The corners of Fang Zheng's mouth trembled, and there was a faint murderous intention in his heart. However, no matter how resentful and dissatisfied he was at this situation, he still had to put on a smile and allow himself to face Xiao Chen calmly.
"Haha, the governor is too praised." Fang Zheng smiled, but he was really bitter, "Our Dali Temple has a century-old foundation, and it is different from those small sects and sects down the mountain. It’s just fun.”
"Master is magnanimous, and I admire it." Xiao Chen cupped his hand, "And master, you are indeed very proud. In this case, I know that you are so transparent, so I won't make any detours with you."
"Somebody come!"
"Immediately conduct a thorough inspection of all the ultimatums and disciples in Dali Temple for this governor. If there are any whose names do not match, gather them together with me in front of the Daming Hall. The total number of people will be totaled and the tax will be paid one by one according to the head!"
Xiao Chen's voice turned cold, and a hint of solemnity calmly escaped. The good-tempered distinguished guest just now disappeared in an instant, and he was already the ruthless and ruthless imperial envoy who followed His Majesty's orders.
When dealing with these Jianghu people, Xiao Chen knew very well that when it was time to give them a decisive move, he could not be lenient, otherwise these people who used force to break the law would not be afraid.
For a moment, everyone in Dali Temple couldn't help but be shocked by Xiao Chen's demeanor. The anger on their faces suddenly froze, and they all looked towards the square.
Fang Zheng's expression also changed, and he looked at Xiao Chen with a serious look in his eyes. The corner of his mouth barely curved into a smile, and he said with a profound meaning, "Master Xiao, our temple has prepared the Sutra Pavilion and the Great Return Pill for you. As for this ultimatum, there is no need for the governor to be so serious, right?"
Xiao Chen raised his handsome eyebrows slightly, flicked the corner of his robe, and sat leisurely on a large grand master's chair next to him. He leaned back lazily and looked at Fang Zheng from a distance, "Master, what do you mean? Why doesn’t the governor understand?”
"The Sutra Pavilion and Da Huan Dan are both things you should honor to His Majesty according to your bet, and the laws of Da Chu are what you, Dali Temple, must abide by as a citizen of Da Chu. Is there any conflict between the two? "
"Do you mean to negotiate terms with His Majesty? If you want to be filial, you should not be allowed to respect the Dharma? If you want to be respected by the Dharma, you should not be allowed to be filial?"
Fang Zheng was so frightened that he quickly bowed his head and said seriously: "The governor is joking, I never meant it!"
Although Jianghu has always been unwilling to get involved with the imperial court, in any case, all Jianghu people are the subjects of Dachu as long as they are within the territory of Dachu. Who dares to offend His Majesty Dachu?
If Xiao Chen was really charged with treason, the whole temple would not have enough heads to chop him off.
No matter how powerful the Jianghu sect is, it cannot withstand the imperial cavalry.
Xiao Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, a smile escaped from his eyes, and there seemed to be a determination to win in his calm tone, "In that case, Sir, do you have any objections to my governor's handling?"
Fang Zheng secretly gritted his teeth, his back molars were almost broken, and the murderous intention towards Xiao Chen in his heart became even stronger.
However, his thoughts kept changing, and the situation in front of him forced him to admit that at this time, there was no other way but to obey Xiao Chen's disposal.
Futai Cai Lan did a good job. In less than an hour, he had checked out all the disciples on the mountain who had not received the ultimatum.
The common people who occupied the large marble space in front of the Daming Hall were cleared out, and the two county magistrates lined up in front of the Daming Hall with two teams of young disciples.
Looking at the darkness, it was estimated that half of the disciples of Dali Temple were occupied.
Seeing this, Xiao Chen's face became even darker, a look of solemn dignity escaped from his slightly narrowed eyes, and his voice was cold and deep, "Dali Temple is so brave!"
"Fang Zheng, I need an explanation."
The official authority from the imperial envoy and the power of life and death in Dali Temple forced Fang Zheng to admit defeat. He hesitated for a moment, and a strong sense of unwillingness and hatred swept over the calm face of Qing Xiu for many years, and a ruthless killing intent filled his face. Heart.
However, this huge amount of tax money, the future of Dali Temple, and his position as the leader, are all tied to Xiao Chen, a gelding!
This castrated dog is despicable and dirty, and is narrow-minded to seek revenge for his own sake. He clearly does not understand this hatred and will never let it go.
It seemed that he had only one last way to go. For the sake of Dali Temple, he had no choice but to deign to give it a try!
Fang Zheng gritted his teeth so hard that blood almost oozed from his teeth. He finally knelt down with the courtesy of a commoner, "It is true that there was negligence in the temple regarding the payment of ultimatums. The poor monk will send someone to make up for all the payment of ultimatums as soon as possible!"
"I hope Governor Xiao can be merciful and don't blame anyone."
He thought Xiao Chen hated him for not being submissive and complimentary, but in Xiao Chen's heart, it couldn't be because of such a trivial matter.
Xiao Chen just snorted lightly, not intending to pay attention to Fang Zheng's intention of lowering his status to settle the matter. He looked at all the masters in the temple with cold eyes. In the end, his eyes darkened and he was not moved at all, "One person, two people." This can be considered negligent, but with such a huge number, do you think I can believe it?"
"Your Majesty, can you believe it?"
Fang Zheng felt secretly resentful in his heart, and the fingers hidden in his robe sleeves were already drawing blood. He slowly raised his head and asked tentatively: "So, what does the governor mean, no matter what, he must be held accountable?"
Xiao Chen stared at him thoughtfully for a long time. During the exchange of glances between the two, Fang Zheng seemed to realize something and immediately said: "It's all the poor monks who are not managing well and causing trouble for the court."
The phrase "poor governance" is tantamount to blaming the deliberate omission of ultimatums, evasion of court taxes, and seizure of disciples' property on the masters below.
The faces of the masters suddenly darkened, and they all understood at that moment that Fang was planning to abandon his pawn to save his chariot.
But the other halls that were not related to the disciple's ultimatum were fine, and approval gradually appeared in their eyes. After all, by pushing a few people out and reducing losses, everyone's interests could be preserved.
However, the heads and directors of the Household Affairs Hall and the Disciples Academy who were closely related to this matter all turned pale, and a sense of unwilling struggle was faintly surging.
Fang Zheng stood up, his eyes narrowed slightly, falling on these people with complex and profound meaning, and said in a deep voice: "Fang Yuan, Fang Wu, what is going on? You two, quickly tell the poor monk and Governor Xiao An explanation!”
Both of them looked complicated, struggling and hesitating in their hearts, but under the heavy pressure, there was really no chance for them to speak.
Xiao Chen sneered and sold his favor to Fang Zheng for the time being. He didn't intend to pursue it further, so he gave an order, "Come here, take these two people, as well as all the disciples in their respective halls who are involved in this matter, and take them to the state." The prison cell!"
"All the disciples who don't have the ultimatum must be driven down the mountain!"
"Tai Futai will personally inquire about taxes and property, and there will be no mistakes in discussing them!"
