Fucha
The Prefect of Tai'an, Zeng Cheng, was even more indifferent, even hoping that Chen Tailai would kill innocents to claim credit. The deaf and mute old dog would not necessarily go to Wenshang County, nor would he necessarily go to Ningyang County, but he would definitely come to Tai'an Prefecture.
If Chen Tailai could secure Zhu Xiaosong's head, then the matter of his jurisdiction being ravaged by rebels in several villages could be minimized and resolved with some money.
The only problem now was whether Wu Zude, the Prefect of Yanzhou, was willing to let Chen Tailai go into his jurisdiction of Ningyang County to kill innocents and claim credit.
Seeing Zeng Cheng, Zhan Hongbo, and Chen Tailai all staring at him, Wu Zude stroked his beard and said, "The rebel Zhu and his subordinates have about a hundred able-bodied men. How could so many people sprout wings and fly away? I suppose they have hidden themselves in some remote mountain valley."
After speaking, Wu Zude solemnly cupped his hands towards Chen Tailai and said, "This matter, it still requires Prefect Chen to lead troops to investigate?"
Chen Tailai grunted, acknowledging the task. Zeng Cheng then spoke again, "For the matter of the rebel Zhu, this Prefect and the three of you have been reprimanded by His Excellency the Governor. If we don't set a deadline for those below, won't we be taking the blame for them in vain?"
The other three understood immediately.
The notion of not letting officials below benefit, and setting a two-day deadline for them, was pure nonsense.
The main point was to delay for two or even three days, at least to find a reasonable time, a reasonable place, and a suitable location, so that Chen Tailai, the Governor of River Conservancy, could "capture" Zhu Xiaosong and his band of rebels.