Within the time it took for a single stick of incense to burn, Zhang Shaoyou's men had already scoured the courtyard and found over a dozen ledgers.
A mere glance at the contents of the enrollment books caused a cold sneer to spread across Zhang Shaoyou's lips.
"I truly never imagined, your establishment is busier than the Ministry of Personnel's Examination and Appraisal Department! Take him away!"
"You better think carefully. If you take this old man away, can you bear the consequences?"
Seeing that Zhang Shaoyou was actually confiscating these items, Cai Yunzhu finally began to panic.
"Slap—"
Even at this point, this fellow still dared to threaten and intimidate him. Zhang Shaoyou naturally wouldn't give him any pleasantries. He retaliated with a vicious slap that left a bright red handprint on Cai Yunzhu's face, before ordering his constables:
"He's just a dog who deceives superiors and lies to subordinates, daring to run his mouth here. Gag his mouth and take him away!"
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, Lian Ge, without any further hesitation, stepped forward, pried open Cai Yunzhu's mouth, and stuffed a large hemp knot into it.
"Muffled— muffled— muffled—"
Now, even if Cai Yunzhu exerted all his might, he could only emit meaningless muffled sounds.
This thing might look simple, just a knot of hemp rope, but once tied, it had to be soaked in a specially prepared medicinal broth for 49 days and then dried before it could be used.
Once stuffed into a prisoner's mouth, the medicinal components within would quickly take effect, completely paralyzing the tongue and mouth.
"Return the way we came. Watch him carefully. If he dies or escapes, you'll have to cut off your own heads!"
"Yes!"
Hearing this, the constables immediately became more alert than ever, escorting Cai Yunzhu directly to the Kaifeng Prefecture.
Meanwhile, at the same time, another team of constables from the Kaifeng Prefecture, led by Wang Tiezhu, with Zhang Shaoyou's warrant in hand, completely sealed off the Taihe Pawnshop as instructed by Wang Xian.
"Scholar! Scholar, you mustn't go, you mustn't!"
Half an hour later, Cai Tao finally received the news. The moment he heard it, he immediately prepared to gather his men and head directly to the Kaifeng Prefecture to demand the release of the prisoner.
Having been rampant in Bianliang City for so many years, this was the first time anyone had dared to treat a member of the Cai family in such a manner. Although the Cai family's influence was not what it used to be, Cai Tao understood that once this precedent was set, there would surely be a second and a third time.
At this juncture, although directly confronting them at the Kaifeng Prefecture was somewhat inappropriate, it was the best course of action he could think of.
As for Cai Yunzhu, that dog servant, it was one thing. If necessary, he could even use his connections to ensure the man died in prison.
But those account books were a different matter entirely. If they truly fell into Zhang Shaoyou's hands, there could be tremendous trouble!
"Get out of my way!"
Glancing at the old steward of the Cai family who blocked his path, Cai Tao, in his fury, whipped his horsewhip directly at his face.
"Fourth Brother! The people from Kaifeng Prefecture coming here to arrest someone clearly indicates they have ulterior motives. If you go to them now, aren't you just handing them ammunition? We should wait for Grandfather to return and discuss this with him before making any decisions!"
Despite his back being torn and bleeding from Cai Tao's furious lash, he still held onto his leg tightly.
"Scholar, if you hit again, someone will die!"
Seeing that the old steward was on the verge of collapse, the servants accompanying Cai Tao quickly stepped forward to plead.
"Don't stop him, let him hit. If he kills someone, he can go to Kaifeng Prefecture to atone for his crime!"
Just as everyone was struggling with Cai Tao, Cai Jing, who had received the news, finally returned.
"Father!"
Seeing Cai Jing's return, Cai Tao could only drop his whip.
"Why are you all gathered here? Quickly carry him to the back to be treated!"
After glancing at everyone present, Cai Jing spoke with a blank expression.
"Yes!"
Upon receiving his command, the servants immediately bustled about, carrying the already injured old steward to the backyard.
"Father, we cannot let this matter go. Those account books must not fall into Zhang Shaoyou's hands!"
As soon as the servants turned and left, Cai Tao said in exasperation.
"Shut your stinking mouth! What do you think this place is? This is Bianliang City!"
Before Cai Tao could finish speaking, Cai Jing harshly reprimanded him.
He was truly utterly disappointed in this son.
It was one thing to lack a grand perspective, but this habit of being arrogant and shortsighted, he had lectured him many times, yet the young man had still not taken it to heart.
Hearing his father's words, Cai Tao finally realized that this was Bianliang City. Although they were in their own home, who could guarantee that there were no spies from the Imperial City Department within the Prime Minister's mansion!
"It was my son's recklessness!"
After taking several deep breaths, Cai Tao quickly calmed himself down.
"Come with me to the study!"
At this point, no matter how much Cai Jing looked down on him, he could only try to help him suppress this matter.
"I told you long ago not to engage in such activities. Yet you insisted on not listening. Does the family lack this meager income now?"
As soon as they entered the study, Cai Jing angrily swung his cane and struck Cai Tao.
"Father, since it's come to this, can you please help me find a solution first before scolding me?"
Seeing Cai Jing raining blows upon him, Cai Tao dodged while quickly saying.
"Find a solution, find a solution! Do you think I'm an immortal? I've lost the last bit of my dignity before the Emperor because of you. Why can't you people learn to restrain yourselves? You even dared to move the Ministry of Personnel's enrollment books outside. Why didn't you just move the entire Ministry of Personnel!"
The more Cai Tao tried to explain, the angrier Cai Jing became. However, at his age, he was already frail. After swinging his cane a few times, Cai Tao was barely affected, while Cai Jing himself was already panting for breath.
"Father, if we continue to make a scene here, I'm afraid that thing will be sent to the Emperor!"
"You know fear now? What were you doing before? Don't you know what time it is now? Don't you know how many eyes are watching us? Don't you know Yu Shen has already entered the capital! Charging into the Kaifeng Prefecture in broad daylight to demand someone's release, is this the solution you came up with? How could I have raised such a foolish son!"