However, these farmers had helped the evildoers before, and despite Xue Zhong's repeated advice, they still refused to repent, and this matter could not be easily covered up.
Hong Yingrong, upholding the principle of clear rewards and punishments, said to Xue Zhong, "Check these people carefully according to the registration list on the farm. If they have previously colluded with Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng and bullied the weak, give them twenty lashes, expel their entire family from the farm, and never employ them again."
"If their families, wives, and children were manipulated and threatened by Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng, and they had no choice but to submit, they will be punished with five lashes. They will also be required to sign a guarantee, promising never to do the same again."
After hearing this, Xue Zhong nodded in agreement. This way, he believed that the innocent would not be wrongly accused, nor would the guilty be let off. At the same time, it could also serve as a warning to other servants.
When everyone heard that as long as they were coerced, they would just receive a light punishment and the matter would be settled, they all bowed to thank the old lady for her grace.
Recalling that when they were under Zhao Wu's command, they would be beaten and scolded even if they obeyed him in everything.
Now that they can be given a light punishment and a severe warning and continue to work on the farm, it is already a special favor for them.
The guard stepped forward and reported respectfully, "Madam, Second Young Master, the warehouse has been opened."
After saying that, the guards lit up their lanterns and led the way for the two.
Xue Zhongfu supported Hong Yingrong and stepped into the dim rice warehouse.
As their vision gradually adjusted, they were surprised to find that the warehouse was filled with rice bags towering to the roof, and it seemed that the reserves were quite abundant.
However, when Xue Zhongfu approached the rice bags, he immediately noticed something unusual.
At the same time, in the flickering candlelight, Hong Yingrong was also surprised to notice that these sacks filled with grain did not have the logo of Xingyuan Marquis Mansion printed on them, but instead had the four big characters "Dacheng Rice Shop" clearly printed on them.
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