Chapter 80080 Catch Them All

Feng Shu's private residence was surrounded by Lieutenant General Zuo and his men. All his close associates were either arrested or replaced, leaving only one available person.

In this situation, Feng Shu had no way to escape and could only surrender.

The soldiers stepped forward, picked up Feng Shu, who was surprisingly silent after laughing, clamped his arms, and put shackles on him.

Feng Shu was like a balloon punctured by a needle, losing all his strength in an instant. His eyes dimmed and his shoulders slumped. He looked more than ten years older and let the soldiers do whatever they wanted.

Yan Tiande was not deceived by appearances. Feng Shu was a cunning and treacherous man who had committed many evil deeds. It would not be an exaggeration to kill him on the spot.

But he couldn't do that.

Feng Shu is a member of Cao's party. The forces behind him are complex and involve many people. He must be dealt with personally by Your Majesty.

Yan Tiande calmed himself down and said solemnly, "Wang Zhaoxing and Hu Wenyuan, these two are accomplices, helping the tyrant to commit atrocities. Take them away together!"

Wang Tongzhi and Hu Tongzhi, who were hiding under the table and trying their best to reduce their presence, suddenly shuddered and squeezed themselves deeper into the table in tacit understanding.

The footsteps were getting closer and closer, and they both regretted it to death.

If they had known this would happen, they would rather die than board Feng Shu's ship.

Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in the world.

Unfortunately, they could not resist the temptation of power and money.

"Bang!"

The round table was opened with great force, revealing Wang Tongzhi and Hu Tongzhi, who were shivering and huddled together under the table.

"My Lord, spare my life!"

"I was forced to do this. If I hadn't gone with the prefect... Feng Shu, I would have died a violent death like Fang Jianhong did back then."

"I don't want to die!"

"Your Excellency..."

The two men begged for mercy, kowtowed and tried to excuse themselves.

Feng Shu just felt it was extremely ironic.

She was more active than anyone else in dividing the spoils, but now she is putting all the blame on him.

Yan Tiande was not moved at all. With a wave of his hand, the soldiers blocked the mouths of the two men with cloth strips they had found from somewhere, dragged them outside like dead pigs, clamped their arms, and put on shackles.

"For the time being, these three will be imprisoned. I will investigate the accounts and then report this matter to Your Majesty for your decision."

Feng Shu had his head down, staring blankly at the cobblestone road, but when he heard this, he suddenly raised his head.

Leave it to Your Majesty to decide?

Shouldn't he be killed on the spot or beheaded on the same day?

Feng Shu would rather be the latter.

He is a member of Cao's party. Over the years, he has done all kinds of corrupt and illegal things for his father-in-law, or rather, Cao Shoufu, who is above his father-in-law.

Given that Emperor Qingyuan and Cao Yuan appear calm on the surface but are actually in a turbulent situation, if he falls into the hands of Emperor Qingyuan, his end will certainly be very tragic.

Not to mention that during the time Yan Tiande was checking the accounts, he had a shaky sword hanging over his head, which was truly a life worse than death.

Feng Shu's pupils trembled and a chill swept through his body.

He even dared to do something as risky as killing the imperial envoy. At this moment, he finally felt afraid.

Feng Shu rolled his eyes, glanced at the stone lions beside the door, swallowed, and seemed to have made up his mind.

On the other side, Yan Tiande was talking with Lieutenant General Zuo.

Yan Tiande bowed and said, "Thank you, Lieutenant General Zuo, for your assistance."

Lieutenant General Zuo repeatedly said he was not worthy of the responsibility: "I am just following orders."

Yan Tiande's usually solemn face brought a hint of smile: "After I finish dealing with the affairs of Runing Prefecture, I will go to the provincial capital to thank General Zheng for his help."

Lieutenant General Zuo was about to answer when he was interrupted by a cry of surprise.

The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the person who caused the commotion was Feng Shu.

Feng Shu took advantage of the soldiers' unpreparedness, broke free from their grip, and crashed into the stone lions at the door.

