Rebirth of The Deer and the Cauldron, Wei Xiaobao Becomes a God

After hearing this, Wu Xingzuo's face turned pale and blue. He certainly knew what the Hai Gang was like.

The Hai Gang was able to grow and develop in Fuzhou only with the tacit approval of Yao Qisheng.

Yao Qisheng's backer was Prince Kang.

As for the collusion between the Hai Gang and Zheng bandit, turning a few hundred taels of silver into tens of thousands of taels, with such a huge profit, Zheng bandit must have been involved.

After all, the sea is Zheng Fei's sphere of influence. Without Zheng Fei's nod, the Hai Gang would not be able to move freely on the sea.

Although Yao Qisheng started his career by fighting against Zheng's bandits, it seems unlikely that he was in cahoots with Zheng's bandits.

Yao Qisheng once told himself that he wanted to build a navy and recapture Dongzhou Island, all of which required money, and the fastest way to make money was smuggling under the maritime ban.

Previously, when he was the prefect of Quanzhou, he was demoted for failing to enforce the maritime ban and allowing maritime trade.

Now the goods of the Ryukyu Kingdom are in short supply in China, so Yao Qisheng brought in a sea gang to engage in smuggling secretly.

Almost all officials in Fujian knew about this, and each of them received an extra income of twice their salary every month because of it. All officials in Fujian knew this, but no one dared to say it out loud.

Because if this matter gets out, not only will their careers be affected, but they may even lose their heads. So everyone tacitly chose to remain silent and pretend that they knew nothing.

Who would have thought that today, as soon as Lord Wei arrived, he would make the matter public and accuse him of the serious crime of having secret dealings with bandit Zheng. Wouldn't this be a big expose?

At this time, Wu Xingzuo was sweating on his back, standing there not knowing what to do, while the academic superintendent, provincial governor, inspector and prefects at all levels around him spoke one after another:

"Lord Wei, the smugglers are all individual ship captains under the Hai Gang. Gang Leader Rao is a kind-hearted man. He contributed the most to the repairing of temples and building schools. Gang Leader Rao must be wronged in this matter." The academic superintendent said.

"Lord Wei, I also think that Gang Leader Rao was wronged. Every time we sent troops to suppress Zheng's bandits, it was Gang Leader Rao who contributed the most money and food. I guarantee that he has nothing to do with the Zheng bandits." said the governor.

"Lord Wei, I am in charge of patrolling. Governor Yao eats simple meals every day and never wastes anything. All officials in Fujian learn from Governor Yao to keep himself clean and have never engaged in corruption, let alone colluding with some illegal smugglers in the Hai Gang." said the patrol envoy.

.........

Wei Xiaobao listened seriously to the words of each official pleading for Rao Lixiang, nodding from time to time to show his agreement and understanding of their views.

This attitude made everyone mistakenly believe that Sir Wei was still young, gentle and easy to communicate with.

However, Wu Xingzuo remained silent, standing there quietly, not daring to make a sound.

He was well aware of how powerful Lord Wei was. No matter whether it was Oboi, Wu Sangui, or other powerful forces like the Shenlong Sect, as long as Lord Wei decided to eradicate them, he would definitely take action.

Ru Ling, now that he has become the disciple of his mentor, he is determined to move forward firmly and accompany Wei Xiaobao to the end.

After thinking it over, Wu Xingzuo stepped forward and reported to Wei Xiaobao: "Master, I think that collusion with Zheng bandit is an unforgivable crime. I would rather believe it than believe it. I will immediately arrest Rao Lixiang, the leader of the Hai Gang who committed smuggling crimes, and interrogate him carefully, and then report the details to you, Master."

When these words were spoken, all the officials were shocked. They never expected that Governor Wu, who was always cautious in his words and deeds, would be so bold.

First he became an apprentice, then he acted as a thug, totally disregarding the consequences upon Governor Yao's return.

"That's right, this is more like my student. But it's not safe for him to be kept with you. He might be killed by someone." Wei Xiaobao patted Wu Xingzuo's shoulder earnestly and said solemnly.

Wu Xingzuo quickly nodded and said that he would definitely follow his teacher's teachings.

Wei Xiaobao nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Zhu Youli and ordered, "Tie him up and lock him up in the Governor's Mansion. Also, arrest the deputy leader, elders, and other leaders of the Hai Gang. Confiscate their homes as well, and put all the confiscated property in the Governor's Mansion."

Zhu Youli immediately expressed his determination to carry out the order.

Then, Wei Xiaobao turned to look at Wu Xingzuo and said seriously, "Send someone to lead the way when we arrest people and search their homes. No important person can be missed. The arrested people will be interrogated overnight. You will be responsible for the interrogation, which will be conducted at the Governor's Mansion. I will send a company of soldiers to protect you and your family, so that those desperate criminals will not threaten you."

Wu Xingzuo was moved and said, "Master, rest assured, I will live up to your trust and investigate this case thoroughly."

Wei Xiaobao smiled with relief, patted Wu Xingzuo on the shoulder, and encouraged him: "Okay, I feel relieved with your words. Remember, you must be fair and strict, and don't favor anyone."

Wu Xingzuo nodded solemnly to show that he understood. He knew that this case was going to expose the truth, but with his mentor around, he had nothing to fear.

After Wei Xiaobao finished his arrangements, he looked at the frightened Fujian officials, sneered, and said, "You guys, whatever benefits you received from Rao Lixiang, just hand them over to the Governor's Office. If you do, as long as it doesn't involve murder, I will pretend it didn't happen. If you don't, and it's discovered, it's my business to confiscate your property, and it's your emperor's business to chop off your hair and exile you."

When these words were spoken, the officials were shocked and many of them collapsed to the ground in fear.

They knew that Lord Wei was not someone they could easily mess with, and if they didn't do as he said, their lives might really be in danger.

Wei Xiaobao looked at the officials in front of him and laughed secretly.

These people are usually domineering officials, but now they are trembling like a group of frightened rabbits.

He went on to say, "Don't be complacent, and don't unite to fight. Money or life, decide for yourself. I'll give you three days, and the emperor should be here in three days. If you don't voluntarily hand it over, I'll confiscate your home and hand you over to the emperor."

Threat, this is a naked threat! The officials looked at each other, their hearts filled with fear and helplessness.

They knew that Wei Xiaobao was a mean man who did what he said. If they did not comply with his demands, the consequences would be disastrous.

At this moment, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted loudly: "Sir, we are willing to hand over the bribes, please spare our lives!" Then, other officials echoed and expressed their willingness to obey Wei Xiaobao's orders.

Wei Xiaobao nodded with satisfaction, and then looked at the officials who had not yet expressed their opinions, with a hint of severity in his eyes. After hesitating for a moment, these people finally expressed their willingness to hand over the bribes. After all, none of them wanted to lose their lives because of greed.