Chen Yuanze had planned all of this long ago, and no matter how many people he sent out to inquire, the result would be the same.
Not only was the prefectural government office leaking, but even the house Chen Yuanze built himself was leaking. It wasn't just leaking; it was also moldy and covered in moss.
He made no attempt to conceal his incorruptible nature, accepting praise from others. Meanwhile, he hid his dark and selfish side, making it impossible for anyone to easily find out.
But Bai Ruoxuan had long suspected him. What kind of honest official would go around claiming to be honest? Besides, the Bai family also had some businesses, and Chen Yuanze had already extended his reach into places he shouldn't have. It was only a matter of time before he was caught red-handed.
"I believe that even if I were to inquire, I would surely hear that Lord Chen is an honest and upright official who loves the people like his own children. However, Lord Chen, don't forget that a lie will always be a lie."
"Your Excellency is wise and insightful; I admire you greatly."
Bai Ruoxuan clapped his hands, and a large box was carried in from outside and placed on the floor of the courtroom with a thud.
Then, the large box was opened, revealing it to be full of gold and silver bricks.
Cheng Qingyan was shocked because there were many more such boxes behind him. If they were stacked up, they could probably build a house.
When Chen Yuanze saw these silver bricks, he collapsed to the ground.
It's over, everything is over.
Bai Ruoxuan, still like a kind elder, smiled and said, "Lord Chen, look at these gold and silver bricks. Don't they look familiar? Shall we take them out so that Lord Chen can feel them again?"
"On the surface, you're an honest official who loves the people like his own children, but you sleep on a luxurious bed every day. You openly solicit bribes, disregard human life, and plunder by force. All of this was found in your destitute house. What else do you have to say?"
Chen Yuanze trembled with fear. He had thought that by not flaunting his wealth, no one would know he was embezzling and breaking the law, and that without evidence, they would be powerless to touch him. He never imagined that not only had he been discovered, but his house, piled high with gold and silver, had been demolished. He was now in grave danger!
"This humble official does not understand why you are so certain that all this gold and silver belongs to me, sir. Do you have any evidence?"
"You still won't give up? Someone bring the verification!"
A row, two rows, three rows, or four rows of people were brought in from outside, filling the hall to capacity.
These are all people persecuted by Chen Yuanze. Some had their wives taken away, some were beaten to death, and their relatives came to testify. Some were maimed, and some had their eyes gouged out and turned into human pigs.
The courtroom was packed with victims, witnesses, and evidence of Chen Yuanze's crimes.
Chen Yuanze turned to look at those once-familiar faces, and his clothes were soaked with sweat. Sweat dripped continuously from his forehead, and his heart pounded faster and faster with fear.
Wasn't it said that the region was too far away for the imperial court to reach? Wasn't it said that as the head of a prefecture, he could control everything? Under his jurisdiction, he was the law! Whoever he wanted to die, would die.
Why was he exposed before he had even been in power for long and hadn't even experienced the joy that power brings?
The culprit behind all this was just a barefoot villager dressed in white. It's ridiculous! He could crush an ant with a flick of his finger, and the person he could crush so easily became the one who brought him down. It's unbelievable.
In order to investigate Chen Yuanze, Bai Ruoxuan had arrived near the prefectural government office some time ago and observed Chen Yuanze every day. Finally, he discovered that Chen Yuanze's small courtyard contained a large treasury.
The house he built with gold and silver was discovered by Bai Ruoxuan and his group, but they waited until now to avoid alerting the enemy.
Chen Yuanze is completely finished. What awaits him is not only his death, but also the lives of his clansmen.
It's definitely one of these three races.
Ye Zongzhi knew the moment he saw Bai Ruoxuan that it was all over, all over.
His brother-in-law had actually become the Grand Secretary, acting as the Emperor's representative, and had even traced his origins back to him. Chen Yuanze was finished, and the Ye family was doomed too.
Forget about being innocent now; even if they haven't committed any crimes, they'll have a hard time surviving.
Once the imperial edict to exterminate their clan is issued, they will all be beheaded.
You reap what you sow!
Ye Zongzhi was filled with regret at this moment. He couldn't understand why things had come to this. Clearly, he still loved Ye Lingyu, after all, he loved his Asu so much.
But nothing can be undone, and his Asu will never come back to life.
Everything became clear. After taking down the corrupt official Chen Yuanze, Ye Zongzhi and his associates, without Chen Yuanze's protection, were quickly exposed for their dirty deeds.
As the saying goes, when a wall falls, everyone pushes it down. Ye Zongzhi, this crumbling wall, was pushed down effortlessly without causing any ripples.
In the backyard of the county government office, Yun Yue was leisurely drinking tea when Shen Ziyu led Bai Ruoxuan over.
"Aunt, the Grand Secretary said he wants to see Uncle Mu. Where are Brother Cheng and Sister-in-law?"
"They are inside. Take the Grand Secretary in."
Cheng Qingyan and Ye Lingyu helped feed Mu Zhiyue his medicine and change his dressings inside the house. After resting for two days, Mu Zhiyue's complexion finally improved.
Bai Ruoxuan's arrival spurred Mu Zhiyue on. This man, who hadn't shed a tear when his flesh was cut out, now had tears welling up in his eyes.
"My lord, I've finally seen my lord!"
"Brother Zhiyue! How did you end up like this!"
“My lord, I’m fine. Please take a look at Xiaoyu. She is your niece.”
This was the first time Cheng Qingyan and Ye Lingyu had ever seen Mu Zhiyue so emotional. Even the usually imposing and powerful Grand Secretary was now looking at them with tears in his eyes.
“You look so alike, so incredibly alike. I recognized you in court; you and your mother look very much alike.”
Ye Lingyu hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Uncle."
"Oh, my dear, your uncle is late. I'm sorry you had to suffer. Zhiyue has written to me about almost everything that's happened over the years. Xiaoyu, you've suffered so much all these years. It's all my fault for not finding you sooner." Suffering, though, was alright. Later, Cheng Qingyan came to her side. She no longer remembered any suffering or grievances she had endured. Now, her life was filled only with happiness.
Holding Cheng Qingyan's hand tightly, Ye Lingyu said with relief, "Uncle, don't blame yourself. I'm doing very well and I'm very happy."
Bai Ruoxuan couldn't hide his little tricks from Cheng Qingyan. He still looked down on Cheng Qingyan, after all, Bai Ruosu had married Ye Zongzhi and ended up dying a tragic death.
Now that he has found Ye Lingyu, he naturally cannot let her continue to suffer outside. His purpose in coming here this time is not only to act as the emperor's representative, but also to bring Ye Lingyu back to the capital.
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