Chapter 39: A Desperate Gamble
When the crowd finally arrived before the mountain, they were stunned to discover that the entrance had already been sealed tight by the county yamen officers, as impenetrable as an iron barrel.
Acting Magistrate Cheng Yishu stood at the entrance, drenched in sweat as he tried to explain himself to the ever-growing, surging crowd.
“The Lengshan mines are a restricted site under imperial decree. No one is allowed to enter!”
“I am well aware that the recent erratic weather has indeed affected the growth of Lengshan Grass. But it is by no means as the rumors claim, that it has completely vanished! This county has already prepared a formal report to the imperial court, explaining the situation in detail and petitioning for a reduction of this year’s labor duties on behalf of all of you!”
Under Cheng Yishu’s mix of firm warnings and conciliatory reassurances, the crowd on the brink of rioting finally dispersed, though they did so with lingering doubt and deep reluctance.
“Guard this place with your lives! No one is to be allowed inside!”
Watching the crowd recede, Cheng Yishu’s face darkened as he issued a strict order.
In truth, he had already gone down into the mines himself to investigate. The remaining Lengshan Grass within had indeed completely withered.
But this truth could not be revealed now. If those unruly commoners outside learned of it, the ensuing riot would be far beyond his ability to suppress.