Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 399 Suppressing Bandits
Time passed quickly, and after more than a month's journey, Yunhao finally arrived in southern Fujian.

"Sir, Pucheng County is ahead." The scout reported.

"Let's go into the city to rest and continue our journey tomorrow." Yun Hao urged his horse forward.

At the city gate, the magistrate of Pu County and all the county officials had been waiting for a long time. They respectfully welcomed Yun Hao into the city.

"Your humble servant, Shen Rui, the magistrate of Pu County, and all the county officials come to respectfully welcome Lord Yun, the commander of the Dragon Court Guard, to our county."

"There is no need to be so polite, Magistrate Shen. I am just passing by here. I will take a short rest and will continue my journey tomorrow." Yun Hao nodded as a courtesy.

"Your Excellency has come from afar. Although this town is small, it has some special delicacies. I have prepared some wine to welcome you." Shen Rui bowed.

Yun Hao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll trouble County Magistrate Shen then."

"Please come in, sir." The county magistrate was overjoyed and hurriedly led Yun Hao and his party into the city.

A banquet has been set up in the largest restaurant in the city. The dishes are naturally not as sumptuous as those in the capital, but they also have their own unique flavor.

During the banquet, County Magistrate Shen saw that although Yun Hao spoke cautiously, his attitude was not cold, and he couldn't help but feel secretly happy.

He knew that the commander of the Dragon Court Guard was a big shot in front of the current emperor. If he could climb up this big tree, he would surely be very successful in the future.

After the banquet, Shen Rui escorted Yun Hao and his party to the post station. He deliberately stayed until the end and said, "Master Yun, I have a favor to ask. I wonder if you can grant it?"

Yun Hao frowned slightly. He knew that what Shen Rui wanted would probably not be simple.

But he still nodded, "Just tell me, County Magistrate Shen. As long as I can do it, I will do my best to help."

Shen Rui heard this, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he whispered: "Sir, to be honest, Pu County has been harassed by bandits in the surrounding areas in recent years, and the people are suffering. Although I have organized troops to encircle and suppress them many times, those bandits are extremely cunning and always manage to escape the pursuit of the government."

"There are bandits causing harm in Pu County, why don't you report it to the court? Ask the court to send troops to wipe them out?" Yun Hao interrupted him and asked in a deep voice.

"I have reported to the Marquis of Jingbian and begged him to send troops to suppress the bandits, but, but." Shen Rui showed a trace of embarrassment and helplessness on his face, "But the Marquis said that those bandits were just some minor troublemakers and it was not worth mobilizing troops. What's more, he had to deal with the pirates who attacked and had no time to take care of them, so he asked me to solve it myself."

"Did Marquis Jingbian really say that?" Yun Hao asked doubtfully.

Shen Rui's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he guessed wrong? Wasn't Yun Hao here to investigate Marquis Jingbian?
The words had already been spoken, and he could not change them. He could only bite the bullet and continue, "Sir, every word I said is true, not a single word is false."

There was scrutiny in Yun Hao's eyes. He didn't quite believe what Shen Rui said, but there was no evidence to prove that Shen Rui was lying.

In the officialdom, interests are intertwined, and many things are indeed not as simple as they seem.

As a local lord, Marquis Jingbian had his own considerations and plans. Perhaps in his opinion, those bandits were indeed not worth mobilizing a large army.

But for ordinary people, no matter how big or small the bandits are, they are a threat to their lives.

What's more, if these bandits are allowed to grow and become stronger, they will become a major problem in the future.

Yun Hao pondered for a moment and said to Shen Rui: "County Magistrate Shen, since you have organized troops to encircle and suppress bandits many times, you must have some understanding of their whereabouts and habits. I hope you can tell me everything you know in detail, and we will find a way to deal with these bandits."

Shen Rui couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this. He originally thought that Yun Hao would be suspicious of him and might even punish him for it. But now it seems that even if Yun Hao didn't believe him, he was still willing to help suppress the bandits.

"Sir, I will tell you everything I know right away." Shen Rui told Yun Hao in detail all the information he knew about the bandits.

Including the number of bandits, their whereabouts, weapons and equipment, and the places they frequent.

He also specifically mentioned that these bandits were cunning and good at using terrain and weather to set ambushes, which made the government troops' repeated encirclement and suppression efforts unsuccessful.

After listening to Shen Rui's narration, Yun Hao frowned and thought for a long time.

These bandits are not ordinary vagrants or robbers. They may have more complicated backgrounds and motives. It is not easy to completely wipe them out.

"County Magistrate Shen, the information you provided is very valuable. However, if we want to wipe out these bandits, we still need more in-depth investigations and more careful plans." Yun Hao said slowly.

Shen Rui nodded, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. I will fully cooperate with your investigation."

"County Magistrate Shen, please go back and prepare. Tomorrow morning, we will go to the places where the bandits often appear to conduct an investigation." Yun Hao planned to stay here and set off again after dealing with the bandits.

"Yes, then I won't disturb your rest, sir." Shen Rui took his leave and left the post station in a hurry.

The next morning, Yun Hao and Shen Rui led several capable constables and several skilled Longting guards and set out on the road to the place where the bandits were active.

The mountain road is rugged and full of thorns.

Just when Yun Hao was investigating the bandit suppression, Zhao Wangshu, who was far away in the capital, received an invitation from Zhu Siyun.

Zhu Siyun's husband was sent to serve as an official in a remote area, and his political achievements were mediocre, but his father took refuge with Prince Zuo, who promoted him, recalled him from other places to the capital, and arranged a lucrative position for him.

Now the couple is enjoying great success, busy all day with social engagements and making many connections in the capital.

Although the relationship between Zhao Wangshu and Zhu Siyun cannot be said to be estranged, there is a clear distinction between them. When Zhu Siyun invited her to the banquet, Zhao Wangshu was surprised but also felt it was normal.

Who made Yun Hao the commander of the Longting Guards? She is a wife who is honored by her husband, and she is the kind of person that people like Zhu Siyun want to curry favor with.

Zhao Wangshu picked up the gold-embossed invitation, looked at the pattern on it, curled the corners of his lips, and said to Lan Fen: "Reply and tell them that I will attend the banquet on time."

"Yes, Madam." Lan Fen took the invitation and went to reply.

The situation in the capital is unpredictable. She cannot stay away from socializing and entertain guests behind closed doors. She also wants to know what Zhu Siyun wants from her.

On the day of the banquet, Zhao Wangshu wore clothes that suited her status. She looked gentle and noble. She was neither rude nor stealing the limelight from the host.

The carriage stopped in front of the Song Mansion. Zhao Wangshu got off the carriage and was led into the mansion by the Song family's maid.

The banquet hall was already bustling with activity. Zhu Siyun was moving among the crowd, chatting and laughing with the ladies.

When she saw Zhao Wangshu coming in, a warm smile immediately appeared on her face and she came forward to greet him, "Mrs. Yun, long time no see."

"Well, long time no see. I hope you are well." Zhao Wangshu smiled politely.