The sudden mobilization of an entire regiment from the Garrison Headquarters sparked a flurry of speculation. By the time Ma Hanshan arrived on the scene, he happened to catch the Party Affairs Bureau handing over money. Two large crates held quite a few silver dollars; the sight made his eyes sting with envy, and he couldn't help but wonder if he could pull off something similar.
He shook his head despondently a moment later. Without a father to coddle him or a mother to love him, he didn't have the leverage to pull off such a scheme.
Liang Xin received the silver dollars and happily released the men, but he ordered that all their weapons be confiscated. Huang Jin, knowing he wouldn't be killed or forced into hard labor, felt his ambition stir once more.
Chapter 161