Chapter 183 Power Struggle in Yunmeng

Liu Ziming heard this and bowed repeatedly with his hands cupped.

"Lord Zhou and Magistrate Xu shared a deep friendship. If the spirit of Magistrate Xu in heaven knew that Lord Zhou had come in person, he would surely be comforted."

He paused, then led Zhou Huaian and the squad of armored soldiers toward the main hall of the yamen, speaking as they walked.

"It is just that Yunmeng has recently suffered a great disaster, and everyone is busy. If there is any lack of hospitality, I hope Lord Zhou will forgive us."

Zhou Huaian walked with a composed gait, his gaze sweeping across the yamen offices. Staff were scarce and the place was desolate. A glimmer of realization flashed in his eyes, yet the look of sorrow on his face only deepened.

"No matter. I have come here for two reasons: firstly, to pay my respects to Brother Xu, and secondly, because I am concerned for the people of Yunmeng. How tragic the demon disaster was last night! Is the city still stable? Have there been any casualties among the people?"

As they spoke, they reached the main hall.

"Please, my Lord, take the main seat."

Zhou Huaian did not stand on ceremony. He nodded slightly and sat in the seat below the main one, while the accompanying armored soldiers stood outside the hall, hands on their sword hilts, looking stern and solemn.

Seeing this scene, alarm bells rang in Liu Ziming's heart, but he did not show it on his face, personally pouring a bowl of fragrant tea for Zhou Huaian.

"Thanks to the protection of Magistrate Xu and the City God, although the Demon Fox was fierce last night, it was ultimately slain. The people in the city were greatly frightened, but fortunately, Lord Wang... oh, that is, old man Wang who is temporarily acting as the City God, comforted them in time. With the Demon Suppression Division fighting to the death to protect the city, the situation is now generally stable, but..."

He sighed, his expression heavy.

"Magistrate Xu unfortunately died in the line of duty, and the county office is left without a leader. With so much official business piling up, it is truly worrying."

Zhou Huaian picked up the teacup, skimmed the foam, but did not drink it immediately. His gaze swept seemingly casually over the armored soldiers standing outside the hall, then looked at Liu Ziming, his meaning pointed.

"Squad Leader Liu, this is exactly what I am worried about. The demon scourge is rampant, and with Brother Xu gone, Yunmeng is like a ship without a rudder. At a time when demons are circling and the people are in a panic, how can there be no one in charge? The order of Yin and Yang, finances, criminal justice, city defense, and public security—none of these can be delayed."

As he spoke, he put down the teacup and lowered his voice.

"Squad Leader Liu, to tell you the truth, after hearing the news, I submitted a memorial to the Prefecture overnight. Yunmeng and Anlu are neighbors, as close as lips and teeth. Now that Yunmeng is in trouble, how can I sit idly by?"

"I have already stated in my memorial that I am willing to temporarily assist in the defense of Yunmeng, work with all of you to resist the demons, and stabilize the situation while waiting for new orders from the Imperial Court."

Assist in defense? Work together to resist?

Liu Ziming was shocked, but reacted in an instant. He sneered in his heart, but did not show it on his face.

The other party spoke beautifully, yet he had brought twenty armored soldiers. How could this be a friendly force coming to assist in defense? It was clearly a hungry wolf that had spotted the power vacuum in Yunmeng and come to take over.

When Xu Changze was here, although he was greedy, he at least wanted some face and valued legitimacy in his actions. This Magistrate Zhou was afraid he could not even be bothered with that fig leaf.

"Lord Zhou is righteous and compassionate for the people. Everyone in Yunmeng is deeply grateful."

Liu Ziming showed a look of gratitude, but changed the subject.

"It is just that this is a major matter. Would it not be more appropriate to wait for clear instructions from the Prefecture before making arrangements? Moreover, Magistrate Xu's funeral arrangements are not yet complete. To discuss official business at this moment might invite criticism."

Zhou Huaian heard him deflect and the smile on his face faded slightly. He shook his head, his eyes gradually becoming sharp and carrying a warning.

"Squad Leader Liu, that is incorrect. In extraordinary times, one must take extraordinary measures. Official correspondence with the Prefecture takes at least a month. Does that mean Yunmeng should be left to fend for itself during this month? What will the people rely on? Where will the law stand?"

