After all the sacrifices have been made to speed pass, who is still practicing hard skills?

Chapter 23 Cao Gang Leader
  The banquet to welcome Zhu Sheng was held at the most famous Juxian Tower in Yanggu County. It was quite a grand event. According to common sense, Jiang Che, a deputy commander with no official position, was not qualified to sit on the banquet.

Those who can take the seat must be at least a ninth-grade military official like Liu Zhigouburen.

Therefore, when Zhu Sheng patted Jiang Che on the shoulder and introduced him, he also attracted everyone's attention.

"To be valued so highly by Captain Zhu, Deputy Commander Jiang must have outstanding abilities." County Magistrate Zhao Mingcheng, who was dressed in Confucian robes and had an easy-going face, praised him with a smile.

"Your Excellency, the county magistrate, is overly praised, and I really don't deserve it."

Jiang Che also behaved very humbly.

The surrounding officials also echoed Zhao Mingcheng and praised him one after another.

Liu Zhi followed him and smiled without saying a word, but Gou Buren looked at him deeply.

But this was just a small episode, and everyone ignored him, and Zhao Mingcheng personally introduced the identities and positions of the people present.

"This is Director Lu Guanlu."

"Yang Xian Yang County Cheng"

"Beicheng led the Song Dynasty"

"Chen Fang Chen Captou"

Everyone was greeted one by one, and Zhu Sheng greeted everyone without changing his expression, showing no signs of strangeness. However, everyone present knew clearly that Zhu Sheng must be feeling uncomfortable.

Because the people introduced by Zhao Mingcheng are obviously closer to him, and most of them are obviously members of his faction. This is not only a reception banquet, but also a way to show Zhu Sheng's power.

In terms of power, Zhu Sheng and Zhao Mingcheng are basically equal in both civil and military affairs. After all, the world is unstable and bandits are everywhere, so the powers of the county captain have naturally increased.

But this is not the case in terms of sphere of influence. Of the four major urban areas in Yanggu County, only the two southwest urban areas and the county garrison are under the control of people brought by Zhu Sheng. The other half is under Zhao Mingcheng's sphere of influence.

Even Zhu Sheng has no control over the third squad and sixth room directly under the county captain.

When it comes to power, he is far behind.

At the banquet, everyone was chatting happily, and it was very unpleasant. Zhao Mingcheng, who was in the main position, looked at this scene with an incomprehensible smile on his face. Jiang Che had been observing everyone, and when he happened to meet Zhao Mingcheng When looking at each other.

He also smiled at Jiang Che.

"Dong dong."

Zhu Sheng picked up a silk towel and wiped the corners of his mouth, and tapped the table twice with his fingers. The noisy crowd also realized what Zhu Sheng was probably going to say, and they all fell silent immediately.

However, some people have set their sights on Zhao Mingcheng.

Zhu Sheng pretended not to notice, cleared his throat, the smile on his face gradually faded, and said calmly:

"It is said that in recent years, Yanggu County has been plagued by bandits and disasters, and the people are living in fire and water. Originally, I didn't believe it and thought it was just a lie.

However, just two days ago, my family was robbed and killed by bandits from Crouching Tiger Mountain. Commander Jiang conducted an in-depth investigation on my behalf. Only then did I discover that the banditry was so rampant.

Therefore, in front of all colleagues, Zhu also made a statement today.

During my term of office, I will eradicate all banditry in the county, bring to justice those vicious people who prey on the common people and harm the neighbors, and return a clear sky to the people of Yanggu County! "

No one expected that Zhu Sheng, who was chatting and laughing just now, would suddenly change his face and talk about the banditry in the county and the need to eliminate the banditry. He suddenly looked at each other and made eye contact.

"Ahem." Zhao Mingcheng covered his mouth and coughed twice, glanced at everyone, and nodded:

"I have heard about the robbery of Wei's family in Zhu County before, and I am also aggrieved. When did our Yanggu County become the back garden of these gangsters?

This is a disaster for the people and a shame for our officials. I deeply admire the words of Lieutenant Zhu from the bottom of his heart. However, Lieutenant Zhu has just arrived and does not understand the actual situation. The thieves in Crouching Tiger Mountain are extremely arrogant and powerful.

It has been entrenched in our Yanggu County for so many years and has never been wiped out. It is extremely difficult to deal with.

The previous county lieutenant was transferred because he angered the thieves, which made the world more unstable and attracted revenge. This officer took over the mess and finally stabilized the situation.

It would be unwise to act rashly. In my opinion, we should put safety first and plan for it slowly. "

Zhao Mingcheng's words immediately made everyone understand. On the surface, they supported Zhu Sheng, but in fact they were opposed. Later, many officials at the table also advised him.

"Yes, the magistrate is right."

"Queen Zhu must not be impulsive, otherwise he will really harm the people."

"Yeah yeah"

Zhao Mingcheng, who was on the side, saw that Zhu Sheng's face was a little ugly, so he smiled and tried to smooth things over and said:
  "Today is to pick up the wind for Lieutenant Zhu County, let's not talk about official business, hehehe"

Time passed slowly, and Zhao Mingcheng, Zhu Sheng and the county magistrate left the banquet on the excuse that they were too drunk. However, as soon as the three of them left, the atmosphere at the banquet became more lively.

That Capt. Chen got so drunk with Jiang Che that they almost became sworn brothers on the spot.

"squeak"

The door of the private room was pushed open from the outside, and several men in brocade robes walked in. All of them had smiles on their faces, and they held their hands in front of everyone and said:
  "I said what a coincidence. It turns out that several adults are here."

"Hehehe, everyone, have a good meal and drink. I have already made arrangements. I will put in some jars of aged wine later."

"I heard that Kou came here uninvited to meet Zhuxian Lieutenant today. Please bear with me. I wonder who is Zhuxian Lieutenant?" Among the group of people, a middle-aged man wearing a green robe asked with a smile.

Chen Captou waved his hand:

"The leader of the Kou Gang came a little late, County Lieutenant Zhu and County Magistrate Zhao have already left."

"I see."

The man known as the leader of the Kou gang nodded, a little disappointment flashed across his face, and then he apologized and prepared to leave, but was pulled back by the drunk Chen Captou:

"Although Lieutenant Zhu has left, several commanders around him are still here. Since the leader of the Kou gang wants to see Lieutenant Zhu, he should establish a good relationship with these brothers."

"Hahaha, Capt. Chen is right, but I'm being rude." Leader Kou smiled.

"This is Commander Gou. He is currently the commander of Nancheng. He is also the commander of our Yanggu County garrison."

"This is Commander Liu, who now holds the position of Commander of Xicheng."

"This one is even more remarkable. Deputy Commander Jiang Chejiang is a popular figure in front of Lieutenant Zhu County." Chen Captou introduced them one by one.

The man surnamed Kou handed over his hands one by one with a friendly attitude and chatted with Liu Gou and Liu Gou for a few words. When he first heard that Jiang Che was just a deputy commander, he didn't care much.

However, when he heard that it was the popular person in front of Lieutenant Zhu, his attitude was different and he acted more intimately.

"I wonder who this Kou gang leader is."

Jiang Che pretended not to know and looked confused.

"This leader of the Kou Gang is not an ordinary person. He is one of the top figures in our Yanggu County. Have you heard of the Cao Gang? Haha, this is the leader of the Cao Gang." Chen Captou introduced him enthusiastically, obviously having an unusual relationship with Kou Yuansheng.

(End of this chapter)