He Youde was struck by the magistrate's cunning and methods.
Direct exploitation would have faced resistance from the wealthy, but the promise of reduced taxes in exchange for enlistment swayed many.
He didn't expect that today, he himself would be the target of the magistrate's shearing.
Bo Chang, on the other hand, was straightforward.
"I'll contribute thirty thousand taels."
That amount covered the cost for three hundred men.
Now four hundred slots remained.
He Youde and Gu Yang exchanged looks, knowing they had to spend as well.
He Youde sighed and said, "I'll sponsor two hundred men."
He consoled himself, it was only twenty thousand silver taels.
He believed he would recoup this investment when the profits were divided.
...
The next afternoon.
The magistrate's carriage was ambushed halfway out of the city by the Black Lotus cultists.
