Chapter 2 Mutual Utilization

Ju Shou took over as the magistrate of Ye County for less than three months, and what his predecessor left him was a mess. The local customs are fierce, especially with the presence of powerful factions throughout the city. In particular, there are Wang Lei in the East Market, Li Qingyuan on the West Street, and Liu Quan at the South Gate, all of whom cause Ju Shou considerable headaches. He is eager to govern, but with policies from above and countermeasures from below, it is difficult for him to seize the opportunity to implement governance.

Wang Lei fell silent at once; he indeed had to leave only the most suitable options in order to have a greater chance to stand out. Wang Lei shifted the topic back to the main point and proactively asked, "The county magistrate has asked me to handle a matter; please give your orders, Your Excellency. As long as it is not a criminal act, Wang Lei will certainly do his utmost to complete it"

Wang Lei replied with neither humility nor arrogance: "I did kill someone, that is true, but it was not intentional; it was merely an accidental death. If we are to discuss guilt, it should not warrant a death sentence. Moreover, Your Excellency has not yet heard my conditions, so why would you assume that I have any requests of you?"

Ju Shou's face was devoid of luster, and he spoke without holding back.

Wang Lei was also impressed by the demeanor displayed by Ju Shou, but he still seized Ju Shou, released the jailer, and then left the prison with Ju Shou. Wang Lei and Ju Shou walked in front, followed by a group of jailers. In the end, even the soldiers from the county office followed behind. After arriving at the backyard of the county office, the two took their seats, while the jailers and soldiers were kept outside.

Xiao Hao's voice choked as he said: "After the boss was captured, news spread that he was to be executed. Li Qingyuan, who was already reckless, brought people to our Wuxiao Hall at https://www.hetushu.com.com to invite Master Du to go with them. At that time, you were not present, and no one could stop Li Qingyuan. In order to ensure the safety of the brothers of Wuxiao Hall, Master Du went alone. Now, a day has passed, and I do not know how Li Qingyuan will deal with Master Du." At that time, you were not present, and no one could stop Li Qingyuan. In order to ensure the safety of the brothers of Wuxiao Hall, Master Du went alone. Now, a day has passed, and I do not know how Li Qingyuan will deal with Master Du.

Wang Lei nodded

As he stepped out of the courtyard, the jailers and soldiers of the county office immediately surrounded him. Ju Shou promptly issued an order, allowing Wang Lei to leave. After exiting the government office, Wang Lei looked up at the azure sky, feeling a wave of relief in his heart. During the two days in prison, he had not seen the light of day, and now he had finally emerged. Wang Lei stood at the entrance of the county office for a moment before setting off towards the East Market of Ye County.

Wang Lei stared at Ju Shou and asked, "Are you not afraid that I will take you hostage and escape from Ye County at the opportune moment?"

Wang Lei smiled and asked, "May I inquire, esteemed sir, how is the public security in Ye County?"

Ju Shou waved his large sleeves and strode forward.

Wang Lei turned around and was momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained his composure and shouted, "Xiao Hao!" Xiao Hao, only fifteen years old, was of short stature and was a subordinate following Wang Lei.

Wang Lei calmly said: "One can know a person's face but not their heart; how can I know what kind of person you are?"

Wang Lei stood up, performed a bow, and then took his leave.

Ju Shou fixed his gaze on Wang Lei, scrutinizing him carefully. Suddenly, he burst into loud laughter and said, "What a character Wang Lei is, truly an interesting rogue!" His words still carried a hint of disdain and mockery. Although Wang Lei felt displeased, he maintained a calm expression. Ju Shou kept a close watch on Wang Lei's change in demeanor and, seeing his composed countenance, felt both surprised and impressed. This rogue overlord of the East Market is not to be underestimated!

Ju Shou smiled and replied: "Your task is very simple, kill!"

Ju Shou's voice was deep as he said: "The task is quite simple, to ambush the imperial envoy who is about to arrive in Ye County. This person is named Zhang Cheng, who on the surface represents the Emperor, but in fact is acting on behalf of the Grand Eunuch Zhang Rang to contact the Provincial Governor in Jizhou. The Provincial Governor is unwilling to associate with Zhang Rang, yet does not wish to offend him either, hence the decision to have Zhang Cheng ambushed."

Ju Shou had made up his mind and shook his head, saying: "I have already decided, there is no need for further persuasion. Wang Lei is an intelligent person; if he wishes to survive in Ye County and make a name for himself, he must follow my arrangements. This is his only opportunity"

Knowing a person’s face does not equate to knowing their heart

Ju Shou let out a sigh of admiration, realizing that this was a situation of mutual exploitation between him and Wang Lei. Although Wang Lei was a tyrant of the East Street, he lacked official backing and thus needed support. Similarly, Ju Shou was eager to govern but could not find a breakthrough, and Wang Lei's proactive allegiance was undoubtedly the most suitable choice.

Can!

