Chapter 117117 The Yellow Bird Behind
The moon hangs high in the sky, and the night is as dark as ink.
Xiankelai, which should have been crowded with guests, was now completely silent, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
The shopkeeper, the waiter, and the dancer stood stiffly in the corner, their heads lowered and their breath held, not daring to breathe.
The hall was filled with people kneeling, all prostrating themselves respectfully in gestures of submission.
"I am willing to donate half of my wealth."
Ever since Patriarch Zhao said this, the wealthy families and merchants present echoed him like parrots.
Du Qingtang put down his wine glass, and there was a soft "tap" sound.
When everyone heard the sound, it was no different from the sound of a trigger. They couldn't help but shrug their shoulders and lie down on the ground, shaking like a sieve.
"I'm so sorry." Du Qingtang rested his elbows on his knees. "I thought I'd be deeply grateful if you could show some willingness to help the government through this difficult time. I never expected you to be so willing to give me half your wealth."
Du Qingtang sat firmly on the table and simply bowed, "I have no way to repay your generosity. I can only express my gratitude in advance."
The wealthy families and merchants: "......"
You are the one who takes advantage of others and still acts ungratefully. That’s you, Du Qingtang!
Patriarch Sun swallowed the sweet taste in his throat, suppressed the pain in his heart, liver, spleen, and lungs, and said with a forced smile, "I was born and raised in Shaoqing Prefecture, so naturally I want to contribute my humble efforts to Shaoqing Prefecture."
The rest of the people echoed sparsely.
Although you are obviously reluctant, you still have to pretend to be magnanimous and swallow your anger. Only you know how much pain and sorrow you feel.
Patriarch Li's eyes rolled, and he said calmly, "It's just that offering the family wealth requires the family seal. I don't have the habit of carrying seals with me. Please allow me to go back to the mansion first, stamp it, and then personally deliver it to the government office."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes lit up.
"So do the common people."
"Please allow me to spend the night sorting out my belongings. I will send someone to deliver them to the government office tomorrow morning."
First, use the tactic of delaying. Once everyone goes home and the door is closed, pack up your things and run away.
A temporary hibernation and retreat is nothing, the most important thing is to stay alive.
When three years pass and Du Qingtang leaves Shaoqing Mansion, that will be the time of her death!
Du Qingtang gathered his sleeves and said calmly, "It's okay. I've already sent people to notify each family. The seal should be on the way now."
Everyone: “???”
Everyone: “!!!”
All the wealthy families and merchants present had expressions as if they were struck by lightning, their eyes were blank and their bodies were shaking.
Patriarch Sun and Patriarch Li were both old, and seeing them rolling their eyes and about to collapse, Du Qingtang said calmly, "The night is long, and I am young and energetic. I can endure it. When we have dealt with this, we will adjourn."
The two old patriarchs' eyelids twitched and their bodies swayed twice, but they managed to hold on.
Everyone: “…”
It turns out that Du Qingtang has long been eyeing their vast wealth, and tonight's banquet is like a Hongmen Banquet!
No!
wrong!
Why was Du Qingtang so sure that they would offer their wealth, and he even sent people to their house in advance to get the seal of the head of the family. It was obvious that he was acting like a bandit who wanted money to ransom people and would kill them if they didn't pay?
Did she expect that they would give up half of their wealth in order to escape punishment?
Everyone was horrified when they thought about it carefully. They had a deeper understanding of Du Qingtang's cunning and methods, and they were all terrified for a moment.
Patriarch Li was filled with hatred, his heart bleeding. It took him a long while to find his voice again, and he squeezed out words through gritted teeth: "Is that so? That lord is truly a master of foresight, foresighted as if by a god."
Du Qingtang smiled slightly: "Master Li, you are so kind."
She is not stupid, so why would she let the tiger go back to the mountain?
Once they leave Xiankelai, it will be difficult to control them.
Whether calling for help or running away, it was not what Du Qingtang wanted to see.
The head of the Li family closed his eyes tightly, his nostrils flared and he breathed heavily, wishing he could bite the person in the lead into pieces and swallow him into his stomach.
I don’t know how long it took, about the time it took to burn an incense stick.
For the wealthy families and businessmen, this period of time is like a year.
They are afraid of death, but are reluctant to give up their money. The two thoughts are constantly fighting against each other, almost driving them crazy.
"Sir, the people have arrived."
A rough male voice brought everyone back to reality. Looking in the direction of the voice, they were surprised to find that there was a dark crowd outside Xiankelai. They were all palace soldiers wearing armor and long swords on their waists.
Everyone felt as if a bolt of thunder had struck their heads, their blood boiling, and they would bleed to death in the next moment.
"She's really generous in dealing with us."
"What a vicious woman!"
"When I make a comeback in the future, I will cut her into pieces to avenge what I did today!"