He then stood up and paced two steps, his tone even more solemn.

"Since I have submitted the memorial, I have taken this responsibility before the Prefecture. Before the new order from the Prefecture arrives, I will temporarily preside over all military and political affairs in Yunmeng and tide over the difficulties with all of you."

"This is for the sake of the people of Yunmeng and for the sake of the Imperial Court's laws. I believe the Prefecture will understand."

After speaking, he gave Liu Ziming no chance to refute, and directly issued an order.

"Squad Leader Liu, please immediately summon the heads of the six departments of the county office, the Squad Leaders of the Demon Suppression Division, as well as Lord Wang of the City God Temple. I want to announce this publicly to reassure everyone."

"Additionally, where is the mourning hall for Brother Xu set up? I wish to go and offer incense to express my condolences."

Order after order followed, already in the tone of Yunmeng's new chief official.

Liu Ziming was extremely angry, but he knew that resisting openly at this moment was useless.

Zhou Huaian had come with armored soldiers; nominally, it was to assist in defense. If he openly defied the order, the other party could immediately slap him with the label of being ignorant of the big picture and obstructing the suppression of the rebellion.

He took a deep breath, forced down his anger, and bowed, saying:

"Yes, this subordinate will go and make arrangements immediately."

After speaking, he went straight out the door with a hint of annoyance and headed straight for the duty room.

Inside the duty room, Chen Mu had already stood up alertly; the commotion outside the window had not escaped his ears.

The door was pushed open, and Liu Ziming slipped in, closing it behind him. He could no longer maintain his calm expression, which now showed clear anger.

"Chen Mu, trouble has arrived."

He quickly recounted the matter of Zhou Huaian's arrival, his tone urgent.

"This Zhou fellow is clearly here to reap the rewards and seize power. He brought soldiers and, under the guise of assisting in defense, wants to take over Yunmeng. Xu Changze has just died, his body is not yet cold, and he is already so impatient—his behavior is truly ugly."

Chen Mu listened quietly, a thoughtful expression on his face.

He did not have much interest in official infighting or power struggles, but Zhou Huaian's intervention at this moment would undoubtedly disrupt his rhythm and might even affect his plan to obtain Lifespan.

"How can the Imperial Court's laws tolerate him acting in such a way?"

Liu Ziming sighed.

"He has already submitted a memorial to the Prefecture, and now he is using the banner of assisting in the defense of Yunmeng and resisting the demon scourge. Military affairs take precedence over civil administration. In the eyes of the Prefecture, this is remaining calm in a crisis and being courageous in taking on responsibilities. Even if they know he is here to seize power, as long as he makes it look good on the surface, the Prefecture will have no choice but to turn a blind eye."

Chen Mu frowned slightly.

"Then what does he want?"

"What else? First establish authority, then seize power, and finally scrape the land bare."

Liu Ziming said indignantly.

"He is going to Xu Changze's mourning hall now to offer incense and put on a show, and then he will summon everyone to announce that he is temporarily presiding over affairs. Most importantly, I am worried... that he will be detrimental to you."

Chen Mu seemed not to have thought of this layer. Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Detrimental to me?"

Liu Ziming nodded and analyzed.

"How Xu Changze died, you and I both know clearly. This Zhou Huaian and Xu Changze were of the same year; it is hard to say what their personal friendship was like, but since he dared to come, he must have investigated the recent events in Yunmeng."

"You successively beheaded the City God Nie Feng, and last night you killed Xu Changze and the Five-Tailed Demon Fox. How could he not know of such a battle record? He is either wary of you, or he wants to use you."

Liu Ziming paused and took two steps forward.

"Watching his actions, he seems impatient, but in reality, he is moving step by step with caution. Bringing the armored soldiers is clear proof of this."

"He has just arrived, and what he needs most is to stabilize the situation, especially to stabilize a variable like you. I suspect he will approach you very soon, either to win you over or to test you."

Before the words had even faded, a yamen runner's announcement came from outside the door.

"Squad Leader Liu, Lord Zhou has arrived at Magistrate Xu's mourning hall and requests that you and Chief Chen go there."

Liu Ziming and Chen Mu looked at each other.

"It's here."