“Zheng Chatou!”
Old Fan’s eyes lit up, as if he had seen a savior.
“Greetings, Zheng Chatou.”
The surrounding Yamen Runners all cupped their hands in greeting, making way for Zheng Chatou.
How did this bring Zheng Chatou out?
Zeng Jihe, Monkey Head, and the others’ eyelids twitched, and their hearts trembled.
“Zheng Chatou.”
Chen Ping’an cupped his hands and bowed slightly, speaking neither obsequiously nor arrogantly.
“What do you all take the Zhenfu Division for? A wet market? Why are you all gathered here? Disperse now!”
Zheng Chatou ignored Chen Ping’an, walked into the Errand Office, and loudly reprimanded them, taking the initiative.
As his gaze swept over them, some Yamen Runners couldn’t help but shrink their heads. Without waiting for further instructions, they immediately scattered and left. In a short while, only a few Yamen Runners remained. Only Monkey Head, Da Shan, and Zeng Jihe were still there.
Watching the crowd scatter like birds and beasts, Zheng Chatou felt pleased. However, seeing that a few people were still there, his eyes suddenly widened.
“What about you? What are you still doing here?!”
Sweat was about to break out on Monkey Head’s back. He had never truly experienced the might of a Chief Constable, so he didn’t know. Now, after personally experiencing it, he couldn’t help but admire Chen Ping’an.
“Zheng Chatou, what are you so worried about, rushing to drive everyone away?!”
Chen Ping’an took a slight step forward, standing in front of the few people, looking directly at Zheng Chatou, his tone unhurried.
“Chen Ping’an, you have repeatedly contradicted me. Do you have any reverence for this Chief Constable?”
Zheng Chatou’s Qi Blood surged, like a fierce tiger descending a mountain, awe-inspiring without anger.
“Chen Ping’an, do you know that based on your current attitude alone, if this Chief Constable ordered you to be tied up, no one would have anything to say!”
“How Chen conducts himself is for the da gan law to decide! Zheng Chatou need not threaten Chen.”
Chen Ping’an’s tone was indifferent, looking as calm as a gentle breeze.
“The matter of the tax has been successfully collected by Chen. Next, it should be Zheng Chatou’s turn to deal with Old Fan, Cheng Yuan, and Zhao Hu.”
“Hmm?”
Zheng Chatou looked at Old Fan. Then, Old Fan tremblingly walked forward and quietly said a few words to Zheng Chatou. When Old Fan finished speaking, Zheng Chatou’s expression changed.
Chen Ping’an actually collected the tax from the Hu Pao Gambling House?
Zheng Chatou’s first reaction was to wonder if there was any trickery involved. Immediately, he ordered Old Fan and a few people from the Errand Office to count the amount of tax.
The result was that after counting several times, the amount was exactly the same as on the collection voucher.
How did he do it?
How could the Tiger Head Gang accept a tax amount that had increased by one-tenth?
If he remembered correctly, the one in charge of the Hu Pao Gambling House should be Da Gangya, the Protector of the Tiger Head Gang. That guy was not someone easy to deal with!
His Martial Dao Realm was Qi Blood Third Stage. Even if an ordinary Chief Constable went there and truly tried to overpower him, that guy might not even give Face!
that kid…
Chen Ping’an watched Zheng Chatou at his leisure, waiting for his explanation.
“The matter of the tax, the Zhenfu Division assigns tasks every year. Which year has it not been completed smoothly? Chen Ping’an, you merely collected a small amount of tax, why make such a big fuss, as if afraid others won’t know. Such behavior, where is the appearance of a proper Yamen Runner!?”
Listening to Zheng Chatou’s words, Chen Ping’an really wanted to vomit.
What a workplace PUA. He had Transmigrated, yet he could still encounter such a thing.
How interesting!
“Zheng Chatou is right. The matter of the tax is indeed not worth mentioning! However, although the matter Chen reported this morning was small, it involves the efficiency of the Zhenfu Division’s execution. The reason why our Nanquan Lane Garrison Office can stand firm in Nanquan Lane is because there are orders from above and actions below.