But they could only whisper in a low voice, fearing that Du Qingtang would hear them and ask them to go underground to keep the head of the Qian family company.
Dozens of people filed in, trembling like frightened birds, kneeling down and saluting: "Your humble servants pay their respects to the lord."
"No need to be so polite, everyone." Du Qingtang raised his hand slightly, indicating, "Go ahead and get the stamp as soon as possible so that I can go back and rest as soon as possible."
With muskets in front and government soldiers behind, the wealthy families and merchants had no choice but to draft a document of voluntary donation of their property and finally stamp the seal of the head of the family on the lower left corner.
There was a soft "bang" sound, and a red mark was left on the paper.
Everyone looked at it and felt as if their hearts were being cut by a knife.
Some individuals seemed to see the huge wealth leaving them, and were filled with reluctance, covering their faces and crying on the spot.
Du Qingtang said mischievously, "You have all volunteered your wealth and are now weeping with joy. This official is deeply pleased. Tomorrow I will send someone to announce your righteous act to the entire prefecture. I am sure that all the people in the prefecture will be filled with gratitude to you."
Everyone: “…”
Losing half of their family fortune was already painful enough, but Du Qingtang, this cruel woman, was still making sarcastic remarks and provoking them.
It's simply insane!
What tears of joy, what tears of gratitude.
When the untouchables got the news, they would probably tell everyone and celebrate their misfortune...
Oh, I won’t say anymore.
It’s all tears if I talk too much.
The clerk named Wang Fei collected the donation documents and handed them to the prefect. His eyes were brighter than the candle in the lampshade.
The prefect is the most powerful person he has ever met!
He set up a Hongmen Banquet, using courtesy first and then force, catching those people off guard and forcing them to accept defeat.
Thinking of the millions of taels of money that were about to be deposited into the treasury, Wang Fei really wanted to slap his thigh and shout—
Cool! It really is cool!
After receiving the documents, Du Qingtang did not leave on the spot. Instead, he looked through them one by one in front of everyone to check their authenticity.
Rich businessman: "..."
Cutting meat with a blunt knife, that's what she's talking about, Du Qingtang!
Hiss—it hurts!
After reviewing the eighty-two documents one by one and confirming that they were all correct, Du Qingtang slowly stood up and said, "It's late at night and the dew is heavy. You are all great contributors to Shaoqing Prefecture. I will send someone to escort you back to the palace."
"Wan Gui Yu."
"I will be here."
"Arrange for someone to send them back."
"I will obey your orders."
Then, regardless of whether the wealthy families and merchants were willing or not, each of them was equipped with four palace soldiers to escort them all the way back to their homes.
Everyone: “…”
I'm tired and don't want to talk.
On the way back to the government office, Wang Fei kept flattering his superiors.
"You are truly amazing, sir. Those people are incredibly wealthy. How much would half of their wealth be worth?"
"You just killed Master Qian with a single strike. That movement! That gesture! It was truly a swift and graceful move I've never seen before!"
Du Qingtang was in a good mood and let him talk without interrupting him.
After returning to the government office, the clerk delivered the documents to the government office and went home, while Du Qingtang went straight to the third hall.
After entering the gate, I found that the inner house was brightly lit. Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju were sitting in the west wing, fanning themselves and chatting and laughing. The flickering candlelight created a harmonious and quiet atmosphere in the room.
Seeing Du Qingtang coming back, the two of them stopped talking and laughing, and hurriedly stood up to greet him.
Du Qingzhu couldn't wait to ask, "How is it? Is it done?"
"Is there anything in this world that I can't do?" Du Qingtang said with a smile, "It's the middle of the night, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Du Qingju said angrily, "I'm just worried about you."
Even if you have never dealt with those wealthy families and businessmen, you can infer from rumors that they are not good people.
Even though the youngest daughter carried a musket with her and there were palace soldiers outside, her elder sister was still worried and had to see her return safely with her own eyes.
Du Qingtang felt relieved, his eyes smiling, as if ice and snow had melted away: "I'm fine, they are the ones who are not fine."
Then he told them how he had extorted half of their wealth.
Zhu Ju and the others burst out laughing and gave thumbs up.
"As expected of my sister, if she doesn't make a move, it's fine, but when she does, it's amazing!"
"Those old bastards are probably going to die of anger."
"I'm so mad that even the coffin lid can't hold it down, hahahahaha!"
Du Qingtang couldn't help laughing at the banter between Zhu and Ju, and asked, "Is there anything else to eat in the kitchen?"
Du Qingzhu slapped his head and said, "Look at my memory. I was worried that you wouldn't eat well at Xiankelai, so I specially made you some wontons with shrimp and meat filling. I bought them at the market this morning, so they are very fresh."
Du Qingtang went to the kitchen: "Want to eat together?"
Du Qingju responded crisply: "It's been two hours since I had dinner, I'm a little hungry."
