"Have you forgotten that there will be new rules in Guangdong?" Zheng Cunzhong's house, Zhang Fujing asked with a smile.

Zheng Cunzhong's face was extremely ugly: "I don't know what the rules are in this game of chess?" ”

Is Go played like this? What a!

"Don't you have some speculation about the new rules in Guangdong?" Zhang Fujing asked strangely, "It's time for you to fall down." ”

Zheng Cunzhong looked at him for a long time, and then said: "The student admits defeat. ”

"Throw in the towel or admit guilt?"

"The student doesn't know what crime he has committed."

"Connecting the rich squires and using the hands of the Jieyang magistrate and the officials of Chaozhou to provoke the villagers to besiege the county government, is there any?"

"No, students have been studying in Guangzhou City to prepare for exams."

"Is there a guarantee in the middle, to buy fertile land for local officials in Guangdong, and to recruit wealthy households to rent tenants?"

"If a student is a child, how can he do it?"

"Write a petition for a rich family and sue the villagers, is there any?"

"There were a few times. The student just writes on behalf of him, so that the pleadings of the bitter subject conform to the style. None of the students participated in the trial of the case, and they never worked as a lawyer. ”

Zhang Fujing nodded, and asked again: "So how much has the family escaped from servitude?" ”

Zheng Cunzhong was silent for a moment and then said calmly: "If Futai wants to punish the student for this crime, the student will admit his guilt." But let's see if Futai can treat everyone equally, and ask His Majesty to cure the gentry of the whole world for this crime. Didn't Futai say it? The Futai family is afraid that they have already acted like this. ”

"He is proficient in the laws and regulations, relying on fame and status, only moving his mouth, and his hands have never been stained with blood. It can be said that he has violated the law of the country, but this is only this crime, but the law does not blame the public, so there is no fear. Zhang Fujing regretted in his tone, "With this ability, why do you have to be a moth." Now that you have confessed to this sin, then Benfu will ask Your Majesty to send you to Beijing as you wish. ”

Zheng Cunzhong's body trembled slightly.

What does it mean to let him go to Beijing?

"It's just a matter of raising a name, and I want to leave a name in the history books." Zhang Fujing looked at him, "After studying hard for many years, you are not qualified to enter the Fengxian Hall to see the face of heaven, but now you have done it with your ability." You don't have to wait for the temple test, you can go to the temple with a flail first. If you're lucky, you can be beheaded in front of everyone outside the noon gate, and you can glorify your ancestors! ”

Yin and yang are weird, and every word is heart-wrenching.

"Ninety-nine out of a hundred gentry in the world are like this. Only one student is handled, and the student is not satisfied!! Even if it's an example of chickens and monkeys, is it useful? After decades of hard work, the world should have this honor, how can the world's taxes be cut off because of this? Why did Your Majesty and the princes of the imperial court sit in peace, didn't they rely on the gentry of the world to govern the place and educate the township? ”

The words of being beheaded fell into his ears, and Zheng Cunzhong suddenly lost his temper and went crazy.

Zhang Fujing picked up the chessboard and smashed it on the top of Zheng Cunzhong's head as soon as he finished roaring.

The chess pieces splashed, Zheng Cunzhong was dizzy, blood flowed from the corners of his forehead, the scarves were scattered, his hair was messed up, and there was no longer half of the Sven appearance.

"This is what the sage of Benfu taught you." Zhang Fujing put down the chessboard and clapped his hands, "You don't have to roar in front of Ben Fu. In the Fengtian Palace, you either keep silent and become a martyr and confess other crimes, so that although you are dead and the clan is destroyed, you can hope that the gentry of the world will secretly spread your good name. Either you have the audacity to speak out, so that Your Majesty can see clearly why the Ming Dynasty is not rich and strong, maybe the real law does not blame the public and escapes with their lives? ”

Zheng Cunzhong trembled with grievance.

These words are bold and blunt in front of the emperor? I'm afraid that there are many important ministers in the court, who can't wait to draw their knives on the spot and hack him to death first, right?