Fortunately, Du Qingtang happened to be standing next to the stone lion. He subdued it in a few moves and handed it back to the soldier who rushed over.

"Thank you, Lord Du." The soldiers thanked him repeatedly and apologized to Yan Tiande and Commander Zuo.

The Left Lieutenant General said, "When you return, run twenty laps around the training ground."

The soldier immediately revealed a bitter and resentful expression: "...Yes."

Yan Tiande couldn't help laughing. He was still young and couldn't hide his inner thoughts at all.

He looked at Du Qingtang and praised: "Master Du has great skills."

He subdued Feng Shu, who was determined to die, so easily.

Du Qingtang lowered his brows and eyes: "Your Excellency is too kind."

Feng Shu's attempt to die failed, and his resentful gaze turned into a sharp blade, almost piercing Du Qingtang completely.

Du Qingtang seemed unaware and spoke to Yan Tiande in a neither humble nor arrogant manner.

"Du Qingtang." Feng Shu suddenly spoke.

Du Qingtang looked at him.

"Chen Tao and Zhang Jun are your people, right?"

Although it was clearly a question, Feng Shu spoke in a firm tone.

"Are the Liu family's grandparents still alive?"

Du Qingtang remained silent, and the rosy clouds in the sky sprinkled on her, giving her a layer of golden and red light, cold and sacred.

She didn't answer, but Feng Shu already knew the answer.

Feng Shu looked at Yan Tiande and said, "Master Yan is so generous that even a fourth-rank lieutenant general has gone to great lengths to escort you all the way."

Yan Tiande subconsciously glanced at Du Qingtang, his expression unchanged as he said, "This official is under imperial order to conduct an inspection, and local officials should cooperate."

Feng Shu did not miss Yan Tiande's glance and laughed briefly.

Yan Tiande was a first-rank university scholar and an imperial envoy appointed by Emperor Qingyuan. He was certainly qualified to have a fourth-rank lieutenant general escort him.

Feng Shu said this just to test him.

As expected, the appearance of Lieutenant General Zuo was related to Du Qingtang.

"It turns out to be Master Du."

"Lord Du is only a small judge, yet he was able to persuade a fourth-rank lieutenant general."

"What a great skill!"

Feng Shu's tone was drawn out, sounding sarcastic and mocking.

Du Qingtang plotted against him, causing his eight years of business to fail.

Feng Shu was unwilling to accept this.

Why is he imprisoned and on the verge of death, while Du Qingtang is about to be promoted because of his great achievements?

Du Qingtang remained calm and didn't answer.

Feng Shu didn't care either.

He said this to Yan Tiande.

The purpose was to plant a thorn in Yan Tiande's heart.

It would be best if we could successfully arouse Yan Tiande's dissatisfaction with Du Qingtang.

If it fails, it won't be a big loss for him.

He has already fallen into this situation, it can't get any worse.

"Push it down."

At Yan Tiande's command, the soldiers escorted the prefect and two associate prefects away, along with witnesses "Chen Tao", "Zhang Jun" and the head of the Long family.

They will be imprisoned in the government prison until the moment of their death.

Yan Tiande then said to Lieutenant General Zuo, "Please lead your troops to the government office and the prefectural governor to arrest the families of Feng Shu and the other two."

Lieutenant General Zuo took the order and left.

Yan Tiande ordered the guards to return the tax money that Feng Shu had withheld to the government treasury. He then looked at Du Qingtang again and said sternly, "We were able to successfully capture Feng Shu and his men this time thanks to Lord Du."

In addition to being grateful, Yan Tiande also felt a little ashamed.

That day, a minor official reported that Du Qingtang had embezzled tax silver. With witnesses and evidence, Yan Tiande believed it for a time.

In the interrogation room, he spoke harshly to Du Qingtang, showing extreme disappointment and contempt.

It was not until the next day when Du Qingtang's guards brought him the account book that he realized how wrong he was. He was so ashamed that he wished he could find a hole to crawl into.

