The calm in Hulu County did not last long. The next day, a gust of wind about the horse bandits coming to loot Hulu County spread all over the city.

Xu Minghua reported the incident to Chen Ao, and Chen Ao fell silent when he heard it. He could be sure that when they were disposing of the corpses at the West Gate early yesterday morning, except for the few guards guarding the door, the rest were their own people. There were no people around, and no one else could see it.

If this news was not leaked by those pawns, it means that the traitors of the horse bandits hiding in Hulu County have already begun to act. They must have seen that Chen Ao did not react yesterday, and they couldn't hold it back, and wanted to use this method to put pressure on him and force him to give in to the horse bandits.

The reason why he chose to be tough with the horse bandits was nothing more than for the people of Hulu County. If it weren't for this, he would have walked away with his family, who would have stopped him?

Chen Ao rubbed his forehead, a little annoyed. I saw Zhou Zhutou running in, and said in a somewhat anxious voice: "My lord, many businessmen are blocking the door of the yamen, and I want to ask you if that rumor is true!"

Chen Ao was a little depressed, it seemed that these people had panicked. Half of the people in Hulu County are migrants and businessmen. As soon as these people are in chaos, the entire Hulu County will be in chaos.

Xu Minghua whispered: "My lord, do you want to go out and talk to them?"

Chen Ao glanced back at him and said, "What did you say?"

Xu Minghua said: "Of course it's to appease them." Let them know that our government is dealing with this matter, and we will definitely ensure their safety!"

Master Wu, who had not spoken, said at this time: "My lord, why don't you take this opportunity to let these businessmen give some money to tide over this difficulty." ”

Chen Ao rolled his eyes, snorted coldly, and said, "If you want to take money out of a businessman's pocket, it's like an iron rooster plucking its feathers." Even if we can really force them to pay this time, what about next time? In the long run, will there be a caravan coming to our Hulu County?"

Master Wu snorted for a while, but finally didn't speak again. Chen Ao stood up, strode out, and said to himself, "You should see them!"

As he spoke, he had already come to the gate of the county office. Xu Minghua and Wu Guozhong stood behind Chen Ao like door gods, as if they were ready to carry Chen Ao and run at any time, so as not to get Chen Ao injured by the excited businessman.

Chen Ao glared at them strangely, then turned his head and smiled at the dozens of businessmen gathered at the door, and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, what are you doing in this county office so early? I have been the magistrate of Hulu County for so long, and today is the most lively day!"

A middle-aged man with a big belly, with a strong Jiangsu-Zhejiang accent in his official dialect, said: "Lord Chen, we are here just to know if the rumors are true?

Before Chen Ao could answer him, another person said, "My lord, I heard that the reason why the horse bandits did this is because you offended them, didn't you?"

"My lord, why do you want us to be unlucky if you offend them?"

"Is it true that they want 10,000 taels of silver?

"Your Excellency, you have offended them, should you give them the money?"

......

As soon as everyone said a word, there was a quarrel at the gate of the county office. Xu Minghua couldn't help but shout angrily: "Shut up for me!" Hmph, it is you caravans who are going to be robbed by a gust of wind, and if you want to buy peace with silver, you naturally want to come out!"

His words were like pouring a scoop of cold water into a boiling oil pot, which made the businessmen boil suddenly. Someone shouted: "Why? Your county government has provoked bandits, but you want us to spend money to eliminate the disaster?"

"Yes, I think you are in the same league as those bandits!"

......

Chen Ao saw that the more they talked, the more they spoke, the more unspeakable they became, and he hurriedly reached out and pressed it. When everyone was talking a little quieter, Chen Ao smiled and said: "Everyone is an adult, why are you so unbreathable? How can you hear that the wind is rain? Who told you that a gust of wind is coming for revenge?"

When the merchants heard this, they looked at each other. They also heard the news by accident, and rushed to the county office together in a panic to ask for an understanding.

Xu Minghua and Wu Guozhong also glanced at each other, a little puzzled. Xu Minghua asked in a low voice, "Lord Chen, do you mean ...... Is there really no such thing?"

Chen Ao turned his head, glanced at him with a little meaning, and said with a smile: "What do you say, Xu Xiancheng?"

Xu Minghua didn't know how to answer him, so he had to shut up.

Chen Ao put on a smile and turned back to the businessmen and said, "I'll just say that we Han people are the easiest to believe rumors, and if others say it casually, you will take it seriously." Two days ago, you saw that my people had killed a gust of wind to the point that nothing was left, so they dared to come to attack the county seat? Now it is a peaceful and prosperous era, not to mention the imperial army, just our troops in Gyeongju can easily wipe out this gang of horse bandits. Do they dare to go against the court?"

The fat boss touched his stomach and said, "So...... Is this just a rumor?"

"Rumors! Absolute rumors!" Chen Ao said categorically, "Spreading rumors is subject to legal responsibility, and you will be punished." I don't think you want to break the law, do you?"

Those bosses waved their hands again and again: "Naturally I don't want to ...... Don't want to ......"

One said: "Since it's a rumor, it's great." We were worried that it would be unsafe on the road. In that case, we don't need to wait any longer and can hit the road as planned!"

Chen Ao shook his head with a smile and said, "Although this matter is a rumor, why did such a rumor appear?

Everyone shook their heads blankly, and Chen Ao continued: "Although I don't know who spread the rumor, I think this person must have an ulterior secret. Until this person is found, I hope that everyone will be calm and stay in the city for the time being. Anyway, everyone's goods are not fresh fruits, and they are not afraid of spoiling. Everyone doesn't care about such a day or two, so why not find out the truth of the matter and set off again?"

After such a long period of experience, Chen Ao did not change his face when he pulled up lies. Those big bosses are also shrewd, but firstly, Chen Ao represents the official authority, and secondly, he is almost convinced of what he said. Naturally, these people can only be fooled obediently. They nodded, exchanged glances with each other, and then saluted Chen Ao together: "Since the county lord said so, we will follow what the lord said, wait for two more days, and see what kind of reputation the rumor-spreading kid wants to do!"

Chen Ao smiled and politely sent the merchants away. The entrance to the yaya was immediately cleaned. Xu Minghua and Wu Guozhong also smiled and said to Chen Ao: "Since this turmoil is nothing, then we can rest assured." Haha......"

Chen Ao glanced at the two of them, and said lightly: "I'm afraid the two adults can't be idle yet." This rumor-monger is extremely hateful, you should quickly find him out and give these merchants an explanation!"

Xu Minghua and Wu Guozhong glanced at each other and gave their hands together. Seeing the two of them walk away, Chen Ao's face suddenly sank. He ordered an entourage behind him and said, "Go and get Feng Hu back!"

A moment later, Feng Hu hurried back from outside. The two entered the second hall, and Chen Ao said in a deep voice: "Send someone to arrest all the guards outside the west gate yesterday!"