So the three sisters sat at the low table in the kitchen and ate a big bowl of midnight snack.
The wonton skin is thin and the filling is large. The shrimp meat is extremely delicious, and it is served with shrimp skin to enhance the flavor. It is so delicious that I even drink up all the soup.
After eating and drinking their fill, the three of them leaned back in their chairs, touching their stomachs with satisfaction. After a while, they each went back to their rooms to wash up and rest.
......
The next day, Du Qingtang dressed neatly at dawn and prepared to go to the front to take up his post.
Before leaving, Du Qingtang called Du Yi and said, "Send away those two from the west wing."
The original reason for accepting Mo Feng and Mo Yun was, firstly, to find two people who specialized in cleaning toilets, and secondly, to use them to dispel the suspicion and vigilance of the head of the Qian family.
If you want to kill someone, make him crazy first.
The head of the Qian family thought that since Du Qingtang had taken in his people, he would let the Qian family go.
Du Qingtang followed his wishes and temporarily suppressed the lawsuit against the Qian family, giving the head of the Qian family the illusion that he had "persuaded the family head to do something".
Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li had occupied Shaoqing Prefecture for a hundred years. However, due to poor teaching by their fathers and grandfathers and the local chaos, each generation was weaker than the previous one.
The head of the Qian family is just an empty-headed, arrogant fool. There is no need for Du Qingtang to say anything more before she becomes the chicken to kill to scare the monkeys.
Now that the money is in hand, Mo Feng and Mo Yun have lost their value.
"Yes, I will arrange it right away."
Du Qingtang stepped over the threshold and walked out of the inner house.
A wisp of morning breeze passed through the hall, and Du Qingtang heard Mo Yun's crying and begging.
"Don't send me away! Please don't send me away!"
"Is it because of the man that night? Mo Yun doesn't ask for only Mo Yun. As long as you don't chase Mo Yun away, Mo Yun is willing to serve you and that young master!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
The emerald green eyes flashed by, and Du Qingtang ran straight to the duty room without stopping.
Du Qingtang has always disliked people invading her territory, whether in the inner house or in the duty room.
He fetched a basin of water and wiped the desk and bookshelf, making them as clean as new. Du Qingtang washed his hands, dried them, let down his rolled-up wide sleeves, went to the government office to get the documents from last night, and called four clerks.
"From now on, the two of you are to do nothing but go door to door with the soldiers to collect debts."
The petty officials had already heard from Wang Fei about the thrill and excitement of Xiankelai last night, and were now full of admiration for the prefect. They no longer remembered the hatred for the prefect who had treated them like oxen not long ago.
But they also have concerns: "What if they play dumb and refuse to give it?"
Du Qingtang said without hesitation: "This is easy. If there is a family that refuses to pay the shop, we can have the guards stand at their door and shout something. You can decide what to say."
"In short, make it as big a scene as possible, preferably to the point where everyone in the city knows about it."
The clerks' shoulders were shaking from trying to hold back their laughter. They could already imagine the sullen faces of those people, and they quickly promised the prefect, "Don't worry, sir. I will definitely do this perfectly!"
Du Qingtang gave a few more instructions and waved his hand, saying, "There's no time to lose, let's go."
The petty official left the government office in a high-spirited manner, sharpening his knife to kill the pigs and sheep.
Because of a Hongmen Banquet, half of their wealth was inexplicably lost. The wealthy families and merchants felt as if they were being eaten by thousands of ants. They tossed and turned all night and could only fall asleep at dawn.
As soon as I closed my eyes, I was awakened by a rapid knock on the door.
"What are you knocking for? Do you want to die?"
"Master, the government is here to ask for money!"
A basin of cold water was poured over my head, and the anger that had just been brewing was extinguished.
"Who is coming here to ask for money?"
"They are four clerks from the government office and about a hundred soldiers."
I just hope it’s not Du Qingtang.
When they met the clerk, they used the procrastination tactic again, saying with confidence: "I came back late last night, and there are a lot of accounts to be paid. I guess it will take until tomorrow to finish."
Tomorrow and tomorrow, how many tomorrows there are.
The clerk sneered and stretched out his hand, and the soldier next to him handed over a gong like a magic trick.
There was a clang, and the clerk began shouting at the top of his voice, "The prefect, in gratitude for Mr. Wang's donation of half his fortune to the government, and unable to bear the thought of him overworking himself, has specially assigned us to assist him."
After the clerk finished shouting, the palace soldiers started shouting.
"Master Wang is so righteous!"
"Thank you, Master Wang, for your generosity!"
The shouting was deafening, attracting people from nearby.
"What? Donate half of your wealth?"
"Wang Dawu is a notorious stingy person. Could it be that someone has cast a spell on him?"
"Rather than a black magic spell, I think it's more like the prefect did something."