Wang Lei's expression was calm, and he did not respond to Jushou's words. He said earnestly: "If it truly involves criminal activities, I would rather take you hostage and leave Ye County to live a life on the run"

Wang Lei sighed lightly and shook his head, saying: "It's useless, the old man was caught by Li Qingyuan, and calling as many people as you want won't help." Wang Lei's thoughts shifted, and he devised a plan in his mind. He immediately assigned tasks to Xiao Hao and then ran towards West Street.

He thought to himself that Ju Shou was a renowned scholar in Jizhou, and even the governor of Jizhou, Han Fu, would show him three parts of respect upon meeting him. With his status, was it necessary to deceive a local thug? Ju Shou pondered for a moment and then smiled, realizing that having such a character handle matters for him would actually make success easier. He then said, "If that is the case, I shall be your hostage, is that acceptable?"

Along the way, Wang Lei walked slowly, stopping frequently to observe his surroundings. Although he had memories in his mind, seeing it in reality felt different. Following the route from his memory, it did not take long before he arrived at his doorstep

Good

The deception is excessive

An urgent voice came from behind Wang Lei

Eliminate the treacherous officials of the court

Oh, are you still going to assist this official

Ju Shou stroked his short beard under his chin, his gaze calm and indifferent, and said: "For me, killing you is as easy as crushing an ant. Even if you possess three heads and six arms, you will not escape this confined space. Given your status, it is beneath me to lower myself to deceive you."

These words are directed both at the prison guard and at Wang Lei

No way!

Speak frankly!

Wang Lei thought to himself that something was amiss and asked, "Xiao Hao, what has happened?"

Upon mentioning this matter, Jushou's expression darkened like water

This official has agreed to the * map * book, let's see how far you can go

A hint of surprise flashed in Ju Shou's eyes as he understood Wang Lei's intention

Ju Shou stroked the tiger's whiskers, a hint of disdain flashing across his face

Thank you, my lord! Wang Lei takes his leave

Wang Lei agreed immediately without a second thought

Its purpose is to kill the chicken to warn the monkey

Ju Shou smiled and said, "Earlier, I already provided you with the answer"

"Aren't you calling the brothers?" Xiao Hao asked

It was done by Li Qingyuan

Wang Lei noticed a glimmer of cold light in Ju Shou's eyes and understood that at this point, he could not refuse. If he were to refuse, Ju Shou would undoubtedly resort to murder to silence him, and the matter of intercepting Zhang Cheng could not be leaked.

Good means

Wang Lei resolutely refused; the prison guard was his trump card. Once he released the person, who would guarantee his safety

Wang Lei clenched his fist and said, "You stay here, I will go to West Street to find Li Qingyuan"

Xiao Hao appeared flustered, as if the sky were about to fall.

The guards who followed were greatly startled and all voiced their opposition

Wang Lei, ignoring Ju Shou's gloomy expression, smiled and said: "The strength of the heroes in Ye County is a source of concern for the county magistrate, and I am willing to help the magistrate resolve this issue. The prerequisite is that the magistrate fully supports my unification of the heroic forces in Ye County"

It is precisely for this reason that Ju Shou imposed a severe penalty on Wang Lei for the incident of manslaughter.

Mr. Du has been arrested

Ju Shou did not become angry; instead, he carefully pondered Wang Lei's words and felt that they held considerable depth. Unexpectedly, even a small rogue from the East Market could articulate such profound reasoning. What a pity, what a pity that he is just a rogue. Ju Shou collected his thoughts and lightly chuckled, saying: "I will give you one more chance. Release the person immediately, and I will spare your life."

Xiao Hao lowered his head, his face filled with guilt

Ju Shou gave a thumbs up and said, "Three days from now, Zhang Cheng will arrive in Ye County. As for the time and place of the ambush, you may choose for yourself, and you can arrange the personnel as well. I only require the final result; the rest is entirely up to you."

Ju Shou sarcastically remarked: "Oh, could it be that there are fewer criminal activities being committed?"

Ju Shou smiled slightly at the corners of his mouth and nodded in agreement

Wang Lei said decisively and without hesitation: "I did it, time, place!"

Cunning strategy

Imposing demeanor, fearless and unyielding

Wang Lei ignored Ju Shou's expression and said, "The county magistrate truly deserves to be called a wise person"

Boss! You have finally returned

Immediately, Wang Lei added: "I also have a condition"

Ju Shou's face was filled with anger, as this fellow was exceedingly ungrateful.

Wang Lei asked in a deep voice: "Who are we killing?"

The Du Ye that Xiao Hao mentioned was once a tyrant in the East Market. Wang Lei, who mingled in the East Market, was one of Du Ye's subordinates. Due to his old age and physical injuries, Du Ye passed his position to Wang Lei, who regarded him as the most respected elder. Wang Lei, feeling anxious, grabbed Xiao Hao by the collar and asked, "Who, who captured the old man? Who did it?"

Ju Shou's expression instantly turned cold as he said in a deep voice: "It is already a favor to you that I do not hold you accountable for your act of murder. Do you still wish to take advantage of this?"