After receiving the order, the guards immediately stepped forward and took down Wu Yong and other officials without saying a word.
Li Kang's sudden order to take action was something Wu Yong didn't expect. His performance just now definitely didn't mean any conflict, at least it was quite satisfactory.
But Li Kang took action as soon as he came up, and Wu Yong immediately thought of something. On the surface, he was trying to take advantage of them, but in fact, he was trying to give Su Qi'an a kick in the back.
At this time, a deep voice suddenly sounded, "Stop it, my lord!"
Behind Wu Yong, a group of Dongshan troops came with heavy steps.
The soldiers immediately dispersed and stood in front of Wu Yong and others, forming a confrontation with Li Kang's guards.
Immediately afterwards, Su Qian came from among the soldiers, raised his head and looked at the carriage ahead with a calm expression.
He didn't salute, but just cupped his hands and said, "Lord Zhou Mu's sudden visit surprised me, but Wu Yong and the others didn't seem to have done anything wrong. Taking someone as long as Lord Zhou Mu said it was a bit excessive. I want to hear it. Let Master Zhou Mu give you an explanation."
Anyone else would definitely not dare to talk to Li Kang like this, but Su Qi'an has the qualifications.
In terms of essays, he has the title of civil servant, and in terms of martial arts, he has the title of marquis. The Marquis of Daliang, in addition to His Majesty and the children of the royal family, must kneel down and worship.
Others, whether they are powerful officials or local pastors, mostly salute.
The reason why Su Qi'an was not polite was that Li Kang knew better than anyone else. In addition to his fame and title, Su Qi'an also had a third identity, that of a royal family.
This was approved by His Majesty. Although Su Qi'an came to a remote place in Jiaozhou, the so-called life and death royal family would not interfere, but the royal status was there.
Su Qi'an might pretend to be polite when he was usually polite, but once he was displeased, it wasn't that simple.
Li Kang was not flustered by Su Qi'an's question. He was silent for a while and said coldly.
"Su Hou wants to know the reason, and Benzhou will naturally tell him that Wu Yong, as the acting governor of a county, is not strict with the people, and does not kneel when he encounters Benzhou. According to the laws of the Great Liang, civilians must kneel before officials."
"But what did Wu use him for? Look at these civilians who treat Benzhou with such contempt. Benzhou captured him and punished him for disrespecting his superiors and lax discipline. Isn't that right? This is Benzhou's explanation to Su Hou. .”
Li Kang was very indifferent. He obviously came prepared. Su Qian nodded and said, "Master Zhou Mu is right. According to the law, civilians must kneel before officials. However, I also have jurisdiction over the county and city."
"In the final analysis, this matter is due to my negligence in management. I am here to apologize to Lord Zhou Mu on behalf of Wu Yong and others."
Li Kang's eyes flashed, and he was about to nod and continue talking when he was interrupted by Su Qian.
"I suggest you report this matter to His Highness Ninth Prince. After all, you are not allowed to kneel before officials. His Highness Ninth Highness agrees. His Highness Ninth Highness has promised to the people of the county and city that from now on, except for His Majesty and the royal family's children, other officials, no matter how big or small, will , just salute, no need to kneel down."
"Since Mr. Zhou Mu thinks this matter is very serious, please tell Mr. Zhou Mu to tell His Highness Ninth Prince. After all, only Mr. Zhou Mu has objections to this matter. He wants to enjoy the same treatment as the royal children and be on an equal footing. His Highness Ninth Prince If the blame falls, I think Mr. Zhou Mu will be able to resolve it properly."
"Master Suhou, you are talking nonsense. When did this state say that it wants to be on an equal footing with the royal family's children? You should stop spouting nonsense here."
Li Kang almost said it without thinking. The charges Su Qi'an charged him with were bigger than those he charged Wu with, but he almost didn't mention treason.
If he doesn't defend himself, who knows if Su Qian will continue to talk nonsense here.
"Oh, I'm such a slanderer? It was Master Zhoumu who just said that we should follow the laws of Great Liang, so we should act in accordance with the laws. Even the golden words spoken by His Highness Ninth Prince are not greater than the laws, right?"
"Everyone, if Lord Zhou Mu insists that we kneel down and worship, then we will fulfill Quan Zhou Mu's wish and everything will be done in accordance with the law. Even the children of the royal family, and even His Majesty, must act in accordance with the law."
"Anyway, Lord Zhou Mu is backing me. After all, who doesn't know that Zhou Mu is the largest in Jiaozhou. Everyone, please kneel down and worship."
This from Su Qian
After a round of rhetoric, it was obvious that he wanted to make the matter bigger, and Li Kang, who was sitting in the car, rushed out.
Looking at the people around him who were following Su Qi'an and about to kneel before him, he shouted quickly.
"Wait! Stop everyone, Honshu. No kneeling."
Su Qi'an froze, looking at Li Kang with a puzzled look on his face, and asked, "Why, Mr. Zhou Mu, do you want to play new tricks?"
"That's enough. Suhou, this matter is the fault of this state. This matter is over as it is. Let these people disperse. This state is not here today to punish crimes, but to negotiate important matters."
At this time, Li Kang's face turned white and blue with anger.
It's not like he never thought that Su Qi'an would set a trap for him. The trap he gave him this time was really no less than that. It was scary to death.
He dared to say anything. A small kneeling ceremony almost made him say that he wanted to rebel, become the overlord of Jiaozhou, and separatist power. It really put him on the fire.
Although the facts of this matter are quite different, the nature of the acquiescence in private is completely different from the nature of it on the table.