"You guessed it right. My cousin works as a waiter at Xiankelai. Last night, the prefect held a banquet at Xiankelai. During the banquet, the prefect displayed his divine power and forced them to offer their wealth."
"What do you mean by 'force'? It's clearly acting on behalf of Heaven!"
"That's right! Those bastards are so rich, they're desperately trying to make money. The shops are almost being squeezed out. If this continues, all the shops in Shaoqing Prefecture will become theirs."
“It’s really satisfying!”
Master Wang: “…”
The clerks and the palace soldiers started shouting, and Master Wang was in a dilemma. He could only watch them enter the house and rob the family of half of their wealth, including but not limited to silver, houses, shops, fertile land, etc.
Finally, the clerk handed Master Wang a scroll of calligraphy and painting, and urged him with a smile: "This is specially ordered by the prefect. Please open it and take a look."
Mr. Wang knew that there must be something bad in here, but under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he had no choice but to open it.
When the calligraphy and painting unfolded, eight large characters "Generous and charitable donations" came into view.
The words in silver hook and iron painting style were written on festive red paper, and every stroke was full of sarcasm.
Mr. Wang choked and fell down without catching his breath.
The onlookers were in an uproar.
"Dead?"
"No, my chest is still rising and falling."
"That's a shame."
Master Wang fainted, but not completely died: "......"
Similar situations occurred frequently over the next five days.
The petty official came to the door with great fanfare to ask for money, then presented a calligraphy and painting that read "Generous and charitable donations", and left with the silver and the house and land deeds.
People all love to gossip and join in the fun. Wherever the petty officials go, they follow them and enjoy watching these once high-ranking bastards make such a fool of themselves.
“It feels great.”
"I'm in a good mood today. I can eat three bowls of rice."
"Hey, have you heard? The government is planning to build a garment factory. The notice they posted last time recruiting women who are good at making clothes was for this garment factory."
"This story has spread everywhere. I even went to see it. The place was originally wasteland, but now it has been cleared and a huge house has been built. It is surrounded by walls on all sides, which are so high that you can't see inside at all."
"Since it's a big house, there won't be enough manpower. Do you think..."
Everyone's eyes flickered, and hope arose spontaneously.
"Sir, when the garment factory opens, will it still hire people?"
The girls were beginners in crocheting, so they were inevitably unfamiliar with the craft. They came to the government office early in the morning with questions to ask the prefect for advice.
Upon learning that the garment factory would be unveiled at the end of the month, a woman boldly asked a question.
Du Qingtang did not hide it: "We will be recruiting on the day of the unveiling. It is estimated that we will need thousands of people."
She is very ambitious.
Woolen sweaters should not only be sold in Shaoqing Prefecture, but also in surrounding prefectures.
Huge business opportunities correspond to huge demand, which naturally requires enough workers.
The women exclaimed.
“Thousands of people?!”
"Sir, can everyone participate in the recruitment?"
Du Qingtang nodded, and the women became even more excited.
After returning home, they told their families the good news.
"Mom, you are also good at making clothes. You can try it when the time comes."
"Sister-in-law, if Jinyi Pavilion doesn't accept your embroidery, you don't have to rush to ask for trouble. Wait until the garment factory opens, and then you can try it. Your embroidery skills are excellent, and you will definitely be selected."
Word spread quickly, and soon everyone in the city knew that the garment factory would open at the end of the month and would recruit thousands of workers.
Anyone who has some skills is looking forward to it and can't wait for the end of the month to come.
After all, life will be better if you have money.
-
However, Du Wu and Du Liu rescued Liu Dun from the prefect of Linjiang Prefecture. After many twists and turns and many pursuits, the three of them finally arrived in Xiajing on August 12.
Looking at the two characters "Xia Jing" written in a style of flying dragons and phoenixes and painted with silver hooks and iron paintings above the city gate, Liu Dun finally put his mind at ease, having been worried all the way.
"Thank you both for your escort. If I can survive this disaster, I will repay you with a gift of gratitude someday."
Du Liu shook his head and said, "We are just following orders. We don't need any repayment from Master Liu."
Liu Dun's eyes flickered slightly, and he became even more curious about the master they were talking about. He asked in a subtle way, "Where are you two from and where are you going?"
Du Wu laughed heartily: "The world is so big, and the whole world is my home."
Liu Dun: “…”
Du Liu struggled to suppress a laugh, put his fist to his lips, coughed twice, and said, "Let's go into the city first. The morning court hasn't ended yet, and maybe we can even hear this case in the Golden Palace."
Knowing when the morning court session ends, and knowing the throne room...
Thousands of thoughts flashed through Liu Dun's mind, but he did not show any of them on his face. He said goodbye to Du Wu and Du Liu, took out a forged pass, passed the inspection smoothly, and went straight to the palace after entering the city.
