The Republic of China: A Letter of Appointment Creates the Most Powerful Warlord

"I heard that a great magistrate came to Qingshan County next door and not only reduced taxes for the people, but also distributed land to them. I don't know if it's true or not."

The boss was kneading the dough, thinking about the rumors from a few days ago, and talking to himself non-stop.

"I think all crows are black. Those officials all love money. How could they be so kind to us peasants? This news is 90% fake."

"That's not necessarily true." Zhang Ye casually picked up a white pancake, took a bite, and laughed, "You're really just making a big fuss. Maybe what they said is true."

"Hey, whether it's true or false has nothing to do with us. Even if he gives out gold ingots, it's not our turn." The boss shook his head and did not continue arguing on this issue.

In this era, he has finally understood that he should live one day at a time. When he finally passes away and closes his eyes, these hard days will be over.

"Hey, what are you dithering about? Hurry up! If you keep dithering, I'll spank you!"

Not far away, two patrolmen stood in front of a breakfast stall, raising their batons as if to hit the owner.

"No, no, no, don't be angry, I'll give it to you right away, right away."

The owner of the breakfast stall put on a flattering smile and reluctantly counted out ten big coins from the cash box and handed them over.

"Look, just because he has the skin of an official, he can come out and show off his power." The boss who sells steamed buns was full of anger. Although he said dissatisfied, his hands were not idle. He counted out ten big pieces in advance and prepared them.

This is the sanitation fee that must be paid every day. As long as you set up a stall, a patrolman will come to collect it. If you fail to pay, you will be slapped in the face and scolded at the very least, and your stall will be overturned and you will be beaten at the worst.

"Hey, how's business today?" As he was talking, two patrolmen came over. One of them was very rude. He walked to the back of the stall, picked up two freshly baked pancakes, cut a hole in them and started to put meat in them.

In this situation, the boss dared not say anything but to be humble and smile, and handed over the prepared sanitation fee.

"It's okay, two big brothers, I've prepared it for you."

"Oh, you're sensible." Another chubby patrolman took the big piece and weighed it in his palm. After his eyes caught sight of Zhang Ye and the others, he suddenly changed his mind and frowned, cursing, "You bastard, these are only ten big pieces. Are you trying to trick me?"

"Huh?" The boss was stunned when he heard that. He asked in confusion, "Brother, it's always ten."

"Bullshit!" The fat patrolman had a vicious look on his face, glaring at the boss and cursing non-stop, "It's clearly stipulated that those with good business have to pay twenty yuan. Look at you, there are two or three tables of customers sitting here. Isn't it going to take us longer to clean up?"

"Hurry up and don't waste time, give me ten more coins, or I'll beat the crap out of you!"

"But, I... I..." The boss's face turned red with anger, and he wanted to pick up a kitchen knife to fight these two bastards.

There are no regulations. Over the years, there has never been any regulations regarding sanitation fees. They just see how many customers there are at the stall and think that the boss has opened his business, so they temporarily increase the price to make more money.

It's obvious that they are bullying honest people.

"Alright, alright, it's only ten yuan. I'll pay for him."

At the critical moment, Zhang Ye came to the boss, pressed his shoulder, and signaled him not to be impulsive.

It's not worth fighting with these two bastards.

"You're quite rich."

When the fat patrolman saw that he took the initiative to step forward, his expression turned very ugly and he stared at Zhang Ye threateningly.

"Since you're willing to pay, then I'll give you five dollars for a month's worth of sex."

"How about this, instead of just one month, I'll pay you for a year, okay?"

Zhang Ye added, his hands behind his back and a harmless smile on his face.

"Five dollars a month, twelve months a year is sixty dollars. How about I pay it all today so you don't have to come every day to collect it?"

"Master, Master, this matter has nothing to do with you, you..." The boss didn't know what Zhang Ye wanted to do, so he quickly stopped him and whispered, "Master, these people are like dogs that can't be fed. Don't bother with them."

"Don't worry about it. I'll help you settle this matter." Zhang Ye gave him a reassuring look and turned to face the two patrolmen: "What do you think, sir? Can I do this?"

"Okay, that's what you said!" The fat patrolman looked serious, slowly pulled out the baton from his waist, and said in a low and majestic voice: "Pay the money quickly, 60 yuan, not a cent less, otherwise you will bear the consequences."

"Take a look, don't be anxious." Zhang Ye spread his hands and continued to deceive: "Who can come out with so much money? Otherwise, how about this, you two come home with me to get it?"

"Are you planning to pull some kind of trick?" The fat man remained alert, looking at Zhang Ye and his group of four or five. Judging from their appearance, they didn't seem like good people. He raised his baton, his eyes cold, and said in a deep voice: "I'm targeting you today. No money? Then go home and get it. The rest of you will wait here."

"Fuck you, it's really Moji!"

Zhang Ye didn't expect that this guy was so difficult to fool. After cursing angrily, he was too lazy to talk nonsense with the two of them. He waved his hand and He Wei and others rushed over, instantly controlled the two of them, and dragged them into the alley next to them.

This scene frightened the boss of the fire-baked bread vendor. He grabbed Zhang Ye's arm and nervously warned him, "Master, don't be impulsive. You can't beat these black-clad people in this city.

Get a good beating and run away, or you'll suffer a lot if you're caught later."

"Haha, don't be afraid, I promise you'll be fine."

Zhang Ye bared his teeth, his expression very calm. He took out two silver dollars from his pocket, stuffed them into the boss's hand, and said soothingly: "Don't work today. Go home early and rest up, just treat it as a day off."

"Tomorrow morning, come back to set up your stall. I guarantee that no one will come back to collect money, and no one will ask you for money again in the future."

"I... I, Master Ke, what on earth do you do?"

The boss was stunned by his remarks. He looked at Zhang Ye with a pale face and didn't dare to move.

He now seriously suspected that this group of people were just a group of mountain bandits. Otherwise, how could they dare to make such arrogant remarks.

"Don't worry about what he's doing. Just go back." Zhang Ye didn't say much to him. He took out a pocket watch, looked at the time, and then didn't eat his meal. He walked quickly towards the inn opposite.

As he left, the boss selling steamed buns stared at the money in his hand in a daze. When he came to his senses and was about to close the stall, He Wei and others came out from the alley next door.

The sharp-eyed boss noticed that all the men had their hands behind their backs, and one of them was rubbing a piece of black cloth back and forth. In a trance, he saw that the man's palm was stained with blood.

As for the two patrolmen, they seemed to have disappeared and had not appeared since they entered the alley.