The blood on his forehead ran down his cheeks, and he said with a mad smile, "Good! I'll go to the temple of heaven! I want to see how His Majesty solves this dead end, how to convince the gentry of the world, and after decades, he can be as Futai said, and there are innocent gentry everywhere! ”

Zhang Fujing turned around and waved his hand: "Tie it up!" ”

……

The second session of the Guangdong Township Examination ended the next day, and the gate of the Gongyuan was opened, and some of those who were already able to submit their papers could leave early.

After they walked out of the tribute courtyard, they saw many people running in one direction with great interest.

As soon as the sky was about to clear, Youxiucai hurriedly asked the family or scholar waiting here: "What's wrong?" ”

"There is a man who has sued the Governor and the Guangzhou Prefect together with Xiucai and the rich family, but the Governor detained all the complainants last night, and I heard that the homes of several people were raided, and the soldiers and horses of the capital division were dispatched!" Jia Ding said excitedly, "Now the governor and the Guangzhou government have posted notices, saying that they will handle the case impartially, so that the people of Guangdong will not be afraid of the oppression of the government and the gentry and rich households, and there will be unjust complaints!" Now Governor Yang is interrogating Xun Juren! ”

"Mr. Xun, who is as famous as Mr. Cunzhong?" Xiucai was shocked, "What crime?" ”

"Forced to sell fertile land, conniving at domestic servants to beat people to death!"

“…… Check it out! ”

is a lawsuit against the governor and the prefect of Guangzhou, why was the bitter lord detained first and raided his home?

It is even more incredible to encourage the people of Guangdong to sue officials and even the squires and wealthy households, and the first person to be taken out as a typical example was Xun Juren?

What exactly are they going to do in Guangdong!

In the Guangzhou Mansion, three old farmers knelt aside, while the man surnamed Xun stood aside with a calm face.

Lifting people through the hall without kneeling, he has this treatment.

But that's not the case now.

Yang Shen had an impartial expression on his face: "The old case from seventeen years ago, since the bitter master said the name of the witness, then go and summon it." You can rest assured that since the government has received the pleadings, this case will definitely be heard. ”

Xun Juren is like swallowing a fly.

If this case is to be tried forever, will he, the defendant, have to wait for the summons at any time?

If it is usual, you can hand over a name card to settle the matter, and if it is not good, you can also ask a lawyer to defend on your behalf.

But right now, it's a face-tearing situation.

How many civil disputes are there? As long as it is not a murder case or a major case, the government has always let Li Zheng mediate first, and is very reluctant to open more court inquiries on more pleadings.

How much energy does this have to involve the magistrate? A more diligent official will have more subordinate officials take on more cases to try on their behalf, just to inquire about the facts of the case and the verdict, how can it be like now, the governor openly encourages the people to file a complaint?

Disaster relief is so complicated, what are they going to do?

Not only do those litigators not dare to come forward on their behalf at this time, but I am afraid that some of the talents who are participating in the township test at this moment will be affected!

Especially those who are from big families and have a promising future!

The case is being tried, there are more and more cases, should Guangdong raise people to set off as soon as possible to rush to the capital to take the test?

There was a lot of discussion on the side of the Guangzhou Mansion, and in the governor's yamen, more than a dozen people in the hall were standing or kneeling and looking at the front with pale faces.

In front of them, Xie Changjie had already taken off his official uniform and hat, stood there and bowed his head and said: "The lower official pleaded guilty, and everything he said is true. ”

"You are the Imperial Governor of Guangdong appointed by the imperial court, how to deal with it, wait for Your Majesty's holy judgment." Zhang Fujing looked at him, "You wait for the rope shrinkage, wide line, flying and other methods to hide the field first, and take the initiative to bribe the court officials later." Now that the evidence is conclusive, Zhai Tixue? ”

Zhai Luan's heart was galloping, but he could only say with a calm face: "If you don't cultivate virtue and violate the law of the country, you will be removed from your fame and blamed according to the law." ”

Zhang Fujing nodded: "Benfu will hand over the text to the various governments and order interrogation." ”

"Lord Futai has been wronged! It's him who asks for bribes, it's he who ......"

"Report!" Someone broke in outside the door, "Lord Futai, the holy decree has arrived!" ”

Everyone in the hall showed a trace of expectation in their eyes, and Zhang Fujing hurriedly led the officials to the door to greet him.

It was Gao Zhong who came to deliver the message.

