Chief Chen scrutinized them. "You're bandits from the mountain."
Lai San panicked slightly. He nodded frantically, then quickly shook his head. "We haven't done anything truly evil, you know!"
At most, they engaged in petty theft in the nearby villages or trailed behind other bandit strongholds to scavenge for leftovers. They truly hadn't committed any heinous crimes.
"Don't be nervous," Chief Chen said, looking at the two ragged men before him. They probably dressed only slightly better than beggars in a slum. Judging by their appearance, they were likely just fringe bandits. "I'm not here to arrest you."
Thinking of his current mission, Chief Chen's eyes lit up with burning fervor. If he could recruit these bandits and turn them into honest, hardworking farmers, the Lord County Magistrate would have an easy time reporting to his superiors, and subordinates like himself could reap some tangible benefits as well.
