Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2097: Prefect Liu Wants to Kill

In that case, it wasn’t surprising that Shao Yunduan didn’t take his superior seriously!

“Lord, it’s time to decide how to handle this situation,” Grandmaster Miao urged.

Prefect Liu furrowed his brow deeply, remaining silent for a prolonged moment.

It would be disingenuous to claim he wasn’t enticed by the allure of the various factions proclaiming themselves as princes, kings, and monarchs.

Yet, he remained undecided.

Regardless of his decision, he had to maintain authority over his domain. Even if he aligned himself with a prince in the future, this would serve as his leverage and confidence. It would also allow him to achieve more significant feats for the throne and garner greater rewards and influence.

However, if he couldn’t even control the Prefect under his jurisdiction, then even if he allied with a higher authority in the future, he risked becoming a laughingstock. What more could he desire?

Furthermore, Prefect Liu found Grandmaster Miao’s analysis highly plausible. Shao Yunduan likely harbored rebellious intentions; otherwise, he wouldn’t have acted as he did.

Since Shao Yunduan harbored such thoughts, he might act on them in the future.

Rather than merely taking precautions, it would be wiser to strike preemptively.

After all, wouldn’t Prefect Liu find himself in a passive position if Shao Yunduan struck first?

And if Shao Yunduan suffered wrongful consequences? So be it.

For someone who defied his superior’s orders, death would hardly be an unjust fate.

In such a cutthroat world, human lives were as expendable as grass, be they common folk or officials.

Even if General Shao from the northwest inquired about Shao Yunduan’s fate in the future, Prefect Liu could conjure countless justifications. He would undoubtedly emerge unscathed.

Prefect Liu resolved to eliminate Shao Yunduan.

“Return to Anze Province and summon him here. Inform him that I wish to speak with him personally. If he complies, I’ll consider him innocent. If he refuses, he must be guilty!”

But why would Grandmaster Miao agree to return to Anze Province?

Since the days of Prefect Shao, none dared provoke that territory.

If Grandmaster Miao ventured there, and if Shao Yunduan truly harbored rebellious intentions, it might not be a matter of whether he could reach the provincial capital but rather whether he’d leave it alive!

What if he became a sacrificial lamb, unjustly slain to appease Prefect Liu’s suspicions?

In this world, nothing trumped the value of life!

Preserving life was paramount. No risks could be taken, no imperfections tolerated.

After pondering for a moment, Grandmaster Miao proposed, “Lord, why not send Constable Li instead? I’m powerless in this matter. If Prefect Shao refuses to comply, I’m powerless to compel him. Wouldn’t that tip our hand to the enemy? Constable Li, on the other hand, is different. If Shao Yunduan refuses to cooperate, Constable Li’s expertise allows him to easily subdue him. Let Constable Li bring along more skilled personnel. Once we have him under control and bring him here, Lord can decide how to proceed.”

“Without Prefect Zhao, Anze Province poses even less of a threat!”

Prefect Liu nodded thoughtfully. “You’re correct. We can’t afford to tip our hand… Let’s proceed with your plan!”

“Lord’s wisdom shines through! Acting now is better than waiting!” Grandmaster Miao exclaimed, visibly relieved.

So when Shao Yunduan planned to inspect the towns and assess spring farming progress, and perhaps take Qiao Xuan out for leisure, emissaries from Prefect Liu arrived.

This time, the residents of Anze Province were already aware of the situation and had made preparations beforehand.

However, no one dared to let their guard down.

From the last encounter, it was evident that Constable Li was not one to engage in amicable discourse. His reappearance signaled trouble once more.

Constable Li arrived at the doorstep accompanied by 300 bailiffs, persisting in his demand for money and provisions.