringing thief, I shall capture him at once!"

Zhao Muqing, hearing Wang Deshun's words, smiled with delight.

First they quelled the Manichaeist rebellion, and now they've seized the mastermind behind it—another great merit.

"Commander Zhao, let this matter not involve the young lady!"

Shen Mama glanced at the excited Zhao Muqing and said calmly.

Zhao Muqing thought for a moment and understood.

After all, that wayward son of Li Zaiye coveting the Imperial Uncle's wife is an unsavory matter; speaking of it would tarnish the Imperial Uncle's wife's reputation.

"Understood!"

If Shen Mama hadn't reminded him, Zhao Muqing would have actually tried to share part of this merit with Shen Yunyao.

Now, of course, that is avoided.

"Wang Gonggong, then shall we host a banquet for the county governor tonight, how about that?"

"Very well!"

Wang Deshun had already prepared his follow‑up wording.

Having pacified the Manichaeist rebellion, their investigation revealed that Governor Li Zaiye of Linlang County, idle in his post and corrupt, gave the sect an opening.

That made their list of achievements overflow.

Fault?

None!

Originally, because they moved troops, the Manichaeists seized the chance to rise, but it turned into a ploy to lure the snake out of its hole.

"Governor Li, what a good man!"

Wang Deshun had previously worried that Li Zaiye would steal their credit, but now he is completely untroubled.

"Commander Zhao, a mere Li Zaiye couldn't cause such chaos in Linlang County; the lower officials must also be far from clean."

"Capturing Li Zaiye is simple, but we must prevent the subordinates from meeting a disastrous end!"

"No problem, I'll head to the barracks!"

As long as we control Linlang County's garrison, whatever those officials do is merely a dying struggle.

"But, Wang Gonggong, if Linlang County truly experiences a scandal, someone must temporarily assume the governor's post, right?"

"Zun Qu Feng of Liu Cheng County, what do you think, Commander Zhao?"

"Brilliant!"

The two conferred and have already arranged the forthcoming actions.

That afternoon, Li Zaiye received Wang Deshun's invitation to a banquet.

Li Zaiye had no idea it was a Red Gate Banquet, so he gladly accepted.

At the same time, the main officials of the Linlang County office also received invitations.

No one thought there was any issue with the banquet; after all, it was their jurisdiction, and with the Manichaeist uprising just quelled, Wang Deshun and Zhao Muqing were merely passing through, so the follow‑up would still rely on them.

Then the group met tragedy!

Upon arriving at the banquet venue, they were seized.

"Wang Gonggong, what does this mean?"

Li Zaiye did not expect that coming to the banquet would make him a prisoner on the spot, and he was furious.

"I am the governor of a county, a fourth‑rank official of the court!"

Are you trying to rebel?

Governor Li, don't get agitated!

Wang Deshun chuckled, "The Manichaeist rebellion is not a rare occurrence in our Great Courage; under normal circumstances, it wouldn't involve local officials."

But, Governor Li, your Linlang Prefecture is not a normal case!

Wang Gonggong, some matters need not be taken to the extreme, right?

Li Zaiye looked at Wang Deshun, then lowered his voice, "Your servant hails from Longxi County; my wife's niece now holds the rank of Fourth Consort!"

Leave a margin when dealing with people; it makes future meetings easier!

Obedient, that's something!

Wang Deshun, hearing Li Zaiye's low words, also laughed.

If he hadn't come out of the inner palace, he might truly have been swayed by Li Zaiye's remarks.

But Wang Deshun is a eunuch!

He serves in the palace, a close attendant to Emperor Xihe.

In this harem, although the four consorts and nine concubines are all present, the only one truly favored is the present Empress.

Emperor Xihe's affection for Empress Xie Zixian can be described in one sentence: of the three thousand weak waters he takes only a ladle, of the three thousand mortal realms she is the only one!

Governor Li, my apologies!

The trouble you've gotten yourself into this time is rather big; if our family were to spare you and send you back to Jingcheng, there are people who wouldn't spare us!

So we can only inconvenience you!

You damn it, you don't properly teach your son, letting him bully men and women, commit every evil, even set his sights on the future national uncle's wife!

This damn thing is like an old birthday star hanging himself, a flamboyant way to die!

Don't say Wang Deshun can't save the other side; even if he could, he still can't.

Li Zaiye, after hearing Wang Deshun's words, with a puzzled expression said, "Wang Gonggong, may I die a clear death?"

No!

Wang Deshun chuckled.

This matter concerns the reputation of the national uncle's wife; it cannot be spoken about casually.

So, just be a fool!

As for the other officials, also be fools!

After all, they have done many bad deeds themselves, and already have a way to meet death.