Chapter 33: All county affairs are governed by the laws of Zhongshan. All robbers (armed...
"It's a long story. That traitor was still ruthless and somehow managed to pass on the news to the general. Fortunately, Mr. Chihua took me away in time.
Remembering what the young master had told me earlier, Mr. Chihua and I planned to go to Licheng to get reinforcements. Coincidentally, we received An's letter while we were in Licheng. The governor couldn't leave the city, so Mr. Chihua and I led the reinforcements here."
Hearing Xiao Wangshu's question, Nian Yue quickly explained, but she was evasive and suspicious. Xiao Wangshu's eyes swept across Nian Yue's slightly tense face calmly, but after a few breaths, he spoke:
"Nian Yue, you know that's not what I'm asking. But if you don't want to tell me, I won't force you. But if you have any difficulties, you must not handle them alone."
A complex look flashed in her eyes. Nian Yue lowered her head to avoid Xiao Wangshu's gaze and just nodded softly.
Xiao Wangshu frowned and seemed to be about to speak, but the Tao brothers and sisters had already come over to greet him.
"Master Xiao! I was blind and offended you before! I hope you won't vent your anger on the people in this village. I will bear all the blame."
Without waiting for him to speak, Tao Hean and Tao Meixiu knelt down directly. Fortunately, Xiao Wangshu reacted quickly and helped them up.
"Brother Tao, I respect you as a person, but the law is strict and does not allow for personal feelings."
As soon as these words were spoken, not only did Tao Meixiu's face turn pale, but the people in the village who had gradually gathered around after hearing the noise also felt their breath rise to their throats.
They knew Xiao Wangshu's identity when they fought against Wang Shouyi before. After this battle, they really had no strength to fight again, but this did not mean that they could watch the children of the Tao family being punished.
Someone in the crowd shouted first.
"Master Xiao! The boss is doing this to keep us alive. We owe him our lives. We are willing to take the punishment for him!"
As soon as these words were spoken, they were echoed by everyone.
"Fellow villagers!"
Xiao Wangshu raised his voice and said soothingly with a smile:
"Fellow villagers, please listen to me. According to the laws of Zhongshan, anyone who commits armed robbery without taking any property will be sentenced to two years in prison. If they take more than ten pieces of property and injure someone, they will be sentenced to three years in prison. If they kill someone, they will be hanged.
As the cold law came out, everyone felt as if they had fallen into an icy cave. Silence reigned, and soon a few sobs were heard. Xiao Wangshu could clearly see that an old man with gray hair and a cane was trembling as he turned his back and shrugged. Someone else stood in front and gritted his teeth and said,
"Sir, I am willing to take the punishment for the boss."
"I haven't finished speaking yet, fellow villagers, please be patient." With his hands spread out, Xiao Wangshu said with a smile:
"However, the law is nothing more than human nature. Considering the corrupt officials' harsh policies, Brother Tao was forced to become a bandit. Although the brothers of Fenglin Village have robbed people, they have never killed anyone and have always been willing to help the poor.
Besides, these counties are already cold and harsh, so there is no need to exile them elsewhere, but the crime cannot be waived."
He paused for a moment, glanced at everyone, and said in a deep voice:
"Therefore, I will make the appropriate decision: I will sentence the Tao brothers and sisters and the bandits from Fenglin Village to the crime of robbery. In consideration of their actions, I will grant them a lighter sentence. They should be ordered to atone for their sins to the people of the counties and serve the court. The silver earned from the robbery will be deducted from the monthly allowance annually to compensate the victims."
When these words were spoken, everyone was delighted and shouted "Master Qingtian". Xiao Wangshu waved his hands repeatedly and said:
"The most urgent task is to clean up the battlefield and treat the wounded."
Everyone quickly responded and dispersed.
The matter of Fenglin Village has come to an end. As for whether General Wang let him escape, Xiao Wangshu knew that he might be letting a tiger return to the mountain, but he had no time to devote his attention to dealing with it. It would take time to recuperate the injured and help the villagers move back to their original location, not to mention that there was a mess waiting for him in the counties.
As he expected, perhaps they heard some noise or the wind, and Master Wang and Chief Clerk Li had already run away with the money. It was obvious that all the previous events had only made him let down his guard.
The files were in disarray, the warehouse was empty, and only a few old, weak, and sick people were left in the county government office. It was a headache for him, but it was not a problem for him.
First, he arranged the positions. He had no shortage of talents. He had the authority to appoint and dismiss the positions of legal advisors, chief clerks, and even constables. As for the servants, he did not need to do the same and could save some expenses.
After the position was determined, he had to clean up the files, revoke the harsh taxes issued by the previous county magistrate, and immediately write to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to inform him of the situation.
He also submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting an imperial decree to exempt this year's taxes so that the people would have some time to breathe.
The position of general was vacant, and he originally wanted to recommend Brother Tao, but he had no reason to do so, so he asked Brother Tao and his sister to serve as constables for two years to gain experience, so that he could slowly strive to win a general for His Highness.
Only after the orders were distributed in an orderly manner did he have time to organize the files.
He used the Fourth Prince's connections, but within five or six days, he received news from the court. First, they approved his request, then praised his behavior, allocated corresponding funds for him to handle subsequent affairs, and informed him that the next general was on the way. Before that, he could assign personnel to train soldiers to guard against invasions from enemy countries.
He handed this task over to the Tao brothers and sisters, and found some books on military strategy so that the Tao brothers and sisters could continue to learn to read. This task was taken over by Mr. Chihua.
As for Nian Yue's talent, he had been teaching her personally, so he was relieved that she was helping him handle official business and organize files.
