After Yang Liu returned, she relayed Zhao Yong's words exactly.
Apparently, Zhao Yong hadn't eaten a single meal provided by the county magistrate, nor drunk his wine. The county magistrate had summoned him inquiring about the imperial green, saying that his term would be over next year. He was worried about having to present gifts to Shangguan in Beijing and asked Zhao to suggest a gift.
This was a covert demand for the imperial green from Zhao Yong!
Zhao Yong pretended not to understand his intentions and casually brushed it off with a nonchalant response.
Xu Zhongtian mentioned knowing about Zhao's recent purchases of shops, land, and houses in Yunshi County. He warned Zhao that Yunshi County had high crime rates with many thieves and bullies, and without the government's protection, things could get troublesome.
This was a blatant threat!
