After all, Annam is now part of the Ming Dynasty, so any problems that arise in Annam should naturally be resolved in accordance with the Ming Dynasty's methods.
If two solutions are to be implemented, wouldn't that be an attempt to split Annam and the Ming Dynasty?
Such a sensitive situation must absolutely not happen, and such sensitive words must absolutely not be uttered in court.
Such a sensitive matter must be handled properly.
Therefore, the county magistrate realized the seriousness of the problem. On the one hand, helping the rich man meant openly recognizing Annam and not following the system established by the Ming Dynasty.
So it's highly likely that his time as an official will come to an end, and he might even be beheaded.
If he were to follow the rules of the Ming Dynasty, he would have to return the benefits he received from the wealthy people, and he would most likely be charged with embezzlement and bribery.
Comparing the two, both are crimes, but the act of treason is clearly more serious than embezzlement and bribery.
After a moment of gloom, the magistrate coughed and laughed, saying:
"This young master has indeed reminded me. Indeed, the Ming Dynasty has had some precedents and corresponding solutions. It was my oversight that I forgot about this point."
This is something I should reflect on. Well then, since the Ming Dynasty has similar regulations and corresponding punishment cases, we should naturally follow them. So, regardless of whether the seeds were sown by someone before, we should take action in the next two days.
Now all the land belongs to its new owners, and all the seeds in those fields also belong to the current owners of the fertile land. The previous owners had no right to allocate or dispose of them.
Upon hearing the magistrate's words, Zhang Daniu immediately kowtowed to him with great excitement, then looked at Zhu Yunwen with gratitude and said:
"Thank you, young master..."
The wealthy man, however, looked displeased and immediately said to the magistrate:
"Your Excellency, isn't this inappropriate? Don't forget our private dealings..."
His reminder had clearly escalated to a threat, and the magistrate's face darkened. He angrily said to the wealthy man:
"You insolent wretch! Shut your dog mouth! If you dare to speak again, I'll have your mouth slapped!"
The wealthy man, seeing the magistrate suddenly turn his back on him, naturally realized the problem was serious. So he could only shut his mouth and say no more.
Then, the magistrate prepared to hastily adjourn the court session, but Zhu Yunwen spoke again:
"My lord, please don't be in such a hurry. I have some questions I'd like to ask you."
The magistrate looked at him with a puzzled expression, and Zhu Yunwen said:
"You have something to ask me? You're putting on airs quite high, aren't you? What right do you have to ask me such questions?"
Zhu Yunwen simply smiled and said:
"My lord, please don't rush to refute me, and there's no need to be so alarmed."
"I'm panicking? That's ridiculous. What do I have to be panicking about? Fine, since you have something to say, I'll give you the chance. Speak."
Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, and then said:
"Sir, I'm very curious, how many cases like the one just now have you handled using such opportunistic and deceptive trial methods?"
When the magistrate saw Zhu Yunwen ask this question, his expression immediately turned sour, and he said:
"Boy, what do you mean? Are you implying that I have been arbitrarily judging the case and have acted biasedly?"
Zhu Yunwen sneered and said:
"This is not my intention, sir. You seem to be corrupt and unable to distinguish right from wrong. Or are you deliberately accepting bribes to do favors for others? And are you intentionally manipulating cases in this court to your advantage?"
Zhu Yunwen's blunt words made the county magistrate somewhat flustered, after all, Zhu Yunwen was not from Annam, but from the Central Plains of the Ming Dynasty.
If this guy goes back and uses some means to report this official, then once an investigation is launched, this local official in Annam will obviously not be able to withstand it.
Therefore, on the surface, many cases that he investigated seemed to have no problems, and the people inexplicably felt that it was quite reasonable.
However, under the strict investigation of the Ming Dynasty court, his petty cleverness would inevitably be exposed and could not be concealed.
Thinking of this, the magistrate stared at Zhu Yunwen and said:
"Boy, are you threatening me? You need to understand that you are in Annam right now, which is far from the capital of the Ming Dynasty. If you threaten me like this, you'll probably be the one who suffers the consequences in the end."
Zhu Yunwen pursed his lips: "Fine, it seems I was overthinking it. This reminder not only didn't work, but it made you even more reckless. Oh well, I won't say anything more. I already understand the situation here."
After saying these meaningful words, Zhu Yunwen waved his sleeves and turned to leave.
This time, he did not intend to reveal his identity because he did not want people to know that he had arrived in Annam so quickly.
Annam was indeed more troublesome than he had imagined. These officials had cheated and deceived the people, yet the people still remembered their kindness.
It must be said that this method is truly ingenious. It's breathtaking.
Of course, this also proves from another perspective that the people of Annam had indeed been living very poorly before.
So much so that these officials nowadays may give them some sweet treats, but secretly slap them in the face, yet they still don't realize it and remain grateful to these officials.
However, Zhu Yunwen believed that this was absolutely unacceptable.
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