The reply from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also arrived in the past two days. The content was basically the same. He told the general that they could trust their men and also talked about the current situation in the capital.
He said that the Fourth and Sixth Princes were currently fighting fiercely, which would be a good opportunity for him, giving him time and opportunity to arrange his own troops. He then went on to describe several other arrangements, rambling on in a serious manner. He also enclosed a banknote with the letter. Since it was an official matter, he read it carefully, but saw at the end of the letter:
"Two years have passed. I hope you will return soon and stay healthy."
The blurred handwriting made his heart tremble. He couldn't help but rub it, and even his fingertips were stained with warm breath. It was really too cunning.
"grown ups!"
A hurried female voice came from outside the door.
Then the half-open door was pushed open, and Nian Yue held the account book in her hands, talking non-stop.
"Sir, checking the accounts from last year, this item..."
She looked up and saw Xiao Wangshu standing with his back to her, a letter in his hands. His eyes held an indescribable tenderness, but it vanished the next moment, like a fleeting illusion. The letter in his hand was preciously tucked away in a box. That careful gesture reminded her that it wasn't just an illusion.
"What is it?"
The chaotic thoughts in her mind were interrupted. Xiao Wangshu's tone seemed as gentle as before. Nian Yue had no time to think about anything else. She immediately took the account book and pointed to a place and said:
"Since the 17th year of Tongji, every September, the county government has had several "arms" expenses. The whereabouts of these funds are unknown, and the person in charge is uncertain. The former county magistrate, the chief clerk, and the legal advisor have all been involved.
This happened shortly after General Wang took office, and the county magistrate subsequently issued numerous tax decrees."
Pointing to a few unclear red comments, Nian Yue said:
"Look, the annotations here are for the purchase of several bows and crossbows for the army. But according to the law in Zhongshan, military expenses are allocated by the Ministry of War." As she spoke, Nian Yue pulled out another list from the account folder.
"This list contains several items of military equipment, but several are clearly of the Southern Shu standard."
Xiao Wangshu took the list and glanced through it one by one.
"Indeed, they are afraid that they have already colluded with Nanshu. Nianyue, you have made a great contribution!"
After putting the list away, Xiao Wangshu praised her. He caught a glimpse of the jade beads around Nianyue's neck and asked:
"As for your family, there is no relevant information in the village. I'm afraid I still have to trouble the governor of Licheng. Wait for me to write a letter..." But he was interrupted.
"No need," Nian Yue twitched her lips, realizing the stiffness of her tone. "My lord, you are kind enough, but the affairs of the counties are complicated, so this matter is not urgent."
Without responding, Xiao Wangshu frowned slightly, and the room was silent for a while.
"Sir, I am dissatisfied with Young Master Nianyue's trip to Licheng this time. I already have some clues. Nianyue is not in a position to elaborate on the details. I hope you will understand."
As if unable to get over the hurdle in her heart, Nian Yue suddenly broke the silence with a deep voice.
Looking at Nianyue carefully, Xiao Wangshu knew that this was not as easy as Nianyue said after years of companionship. However, looking at Nianyue's expression, he sighed and said:
"No matter what the truth is, I will protect you."
In an instant, tears glistened in Nian Yue's eyes. She knelt down directly. Xiao Wangshu's hand, which was about to stop her, stopped in mid-air. Within seconds, Nian Yue had already kowtowed. When she raised her face, the tears in the corners of her eyes had disappeared, leaving only a stubborn and resolute face.
"Nianyue will remember the love that the young master has for Nianyue and will never forget it. In the next life, I will be your ox and carry you to immortality."
With another long sigh, Xiao Wangshu helped the man up and gave him an explanation in thousands of words.
"Forget it, just take care of yourself."
The wind blew, the door frame creaked, the sky was so dark that it was hard to breathe, and the city was dead silent. I don't know when a crystal clear snowflake crossed the sky, and it seemed as if it could not be stopped, and it covered up all traces of people. A few black crows flew from a distance, landed on the eaves of the county government office, singing hoarse tunes, telling a story from an unknown year.
There was a charcoal fire burning in the room, and Xiao Wangshu was leaning over the desk, processing official documents from the county government office.
"Report!"
Suddenly, a guard's panicked voice was heard outside the door, and the next second, a man stumbled into the house. Before the man could get close, he was blocked by a knife by An who suddenly appeared in the house.
The man was really frightened. After he calmed down and saw the blade, he quickly knelt down.
Looking up at the sound, Xiao Wangshu didn't even frown. He waved his hand to let An leave and asked calmly:
"What is it?"
"Replying to the master's words! The general sent Centurion Tao He'an to deliver a message saying that the enemy is invading five miles outside the city. Please go to the city gate to discuss a strategy for defense!"
The man knelt on the ground with his head bowed to the bottom.
Taking a deep breath, he placed the brush on the table, walked out from behind it, and said in a deep voice:
"lead the way."
The man quickly stood up and led him out of the mansion. Before they reached the door, a carriage was already prepared outside the mansion. Tao Hean was pacing back and forth anxiously. When he saw him coming, he hurried to greet him, still explaining the current situation.
"They've set up camp outside the city and will likely attack us in a few hours. The messenger Lord Li sent to the enemy camp hasn't returned yet, so we don't know the exact situation, but they number at least 50,000. Lord Li has also sent word from Licheng, but it will likely take several days for the court to issue an order."
After roughly understanding the current situation, Xiao Wangshu glanced at An who was following closely behind him. An seemed to have received some orders and quickly called over a few white pigeons. He stuffed the paper that had been prepared long ago into the legs of the pigeons and released them.
Tao Hean, who didn't think there was anything strange, followed Xiao Wangshu into the carriage.
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