When Lu Ming arrived, he witnessed a minor official harassing a scholar.
The official's words were vicious, his demands for money veiled at every turn.
The scholar, however, couldn't produce any money and grew increasingly agitated, his hand almost on his sword hilt, ready to strike at any moment.
The steward was about to send someone to arrest the official, but Lu Ming waved him off. He didn't know what this man wanted, but obedience was the best course of action.
"Hey, a scholar? Scholars are known for their manners and adherence to rules, for their gentlemanly conduct. And you? Don't impersonate a scholar and tarnish the reputation of scholars!" The official, Lin Tao, spoke with increasing fervor. Ever since tasting the benefits two days ago, he had become increasingly brazen, demanding extra bribes.
In a sense, Lu Ming was to blame for encouraging this corrupt practice!
"Sir, stop spouting nonsense. We may be penniless, but you can't insult us like this." The scholar, around twenty years old, was in his impulsive years, accompanied by two companions, who also glared angrily.
"Heh, no money, no entry into the city! Bah!" Lin Tao spat, then suddenly glanced at the notice on the city wall. "You're a wanted criminal! Seize him! He's a wanted criminal!"
The soldiers immediately surrounded him. Killing innocent people and claiming credit? They didn't care, as long as they got paid.
Lu Ming felt it was about time. He stopped not to watch the spectacle, but because he noticed something strange about the young man. Upon closer inspection, it was Xu Shu!
Xu Shu's reputation and talent were undeniable; he was one of the best in the Three Kingdoms period.
When Liu Bei was driven to Xinye by Cao Cao, he relied on the county of Xinye to repeatedly thwart Cao Cao's plans. Xu Shu's contribution was indispensable in this.
This is a strategist-type talent. Military strategy requires a broad vision, tactical planning, and then the execution of those plans by qualified generals.
The generals then adapt and execute the plans based on the actual situation to ensure military success.
Of tactics and strategy, strategy is clearly more important; tactics merely serve the strategy.
"Guards, seize this law-breaking minor official." The steward, Lin Dong, was no longer the obsequious man he was before Lu Ming. This was because Lu Ming had cured the sister of the prefect and the Marquis of Zhao, making him a guest of honor among nobles, and with his military achievements, his future was limitless.
There was no need for him to offend him. As a steward, it wasn't about saving face, but about reading people and changing course accordingly!
Lin Tao was still basking in the power he wielded and hadn't even realized he'd been apprehended by burly soldiers.
The soldiers guarding the nearby city gates were somewhat taken aback. It was only after their squad leader gave them a signal to disperse.
This was a high-ranking official in the city on business; when gods fight, mortals should step aside.
"What are you doing! What are you doing! Let me go!" Lin Tao shouted fiercely, only to be stunned by two slaps.
"Take him away!" Lin Dong waved his hand, signaling the constables to take the man away.
Lu Ming went over to help the three men, cupping his hands in greeting, "Are you all alright?"
"We're fine, thank you for your help." Xu Shu was somewhat surprised, but still clasped his hands in greeting. He still had some of the air of a wandering knight-errant; he hadn't yet gone to study, but his intelligence was undeniable.
"It's good that you're alright. Since we seem to have a connection, why don't we exchange addresses? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have drinks and conversation another day?" Lu Ming was eager to make his acquaintance. Xu Shu was a very good strategist, and with his wide circle of friends, he might even be able to recruit some talented people for him.
"We're on Miaofang Street in the east of the city. Just tell me my name, Xu Fu." Xu Shu's real name was Xu Fu; he changed it after killing someone to avenge a friend and fleeing capture.
"Alright, I'll treat you all to drinks tomorrow. I have to take my leave now." Lu Ming greeted Xu Shu, left his information on the friend list, and then departed.
The friend list allows you to view someone's data; the closer the relationship, the more detailed the information.
Furthermore, you can also locate them, so leaving an impression and adding them as a friend is crucial.
"Very well, I look forward to your arrival." Xu Shu clasped his hands in a fist salute, clearly impressed with Lu Ming.
This farce lasted only a short time; the city gates returned to calm, and soon new minor officials arrived.
This incident was like a pebble thrown into a river, creating a ripple that quickly subsided.
"Steward Lin, could you help me find a house? Just a regular courtyard, enough to live in." Lu Ming first asked the steward for a courtyard, paying him even though the steward said it was free.
Then he went to the home of the minor official Lin Tao and arrested his family. Unexpectedly, he had a son, a beautiful wife, and his parents were still alive.
"What are you doing!" A woman dressed in blue, trying to appear calm, blocked Lu Ming's path, spreading her arms to shield herself and her son. "My husband works in the city, don't do anything rash!"
"You must be Lin Tao's wife. He's broken the law, embezzling and accepting bribes—a full one hundred taels of gold. That's enough for your family to die many times over. This is the arrest warrant. According to the law, you will be arrested, tried, paraded through the streets, and finally beheaded!" Lu Ming began to intimidate. The young woman before him had a good figure and was quite beautiful. He hadn't been with a woman for many days.
Now was the perfect time to indulge himself. He wanted to play the despicable villain to impress his superiors and make them feel secure using him.
Such a villain was useful, talented, and posed no threat to them—a perfect resource!
Lin Tao's wife wasn't naive; she was too shrewd. Upon hearing this, she nearly fainted.
Moreover, she saw the yamen runners inside; they weren't imposters. There were also onlookers outside. No one was actually there, or rather, anyone daring to impersonate a yamen runner in broad daylight would be courting death!
So blatant, it definitely wasn't fake!
"Sir, please, spare us!" Lin Tao's wife's teeth chattered. She didn't know what to say, only begging for mercy.
"Heh, it's not impossible. If you satisfy me, maybe I can get your husband out. It all depends on whether you can satisfy me." Lu Ming leered, pinching the woman's chin, a guilty conscience rising within him as he bullied a man and a woman.
This is ancient times!
Having served her like a servant these past two days, wasn't it all for future glory?
He could wrong her, but he would definitely get his money back with interest in the future!