Come to think of it, Du Qingtang is talented and ambitious, it is impossible for him to do such a stupid thing that would dig his own grave.

That day, Du Qingtang's guards not only brought the account book, but also a piece of news -

Feng Shu colluded with the Black Dragon Village bandits, which was very likely to be detrimental to him.

"My son has informed the general of this matter, and he has sent Lieutenant General Zuo to assist us. When the time comes, you can have someone pretend to be the imperial envoy to lure the snake out of its hole and then capture it on the spot."

Yan Tiande was skeptical at first, but collusion between officials and bandits was a serious crime, so he would rather believe it than not.

After careful consideration, he decided to take action himself and lure the snake out of its hole.

This morning, Yan Tiande left the city with his guards.

The guard reported back that someone was following them secretly.

In this way, Yan Tiande believed it about 80% of the time, and immediately sent two guards to meet Zuo Teng at the location provided by Du Qingtang.

With Zuo Teng's help, Yan Tiande successfully captured the bandits and wiped out all the corrupt officials in Runing Prefecture.

......

Du Qingtang stepped aside and said, "Your Excellency is too kind. This is my duty. It is my honor to help Your Majesty and rid the country of this pest."

Yan Tiande raised his eyebrows slightly, and his eyes moved down to Du Qingtang's neck.

Previously, when confronting Feng Shu in the interrogation room, Du Qingtang provoked Feng Shu's anger with just a few words and was threatened by being strangled.

Feng Shu used great force, leaving very obvious pinch marks, blue with a hint of purple, which was quite shocking.

"Lord Du has suffered this unforeseen disaster, and because Feng Shu was injured, he needs to rest well. You can leave the affairs of the government office to me and Lord Xie."

When Judge Xie, who was fixing pillars nearby, heard his name being called, he quickly stepped forward and said, "Yes, yes, Master Du, you should go back to the mansion and rest. The imperial envoy is in charge of the government office, so you can rest assured!"

Du Qingtang had no choice but to agree, and then changed the subject and mentioned Lieutenant General Zuo.

"Last year, I went to the Yufu River to supervise the construction and met the wife of Lieutenant General Zuo on the way."

"Mrs. Zuo's carriage broke down, and even the driver was helpless. Du stopped and repaired the carriage for Mrs. Zuo."

"Later, I unexpectedly learned that Lord Feng had colluded with the Black Dragon Village bandits and had murdered many officials. I was worried that Lord Feng would harm you... so I went to Madam Zuo and asked for help from Lieutenant General Zuo through Madam Zuo."

"The next day, I received a letter from Lieutenant General Zuo, who stated that he had consulted the General, who had sent him to Runing Prefecture to train new soldiers to protect the Imperial Envoy."

After Du Qingtang finished speaking, he bowed to Yan Tiande and said, "This is what happened. I hope Your Excellency will understand."

Yan Tiande was at a loss for words after hearing her words. "Master Du, you are really worrying too much. I didn't take Feng Shu's words to heart."

Yan Tiande had been immersed in officialdom for decades, so how could he not see Feng Shu's intention to provoke him?

Du Qingtang went into the wolf's den alone, and while protecting herself, she also obtained evidence of Feng Shu and others' crimes on her own. This shows that she is a person of both wisdom and courage.

Such a person could certainly persuade General Zheng to lend a helping hand.

But Yan Tiande knew that the reason why General Zheng agreed so readily was not entirely because of Du Qingtang, but more because his wife was the eldest daughter of Qi Ci Fu.

General Zheng was originally only a fourth-rank lieutenant general, but as his father-in-law was promoted to the position of deputy prime minister, his status and position also rose accordingly.

With Qi Ci Fu's deliberate promotion, he was promoted from a fourth-rank lieutenant general to a second-rank general in just two years.

Since he was the son-in-law of the Duke of Changguo, for the sake of the imperial concubine and the second prince in the palace, General Zheng naturally did not want to miss this opportunity to deal a heavy blow to Cao's party.