Looking at his haggard appearance, everyone knows that he has come all the way through thick and thin.

"Zhang Fujing takes the order!"

"Minister Zhang Fujing, knock on St. Ann? Long live Your Majesty! Banzai! Hooray! ”

"St. Bow."

After replying, he cleared his throat and unfolded the decree.

"Fengtian carries the emperor, and the edict says: The hurricane crosses, the people are killed, and my heart aches! Guangdong is exempt from taxation for one year, and the government must obtain the approval of the governor and the political envoy to send another mission, so as not to waste the people's strength. Guangdong Zhucang saw the order and immediately opened the warehouse to release grain, and shipped 200,000 stone to Fujian as soon as possible. ”

"Zhang Fujing, the governor of Guangdong, saw the decree and then gave the sword to the Son of Heaven, urging Guangdong to provide disaster relief, ask questions, and reassure the people. If an official or squire takes advantage of the disaster to embezzle the people's land and do illegal things, those who are guilty of the four grades and below can be decided first and then acted. ”

"In addition, he has ordered the former military governor to go south to Guangdong. If things change, Hu Guangdu can command 10,000 elite soldiers to go south, and the orders are all ready, and they will be commanded by the governor of Dingguo! Chin this! ”

One is more terrifying than the other, Zhang Fujing kowtowed excitedly to receive the order: "Minister Zhang Fujing accepted the order, on behalf of the people of Guangdong, thank Your Majesty Longen!" Long live Your Majesty! Banzai! Hooray! ”

It is also the authority of the fourth grade and below to be decided, and those who were not affected last year will all tremble under the butcher's knife this time.

The main thing is that Dingguo Gong goes south! Huguang 10,000 elite soldiers are on standby at any time!

The imperial court was not afraid of chaos in Guangdong.

Since such a decree has been issued, the officials should already be making an interpretation, waiting to fill the vacancy in Guangdong at any time, right?

After receiving the order, the pawn who crossed the river saluted Gao Zhong: "Guangdong Inspector Xie Changjie has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes, and Zheng Cunzhong, the son of Guangdong, and others have been arrested. Gao Gonggong took a break for a few days and sent everyone into Beijing. ”

Gao Zhong looked at the majestic Zhang Fujing and didn't dare to slack off, but asked suspiciously: "Raise a son to commit a crime...... Want to be sent to Beijing together? ”

Zhang Fujing looked at him deeply.

Gao Zhong's heart suddenly stirred: "Our family understands......"

Even Dingguo Gong was sent, and the arrangement of Guangdong was naturally related to the entire Ming Dynasty.

He is an errand runner.

"Please go to the yamen to rest, Benfu is going to the Sansi Yamen to read His Majesty's will!"

This is a clear order, but only Zhang Fujing is allowed to accept the order.

From this moment on, although there was no separate governor of Guangdong, he already had this authority.

All the priests are in moderation.

More than a dozen detained gentry and wealthy people in the hall watched with pale faces as Zhang Fujing went out with a sword in one hand and a holy decree in the other.

“…… Imprisoned first! ”

"Wronged—"

Gao Zhong watched them being taken away, and then asked the person who wanted to invite him to rest, "I don't know where the emperor remembers?" Our family has never been to Guangzhou, so please lead the way. ”

The people of the governor's yamen were stunned, thinking that they were afraid that there would be a secret decree, and immediately said respectfully: "Father-in-law Gao, please wait, I will arrange someone to prepare a sedan chair." ”

After an order, he asked people to prepare hot tea and pastries quickly, and then asked a little flatteringly: "Please ask the name of the high father-in-law?" Father-in-law Gao worked hard all the way, Futai was very strict, and a lot of entertainment had to be accounted for, which was really ...... It's presumptuous......"

"That's right." Gao Zhong's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said with a smile, "Our family name is Gao Mingzhong, loyal loyalty." ”

……

Gao Zhong did not feel the tension he thought before coming to Guangzhou City, and the city was full of enemies.

He didn't understand, so he asked Wei Bin.

"Ancestor, I still don't understand."

