Chapter 14 Bait

  Li Shimin was a good manager, appointing people based on their abilities, and as long as they had talent, they would not be overlooked.

  Wang Zhihong is undoubtedly a talent. Young and promising, he was also a jinshi (a successful candidate in the imperial examination), someone like Li Shimin would not let him stay for long in a small county like San Yuan.

  Wang Zhihong was destined for a bright future, and whoever could get close to him at this time would also rise to prominence in the future.

  Huang Shan was very respectful of Liu Yi, in his heart, Liu Yi had already entered the ranks of a superior man, belonging to that kind of wise and hidden person.

  Back at the county yamen, Wang Zhihong did not immediately hold a trial to interrogate Liu Yitiao, but instead ordered Huang Shan to quietly invite him to the rear hall of Wang Zhihong's residence.

  As for Liu Yitiao, Wang Zhihong still attaches great importance to him. Without mentioning the power of his punch when he hit Wang Shuai, but he dared to punch a tax officer and sue Wang Kui, which is already quite impressive.

  This is a promising young man. Wang Zhihong looked at the slightly awkward Liu Yitiao in front of him and made such an evaluation in his heart.

  He had already seen that Liu Yitiao had guessed before fighting Wang Shuai that he, Wang Mouren, was determined to get rid of Wang Kui. Otherwise, a clever person like Liu Yitiao would not have fallen into danger so easily.

  "Willow one strip, know why bring you here?" Wang Zhihong said.

  Liu Yitiao bowed slightly and pretended to be foolish, saying: "I know, it's for the sake of our family's little yellow cow. My method was somewhat inappropriate, too rash, and caused trouble for you, sir."

  Wang Zhihong saw Liu Yitiao pretending to be stupid, and his expression unchanged said: "According to the laws of our great Tang Dynasty, those who intentionally harm or kill a plowing cow, or cause it to lose its ability to work, shall be flogged with 80 rods, and imprisoned for three to five years. What do you think I should sentence you to?"

  "Sir, our family's Xiao Huang is fine, just got an extra hole on his nose, it won't affect the farm work after spring arrives. Please make a fair judgment, sir!"

  "Huh?" Wang Zhihong unexpectedly shifted his gaze to the yellow-shirted man beside him. Didn't they say the cow was beaten to death? How is it alive now?

  The man in yellow shirt stepped forward and explained respectfully: "Sir, I have ordered someone to bring back the plowing ox of Liu Yitiao's family. It is now in front of the government office and seems to be fine."

  The implication of Huang Shan's words was clearly biased towards Liu Yitiao, and Wang Zhihong didn't feel much surprise about it, after all, it was Liu Yitiao who indirectly pushed him to the position of General Captain. However, what made Wang Zhiman puzzled was why Huang Shan's attitude today was so respectful? Was it because of Liu Yitiao?

  Wang Zhihong shifted his gaze to the young man who didn't look very tall and said, "Although the cow is not dead, but you beating the cow is still a fact, right? The crime of injuring a draft animal is no small matter!"

  "Sir, you can just tell me directly what's on your mind. If you keep going like this, my little heart won't be able to take the stimulation." Liu Yitiao started to bitterly smile. A high-ranking official is enough to crush a person, let alone when he himself was still just an ordinary citizen.

  Wang Zhihong smiled, picked up the hot tea on the table and took a sip, saying slowly: "Alright, let's get everything out in the open. I can choose not to pursue your intentional harm to the draft cattle, but you need to help me eliminate Wang Kui and his gang. What do you think?"

  Liu Yitiao's face turned even more bitter. Someone like Wang Kui, who was both brave and cunning, with a ruthless streak to boot - if it wasn't necessary, he really didn't want to provoke him.

  "Director Wang, capturing criminals and keeping the people safe is your duty as a government official. With money and troops at your disposal, it shouldn't be difficult to catch an old fugitive like him. It's just a matter of giving the order, so why do you need to drag me, a ordinary citizen, into this? I still have elderly parents and young siblings at home!"

  "Do you think Wang Kui is just a has-been gang leader? Wang Zhihong stared at Liu Yitiao tightly: "If he were just an ordinary gang leader, do you think I would have tolerated him until today?"

  "He is Liu Peng's nephew!" Huang Shan saw that Liu Yi had a puzzled look on his face, so he spoke up and said: "Liu Peng is the prince's aide, an old man who has watched the prince grow up."

  Is this the useless Crown Prince Li Chengqian? Liu Yitiao was stunned, how did he bring up this great god? No wonder Wang Kui could be so arrogant in San Yuan County for so many years, it turns out that there are people backing him up in the imperial court.

  Liu Yitiao glanced at Wang Zhihong and asked, "Is Liu Peng down now?"

  Wang Zhihong nodded slightly and said softly: "He has already lost the prince's favor, it's just that the prince cherishes old friendships and hasn't removed his official position."

  "What are you worried about? The biggest threat is gone, what else can I do for you?"

  "We need a pretext!" Wang Zhihong stood up and said, "We need a reasonable, lawful, and sufficient pretext to kill Wang Kui. And this pretext, only you can provide."

  "I understand," Liu Yitiao took over Wang Zhihong's words and said, "You want me to be the bait, using Wang Kui's hatred for me to lure him out and throw him into the net. Is that right?"

  Wang Zhihong nodded in satisfaction, it's easy to talk to smart people.

  "But would Wang Kui fall for it? He's a very astute person, also very good at seizing opportunities, knowing what can be done and when. How could someone like that throw himself into the net at this time?"

  For Wang Kui, Liu Yitiao's understanding is very profound. It's terrifying for someone to ruthlessly beat their own son to death.

  "Don't worry about this, I have a way. Now I just want to ask for your opinion, are you willing to take this risk?" Wang Zhihong seemed very confident.

  "You shouldn't be...?!" Liu Yitiao suddenly had a terrible idea, which could make Wang Kui lose his reason and do whatever it takes to find him, probably only the still imprisoned Wang Shuai.

  Wang Zhihong nodded and said: "Wang Shuai has been evil for so many years, it's time to settle the account."

  Seeing Liu's face was not right, Wang Zhihong continued: "Don't worry, the Tang Dynasty is a society that upholds the rule of law. I won't really do anything to Wang Shuai. I just need to spread some rumors outside."

  Liu Yitiao said, "I'm not worried about him. Even if he really died, I wouldn't think it's a pity. It would be good for the people if someone like him died earlier. What I'm worried about is that if Wang Kui really comes, what will happen to my family and me? Wang Kui isn't a kind-hearted person."

  "These past few days, Huang Botou and the county yamen runners have been keeping watch around your house. Your safety is their responsibility." Wang Zhihong said: "Huang Botou is a skilled man. With him here, you and your family will be very safe."