Thinking of this, Yan Tiande couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Whether in the previous dynasty or the current dynasty, the struggle for the throne has never stopped.

Yan Tiande is only loyal to Emperor Qingyuan and will never participate in the fight for the throne, but he sincerely hopes that the struggle between the princes will not implicate the common people, and even more so, he will not lose sight of the big picture for the sake of small gains and shake the foundation of Daxia.

Yan Tiande felt heavy-hearted and didn't want to say much. He just said, "I have important matters to attend to, so I'll go ahead."

Du Qingtang bowed and said, "Farewell, sir."

Yan Tiande left, but Xie Tongpan did not follow him.

"Master Du, I have done as you requested. Can I send Brother Chen back?"

That night, Du Qingtang took Chen Ge'er as a hostage, and Xie Tongpan had no choice but to board her pirate ship and do things according to her orders.

Du Qingtang stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "Why are you so anxious? I won't eat him."

Xie Tongpan: “…”

No, you still want to eat my brother Chen?

It's simply insane!

Du Qingtang glanced at Judge Xie's chubby face, which had turned the color of pig liver, and said slowly, "Your son must have returned home by now."

Judge Xie was overjoyed and bowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Lord Du, for showing mercy!"

Du Qingtang hummed a sound, and seeing Du Yi driving a carriage from a distance, he said concisely: "Remember to send Liu Jiang to the government office."

When Judge Xie thought of Liu Jiang, who was screaming and covered in scars from being whipped, the corners of his mouth twitched and he became even more afraid of Du Qingtang.

"Don't worry, Master Du. I'll go to the south of the city to get him."

......

When Du Qingtang returned to the Tongpan Mansion, Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju immediately came to greet him.

"Tang'er, you're finally back...Ah! What's with the bruises on your neck? Did they torture you?"

Du Qingzhu was so angry that his cheeks puffed up, his eyes were full of rage, he waved his fists, and looked like he was about to roll up his sleeves to cause trouble.

"No torture, it was Feng Shu who pinched him." Seeing the two girls getting angry again, Du Qingtang comforted them, "It doesn't hurt, just apply some medicine and it will go away in two days."

Du Qingzhu cursed: "You dog official!"

Du Qingju hurried forward to check, her face tense: "Tang'er, go take a shower and change into clean clothes first. I'll go get you some medicine."

Du Qingzhu said unyieldingly, "I'll go cook for you."

Du Qingtang was really a little hungry.

He had breakfast in prison. He was first taken away by Judge Xie, and then he disguised himself as Liu Jiang and lurked beside Feng Shu. He didn't even have lunch.

"I want to eat scallion oil noodles."

"No problem, wait!"

Du Qingzhu hurried to the kitchen, while Du Qingju went to the medicine room specially prepared for her by Du Qingtang.

Du Qingtang returned to the house and found that the hot water was ready.

She took a comfortable bath and washed her hair at the same time.

Just as he was getting dressed and drying his hair with a towel, Du Qingju came over and knocked on the door: "Tang'er, the medicine is ready, can I come in?"

"Enter."

Du Qingju pushed the door open and put a small porcelain jar on the table: "Use it once in the morning and evening, remember to rub it open."

Du Qingtang kept wiping her hair: "Thank you, Eighth Sister."

"We're one family, why are you talking so differently?" Du Qingju gave her an unpleasant look. "Come here, let me take your pulse."

Du Qingtang stretched out his right hand as he was told.

——With the jade pendant, Du Qingtang is not afraid that Du Qingju will discover her true gender.

After a moment, Du Qingju withdrew her hand: "It's fine, nothing wrong. I'll go to the kitchen to see if the noodles are ready. Tang Ge'er, remember to dry your hair before going out, don't catch a cold."

Du Qingtang nodded in agreement, watched Du Qingju leave, wiped his wet hair until it was about 80% dry, picked up the small porcelain jar and walked to the bronze mirror.