Arriving at the palace gate, Liu Dun walked straight to the Dengwen Drum on the left side of the palace, picked up the drumstick, and struck it with all his might.
"Boom—boom—boom!"
Lord Fang, who was in charge of guarding the Dengwen Drum, was eating a meat bun when the drum suddenly sounded. He was startled and his hand shook. The greasy meat filling jumped out of the bun skin and rolled away.
Lord Fang showed a pained expression. He looked around and saw that no one was around. He grabbed it and stuffed it into his mouth. As he walked out, he mumbled, "I can still eat it if I pick it up within three breaths."
Standing before the drum, the ragged, bruised man was panting like a cow. Every time he beat the drum, it seemed as if he was paying the price with his life. His pale face showed that this man was very likely to die soon.
"I would like to sue the Linjiang Prefecture Governor Chen Hua for colluding with the Dali Temple's Left Vice Minister Cao Xingxuan to embezzle disaster relief funds..."
Lord Fang paused, took a deep breath, hunched over, and coughed breathlessly.
Zuo Shaoqing of Dali Temple?
Cao Xingxuan?
Isn’t that the eldest grandson of the Prime Minister?
There was also Linjiang Prefecture, where a locust plague struck in June. When the news reached Xiajing, it was said that the Minister of Revenue had a big quarrel with someone over disaster relief silver and grain.
Lord Fang complained bitterly and really wanted to fall asleep on the spot, pretending nothing had happened, and when he woke up, the incident would be over.
However, he could only think about it. He did not dare to hesitate and placed Liu Dun in the corner tower next to Xihua Gate and rushed all the way to the Golden Palace.
......
In the Golden Palace, the emperor and his ministers were discussing state affairs.
A small country located in the northeast of Daxia has been active recently, often harassing people living in border areas.
When the news reached Xiajing, the officials did not take it seriously.
"We can even defeat the Great Qi, so why should we be afraid of a small country like you?"
"We should let them taste the power of the Great Xia Firearms Battalion and beat them so hard that they flee in panic. They will never dare to commit such a crime again."
"I second the motion!"
There were many seconders, all of whom took it for granted that the Firearms Battalion was omnipotent.
Emperor Qingyuan said, "I allocate millions of silver from the national treasury every year to strengthen the army and raise horses. The soldiers guarding the border should repel the villains of other countries, not let the firearms battalion travel thousands of miles just to deal with a handful of small countries."
Du Aiqing was right. Over-reliance on firearms would only produce a bunch of useless people who received military pay for nothing.
Thinking of this, Emperor Qingyuan further strengthened his resolve not to move the Firearms Camp: "The Zhou Kingdom has repeatedly provoked and forced battles. If Daxia does not fight back, it will be a loss of sovereignty and humiliation to the country."
"Pass on my oral order, commanding General Zhang Tang of Langshan Pass to lead his troops to fight. If they refuse to admit defeat, we will fight them until they surrender!"
The emperor's majestic voice echoed in the Golden Palace. All the officials exchanged glances secretly and sighed in their hearts.
As the imperial power was gradually withdrawn, His Majesty held great power and became more and more powerful. Even Prime Minister Cao, who was once powerful in the court, had to temporarily avoid his edge.
The situation in the court has finally changed.
All the officials said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."
The matter was put aside and another official stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Emperor Qingyuan was about to approve it when he suddenly saw a figure moving outside the Golden Palace, as if someone was hesitating.
He glanced at Fury, who understood, stepped aside, and went to investigate.
All the officials in the hall stood respectfully with their heads bowed, and did not notice Fu Rui's departure. They were just wondering why His Majesty was so slow to agree.
The official who had something to report was feeling uneasy. Thinking back on his previous words and actions, he was sure that there was nothing wrong with them, and his doubts grew even more intense.
I dared to look up and found that the place where Eunuch Fu Rui usually stood was empty.
Why did you leave in the middle of the morning court session for no reason?
Just when he was wondering, Fu Rui came back and whispered something in Emperor Qingyuan's ear.
Emperor Qingyuan wore a faint smile on his round, elegant face. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a thought flashing through them. After a moment, he dismissed Fu Rui and said in a clear voice, "Someone just struck the drum to report the news."
There was a slight commotion in the Golden Palace.
"The last time the drum was sounded, it was Du Qingtang's biological mother who sued her. Who is it this time?"
"Is this another case of a woman disguising herself as a man to take the imperial examination?"
"Do you think a woman who disguises herself as a man to take the imperial examination is a cabbage?"
"It should be said that not everyone is Du Qingtang. Those who are heretics and don't know the Three Obediences and Four Virtues only attract the ridicule of the world."
"It's been four months since she left Shaoqing Prefecture. I wonder how she's doing now. Is she dead or alive?"
Minister Qi couldn't help but roll his eyes and sneered, "Lord Hu, be careful with your words and be a little more virtuous. You're not afraid of being pulled out of your tongue by the judge of hell after you die."
