Chapter 62: Fury
Chapter 62: Fury
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From start to finish, Gao Shun remained silent. Even when Zhang Ke questioned him without asking a word, intending to arrest him, Gao Shun didn't even blink.
He merely stared at Zhang Hao with icy eyes, and within his gaze seemed to be an immense power. The proud smile on Zhang Hao's face gradually froze, and even cold sweat formed.
At this moment, Zhang Ke, who had originally turned to leave, felt that the atmosphere was off. He turned back and saw this scene, his eyebrows furrowed instantly. He shouted at Zhang Hao, "Why are you still standing there? Get this guy for me!"
'Arrest him? I want to too, but I dare not!'
Under Gao Shun's icy stare, the fool Zhang Hao found it hard even to breathe. Hearing Zhang Ke's words, he managed a smile uglier than crying.
Zhang Hao had never seen Gao Shun in this state before; it was truly terrifying. It felt like his throat was being squeezed, as if Gao Shun could twist it at any moment.
At this moment, Zhang Ke finally realized that something was amiss. It wasn't just Gao Shun's silence or Zhang Hao's ugly smile, but also the anger on the faces of the soldiers present, and this anger was all directed at Gao Shun.
Indeed, Gao Shun's situation in Shanwu County was precarious. Many people disliked him, but even more people, especially the soldiers, genuinely respected Gao Shun. Among the thousand-plus soldiers present, those at the eighth layer and above held him in high esteem, if not outright admiration.
Everyone knew who Gao Shun was. He didn't indulge in wine or money, and he was fair and just. No one would believe he'd steal, not even with a sum as high as fifty thousand gold. His integrity was well-known to all.
All the soldiers were clear that this was obviously Zhang Hao's framing!
Most of the soldiers were poor commoners, and they identified more with Gao Shun, who shared their humble origins, than with the arrogant Zhang Family. This blatant framing reminded them of the aristocracy's oppression, and they couldn't help but put themselves in Gao Shun's position. How could they not be furious?
"Gao Platoon Leader didn't take a single cent! Why are you trying to arrest him without any evidence?" a soldier behind Gao Shun shouted, his eyes red and neck thick with anger.
"Right! We didn't take anything! Why are you arresting Gao Platoon Leader?"
Instantly, Gao Shun's men's emotions were ignited, and they roared in unison.
The roar, filled with resentment, indignation, and unwillingness, carried far. Everyone in the barracks heard it, and some soldiers started to gather towards the commotion.
Seeing this, Zhang Ke's heart skipped a beat. He realized that if he didn't suppress this matter, the barracks might mutiny. He immediately stepped forward.
"What are you doing? Are you rebelling? Did I say he stole? Did I accuse you of stealing? I'm just having Gao Shun taken away to assist in the investigation. Don't I have the authority as the County Magistrate to do this?" Zhang Ke shouted at the soldiers, then turned to Gao Shun and frowned. "How are you leading your platoon? What kind of soldiers are you commanding? Go and help Zhang Hao investigate the gold matter properly and resolve this issue quickly."
Zhang Ke realized he had underestimated Gao Shun. This man held significant prestige among the lower-ranking soldiers, and arresting him hastily would be a mistake. So, he both asserted the Zhang Family's authority and retracted his order to arrest Gao Shun, planning to temporarily suppress the matter for now.
After Zhang Ke finished speaking, Gao Shun remained silent, standing there coldly.
At this moment, Gao Shun was only nineteen years old. He was still young and had his pride. Despite enduring the various difficulties imposed by the Zhang Family, he had managed to stand his ground in the barracks. However, he also had his own principles.
Today's incident had severely breached his principles. The Zhang Family had trampled on his and his subordinates' dignity, and even tried to take his life. Gao Shun was not willing to let this slide easily, even though his rational mind told him he should bow his head. His inner pride would not allow it.
"What are you standing there for, Gao Shun? Are you planning to rebel?" Zhang Ke burst into a cold rage.
"No, I am waiting for the gold to be accounted for!" Gao Shun replied coldly.
Everyone was stunned by his words. Zhang Hao seemed to understand something. The gold was taken by him, but he had no time to hide it when he returned and immediately placed it in his own barracks. He thought it would be safe, but now Gao Shun's words made him break out in a cold sweat.
At this moment, a soldier came to Gao Shun's side, whispered a few words in his ear, and Gao Shun nodded. He immediately sprang into action and said to everyone present, "Come, I'll take you to find the gold!"
Zhang Hao's face turned pale. He turned to his confidant and ordered him to hide the gold quickly, then moved to intercept Gao Shun, hoping to delay him.
However, as soon as Zhang Hao approached Gao Shun, he was immediately intimidated by Gao Shun's cold gaze and retreated without saying a word. This scene was seen by Zhang Ke, who, after a moment's thought, understood the general situation. His face turned dark.
This matter had to be stopped. Otherwise, if Gao Shun exposed the truth, it would be a severe blow to the Zhang Family's reputation.
After glaring at the pale-faced Zhang Hao, Zhang Ke hurriedly stepped forward to block Gao Shun, "Enough, enough. I know about this. Let's just end it here. You and your men have worked hard. Go and rest."
"Gao Shun doesn't understand what the County Magistrate means. Didn't you want the gold? Follow me, then!" Gao Shun said, moving past Zhang Ke and heading towards Zhang Hao's barracks.
Seeing Gao Shun's audacity, Zhang Ke immediately flew into a rage. He took a step forward, grabbed Gao Shun's shoulder, and tried to forcibly pull him back.
Zhang Ke was enraged and used all his strength, intending to cripple one of Gao Shun's arms. However, when he grabbed Gao Shun's shoulder, it felt like grabbing a piece of steel. He couldn't hurt Gao Shun at all, and his own hand was even slightly injured from the shock.
Only then did Zhang Ke realize that this young man, who looked to be less than twenty, was incredibly strong.
Gao Shun turned and gave Zhang Ke a cold look, said nothing, and continued walking towards Zhang Hao's barracks. Today, Gao Shun was clearly enraged and determined to give the Zhang Family a resounding slap.
"Think carefully before you act. Some consequences you might be able to bear, but the people around you might not."
Zhang Ke's cold words made Gao Shun's steps falter, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
The late Eastern Han Dynasty was the worst era for the poor and suffering masses!
(End of Chapter)
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