Chapter 298: Thank You, Sir, for Standing Up for the Common Folk

Chapter 298: Thank You, Sir, for Standing Up for the Common Folk

Hu Cong then carefully recounted his ordeal to Meng Haining.

After listening, Meng Haining slammed his gavel fiercely on the table.

"Those people from the shipping company truly have no regard for the law."

Meng Haining did not intend to ask too many questions about Hu Cong's situation because he already had ample evidence, much of which was similar and irrefutable.

Hu Cong's case could be handled along with the evidence he had collected.

Meng Haining instructed the bailiff to summon Mo Chuhan, as it was said that the head of the shipping company was a martial arts expert, and sending only officials who knew basic combat skills might result in a disadvantage.

Soon, Mo Chuhan, who was patrolling outside, was called back.

In front of Mo Jiuye and his wife, Meng Haining directly ordered Mo Chuhan to lead twenty bailiffs to the shipping company and ensure that the leader was apprehended.

Mo Chuhan left with his men, leaving Meng Haining to wait.

He invited Mo Jiuye and his wife, along with Hu Cong, to the back hall to catch up, arranging for hot water to be brought so Hu Cong could wash off the dirt and providing him with clean clothes to change into.

When Hu Cong returned in fresh clothes, he seemed like a new person, exuding the dignity typical of a scholar.

Meng Haining asked casually, "Mr. Hu, don't worry. Once the shipping company's people are arrested, this official will destroy your indenture contract and compensate you from their seized assets."

Gratefully, Hu Cong stood up and bowed, "Thank you, sir, for standing up for the common folk."

Meng Haining waved his hand, signaling him not to be formal.

Mo Jiuye also showed concern for Hu Cong's situation, "Brother Hu, since your house was burned down, do you have a suitable place to stay?"

Hu Cong shook his head helplessly, "I don't want to return to the fishing village. I don't want to fish either; perhaps I can find another village and become a proper farmer."

Upon hearing that Hu Cong wanted to be a farmer, He Zhiran had some ideas.

She had heard from Mo Jiuye that Hu Cong could be considered the best craftsman in Great Shun, but he always kept a low profile and never publicized his talents after arriving in Northwest.

Such talent would be invaluable even in modern times, akin to a top engineer.

She and Mo Jiuye had purchased many abandoned houses and lands in Xiling Village, intending to build homes for their family and small workshops.

The workshops would need advanced tools, which she could buy online, but using them openly would raise suspicions.

With Hu Cong around, she could provide blueprints and ask him to make the tools, allowing her to use them legitimately, solving her problem entirely.

Moreover, she believed Hu Cong was a talented individual, and it would be a shame to let his skills go to waste.

"Since Brother Hu doesn't plan to return to the fishing village, would you consider moving to Xiling Village and becoming neighbors with the Mo family?

After all, we're all from Imperial City, and living close by would allow us to support each other."

Mo Jiuye understood his wife's intentions and added, "The villagers in Xiling Village are very honest, and there is plenty of farmland. We're about to start building houses, so if Brother Hu doesn't mind, you can join us."

After being captured by the shipping company, Hu Cong had lost hope and thought his life was over.

Unexpectedly, he was rescued by Mo Jiuye when he escaped from the shipping company. The idea he mentioned about his future plans was spontaneous, without any detailed planning.

Moreover, he had no money and nowhere to stay.

If the county magistrate's words were true, he could receive compensation from the shipping company, which would allow him to consider moving to Xiling Village and becoming neighbors with the Mo family.

"I have no objections, but..."

As he spoke, Hu Cong glanced at Meng Haining, hoping to confirm whether he could receive compensation from the shipping company.

However, Meng Haining was staring at his tea, deep in thought.

Even without Hu Cong saying anything, Mo Jiuye understood his current predicament.

"Brother Hu, don't worry. I can lend you some money to settle down in Xiling Village."

Hu Cong had no money, and now was not the time to be proud.

"In that case, I won't refuse, Young Master Jiuye. If I am fortunate enough to receive compensation from the shipping company, I will repay you immediately. If not, I have my skills and can repay you given some time."

Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran had access to two national treasuries; they did not care about a little money.

Their willingness to help Hu Cong stemmed from their belief in his skills and character.

Both were essential.

"Brother Hu, don't worry too much. Just settle down in Xiling Village."

With Hu Cong's situation temporarily settled, they began chatting casually.

About half an hour later, He Zhiran started feeling restless. Suddenly, a bailiff rushed in, so anxious that he forgot to knock on the door.

"Sir, something terrible has happened. The head of the shipping company uses poison. When Inspector Mo led us to arrest him, we couldn't even enter the courtyard. Several of our men were poisoned and fell unconscious."

Meng Haining jumped to his feet.

"What? You mean the head of the shipping company used poison? How are our men?"

The bailiff wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued reporting, "Several of our men at the front are unconscious, and Inspector Mo is also feeling dizzy."

This time, it was Mo Jiuye who lost his composure.

Bage narrowly escaped death, and he must not be harmed by the bandits again.

Moreover, both he and He Zhiran shared the same thought: the river gang in Yun City could be considered mere local hooligans, mostly riffraff from the underworld.

However, someone who uses poison and dares to use it against officials is likely not one of those common hooligans.

Through a brief analysis, they both concluded that the leader of this river gang was no ordinary person.

Given the urgency of the situation, Mo Jiuye stood up and said to Meng Haining, "Brother Meng, I will go over there to take a look."

He Zhiran knew that Mo Jiuye was worried about Bage’s safety. Since he did not understand the art of poisoning, going there rashly would easily put him at a disadvantage.

She also stood up, "Husband, take me with you."

When He Zhiran spoke, her eyes were filled with unwavering determination.

This time, Mo Jiuye rejected her without any hesitation.

"No, you are now pregnant, and I cannot let you take any risks."

He Zhiran subconsciously glanced at her abdomen. Indeed, she should not be too reckless at this moment.

After some consideration, she followed Mo Jiuye out of the county office gate.

At a secluded corner where no one was around, she handed Mo Jiuye an invisible anti-toxin mask.

This item was disposable and very lightweight, stored in her medical room. It was a military-grade item she had used during missions to prevent toxic gases from being inhaled.