Lord Hu: "Hey! Qi Jiang, you dare to curse me!"
The two looked at each other from a distance, sparks flying.
Just as he was about to take action, Emperor Qingyuan said with a smile, "It is morning court now. I cannot ignore you, my dear ministers. Why not call the man who beat the drum into the palace and have him tried in court?"
Having said this, all officials have no objection.
Emperor Qingyuan then sent someone to lead the drummers to the Golden Palace.
The first civil official, Cao Yuan, is wearing a purple official robe, holding a tablet, and standing like a pine tree.
For some reason, his right eyelid twitched violently.
The higher the position and power one holds, the more superstitious he is.
A trace of solemnity flashed across Cao Yuan's lowered eyes, and an ominous premonition lingered in his heart, difficult to ignore and lingered for a long time.
In the dim light of the eyes, the Fourth Prince yawned slowly, his posture lazy, as if he had not yet woken up.
In the Golden Palace, officials talked in low voices.
Emperor Qingyuan sat on a high throne with an elegant smile and an unfathomable look in his eyes.
About half an hour later, Liu Dun came to the outside of the Golden Palace under the guidance of the eunuchs.
The eunuch turned aside and said, "Go in. Remember to kneel three times and kowtow nine times when you see His Majesty."
Liu Dun coughed twice, his breath barely fading. “Thank you for the reminder, eunuch.”
A trace of sympathy flashed in the eunuch's eyes. This man was born weak and he wondered if he could withstand the pressure of meeting the emperor.
Liu Dun took a deep breath and walked into the Golden Palace.
Looking around, you can see officials in various colors wearing official robes, showing their majesty and dignity.
Countless gazes came from all directions, fixed on him, as if wanting to strip off his tattered clothes, uncover his flesh, stir up his internal organs, and carefully examine his origins and his story.
What kind of background could he have?
He was just a poor petty official who was nearly killed by a corrupt official.
Liu Dun stopped and knelt down to salute.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live Your Majesty!"
"Your humble servant?"
"Is this person an official of our dynasty?"
"They don't look like officials, but more like beggars."
"It can be seen that this person had suffered a lot in order to go to the capital to file a complaint with the emperor."
Emperor Qingyuan looked at the person below him and said in a deep voice, "Why are you beating the drum to report your grievances? Please tell me your grievances in detail so that I can make a decision for you."
Liu Dun kowtowed again, his voice resounding as he spoke, each word clearly emphasized: "I intend to sue the Linjiang Prefecture Governor Chen Hua and the Dali Temple's Left Vice Minister Cao Xingxuan for embezzling disaster relief funds!"
Like a drop of cold water falling into a pan of hot oil, the Golden Throne Hall instantly exploded.
"Cao Xingxuan is not..."
"He's so brave!"
The Fourth Prince's pupils suddenly shrank, his expression changed in an instant, the fingers holding the tablet turned white, and he subconsciously looked at Cao Yuan.
But Cao Yuan was calm and composed, not at all panicked.
The Fourth Prince felt inexplicably at ease.
My grandfather took over the affairs of Linjiang Prefecture some time ago, and now it seems that it has been completed in nine out of ten cases.
However, the Fourth Prince still felt very regretful. If he had known so many troubles would arise, he should not have let his cousin intercept the disaster relief silver and grain just for the sake of taking advantage.
On the other side, the fifth prince glanced at his fourth brother, then looked at his grandfather. Seeing that they had no reaction, he rubbed his nose and continued to act like a wooden man.
Emperor Qingyuan stroked the dragon pattern on his jade ring, looking down to take in the officials' reactions. "Embezzlement of disaster relief funds? Do you have any evidence?"
Everyone held their breath and opened their eyes wide, afraid of missing the moment when this person presented evidence.
However, Liu Dun's answer was surprising: "Your Majesty, I have no evidence."
Everyone was stunned and scratched their ears, thinking they had heard it wrong.
"He came to file a complaint with the emperor without any evidence. We can definitely accuse him of frame-up. He is really like a man who is too old to live!"
"Everyone, please be patient and listen to what he has to say."
Cao Yuan lowered his head, with most of his face hidden in the shadows.
He smiled slightly, his eyes filled with the calmness of someone who was sure of victory.
In fact, as early as last month, he received a message from the prefect of Linjiang Prefecture, saying that this person knew the whereabouts of the disaster relief silver and grain, and was very likely to go to Beijing to file a complaint.
Fortunately, this person just overheard it accidentally and had no evidence on hand.
The absence of evidence means there is a lot of room for maneuver.
Liu Dun bowed and said, "I am a minor official in the Linjiang Prefecture government office. In June, a locust plague broke out in Linjiang Prefecture. The prefect reported the matter to the court, but for a long time, I have not received any relief money or grain."
