Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The wealthy families received the news with trembling fear. Zhang Bingchun had just advised against currying favor with Xu Mao, and then he was killed. What did this signify?

It meant Xu Mao possessed formidable power. Killing Zhang Bingchun served as a warning for them to save their efforts—their every move was under her watchful eye, and there was no escaping her grasp.

At this realization, all color drained from their faces.

After the magistrate’s death, for convenience, Xu Mao moved into the county office with Xu Heng and Zhang Guishang’s family.

Early in the morning, as dawn barely broke, the wealthy families were already waiting outside the county office with carts laden with gold and silver. Not daring to sit in their sedan chairs, they stood beside the vehicles, bowing and cautiously rubbing their hands, putting on a show of fearful reverence as they awaited Xu Mao to open the gates and send someone to lead them in.

What’s that noise? Xu Heng, a light sleeper, faintly heard the commotion of things being moved outside and grew puzzled.

After dressing, Xu Heng went out for a clearer look and was startled to see the road packed with a dense crowd of carriages and horses.

The moment the gate opened, several people immediately approached, bowing respectfully and offering flattery. Only after the full round of hollow formalities did they leisurely state their purpose: Madam, I am from the Hua family of Qingshui Lane. Hearing that Madam Xu led the people in eliminating corrupt officials and executing local tyrants, I am filled with deep admiration and have come specially today to pay my respects.

Their faces smeared with obsequiousness, they praised Xu Mao as if she were divine. Xu Heng, flattered, lifted her chin and said, Wait here.

With that, Xu Heng turned and headed to Xu Mao’s room.

Having unexpectedly killed Zhang Bingchun and stayed up late, Xu Mao had just lain down to sleep and was bound tightly to the bed by heavy drowsiness.

Xu Heng tiptoed to the bedside and said softly, Elder Sister, there are people outside asking for you. They seem to be of high status. Should I bring them in to see you?

Half-awake and muddled, Xu Mao’s mind was too foggy to function. Her voice was faint and drifting as she casually replied, It’s too early. Let them wait a bit longer. I’ll just sleep a little more.

Sitting by the bed, Xu Heng pondered her meaning. Wait a bit longer? That meant leaving those outside to cool their heels, ignoring them?

Right—why let them have their way so easily? Things obtained too readily are never cherished!

Alright, I’ll go tell them.

Xu Heng went out to relay the message, informing them that Xu Mao hadn’t woken up yet and asking them to wait a moment.

The visitors had anticipated that this wouldn’t be straightforward and were mentally prepared. They accepted calmly, straightened their clothes, and maintained their best appearance while waiting patiently.

But they hadn’t expected a moment in Xu Heng’s words to be so long. The sun climbed overhead, its harsh rays scorching them, and passersby on the street cast curious glances their way.

Isn’t that the head manager of Fortune Tavern and Brocade Cloud Trading? What are they doing standing here? uninformed townsfolk asked aloud.

I heard they came to seek an audience with Madam Xu, but she doesn’t think much of them and won’t let them in. Who knew they’d be so thick-skinned, stubbornly refusing to leave?

The onlookers marveled. These wealthy merchants, who usually looked down on everyone, were now seen in such a humble state—publicly begging for a meeting in full view of everyone. It was truly a rare sight.

Malicious, speculative stares pierced them. The head manager of Fortune Tavern, accustomed to using wine and silver to smooth his way and having close ties with county officials in the past, flushed with embarrassment. It had been a long time since he had suffered such humiliation.

He could bear it no longer and was about to storm off when the manager of Yunjin Trading House beside him swiftly grabbed his sleeve, whispering urgently, Since we’ve already lost face, leaving now would only invite more ridicule. Weigh the consequences—do you want to end up like Zhang Bingchun? At this point, sacrificing some pride and wealth is trivial. As long as she doesn’t take our lives, what more can we ask for?

The manager of Fortune Tavern snapped back to his senses, patting his forehead and exclaiming, Foolish, foolish! I nearly lost my head. Thank you for the reminder, dear brother.

You’re too kind, the Yunjin Trading House manager replied with a faint smile, a shrewd glint flashing in his eyes.

If they were to be humiliated, they might as well face it together. Letting him slip away alone was out of the question—he couldn’t be allowed to leave.

The crowd waited silently outside the county office. Xu Mao, having finally slept her fill, washed up and sat down with Xu Heng to have a belated breakfast.

Noting Xu Mao’s composed demeanor and lack of urgency, Xu Heng sensed she had a plan. She served a bowl of congee to Xu Mao and quietly resumed her meal.

What are people outside saying now?

Having inexplicably killed Zhang Bingchun and revealed her ruthless side, Xu Mao assumed the common folk would fear her, while the wealthy elites would seethe with hatred, likely scheming against her.

Xu Mao envisioned the scenario optimistically, eager to gauge the real impact of her actions.

Xu Heng’s brow twitched slightly, thinking Xu Mao was ready to make her move. She set down her chopsticks and said, Rest assured, Elder Sister, no one dares voice any complaints. Everyone is behaving respectfully.

After keeping them waiting for most of the day, not a single person had shown impatience or stormed off in anger.

If no one dares complain, it means they do have grievances—they just don’t dare express them in front of me, Xu Mao analyzed thoughtfully, nodding in satisfaction. Good, the desired effect has been achieved.

Then, will you see them now, Elder Sister?