The ointment is milky yellow in texture and a bit thick. It feels cool when applied to the bruise. I rub it slowly with my fingertips. After rubbing it, the skin becomes slightly warm, which is quite comfortable.

The bruise spread from the throat to the side of the neck. Du Qingtang carefully applied it, recalling the moved look on Yan Tiande's face when he saw the bruise, and curled his lips in satisfaction.

She did it on purpose.

She deliberately angered Feng Shu and led him to attack her.

For several months, Du Qingtang has been planning carefully and meticulously, determined to let Yan Tiande see her efforts.

Yan Tiande was the eyes that inspected the local area for Emperor Qingyuan.

What he saw was equivalent to what Emperor Qingyuan saw.

Including disguising himself as Liu Jiang, lurking beside Feng Shu, and personally exposing his crimes.

Although this move was intended to put Feng Shu in an isolated and helpless situation, it was more for himself.

Du Qingtang felt that it was too hypocritical to hide her achievements and fame. Since she had done it, she should let everyone know about her contribution.

"Tang'er, the scallion oil noodles are ready, come and eat!"

"Here I come."

Du Qingtang put down the small porcelain jar, stood up and walked to the dining room.

-

Overnight, the eighteen crimes of Feng Shu listed by Du Qingtang spread throughout the streets and alleys of the city.

The people cursed Feng Shu's evil deeds and applauded his imprisonment.

"I've long said that there can't be someone as perfect as Feng in the world, but you guys refused to believe me and even had a huge argument with me. Tsk tsk, now you know who's right and who's wrong, right?"

"Don't mention it. We were all deceived by that bastard official. I'm so angry!"

"When Lord Du was arrested, I even threw stones at the gate of the Tongpan Mansion. I never expected that the real corrupt official was actually surnamed Feng."

"I threw it away too. I feel really bad right now. I always feel that I have let Master Du down."

"Everyone is a fence-sitter, except me! I am the only one who always believes that Lord Du is innocent!"

"I have saved a basket of eggs at home. I plan to send it to Master Du as an apology."

"What if Master Du doesn't want it?"

"If you leave the things at the door and run away, will Lord Du be able to return them?"

“Good idea!”

Everyone took action, went home to pick and choose, took what they thought were the best things, and rushed to the Tongpan Mansion overnight.

......

After waking up, the bruises faded a little.

Du Qingtang washed, changed his clothes, applied ointment in front of the mirror, and after dinner, prepared to go to the government office.

Du San went to harness the carriage and came back soon.

Du Si was surprised: "So fast?"

Du San shook his head and ran to Du Qingtang: "Sir, the people have sent a lot of things, but there is no place to stay at the gate of the Tongpan Mansion."

Du Qingtang had just finished breakfast and got up to see what was going on.

Sure enough, the door was filled with chickens, ducks, geese, pork, eggs, vegetables and other things, and someone even brought a bucket of milk.

Du Qingtang: “…”

It goes without saying that this is the best thing the people can come up with.

Du Qingtang pursed his lips, a hint of smile flashing across his eyes.

Du San asked, "Sir, do you want to send it back?"

My son is an honest official. He doesn't even take away a single needle or thread from the people, let alone those outside his door.

As soon as he finished speaking, Du Si kicked him in the butt from behind: "You left after sending the people away. Can you find anyone?"

Du San: "...That's right, what should we do then?"

Du Qingtang glanced at him and ordered, "Make these into meals and send them to the homeless people in the city."

“Good idea!”

"My lord, be merciful!"

Du Qingtang pointed at the milk and said, "Leave this."

Drinking it at night after boiling it is good for sleep.

Du San agreed and called the maids, servants and eight brothers, and quickly cleared the entrance.

Du Qingtang turned back, rinsed his mouth, tidied his clothes, and took a carriage to the government office.

Du Qingzhu went to Qiongying English Society, while Du Qingju went to Jishengtang.