It's not that Li Kang's ambitions are not big enough, but that his strength is not enough to support him from putting the acquiescence facts on the table.
Not to mention him, some ambitious state shepherds in other states are not the same. They have to obey the orders of the Great Liang royal family on some matters.
I really didn't dare to rebel directly on the table. The Su Liang royal family declined, but it still ruled for three hundred years.
At this time, even if there is ambition, no one dares to take the initiative because the time is not yet ripe.
Everything had to be done in private, but this Su Qian was not afraid of making matters worse.
The territory of the county and city is under his control, and these untouchables are not allowed to obey his orders.
If he hadn't stopped him in time, he would have allowed Su Qi'an to continue to slander him and make things happen.
Believe it or not, within a few days, all the news about his impeachment will be placed on Su Xuanyong's Long Case like snowflakes.
This Su Qi'an is a big trap. If you don't do anything right, you will fall into the trap he set.
"Oh, it turns out that Mr. Zhou Mu is here for business this time. Come on, come on. Please come over here."
Su Qi'an waved his hand, signaling for the people around him to disperse, and one person led the way.
Li Kang's face turned pale, the corners of his mouth twitched, and he scolded Su Qi'an ten thousand times in his heart. It would be a pity for Su Qi'an not to become an actor with his acting skills.
He didn't believe that Su Qi'an didn't know the purpose of his visit to the county. He wanted to give the other party a show of strength, but he fell into Su Qi'an's trap.
Under the leadership of Su Qi'an, Li Kang came to the county mansion and opened the door. Except for Li Kang, all the guards behind him were outside.
Confronting the rules, Li Kang didn't say much and followed Su Qi'an into the county mansion very calmly.
He was not worried at all about what Su Qi'an would do to him in the mansion. After all, he was the state shepherd of a state, and he came to visit openly. At this time, if Su Qi'an dared to do something detrimental to him, it would undoubtedly be the stupidest move.
Following Su Qi'an all the way into the mansion, the county mansion was less than one-fifth of the previous one, and even the most magnificent atrium palace had been completely demolished.
Passing through the government office in the middle, there are some side rooms for receiving guests at the back.
Li Kang followed Su Qi'an into the room. As soon as they sat down, Su Qi'an said directly before the tea was poured out.
"Sir Zhou Mu is not here in person, and he is visiting the county at this time. There is no need to beat around the bush. Please tell me clearly what Zhou Mu wants to say."
Su Qi'an's character changes so quickly that Li Kang is really unpredictable.
Since Su Qi'an was so straightforward, Li Kang no longer planned to hide it, but planned to tell the truth.
"Benzhou likes that Suhou is so quick to talk to people. This time Benzhou comes here with only one purpose, which is to make Suhou surrender to Benzhou."
Su Qi'an was stunned by Li Kang's words. He raised his head and looked at Li Kang, and suddenly said with a smile.
"Zhou Mu is really big-hearted. You want me to surrender to you as soon as you open your mouth? Doesn't Zhou Mu know that I am a descendant of the royal family? Isn't it possible for you to ask a descendant of the royal family to surrender?"
"If Honshu
If there is the ability to make the royal family submit, I am afraid it will not be limited to Jiaozhou. Although Suhou is a descendant of the royal family, according to this state's understanding, Suhou's royal status is just a facade. Compared with the royal family's children, there is no comparison. Among the members of the royal family, Su Hou was probably only a marginal figure. "
"It is a loss to the royal family that they look down upon Suhou so much. In the eyes of this state, Suhou is a rare talent."
"Su Hou has been in Jiaozhou for about a year. Whether it's a priest, a Qingcheng County Governor, or two elders, Su Hou is very capable. Such talents are highly appreciated by this state."
"I think Suhou's thoughts go far beyond the small Qingcheng County. As long as Suhou can surrender, this state can first guarantee that Suhou will be promoted from the third class to the second class."
"We can even divide the five counties into one county and give it to Suhou."
"First, I will be promoted to a noble title, and then I will give you the territory. Mr. Zhou Mu is really generous."
"But I think I have to pay something to get these. There is no free lunch in this world."
"Haha, this state likes to talk to smart people. Don't worry, Suhou doesn't need to pay a big price. He only needs to transfer Suhou's Dongshan Army to the six counties of Jiaozhou. As for Suhou's military strength, this state will redeploy 20,000 state soldiers. , under the jurisdiction of Suhou."
After speaking, Li Kang was not in a hurry for Su Qi'an's reply. He drank tea and waited patiently.
The conditions offered by Li Kang were already very generous, and promotion to a noble title was the second priority. The main thing was to expand the territory, directly occupying two counties and occupying one-third of the six counties in Jiaozhou.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the strength is second only to Li Kang. As for the so-called vast territory of the Priest Alliance, it is not comparable to the six counties of Jiaozhou.
The six counties of Jiaozhou are small, but they are indeed the most prosperous, most populous and most developed places in Jiaozhou.
Think about it, Li Kang only needs to occupy six counties in Jiaozhou to control the entire Jiaozhou and influence the priests' alliance.
This time, the two counties of Su Qi'an were assigned. This was a great thing that no one could ask for.
For others, it was pie in the sky, but for Su Qi'an, not to mention the two counties, even the entire six counties, Su Qi'an was not interested.
The main blame lies with Li Kang for targeting the Dongshan Army.
The Dongshan Army is not only the guarantee for Su Qi'an's development, but also his lifeblood. Not to mention Li Kang, not even the royal family can try to snatch the Dongshan Army away from him.