Xu Mao looked surprised. Why would I see them? Let them stew in their resentment.

Xu Heng was puzzled, unable to decipher Xu Mao’s intentions. If the goal was to assert authority and instill fear, keeping them waiting outside all morning should have sufficed. Why continue to refuse them now?

But if Elder Sister was doing this, she must have her reasons.

Xu Heng didn’t press further.

After eating her fill, drowsiness washed over Xu Mao again, and she lay down for an afternoon nap.

Outside the county office, the wealthy gentry and merchants had been waiting for hours, drenched in sweat under the scorching sun.

As Xu Mao remained absent, their initial agitation gave way to a chilling dread. Zhang Bingchun’s death lingered vividly in their minds, sending shivers down their spines.

Each time they inquired, the reply was the same: Xu Mao was still asleep. How could she not be awake past noon? It was clearly a deliberate snub, a humiliation—or worse, a sign that she intended to slaughter them all, hence this dismissive stance!

They ran through every grim possibility in their minds, growing more despondent with each passing moment.

That morning, they had arrived hopeful, ready to negotiate terms and seize advantages based on Xu Mao’s attitude. Now, they could only echo the Yunjin Trading House manager’s sentiment: let her take their material possessions, just spare their lives.

By the time Xu Mao finished her nap, the gentry and merchants had already mentally drafted their last wills. It was only after the Fortune Tavern manager, in desperation, repeatedly pleaded that Xu Heng agreed to relay a message.

Drawing back the bed curtain, Xu Heng hesitated to wake Xu Mao. But with the crowd outside growing increasingly restless and their objective achieved, delaying further risked unforeseen complications.

Sis, they’ve been waiting outside the county office for almost a day. Should we bring them in to talk now?

Xu Mao cracked open one eye. Who’s been waiting a day?

Look at her, still muddled from sleep. Xu Heng quickly explained: It’s the prominent gentry families and wealthy merchants from Huaining. We’ve left them waiting at the gate all day, and they’re about at their limit. Should we call it here now?

Left them waiting all day!

Xu Mao’s eyes flew open as she jerked awake, springing out of bed and frantically putting on her shoes. When did they arrive? Why didn’t anyone tell me?

Then she suddenly remembered Xu Heng saying something to her that morning, though she couldn’t recall what exactly. Her mind remained blank, and Xu Mao felt a pang of frustration.

Never mind. Since they’ve already waited this long, a little longer won’t matter. It’s not a big deal anyway. Perhaps they’d think she did it on purpose and resent her even more.

Xu Mao sat back down and began dressing at a leisurely pace.

Watching her sister’s sudden alarm, then immediate composure, Xu Heng marveled inwardly: Sis is truly impressive. Her acting is so convincing, as if she genuinely had no idea.

I’ll take them to the main hall first.

As the sun dipped westward, those who had endured the long wait finally crossed the county office threshold and reached the reception hall, feeling as if their suffering had finally borne fruit.

When they saw Xu Mao, everyone bowed deeply, offering respectful greetings and attending to her with utmost caution.

Xu Mao raised a hand in apology. I overexerted myself last night, which left me weary today. I slept longer than intended and kept you all waiting.

Upon hearing this, the crowd recognized the veiled threat—they all knew exactly why she’d been overexerted. Their faces instantly turned ashen, and they waved their hands frantically. We wouldn’t dare, we wouldn’t dare…

Madam Xu acts with selfless integrity, consistently supporting virtue and punishing evil, eliminating tyranny to bring peace, rescuing and aiding the people. You are truly a heroic figure with unwavering principles. We admire you deeply and wish to offer our humble assistance.

One by one, chests were opened, revealing neatly arranged gold and silver that glittered dazzlingly.

Xu Mao cast a casual glance, utterly unimpressed. In the game, gold coins were the least scarce resource—she’d seen plenty of treasures, and since this wasn’t real gold, she had little interest.

Your goodwill is enough. As for these trinkets… take them back.

A pile of worthless metal that would just take up space in her inventory. If her backpack got full, she’d have to waste time sorting through it all again.

No sooner had she spoken than one merchant’s legs gave way, and he dropped to his knees with a thud, voice trembling. If Madam finds this insufficient, this humble one has more at home! I’m willing to offer everything!

Xu Mao looked at the others and noticed they seemed to realize she had no interest in their offerings. They were all shaking like leaves, terrified she might open her bloody maw the next second and devour them, leaving no trace behind.

Enough. Don’t regard me as some bloodthirsty monster. I only kill those who are utterly wicked and harm the nation and its people. If you’ve done nothing wrong, why are you trembling? Xu Mao’s patience was wearing thin, so she spoke bluntly: Abandon your old ways. Take these gold and silver treasures back yourselves. If they remain here, I’ll consider them evidence of bribery and make their owners my next targets. If you’re truly uneasy, setting up soup kitchens outside would be more useful than trying to please me.

Having pointed them in the right direction, Xu Mao paid no heed to their reactions and strode away.

The people in the main hall stood dumbfounded. She’s just leaving like that?

Without saying more or extorting anything from them?

Everyone was stunned.

They had imagined various scenarios of being deliberately made difficult, even if Gou Guan had once forced merchants to crawl on the ground and bark like dogs to amuse him—they were prepared for that too.

The small merchant stammered in disbelief, So… she only wants us to suffer embarrassment outside the county government office for one day, and that’s it?

It’s not that simple!