Because Du Qingtang was imprisoned, Zhu and Ju spent the whole day at home crying. Now that the dust has settled, it is time to go back.

......

Du Qingtang came to the government office and went straight to see Yan Tiande.

Yan Tiande was checking the accounts with officials and clerks.

This matter was of great importance, so Yan Tiande ordered the clerks in the government office to find all the account books for the past eight years and to conduct a thorough investigation of the officials and clerks brought from Xiajing.

This is undoubtedly a huge project, which can be seen from the bitter and resentful expressions of the officials and clerks.

When Du Qingtang saw the mountain of account books, he was silent for a while.

The clerk closest to the door spotted Du Qingtang and stood up to greet him, "Master Du."

The others looked up when they heard the voice and stood up to greet him.

Seeing her coming over, Yan Tiande pressed his sore eyes with his fingertips and asked, "Didn't I tell you to rest at home?"

Du Qingtang stepped forward and saluted: "This subordinate asked the doctor to check his pulse and confirmed that he was fine before returning."

Yan Tiande clattered his beads and wrote a number on a piece of paper. "Well, since you're here, help me with the accounting."

"That's exactly why I came here." Du Qingtang pulled out a piece of paper from his sleeve. "Sir, you can use this method to check the accounts. It might be more convenient and quicker."

Yan Tiande raised an eyebrow, took the rice paper, and scanned it word by word. After a while, he said, "This double-entry bookkeeping method is indeed more intuitive than the current one, and it is also easier to check."

The most common accounting method currently is single-entry bookkeeping. Double-entry bookkeeping can be seen as its improved and advanced version. The debit and credit amounts are clear at a glance, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of accounting to a certain extent.

After eating scallion oil noodles last night, Du Qingtang wrote down some key points of double-entry bookkeeping on a piece of paper and sent it to Yan Tiande early this morning.

If it can be widely popularized, it will be a credit no matter how high or low it is.

Yan Tiande called over two clerks from the Ministry of Revenue and randomly picked a ledger: "Try using double-entry bookkeeping to check the results."

The clerk first read through the definition and usage of double-entry bookkeeping, with obvious excitement on his face. The two of them exchanged a few words, and then, with a brush in one hand and an abacus in the other, they began to check the accounts.

Du Qingtang watched the whole process, and when the clerk was hesitant about a certain account, she could also give some advice.

Half an hour passed in a flash.

The clerk presented the account book and said, "Sir, we have checked it thoroughly and the actual amount is 45,200 taels."

This means that Feng Shu embezzled so much silver.

Even though he was mentally prepared, Yan Tiande was still shocked by this number and his eyebrows twitched wildly.

He took a deep breath and looked at the clerk on the other side who was using the single-entry bookkeeping method: "Is that right?"

The clerk nodded and said, "That's right, sir."

Yan Tiande twirled his beard and forced a smile. "That's nearly an incense stick's time faster than before. Lord Du, you've done me a great favor!"

If he could finish the case in Runing Prefecture sooner, he could go to the next inspection.

Du Qingtang smiled slightly: "It's good to be able to help you, sir."

After saying this, he took out pen, ink and abacus, and counted the accounts with Yan Tiande and others, and did not stop until noon.

Du Qingtang walked out of the duty room and prepared to go back to his own duty room for dinner.

"Master Du, I finally found you!"

Xie Tongpan trotted all the way and rolled over smoothly.

Du Qingtang stopped and asked: "What's the important matter?"

Judge Xie wiped the nonexistent sweat from his forehead and panted, "The bailiffs have caught Tan Bitong."

Du Qingtang lowered his eyes, smoothed the tassel on his official robe, and hummed lightly.

Judge Xie glanced at her and whispered, "Tan Bitong has been asking to see you. Say... say..."

Du Qingtang: "Stuttering?"

Xie Tongpan's throat choked: "It is said that you two have already secretly decided to spend your lives together. Lord Du, you are her fiancé."

Du Qingtang: "...Let's go."

