After Zhao Qingzhu left the Beggars' Sect branch, all the elders, middle-level members, and key personnel of that branch were seriously injured.
Of course, there were definitely more than just these few dozen Beggar Clan disciples in this branch, because most of the Beggar Clan disciples had gone out and scattered to beg for food in various streets.
These are all key figures in the gang, but if all of these key figures are beaten like this, the gang will obviously collapse immediately.
Zhao Qingzhu successfully completed her mission, and for a long time to come, she believed that the people in this gang would have to stay here to recover from their injuries.
Even the other Beggars' Sect disciples had to take care of them, so they couldn't do anything else.
After Zhao Qingzhu reported the matter to Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but laugh, showing his high regard for Zhao Qingzhu's efficiency.
Of course, this efficiency only applies to matters of force; other aspects are not discussed here.
With Zhao Qingzhu's task completed, it's now up to Zhu Yunwen.
So Zhu Yunwen, accompanied by ten Imperial Guards and Zhao Qingzhu, headed very conspicuously towards the yamen (government office), where he revealed his identity.
The magistrate of Hekou County immediately came out to respectfully welcome the grandson of the crown prince.
After all, he hadn't expected that the grandson of the Ming Dynasty would actually come to this place in person.
At the same time, the county magistrate was also very happy. In his view, the arrival of the crown prince meant that the matter could be resolved, that there was hope, and that he, as the county magistrate, could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Because the Grandson's reputation was so great, and he had accomplished many impossible things in a very short time, they believed that with his arrival, he would definitely be able to solve the problems here.
So the magistrate beamed and looked at Zhu Yunwen as if he were a savior.
Soon they arrived at the county government hall. Zhu Yunwen sat in the high seat, and the county magistrate and all the county government officials stood in a row, kneeling and bowing to Zhu Yunwen.
Zhu Yunwen waved for them to rise before speaking:
"I have already heard about what happened here. I am here today to come up with a policy to resolve this matter. Before that, I would like to hear what you local officials think about this matter?"
Upon hearing this, the magistrate hesitated for a moment before speaking:
"To my shame, I have almost no clue about this matter so far, and although I have investigated for some time, I have found nothing."
Zhu Yunwen frowned and said calmly:
"Is it because you have no clue, or because you dare not continue the investigation? I do not believe that you officials are truly so useless."
Upon hearing this, the magistrate was so frightened that he knelt down again, and the other county officials followed suit. Clearly, Zhu Yunwen's words had a hidden meaning, implying that he was somewhat blaming them.
Then the county magistrate said anxiously:
"Your Highness, we really can't find anything wrong, so we are willing to accept the punishment from the court and Your Highness."
Zhu Yunwen glanced at the county magistrate and then said:
"If anyone else has official business, please step aside first. I have something to ask this magistrate privately."
Upon hearing this, the other officials all left, leaving only Zhu Yunwen and the county magistrate in the hall.
At this moment, the magistrate relaxed considerably. He looked at Zhu Yunwen and then spoke first:
"Your Highness, what questions would you like to ask me privately?"
Zhu Yunwen was silent for a moment, then said:
"Now that it's just you and me here, tell me everything you know that you dare not say."
The magistrate was a little nervous and stammered for a moment.
Zhu Yunwen frowned: "Are you really going to be their protector? As the local official, how could you not know the situation here?"
You also want to do things for the people, and you're worried that the things involved might harm you, but pretending to be ignorant won't solve the problem.
Upon hearing Zhu Yuntong's words, the county magistrate realized that Zhu Yuntong had probably seen through him long ago.
At that moment, all I could say was:
“Your Highness the Crown Prince has keen insight. I have completely exposed myself before Your Highness. Very well, since Your Highness has already put it this way, it would be a grave mistake for me to hesitate any longer. Since Your Highness wishes to hear, then I will speak.”
Zhu Yunwen nodded: "Go ahead."
Then the magistrate sighed and began to speak:
"Actually, I have a couple of answers about the mysterious disappearance of these sweet potato and potato seeds. It's just that I've never dared to think about it too deeply, nor have I been able to investigate it thoroughly."
Even if we investigate, it will be difficult to find anything. However, I'm not stupid; I can guess that this matter is probably related to many important figures in Hekou County.
Zhu Yunwen revealed a slight smile:
“Go on.”
The magistrate obediently continued:
"After all, these sweet potato and potato seeds have harmed the interests of some people, and in our area, there is one person whose interests have been harmed the most, so of course he will not allow such a thing to happen."
Zhu Yunwen asked:
Who is this person?
The magistrate took a deep breath, as if making up his mind, before speaking:
"Our local gentry in Hekou County, Master Sun. He was a high-ranking official of the imperial court who retired to his hometown. He once managed military and political affairs in this area and rose to the rank of third grade."
He was undoubtedly one of the major figures in the region. Although he has now retired to his hometown, his influence and voice remain significant in the area. Even though I have some suspicions and doubts about him, I dare not rashly investigate him.
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