"I have no food left at home, so I had no choice but to ask the prefect for help. I overheard a conversation between the prefect and his confidant."
"The prefect said that the relief funds were intercepted by Cao Xingxuan, the Left Vice Minister of the Dali Temple, and he was promised a position as an official in the capital."
"I was furious and wanted to go to the capital to expose their evil deeds, but I was hunted down by the prefect. My life was on the line many times. Finally, I arrived in Xiajing and was able to beat the drum to appeal for justice."
Liu Dun finished speaking and kowtowed heavily: "The amount of silver and grain for disaster relief is not a small amount. I believe the Ministry of Revenue should have detailed records."
Minister Qi jumped out to testify: "Yes, there are indeed detailed records!"
Liu Dun continued, "Your Majesty, please send someone to Linjiang Prefecture to investigate. It's been two months since June. Even if the transporters transporting the disaster relief silver and grain were slow, they should have arrived in Linjiang Prefecture long ago."
"Tens of millions of people in Linjiang Prefecture wouldn't lie. They've suffered from a locust plague, eating their own children, and being displaced..."
At this point, Liu Dun choked up and covered his face with his hands, crying.
This scene is so heartbreaking that it makes anyone who hears it cry.
"When I was young, I personally experienced a locust plague. Wherever I passed, no grass grew. Even tree bark was edible, so I had to eat Guanyin soil. I was lucky and didn't die from the locusts, but all the children in my village died of bloating."
"If that's the case, Master Cao really shouldn't have done that."
"What is this Mr. Cao? It's clearly..."
Emperor Qingyuan pushed the jade ring back to its base and did not accede to Liu Dun's plea. Instead, he asked, "Where is Cao Xingxuan?"
The Left Shaoqing of the Dali Temple was a fourth-rank official and was qualified to attend the morning court.
However, it was the Dali Temple Minister who stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Shaoqing Cao left the capital yesterday to investigate a case. He probably won't be back until tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."
People started to speculate on conspiracy theories.
"Tsk, who knows if he left the city to avoid disaster?"
"It's such a coincidence."
"Shhhhhh!"
Although the one sitting on the dragon throne has consolidated the imperial power and has the ability to compete with the Prime Minister, forcing the latter to abandon the car to save the king several times, the power in the hands of the Prime Minister cannot be underestimated.
At least they can be crushed to death easily.
At this moment, Cao Yuan stepped out of the ranks, his expression helpless and self-blaming: "Your Majesty, I may already know who did this."
There was an uproar in the Golden Palace.
Even though Emperor Qingyuan had long known what the Fourth Prince and Cao Xingxuan had done, he was still caught off guard by Cao Yuan's move.
"Are you going to kill your own relatives for the sake of justice?"
"It seems that Cao Shaoqing can't escape this disaster."
Emperor Qingyuan placed his palms on the armrests of the dragon throne and raised his eyebrows. "Oh? Who did this?"
Cao Yuan cupped his hands and bowed deeply, as if to apologize. "It's my second-born grandson, Cao Xingcan."
"Who? Cao Xingcan?"
"Shouldn't it be Cao Xingxuan?"
Emperor Qingyuan narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why do you say that, my dear Lord Cao?"
Cao Yuan sighed, "My grandson has been spoiled by my daughter-in-law. He has developed a violent and self-centered personality since he was young."
"I and my eldest son have urged him to correct his behavior many times, but he refuses to change and has even clashed with my eldest grandson many times."
"Two years ago, I reprimanded my grandson, and he got angry with me and took it upon himself to ask to be exiled. Since then, there has been no news from him, as if all kinship has been severed."
"Until last month, I received a letter from Shesun, saying that he had impulsively sent people to intercept a batch of disaster relief silver and grain. After calming down, it was too late. He wanted me to help put the matter to rest."
"Embezzlement of disaster relief funds is a capital offense. I righteously and solemnly refused and ordered him to surrender as soon as possible."
"These past few days, I have been waiting, but I never expected to hear the news that my grandson had teamed up with officials from Linjiang Prefecture to frame my brother."
Cao Yuan said this, then fell to his knees with a thud, banging his head on the ground: "I have misled Sun, Your Majesty. Please punish me."
There was dead silence in the Golden Palace.
Liu Dun had never expected the Prime Minister to be so distorting the truth. He wiped his face and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, I swear to heaven that if I tell even a single lie, I will be struck by lightning and die a miserable death!"
Everyone was shocked when they heard this.
"He actually swore a poisonous oath."
"It seems he didn't lie."
Cao Yuan's hands trembled in his sleeves, but he remained unfazed. "I, your humble servant, can swear an oath. If I tell even a single lie, I will be struck by lightning and die a miserable death!"
Both of them swore a solemn oath, and for a moment everyone didn't know who to believe.
