Leitao escorted the surrendered bandits back to the local militia garrison, walking in a hurry with a solemn expression. He knew very well that Uesugi Kazuya's rescue of Zhu Erba made the situation extremely tricky. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he quickly arranged for the militia to lock up the bandits and immediately sent someone to invite the newly appointed mayor.
Before long, the mayor hurried over, looking flustered. His frame was thin, his face still bore lingering anxiety, and fine beads of sweat covered his forehead. Leitao strode up to him, saluted, and spoke in an earnest and urgent tone: "Mr. Mayor, Japanese officer Uesugi Kazuya intervened in Zhu Erba's escape, making the situation critical. Could you please tell me in more detail how your daughter was kidnapped? Any detail might be the key."
Hearing this, the mayor's expression darkened. He let out a heavy sigh and slowly said, "That day, my daughter and several of her schoolfriends arranged to go out and play together. Right near the woods at the edge of town, they were suddenly waylaid by a group of people. Those men wore masks and moved with extraordinary speed; the girls didn't even have time to cry for help. I only found out later that it was Zhu Erba's doing. He sent someone to deliver a message demanding that my daughter become his bandit chieftain's bride, and also demanded a huge bridal gift. He threatened that if I reported it to the authorities, he would slaughter my entire family. At th…
Chapter 328