The corners of Wei Bin's mouth were smiling: "Don't continue to call it that." ”

"Where is the ancestor? You didn't mention me a lot before, how could Gao Zhong be such a snob! ”

Wei Bin thought to himself, isn't it because of this Emperor Mingji? This kid always stays in the Qianqing Palace, so he naturally understands that the Emperor's Ming Ji may be very important.

There is no secret purpose to visit, just to burn incense by the way.

"Let's call our supervisor." Wei Bin told him the new name that His Majesty had chosen for his position, and then asked, "Don't understand what?" ”

“…… This Guangzhou, it looks quite peaceful, huh? Listening to what the ministers said in the recital, Guangdong seems to be about to turn around. ”

"Brushwork, naturally." Wei Bin smiled, "It's not false to say that the situation is tense. It's just that Wenchen has always used pen and ink as swords and guns, and words as sharp arrows. If Your Majesty only listens to his words and reads his words, it is as if there are thousands of troops. Actually? Gao Gonggong also saw it. ”

Gao Zhong looked down from the top floor of the Yuanying Building, full of fireworks, and the people looked quite vibrant. Probably because of ...... The government and county governments are all receiving complaints, and there are many cases as talking points?

"Zhang Fujing is really a talent!" Wei Bin sighed, "He understands that words and ink are not to worry, in this big future, only those who can't survive will be able to go out." Those officials and wealthy families are accustomed to being high and arrogant, and they always think that the foolish people who nod their heads and lower their eyebrows on weekdays will definitely do whatever they say with a few words and a few small profits. As everyone knows, the people will also quickly change their minds because of something else. If there is good porridge, can avenge grievances, and does not send servants, that is a good life. ”

The corners of his mouth were full of sneers: "If there is such a lively punishment for the old men who were high up in the past, then look at it, it is even more relieving that you can fill your stomach." Without these people who can really get out of the way, what can the squires and rich families do? Their family is not a dead man. After being rich for two or three generations, they forgot that their ancestors were also Tian Shelang, who was hungry and poorly clothed. On weekdays, they get together to brag, and they talk about advancing and retreating. The sharp blade is on the neck, and immediately the fart and urine flow, you betray me, I betray you. ”

"Zhang Fujing knows how to use a knife, and His Majesty knows the blade and dares to use a sharp sword. Why a rich country? How can we get rich every year in the future, we don't understand. But right now, Guangdong has confiscated this batch of family wealth and official land, and all the yamen in Guangdong will be rich within ten years! This gentleman is like a leek. The number of lifters in Guangdong will not be reduced, and the number of students will not be reduced, and there will be another stubble within three years. With Zhang Fujing in Guangdong, there will be no problem here, and His Majesty will stare at the other provinces with peace of mind. ”

Gao Zhong only felt creepy: "Isn't it because other provinces are looking at Guangdong, so it matters here?" Zhang Futai killed so fiercely that the officials and gentry of other provinces were frightened, what if they were in tandem? ”

"Zhang Fu knows the importance of respect, and he will definitely give His Majesty a good reason, so that the other provinces are speechless."

Gao Zhong remembered the batch of lifters and talents that Zhang Fujing asked him to send to the capital.

"Let's go, go back to the Guangdong branch of the Emperor Mingji."

“…… Supervisors, isn't it here? ”

"What is a restaurant?" Wei Bin pursed his lips, "I didn't copy it and sell it to Huang Mingji." ”

"How much silver?"

"I didn't give it, but I have to arrange for the fleet to go to Jiaozhi to buy grain and come back to Guangdong Domain." Wei Bin's face was full of sadness, "I work hard, and I don't know if the hurricane at sea has stopped." ”

“…… If the supervisor is busy, then I will go back first? ”

Wei Bin shook his head: "There are some things that Your Majesty wants, so please take them back by the way." ”

"The supervisor laughed, but he didn't dare to say that he was tired!"

"It's good to have something to do! Good work! Wei Bin's words are sincere, much better than Shouling.

I'm used to the wonderful days, where are I used to the dark and lonely life?

Gui Cao, on the contrary, has had a boring life in the past few years.

But now, it's so exciting.

The commander sent by the capital division is in Huizhou, and there is a shortage of strong squads, as well as soldiers.

Huguang's 10,000 elite soldiers are eyeing each other, and there is a lot of momentum that Huguang will do what Guangdong can't do. General Jiang has already cut off the heads of three thousand households, and he strictly ordered that he should not be blamed for the past, but he must do a good job!