Until Qi Cifu stepped out and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, since both sides have their reasons, why not send someone else to Linjiang Prefecture and Pingyang Prefecture to investigate this matter thoroughly?"
The fourth prince suddenly grabbed the tablet tightly.
Cao Yuan's eyes also darkened slightly.
After a brief silence, Emperor Qingyuan said slowly, "Lord Qi, what you said makes sense. I suddenly remembered that in June I sent Lord Shi to conduct a secret inspection of various places..."
Cao Yuan's breath was caught, and it was only because of his years of self-control that he prevented him from losing his composure on the spot.
In June, Shi Zishan suddenly disappeared.
Cao Yuan sent people to investigate, but found nothing, and the people he sent out have not returned yet.
He never thought that Shi Zishan actually went to the local area for inspection!
"...Calculating the time, we should be arriving at Linjiang Prefecture soon. Pingyang Prefecture is right next to Linjiang Prefecture, so it will be convenient for investigation."
"It's settled." Emperor Qingyuan stood up and adjusted his robe. "Liu Dun will be imprisoned for the time being. When Cao Xingxuan returns from investigating the case, he will be imprisoned as well."
"Withdraw from the court——"
Fu Rui shouted and strode after Emperor Qingyuan.
The imperial guards entered and took Liu Dun away.
Liu Dun did not resist, but just stared at Cao Yuan angrily.
Cao Yuan was an excellent cultivator of Qi, his self-blame and guilt evident in his words, but he said to the Fourth Prince, "Your Majesty has tricked me again."
Since the beginning of the first month of the year, every time he clashed with Emperor Qingyuan, he ended up in a miserable defeat, either losing his job or having his wings clipped.
This made Cao Yuan feel unprecedentedly frustrated.
At the same time, Cao Yuan's vigilance against Emperor Qingyuan reached its peak.
But despite all the precautions, Xia Ming still gained the upper hand again.
"Your Majesty is truly capable, as if he could predict the future." Cao Yuan gritted his teeth, but still tried to comfort the Fourth Prince, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will send someone to intercept Shi Zishan's letter."
The Fourth Prince looked at Cao Yuan in front of him. Every wrinkle on his face told him that this powerful official who had been in the court for decades was getting old.
But he, his grandson, still has to work hard and run around for him.
The Fourth Prince felt guilty and held Cao Yuan's arm affectionately: "Grandfather, don't worry, wait... Your Highness will give you everything you want."
Cao Yuan paused slightly and said, "I hope Your Highness will keep his word."
The Fourth Prince swore solemnly: "A gentleman's word is his bond."
......
On the other side, Emperor Qingyuan left the Golden Palace and strode onto the dragon sedan chair.
"Get up and go to the imperial study!"
The eunuch lifted the dragon sedan chair and moved forward steadily.
Fu Rui held the whisk and followed closely beside the dragon sedan chair.
Just as I was thinking about Cao Yuan's expression during the morning court session, I heard His Majesty say, "Fu Rui."
Fu Rui suddenly came back to his senses: "The servant is here."
Emperor Qingyuan half-closed his eyes and asked, "Who could have escorted Liu Dun to the capital to file a complaint?"
Fu Rui was stunned. How did His Majesty determine that someone was escorting Liu Dun to the capital?
He began to recall.
Liu Dun was dressed in rags, had unkempt hair and a dirty face, and was covered in wounds, looking like he was going to die soon.
After entering the throne room, he got straight to the point, with clear logic and every sentence hitting the mark...
wrong!
Can a seriously injured person really stay awake in the Golden Palace like Liu Dun?
How could Liu Dun, a weak scholar, escape the pursuit of the prefect of Linjiang Prefecture and come to Xiajing alive?
So the question is, who escorted Liu Dun to Xiajing?
It is known that this person knew that the silver and grain for disaster relief in Linjiang Prefecture had been embezzled.
Besides the person involved, there is only His Majesty and Fu Rui...
No!
There is one more person!
A cold and aloof figure appeared in my mind.
Fu Rui swallowed his saliva, raised his head slightly, and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, is it that..."
Emperor Qingyuan snorted.
It's her!
Du Qingtang, the man who was so audacious and presumptuous, who deceived and used him, whose crimes were too numerous to list, and yet he had no choice but to use him!
Fu Rui scratched his head, his eyes rolling around, unable to figure it out. "But why did she send someone to escort Liu Dun to the capital?"
In this way, the secret that Lord Du has tried so hard to cover up has been exposed in front of Your Majesty?
What does Lord Du want?
Emperor Qingyuan slowly opened his eyes and looked at the long and dark palace road ahead. Passing officials and palace maids all stepped aside, knelt down and shouted "Long live the emperor".
This lone wolf, who had been dormant for many years and whose claws were still sharp, rested his elbow on the armrest of the dragon chariot and laughed with an ambiguous smile.
"She is showing her loyalty to me."
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