Judge Xie was stunned for a moment: "Where are we going?"

Du Qingtang was too lazy to pay attention to him and just walked away.

Judge Xie slapped his forehead and hurried to follow.

......

When Du Qingtang arrived, the prison was bustling with activity.

Feng Shu and the families of Wang Tongzhi and Hu Tongzhi quarreled with each other and accused each other through the prison door.

"If it weren't for Feng Shu, how could this lady have fallen to this point?"

"Back then, you relied on my husband to enjoy all the glory and wealth. You picked up the bowl to eat, and put it down to curse your mother. I really want to see if your face is thicker than a city wall!"

When they saw Pan Xie, the three families who had been arguing with each other united again and fired crazily at Pan Xie.

Wang Tongzhi and Hu Tongzhi also lay on the prison door, with ferocious expressions like evil spirits seeking revenge, and greeted Xie Tongpan's ancestors warmly.

"You actually went behind our backs and tried to marry someone better. Xie Kang, you beast, you're a son without any mercy, and you won't have any in your next life!"

Judge Xie was so angry that he jumped up and down: "Your son is not a **! Your whole family is not a **!"

Du Qingtang: “…”

"And you, Du Qingtang, you really can't judge a person by his appearance. You are such a black-hearted person, you will not have a good death!"

Du Qingtang had a blank expression on his face the entire time, and walked through the corridor without looking around, until he came to the cell where Tan Bitong was imprisoned.

Tan Bitong was looking forward to it, and when she saw Du Qingtang, she immediately rushed over and said, "Mr. Du, you are finally here!"

"This morning, as soon as I got up, this fat man and his runners barged in and threw me into jail without explanation."

"I told you about my relationship with you, but this fat guy just didn't believe me."

Xie Tongpan: “…”

Just file a complaint, why make personal attacks?

Tan Bitong looked at Du Qingtang with tears in her eyes and choked up, "Mr. Du, please take me away from here quickly. The cell is full of rats and cockroaches, rustling and crawling around. I'm so scared..."

After crying for a long time but still not getting any response from Du Qingtang, Tan Bitong raised her head in confusion and met Du Qingtang's clear and indifferent eyes.

There is no trace of gentleness, it is freezing cold.

Tan Bitong's heart trembled, and she tried her best to ignore the ominous premonition in her heart: "Mr. Du, Mr. Du, I've been talking for a long time, why don't you say a word to me? Why don't you say something?"

Panist Xie stole a glance at Du Qingtang, looking like a melon-eating spectator watching a show.

"The Zhang family should be on their way. If nothing unexpected happens, you will be taken back to your place of origin for sentencing."

Judge Xie: “?”

Tan Bitong's breathing tightened and her eyes widened: "What did you say?"

"Zhang Hong's uncle has found evidence that you poisoned Zhang Hong and his parents, and tricked the terminally ill and delirious Zhang Hong into handing over hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Zhang family's wealth. He has reported you to the authorities."

Judge Xie: “???”

Tan Bitong's face turned pale, and she was still trying to argue: "I never did this. The Zhang family has a grudge against me, and they are framing me!"

By the end, even she believed it and nodded vigorously: "That's right, they are slandering me! Master Du, you have to believe me, I am innocent!"

"According to Daxia law, you poisoned your husband and his parents, and took away the Zhang family's property. You should be punished by lingchi."

"In consideration of the evidence you submitted to Feng Shu, I will explain the situation to the prefect of Yanqing Prefecture and try to reduce your sentence to the greatest extent possible."

"Du Qingtang!" Tan Bitong stared at Du Qingtang, "You promised to marry me, how could you...how could you..."

Judge Xie: “???”

No, are you two really having an affair?

Du Qingtang ignored the shocked yet excited look in Xie Tongpan's eyes: "Debts must be paid, and murder must be punished. The Zhang family treated you well, you shouldn't have killed them."

Many years ago, Tan Bitong's parents married her to Zhang Hong, the only son of the Zhang family, for money.

