Chapter 450 A verdict has been reached
The case involving Han Jin and Wei Heng, along with other related officials, has been adjudicated in just a few days.
Han Jin, as the governor of Zhejiang, was corrupt, accepted bribes, abused his power for personal gain, falsified expenditures, and deceived the emperor by making false accounts. He was sentenced to have his property confiscated and beheaded as a warning to the public. The emperor was benevolent and did not like killing, so he only beheaded the criminal official. His family members were exiled and were never allowed to return to the capital, and their descendants were barred from holding official positions.
The Zhenguo Duke's Mansion behind Han Jin was also implicated. He was stripped of his title of Zhenguo Duke and exiled. The Han family was completely destroyed and had no chance of recovery.
Wei Heng was guilty of embezzlement and bribery, and abused his power to create wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice. Moreover, there was more than one wrongful conviction and miscarriage of justice. He was sentenced to have his home confiscated, beheaded and his family members exiled, and his descendants were barred from holding official positions.
The remaining officials, depending on the severity of their crimes, were either executed with their homes confiscated and their families exiled, dismissed from office and imprisoned, or demoted for minor offenses. However, being demoted to remote and impoverished areas essentially ended their careers, unless they achieved outstanding political achievements, attracted the emperor's attention, and regained his favor.
This is the second time since the Emperor ascended the throne that he has launched such a large-scale operation, disciplining so many officials at once. Even the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, which had lasted for over a hundred years, was gone, shocking the court and the public. However, many people's minds also began to stir. Zhejiang is a wealthy place, and the sudden increase in so many vacancies is a good opportunity for many people, especially those officials who want to be transferred to other places.
The common people applauded. For them, it didn't matter who was emperor or who was an official; what mattered was that the court could provide them with a good life. If there were corrupt officials in the court, it would affect the people. Eliminating these corrupt officials was to rid the people of harm.
Because of Wei Heng, many people are reminded of Mei Qingyun, a woman of exceptional talent and beauty. She was once Wei Heng's wife, but was divorced because she had no children for many years. Now that Wei Heng has been convicted and his family has been exiled, she has escaped this calamity because she was divorced and has no further connection with the Wei family.
"The Mei family girl is really lucky."
"Indeed. The Emperor is benevolent and did not execute the family members, but only sentenced them to exile. However, whether they will live to reach the place of exile is still a question. Even if they do live to reach it, they will live a hard life for the rest of their lives. Miss Mei will not have to go through these hardships."
“I used to think that she was too old and couldn’t have children, so it would be hard for her to find a good husband. But after what happened with her ex-husband, even if she just marries into a decent family, it would be much better than suffering with the Wei family.”
"How can you just marry into any decent family? You have to be very selective and choose someone suitable. Ever since she was divorced and returned to the Mei family, the doorstep of the Mei family has been worn down by matchmakers. There are quite a few people who want to propose to the Mei family."
"The most beautiful woman back then is said to still be as beautiful as ever. It wouldn't be difficult for her to remarry. It doesn't matter if she can't have children, since men of this age who remarry are already men with children."
When Mei Qingyun came out of the teahouse, she heard all the people talking.
Nowadays, matchmakers often come to her door to propose marriage, but she is not satisfied with any of them. The only one she thinks has a good family background, is only seven or eight years older than her, not too old, and is even asking her to be his legal wife. However, he is a lecherous man with more than a dozen or twenty concubines and maids at home, as well as many illegitimate children.
I heard that the original wife died because her husband was unfaithful, falling in love with every woman he met. She was often jealous and angry, which made her sick and eventually led to her death.
This man is not even as good as Wei Heng, yet her sister-in-law thinks he is not bad and persuades her to marry him, saying that no man is not lustful, and it is normal for him to be lustful. If a man can take so many concubines, it proves that he is capable. Only incapable men cannot take concubines. She also said that it is good for a man to have many children, since she cannot have children anyway. If a man has many children, she will not have the pressure of carrying on the family line.
She was absolutely furious!
"Sister Qingyun."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from ahead. Mei Qingyun looked up and saw Lady Jing'an walking towards her with a smile.
When Mei Qingyun saw her, she smiled faintly. She had overheard Lady Jing'an talking about her to others and wondered what grudge Lady Jing'an had against her and why she held a grudge against her. But after meeting the Marquis of Jing'an a couple of days ago, she understood. It was because the Marquis of Jing'an had been in love with her for many years and now wanted to take her as a concubine.
But what good is it if she likes her? She's heard that the Marquis of Jing'an has several concubines. It's impossible for her to be one of the concubines in the Marquis of Jing'an's household. Even if a concubine's status is second only to the principal wife and higher than other concubines, she is still a concubine. She has to pay her respects to the principal wife and will always be inferior. Once you've been a lawfully wedded principal wife, who would want to be a concubine? Unless Yao Shi is gone and he marries her as his principal wife, she might seriously consider it.
As the person approached, Mei Qingyun said, "Sister Yao, what a coincidence to meet you here."
Lady Jing'an said gently, "Isn't that a coincidence? My dear sister, I am truly happy for you."
Mei Qingyun was puzzled: "Why do you say that, Sister Yao?"
Lady Jing'an said, "I've heard about the Wei family's affairs. Lord Wei will be beheaded the day after tomorrow. Fortunately, he gave you a letter of divorce back then, otherwise you would have had to go to exile with the Wei family."
Upon hearing this, Mei Qingyun's smile faded, and she said calmly, "Sister Yao, no one can predict such things."
Seeing this, Lady Jing'an looked at her with newfound respect. After more than ten years of marriage, there was still affection between them. Even though they were no longer husband and wife, she would still be heartbroken to hear that her ex-husband was about to be beheaded and displayed to the public. So she comforted her, saying, "Sister, don't be too sad. Look forward. There's still a long road ahead."
Mei Qingyun smiled, pursing her lips, but did not reply.
Lady Jing'an changed the subject: "Sister, has your marriage been settled?"
Mei Qingyun gave her a half-smile and asked, "Why is Sister Yao so concerned about my marriage? Every time we meet, you ask me this question."
Lady Jing'an's heart tightened. This matter concerned her, so of course she was concerned. The night before last, her husband had drunk a couple of cups too much and mistook her for Mei Qingyun, calling her Yun'er affectionately and confessing his feelings: "Yun'er, as long as you marry me as my concubine, I promise to treat you well for the rest of my life. For so many years, you have been the only one in my heart. When I married Yao, it was because my parents thought that Yao and I were cousins and childhood sweethearts, and that the marriage between our two families would strengthen our ties. But I have no love for her whatsoever."
When she heard these words, her heart sank. She had been married to her cousin for more than ten years, bearing him children, raising them, and managing the household. All her years of dedication were not as valuable as that of an old maid who had been married. Mei Qingyun's refusal to remarry was her biggest threat. If Mei Qingyun really became a concubine, would her cousin still give her a second glance?
She suppressed her anger and replied calmly, "I was just concerned about my sister's marriage, that's why I asked. I hope my sister won't take offense."
Mei Qingyun replied, "Thank you for your concern, Sister Yao, but I have no plans to remarry for the time being."
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