Chapter 38: Rebellion?

The next day, after finishing his morning meal, Jiang Jiang Mingyu beckoned to Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, Tu Tu Kesiluo, and the four newly recruited Yamen Runners, saying, "Follow me, your Imperial Envoy, for a tour to observe the people's conditions. We have little time left."

As soon as his voice fell, a clamor erupted outside.

He frowned, about to ask what was happening, when a foot suddenly kicked open the main gate of the county yamen, followed by a rush of soldiers armed with weapons pouring in.

Their clothes were in tatters, their faces covered in hardship and scars, their eyes revealing hunger and anger.

Leading them was a middle-aged military officer; his face was pale, he had a blotch of wine nose, and a small mustache on his chin. Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu, a flash of hatred crossed his eyes as he strode forward, pointing at his nose and shouting, "Are you the newly arrived Imperial Envoy?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu clasped his hands behind his back, his expression calm: "I, the Imperial Envoy, am indeed Jiang Jiang Mingyu. You have barged in with so many people; what is your instruction?"

The mustached officer's eyes burned with unyielding rage: "Good. I heard that Shangmu County is now under your rule, so I suppose I have found the right person."

His attitude was as hard as if he were about to take a life. All the soldiers held up knives and clubs, their gazes severe, ready to act at any moment.

"Do you know how long we border soldiers have not received our pay? Two months! A full two months! We risk our lives daily fighting foreign tribes to defend the safety of Great Feng, yet upon returning we cannot even get a mouthful of food! What kind of logic is this?"

Speaking, he waved to the soldiers behind him: "Look at them; what state are they in? Some are covered in scars, some are skeletal, some even have no clothes to wear! We are merely representatives; there are hundreds more waiting in the barracks. They all hold swords and blades, waiting for a single message."

"We do not wish to threaten my lord, but you must know we can endure no more. If we do not receive our pay today, do not blame us for being impolite. We are rough men who do not speak reason. Should fighting break out, please do not take offense, my lord."

Tu Tu Kesiluo flew into a rage: "This is rebellion! Do you know the consequences of rebellion? Extermination of nine generations! Extermination of nine generations!"

The mustached officer sneered: "Rebellion? The fact that we are still alive is already a miracle. We have shed blood and sweat for the state yet receive no proper treatment. We cannot survive, so you dog officials cannot live either. Even if we rebel today, you forced us to it."

"Lord Jiang, give a quick answer: silver, or shall we all perish together?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart sank; he knew these soldiers had nowhere left to turn and would not easily give up.

He also knew the money in the county yamen was far from enough to pay their wages.

He thought for a moment, trying to ease the tension: "Brother, do not get agitated first; regarding this matter, your Imperial Envoy..."

The mustached officer impatiently cut him off: "Do not talk to me about 'your Imperial Envoy.' Are you determined not to give the money?"

"Then do not blame us for being merciless. Come on, brothers, attack! Kill this dog official!"

Facing over a hundred ferocious soldiers and the swords and knives in their hands, Tu Tu Kesiluo without a word placed himself in front of Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Meanwhile, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai and the others by his side instantly changed color.

These soldiers, year after year on the battlefield, killed men as if slaughtering chickens.

As the soldiers advanced step by step, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's brow remained calm: "Are you sent by Commandant Ma?"

His voice was not loud, yet it was clearly audible in the cold wind.

The mustached officer grinned savagely: "What does that matter to you? We said give silver and you live, no silver and we send you on your way! Even if you are an Imperial Envoy, we are not afraid!"

The soldiers behind him immediately echoed in agreement.

"Indeed, if you cannot produce silver today, leave your dog life behind."

"Since we will starve to death anyway, dragging an Imperial Envoy down with us is worth it."

"What Imperial Envoy? We cannot survive, so what do we fear? Brothers, chop him down."

"..."

The scene grew increasingly chaotic; it was clear that if Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke even one careless word, blood would be spilled on the spot.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained utterly unflustered: "Everyone, calm down. When did your Imperial Envoy say he would not give silver?"

He became even more certain that these people were sent by Prince Qi to cause trouble.

Besides Lord Murong Murong Yunhai and Liu Liu Ershou, only Commandant Ma, a confidant of Prince Qi, knew he was the Imperial Envoy personally appointed by Your Majesty.

"Very well, if you want to play, your Imperial Envoy will play along," Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, whose face had changed several times, could not help but speak softly: "Brother Jiang Xingqiu, we..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his hand vertically: "I have my own plan."

His gaze swept coldly over the mustached officer and the others, causing them to start in their hearts.

The mustached officer, radiating killing intent, extended his rough hand: "Then bring the silver?"

He seemed unable to wait any longer to act.