Then he presented another petition, also written by Lin Qinnian. It accused the people on the list of bribing officials with money, violating laws and regulations, and undermining the court's morals, and requested the Dali Temple to conduct a thorough investigation.
As soon as the petition and the list were handed over, the court fell silent.
The Dali Temple official continued, "After receiving the complaint, the Dali Temple immediately launched an investigation into the briber. Yesterday, they were all summoned to the Dali Temple for interrogation overnight. Finally, they were able to compile this list before the court session."
After saying this, he presented another memorial.
The sage stared at his dark complexion for a few moments and said soothingly, "Thank you for your hard work, my dear."
The Dali Temple official chuckled dryly, then glared at Lou Yunchun behind him. Last night, he had been watching over the trial like a prisoner, staying up all night and nearly killing him. He really didn't know who was the boss of the Dali Temple.
Lou Yunchun lowered his head and pretended not to see it.
The sage took the memorial from the eunuch, opened it and read it carefully, then stretched his neck to check the names on the memorial in front of the court officials sitting below.
After making the analysis, he asked the Dali Temple Minister, "What is the connection between the official listed in this list and this bribery?"
The Dali Temple Minister replied, "Your Majesty, these officials are the ones behind the bribery."
In the court, the faces of the officials suddenly became as colorful as if they were painted.
Lin Qinnian stepped forward, marking the first step in his return to officialdom.
"Your Majesty, according to the laws of this dynasty, anyone who accepts bribes without violating the law shall be flogged ninety times, and anyone who offers bribes shall be punished with the same punishment."
Accepting bribes without violating the law means that after the bribe is given, if the official does not do anything that violates the law, or does not have time to do anything that violates the law in the future, he should be flogged ninety times according to the law, and the briber should also be flogged ninety times.
"Also, although our dynasty's laws provide for penalties for instigating bribery, in my opinion, if the person instigating the bribery is an official, they are knowingly breaking the law and should be severely punished." Lin Qinnian's calm gaze swept over the official who had just clamored for severe punishment for him accepting bribes, and he continued, "You gentlemen have just spoken so confidently, petitioning Your Majesty to severely punish those who abuse their positions to accept bribes. I believe you will not oppose my proposal."
The court officials who had been shouting just now were all silent, and no one dared to speak again.
God knows whether his name is on that memorial.
What a good move!
The saint's heart was filled with joy, but his face was serious.
He cleared his throat and said, "Lin Siye is absolutely right. Bribers should be flogged ninety times. Instigating bribers to knowingly break the law should be punished even more severely." Then he thought for a moment and asked, "Then in addition to the ninety lashes given to the briber, he should also be fined three months' salary. What do you think?"
The ministers responded, "Your Majesty is wise."
The sage looked at the courtiers and said considerately, "For the sake of the reputation of the court and the officials involved, I will not publish this list. After closing the market tonight, the judges will come to punish them."
The guilty thief wondered whether his name was on the memorial. He felt hopeful at one moment and uneasy at another, tormented by anxiety.
Better to announce it!
"Where is the Minister of Justice?"
"I am here."
The sage said to the Minister of Justice, "Add this penalty to the Law Commentary."
The Minister of Justice replied, "As you wish."
The sage raised the memorial in his hand and asked the court officials, "Do you have any objections to this matter?"
Who dares to object?
Then he replied: "No objection."
The saint looked at the sea of official hats below, and a cunning glint flashed in his eyes.
Someone can't sleep tonight.
A few days later, many court officials took sick leave. As to whether they were really sick or not, everyone knew it well.
Since then, the front of Nanshan Academy has returned to its former tranquility. No one dares to block the door anymore. The two half-new doors are wide open, and bursts of clean and clear reading sounds can be heard.
Xu Jiang listened to Lou Yunchun's account of what happened in the court and laughed so hard she fell backwards. Then she whispered, "This sage is really evil! Those officials involved will probably be so upset they won't be able to eat for days."
"If not, how can we make them remember not to do evil to others?" Lou Yunchun was helping her put the books that had been dried in the sun back on the bookshelf according to categories and sequences.
"Thanks to Master Lin's upright conduct, he's immune to all poisons." Xu Jiang put aside the books she was bringing to the Book-Wu Ya Hui tomorrow and then worriedly said, "They failed in their plan and were outmaneuvered. Will they retaliate?"
During the day, Master Lin is mostly in the court or in the Imperial College. In the school, there are only Zeng Zhui, Lin Hongchu, and a group of children. If someone really has bad intentions, it would be difficult to guard against them.
Lou Yunchun soothed him, "Don't worry. I've already reported this to His Majesty, and I've dispatched a team of people to provide covert protection. Any troublemakers will be apprehended and severely punished. If they're arrested a few times, no one will dare come. Also, the court will provide carriages to officials of rank six and above. I've told the Master not to travel by donkey anymore, and I've also loaned him two attendants from my house. They'll be with him every step of the way, whether he's attending court or visiting the Imperial College, so nothing can go wrong."
Since he recommended Master Lin to return to the court, he naturally had to ensure his safety, otherwise he would be letting him down.
Xu Jiang stopped and stared at his calm face. "You always make people feel so reassured."
Lou Yunchun put down his book and walked over, looking into her eyes and asking for a reward in a low voice, "Should I give you a reward?"
Xu Jiang smiled, "It's what you deserve."
Then he raised his hand and pressed down on his neck.
The two hearts clinked glasses gently, feeling slightly tipsy.
Leyou Township is outside Qixia Gate, and it takes about an hour to get there from Yonghefang. However, Xu Jiang and Lou Yunchun are not in a hurry.
Xu Jiang used the mushroom oil the aunt had just brought as a topping for two large bowls of mixed noodles, and she and Lou Yunchun had a leisurely breakfast. After breakfast, they drank tea, watered the horses, and fed the donkeys. After Liang Mo arrived for work, they leisurely harnessed the cart, loaded the books, and left, leaving the warm yellow dust on the ground.
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