Zhang Hong was born weak and sickly. Knowing that they owed Tan Bitong, his parents tried to compensate her in every way and even handed over the Zhang family business to her.

Little did they know that Tan Bitong hated them to the core. She took advantage of their unpreparedness to poison the three members of the Zhang family, took away the Zhang family's money, and came to Feng Shu for help.

Du Qingtang's evasive response had already given Tan Bitong the answer. She stumbled and murmured, "So you were using me from the beginning to the end?"

Du Qingtang: "Yes."

When they were in Pingyang Prefecture, Du Qingtang recognized Tan Bitong, so she sent guards to help.

But he didn't expect that Tan Bitong actually had feelings for him.

Du Qingtang took advantage of the situation and asked Tan Bitong to steal the account book for her.

Tan Bitong cried and laughed at the same time: "I loved you so much, you deceived me and made me suffer so much!"

"Ms. Tan." Du Qingtang's expression softened a little.

Tan Bitong stopped crying.

"Ms. Tan, the one you're attracted to isn't Du."

"You are attracted to someone who has the ability and status to protect you and keep you from being pursued by the Zhang family."

"This person could be Du, Zhang, Huang, or Xie."

"I, Du, am very grateful for your assistance in exposing Feng Shu's evil deeds."

"I'm also sorry for taking advantage of you."

"But one thing is for sure, everyone must be responsible for what they have done."

Tan Bitong opened her mouth. She wanted to refute, but she didn't know where to start.

Du Qingtang bowed and turned to leave.

Walking out of the prison, Judge Xie looked at Du Qingtang, hesitant to speak: "Master Du..."

Du Qingtang looked ahead: "Ask if you want to."

Xie Tongpan's eyes lit up: "Is it okay?"

Du Qingtang turned his head away, expressionless: "No."

Xie Tongpan: “…”

......

Du Qingtang returned to the government office, had a meal and continued to check the accounts until the end of his shift.

"Thank you for your hard work today. Keep up the good work and try to clear all the accounts within half a month."

"yes."

Yan Tiande patted his stiff and aching back and returned home with a group of officials and clerks.

That night, Yan Tiande sat under the lamp, drafting an urgent memorial.

Yesterday he had sent out an urgent letter containing evidence of the crimes of Feng Shu and other officials, as well as the key role Du Qingtang played in the whole incident.

The urgent memorial he had to write today was about double-entry bookkeeping.

In the afternoon, Yan Tiande tried to use the double-entry bookkeeping method to check the accounts. As expected, the efficiency was greatly improved, and it was also easier to find the loopholes that Feng Shu had tried so hard to cover up.

He couldn't help but think that if this accounting method was used in the Ministry of Revenue, there might be unexpected surprises.

Yan Tiande explained the situation in detail and sent the handwritten paper by Du Qingtang along with the urgent memorial to Xiajing at an expedited speed of 800 miles.

The imperial emissary rode at full speed, killing five horses along the way. Twenty-five days later, he finally delivered the urgent memorial to Xiajing and placed it on the desk of Emperor Qingyuan.

At that time, Emperor Qingyuan was sulking because his people had lost an argument with Cao Yuan's people at the morning court and had lost an important mission.

Fu Rui said everything he could say, and even invited his bird master, the magpie that came to the imperial study for three meals a day to eat and drink, to condescend to rub his fingers. There was never a trace of a smile on His Majesty's round and elegant face.

Fu Rui was so anxious and angry, like an ant on a hot pan, not knowing what to do.

Just at this moment, the eunuch came in and presented two urgent letters.

Since it was an urgent report, it must be extremely urgent. Emperor Qingyuan immediately put down his red pen and opened the letter to see what was inside.

After reading the first urgent memorial, Emperor Qingyuan raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

After reading the second urgent memorial, Emperor Qingyuan was delighted and laughed while clapping his hands.

"Come here, announce the Minister of Revenue, Wu Guangwu!"

My dear Du, you really gave me a big surprise!