Could it be that the old body of Dingguo Gong took the Huguang elite soldiers south to grab merit?

Outside Guangdong, there is no chaos and it has something to do with them, first plow the local area!

So Gui Cao Shengtang asked the case, and looked at every magistrate, official, gentry, and wealthy household who was sued with his nose.

If you have solid evidence, you will make a decision!

Nobody to do anything? Gui Cao was suffocated by the two officials, and he was frighteningly energetic.

He even finds himself enjoying the pleasure of adjudicating the fate of others, especially those who look down on him and take care of their status.

"Fuzun! Fuzun, the lower officials were just coerced by the officials to receive some silver taels. According to the "Punishment Regulations", the crimes of the subordinate officials are not included in the list of permanent imprisonment, and the subordinate officials can redeem their sentences, and the lower officials are willing to atone for their sentences......"

Gui Cao is very entangled.

There is such a provision in the "Punishment Regulations". As a rule, the Ming Dynasty almost "has no redeemable sins, no redeemable people". As long as they are not over 70 years old, under 15 years old, or disabled and sentenced to death, or not sentenced to permanent military service, they can pay money to atone for their crimes.

According to the money he was greedy for, he was sentenced to be confiscated into the army for life, and he was not guilty of sentencing his children and grandchildren to replace him with an eternal conscription.

“…… Then the penn will pay four thousand taels of silver......"

Before Gui Cao finished speaking, he whispered at the bottom: "Fuzun, according to the "Da Ming Law" and the "Punishment Regulations", it should be 4,000 yuan ......."

The little eyes of the prefect in the hall were about to widen, and his beard trembled.

"According to the "Imperial Decree", the official property is dismissed, and those who sell the rich and the poor will be punished! Those who take bribes and talk about things will be executed at a later time! Those who steal and sell grain in warehouses, tattoos on the ink face, pick tendons to go to the knees! ”

"Xiaguan Nayin! Nayin! ”

Gui Cao held a pen in his hand and trembled, writing the verdict: "I'm angry with me!" I'm mad too! ”

Could it be that in the end, these people all paid silver to atone for their sins, were demoted to civilian citizenship and returned to their hometowns?

The devil knows who else they have hidden in their names, and it is not convenient and strict for various places to check who is not an official or not?

Because there is no clear definition of official status!

"Next! Next! The official must be revised, the "Punishment Regulations" must be amended, the confession must be determined, and a copy must be sent to the county ......"

He muttered to himself, and the commander of the Guangdong Metropolitan Division, who accompanied him here, only felt that this Huizhou prefect had a little bit of a problem with his brain.

On the official ship outside the city of Guangzhou, Zhang Fujing handed over a small box of confessions to Gao Zhong and said: "After that, there will be a new file, and this official will send it to Beijing by courier again, and the father-in-law can hand it over to His Majesty." ”

Gao Zhong, who stayed in Guangzhou Mansion for three days, nodded: "Our family remembers, take care of Futai!" ”

The official ship set sail, Gao Zhong walked into the cabin, and looked at Xie Changjie, who was guarded by two brocade guards, one on the left and one on the right.

"The patrol is not convicted, it doesn't have to be so."

He was referring to Xie Changjie himself wearing plain clothes.

Xie Changjie pursed his lips: "But listen to Your Majesty's fate." ”

Gao Zhong has listened to some of the situation in Guangdong in the past few days, so he said with a smile: "It is more or less a place of right and wrong, and you can get a few more good night's sleep along the way." ”

After that, he went to the bilge, where more than a dozen people were shackled and locked in small cages nailed under wooden beams.

He curiously walked to the person in the innermost solitary way, squatted down and asked, "I heard that your family also has a loyal character in your name?" ”

Zheng Cunzhong looked at him with contempt.

In the dark bilge, he sat very upright, quite graceful.

Gao Zhong made a sound in his mouth, and then: "Phew! ”

Zheng Cunzhong clenched his fists and let his spit run down his face and hair.

"What do you say about the flowing dynasty, the iron-clad gentry, you are also worthy of being loyal?" Gao Zhong said disgustedly.

(End of chapter)