Arriving at the Han family mansion, though slightly less grand than those of the noble families of Chang'an, it was still resplendent in gold and jade.
The gilded plaques, the snobbish servants, even the servants dressed in brighter colors than ordinary people.
"Heh, the Han family truly is the top family in Xiji City."
"Indeed, Han Ming has annexed almost all the surrounding farmland over the past ten years. He opened casinos in the city, forcing farmers into bankruptcy, selling their children, and ultimately selling himself into slavery. The people dare not speak out!" Zhang Chun fanned the flames from the side, naturally hoping the Han family's era would end so he wouldn't have to bear so much pressure.
"Heh, seeing is believing. Let's go, Zhang Chun, I'd like to see this Prefect Han for myself." Lu Ming laughed and walked forward, his personal guard Lin Rong quietly leaving after receiving orders.
Zhou Cang and Liao Hua both noticed, but said nothing; they didn't know what the other was planning.
Upon arrival, he obediently followed orders, observing more and speaking less.
Sure enough, a servant in a cotton-padded coat stepped forward, gesturing to stop them. "Stop! This is the Han residence. Don't come in without an invitation!"
This was an invitation to a banquet; how could he not recognize them? It was clearly a show of force!
Lu Ming's smile remained unchanged. He took out an invitation from his pocket. "Tell Han Ming I've arrived."
The servant glanced at it. One of them took the invitation and went inside to report, while the other continued to block Lu Ming and Zhang Chun from entering.
"Such arrogance! A county magistrate making the prefect wait outside? Is there no law?" Zhang Chun continued to fan the flames, trying to provoke Lu Ming into a war with the Han family.
Lu Ming of today was no longer the impulsive boy he once was. He had learned to plan before acting. He wouldn't make a move until he was fully prepared.
Still as a virgin, swift as a rabbit—the key was to seize the opponent in one fell swoop.
"Hmm, perhaps Magistrate Han has something to attend to, hehe." Lu Ming maintained a cold smile while rapidly gathering intelligence.
Don't be fooled by his still appearance; he was actually exploring a new map, needing only enough time.
After a while, Han Ming emerged from the mansion, laughing heartily, bowing and saying, "Oh dear, I've been so busy! My apologies, I'm so grateful for your hospitality. Governor Lu, please come in! Brother Zhang, please come in!"
Lu Ming nodded, saying nothing, not even a hint of reproach.
His calm demeanor surprised Han Ming, for this hot-tempered young governor was not one to be trifled with.
Governor?
I'm giving you face by calling you Governor!
I won't give you face!
I'll send you straight to your grave!
Even a single county is fraught with complexities; the entire Liangzhou region is even more treacherous and unpredictable. Forget about being a governor; without some power, you're simply not worth taking seriously.
Upon taking his seat in the main hall, Lu Ming's expression was calm. "Magistrate Han, no need for song and dance. Give me a report on the situation in Xiji City over the past three years. Tell me about the city's population and any special resources."
"This! My lord, since you're here today, please enjoy yourself. I've prepared a generous gift for you. Perhaps we can discuss official business tomorrow?" Han Ming knew nothing about data; he only knew how to amass wealth, seize other men's wives, and condone his sons' lawless behavior. He had no interest in the people's livelihood.
Lu Ming picked up his wine cup, gazing at the yellowish liquid, then looked at Han Ming again. "I wonder how many children Magistrate Han has? Do you have ten concubines?"
"Haha!" Han Ming laughed heartily, seemingly believing he had the upper hand, and inwardly feeling contempt for Lu Ming. "I am unworthy, having only fathered eight sons and six daughters."
"Indeed, it seems Magistrate Han and I are kindred spirits. Then what are we waiting for? Bring out the singing and dancing!" Lu Ming laughed uncharacteristically, licking his lips. "Do you have any unmarried daughters?"
"Yes, yes, yes." Han Ming's smile widened. "Men, bring out the singing and dancing, and call the young ladies out."
Daughters? Daughters were merely tools for marriage alliances. For large families, daughters were like water spilled from a cup. Used to cultivate relationships, and also as tools.
Zhang Chun was still unaware of what was going on, only seeing the late-arriving County Lieutenant Fan Mi quickly becoming friends with Lu Ming, the three men chatting about women—it was quite amusing.
He even went so far as to discuss the advantages of different age groups of women and the most fun ways to have sex with them.
"Have either of you ever tried having sex in front of your husband?" Lu Ming asked, embracing a young woman while they drank. His hand was already inside her dress, grabbing and kneading her budding breasts.
This was Han Ming's daughter. To molest his daughter in front of him was utterly despicable and shameless!
Han Ming's eyes twitched. Although she was born to a concubine, this was still incredibly shameless! However, for the sake of his future plans, he accepted it. "What does 'having sex in front of your husband' mean?"
"Haha, it naturally means having sex with a woman in front of her husband. Seeing the man's expression will be incredibly pleasurable!" Lu Ming laughed heartily, squeezing the girl's breasts forcefully. He pulled her closer with one hand and slipped his hand under her skirt to play with her clitoris.
The girl rolled her eyes, covered her mouth, and squirmed uncomfortably. Being played with in front of so many people was utterly humiliating!
Han Ming and Fan Mi were initially stunned, then burst into laughter.
"Sir, you really know how to play! You're a master of this art. We are ashamed of ourselves!" Fan Mi wasn't a good person either. As a county magistrate, he colluded with bandits outside the city, committing murder and robbery.
Anyone who dared to defy him would be killed by his bandits when they were away.
In Xiji City, it could be said that you either had to submit to the three major families or become a slave; there was no third option.
The young aunt had always worked for Fan Mi.
However, during a business deal, she cheated and had an affair with Fan Mi's concubine. When she was discovered, she was doomed!
By chance, the young aunt was praying at a temple outside the city and escaped the wrath, fleeing quickly.
He learned that the governor was in Anding Commandery and seemed to be his nephew, so he devised a plan to go and seek refuge there.
This led to his aunt's arrival; it was all a matter of chance!