This matter, though known to the Chief Constable, was not given enough importance. In time, this trend of delay and procrastination will surely grow! If this continues, it may shake the Foundation of our Zhenfu Division! As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure! Zheng Chatou, by doing this, may become the eternal sinner of our Nanquan Lane Garrison Office!”
Chen Ping’an said with a serious expression.
PUA, is it? A reverse PUA, to teach you a lesson!
“What a sharp-tongued fellow!”
Zheng Chatou looked at Chen Ping’an with a forced smile.
“The urgency of this matter, this Chief Constable has his own ideas, it’s not for a Yamen Runner like you to teach!”
“Then, may I ask when Zheng Chatou will have a result, so Chen can know?” Chen Ping’an asked with a slight smile.
“This Chief Constable has his own plans! Chen Ping’an, you’ve crossed the line!”
Zheng Chatou reprimanded.
“Then, please, Zheng Chatou, put in more effort. Chen will continue to report this matter at tomorrow’s pre-duty meeting.”
Chen Ping’an’s smile remained unchanged.
His words caused Zheng Chatou’s expression to slightly change.
Good! Good! Good!
This is going to be a contest with this Chief Constable!
Continue to report tomorrow? He really doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth!
Zheng Chatou looked at Chen Ping’an’s eyes, narrowing them slightly.
“If Zheng Chatou has no other matters, then Chen will take his leave first.” Chen Ping’an cupped his hands slightly, and without waiting for Zheng Chatou’s response, he turned and left. As he left, he happened to smile slightly at Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong nearby.
Watching Chen Ping’an leave, Zeng Jihe hesitated for a moment and did not greet Zheng Chatou, choosing to follow Chen Ping’an directly.
As for Monkey Head and Da Shan, they looked at the direction Chen Ping’an left, and then at Zheng Chatou. Finally, they greeted Zheng Chatou, apologized, and also left.
Watching the departing figures, Zheng Chatou made up his mind that at tomorrow’s pre-duty meeting, he would teach Chen Ping’an a good lesson, leaving him with an unforgettable experience.
As for why it was tomorrow and not today, it was because there were still things about the tax that he couldn’t figure out and needed to investigate thoroughly. Additionally, he needed to greet Old Fan, Cheng Yuan, and Zhao Hu to unify their statements.
Under his central planning, tomorrow, he wanted to see what Chen Ping’an would do!?
And also let other Yamen Runners know that he, Zheng Chatou, was not to be lightly insulted! Those like Chen Ping’an would have to pay a heavy price!
“Go and investigate what happened with the tax from the Hu Pao Gambling House?”
Zheng Chatou ordered.
“Yes.”
Old Fan and the others all responded and accepted the order.
“You two come with me.”
Zheng Chatou instructed Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong.
“Yes.”
“Alright.”
Zheng Shiyong looked venomously in the direction Chen Ping’an had left.
This bumpkin dared to provoke them repeatedly; he would make him pay the price!
...
Chen Ping’an wasn’t surprised that Zeng Jihe followed. After all, the two of them were now in the same boat.
“Chen Tou.” Zeng Jihe greeted with a smile.
“Mm.”
Chen Ping’an patted Zeng Jihe’s shoulder. He saw that Monkey Head and Da Shan also followed him, which touched him deeply.
After all, these two could have completely stayed out of it.
“Monkey Head, Da Shan, you two will be resented by Zheng Chatou together.”
“It’s fine! Ping’an, I, Monkey Head, am not someone who lacks loyalty! At worst, I’ll just quit this crappy Yamen Runner job.”
Monkey Head thumped his chest, making a loud sound, looking utterly righteous.
“Ping’an, it’s nothing.” Da Shan said in a booming voice, as concise as ever.
Seeing the two like this, a warmth flowed through Chen Ping’an’s heart. However, some things were best kept in mind.
“Really not going to do it? Aren’t you afraid your old man will beat you to death?!”
Upon hearing this, Monkey Head’s head couldn’t help but shrink back. There was no trace of the righteous big brother he had been just moments ago.
Seeing this, the few of them burst into laughter.