A common man also interjected: "The irrigation canal in our village collapsed last year, and it was up to the Li government to send people to repair it, otherwise we would have cut off the water and failed the harvest a long time ago." ”

"That's it, the Li Mansion has always been very kind to our people." Everyone responded: "Master Li treats us like relatives, how can he do bad things?" ”

Chu Ze smiled slightly and said, "You people are reasonable, the Li Mansion has indeed done some good things, and I, Chu Ze, also understand these situations. However, the fact that the stewards and family members of the Li Mansion participated in the sabotage of the railway has confirmed that the Li Mansion is at least responsible for the negligence of its governance. ”

The people looked at each other, not knowing how to answer.

At this time, Chu Ze took out the confession when he interrogated Li Fujiading before, and read out Li Fujiading's confession to sabotage the railway on the spot.

“…… Yesterday, I secretly went to the railway construction site with the housekeeper of the Li Mansion and destroyed the railroad tracks according to the instructions of the Master of the Li Mansion......" The confession is clearly written.

"This ......" The people bribed by the Li Mansion were shocked, their faces full of shock and disbelief.

"How so? Master Li personally ordered the destruction of the railroad tracks? ”

"Oh my God, we're still talking for the Li Mansion, won't we become accomplices now?"

"Maybe that family is framing Master Li?" A common man tried to explain.

"Facts speak louder than words, and the fact that Li Fujiading personally admitted to participating in the sabotage speaks for itself." Chu Ze said calmly.

"And the belongings of the Li family that we seized at the construction site can confirm the connection between the Li family and the matter." Li Xing also interjected.

The people looked at each other and had nothing to say for a while.

The elders of the Li family looked at everyone's reactions, their faces became more and more ugly, and the people they bought were completely persuaded by Chu Ze.

"Let me stress once again that the fact that the top management of the Li Mansion gave the order to sabotage the family is unmistakable." Chu Ze further explained: "Even if they deny it afterwards, they will not escape the responsibility of improper employment and lax handling. I am also responsible for the people when I make the punishment, and I am by no means deliberately attacking the Li Mansion. ”

Chu Ze's attitude was resolute, and all the people also agreed.

"What the prince said is very right, the Li Mansion is indeed responsible for this matter."

"If it weren't for the prince's wisdom, our people would have suffered a big loss."

"Huh? We were still talking for the Li Mansion, what a fool and foolish! The people bought by the Li Mansion also bowed their heads and admitted their mistakes: "Fortunately, the prince pointed out the problem in time, otherwise we would still be kept in the dark by the Li Mansion." ”

When the Li family saw this, they secretly clenched their fists, and their teeth itched with hatred.

Seeing that the people had realized the seriousness of the problem, Chu Ze nodded with satisfaction, and then continued to preside over the meeting to discuss other livelihood issues.

At the public opinion forum, an elderly farmer, Uncle Li, stood up and spoke emotionally about the impact of railway construction on his homeland:

"Lord Wang, I am seventy years old, this land was cultivated by my ancestors, and my feelings are very deep. When I heard that a new railroad was going to pass through my house, I was worried that it would affect my ancestral house and fields. ”

Uncle Li paused, and then said: "I am not against the construction of the railway, I just hope to take care of the interests of us, the affected farmers, and not let us be homeless." ”

After hearing this, the people present were very sympathetic to Uncle Li's situation and began to discuss.

"Uncle Li is right, the construction of the railway will indeed have an impact on our people."

"If the railroad razes our old house, won't our family sleep on the streets?"

"Maybe the prince can consider choosing another route and try to avoid the houses."

Chu Ze bowed slightly, and said in a deep voice: "What the old man said is that the construction of the railway will indeed have a certain impact on you, which is also beyond my expectations. That being the case, I may immediately announce the establishment of a special provisional committee to deal with the impact of railway construction on the interests of the people. ”

"Until the committee is formed, I can guarantee that there will be no forcible expropriation of any people's land. After the establishment of the committee, the legitimate rights and interests of the affected people will be fully protected and fairness and justice will be achieved. ”

When the people heard Chu Ze's promise, they clapped their hands one after another.

"Thank you Lord for caring about our people!"

"The prince said well, although the railway is important, it cannot sacrifice the interests of ordinary people."

Uncle Li also said excitedly: "Thank you Lord for your insight, on behalf of all the affected people, I thank the Lord for his mercy!" We finally have the Lord! ”

Chu Ze nodded with satisfaction, thinking that he must fulfill his promise and effectively protect the interests of the people.

The successful holding of this public opinion forum has greatly enhanced Chu Ze's popularity in the hearts of the people.

The people praised Chu Zegui as the prince, but they really cared about the people's welfare.

Chu Ze also refined many livelihood policies after the meeting, and prepared to gradually implement them, so that the people can get benefits.

"This meeting was very fruitful, and I have to turn the people's suggestions into action." Chu Ze secretly made up his mind.

However, the Li Mansion did not succeed in sending people to create chaos at the meeting this time, but caused further damage to their reputation.

The people saw the true face of the Li Mansion more clearly, and no longer believed their rhetoric.

When Old Man Li learned the result, he jumped like thunder and kicked over the chair next to him.

"Damn! This time, Chu Ze rebelled against the army, and the reputation of our Li Mansion was ruined! ”

The elder of the Li family also sighed, realizing that Chu Ze was now attached to the people, and it would be more difficult to deal with him.

Master Li clenched his fists and said hatefully: "Chu Ze, you wait for me, I will never forgive you!" ”

Chu Ze urged the Li Mansion many times, and Li Yue, as the patriarch of the Li Mansion, finally gritted his teeth and agreed to pay the fine.

Although Li Yue agreed on the surface, the resentment towards Chu Ze in his heart deepened day by day

At the same time, Chu Ze was checking the latest financial income and expenditure statements in the yamen, and found that there was a serious situation of making ends meet in the accounts.

"This account looks quite bad, and if the fiscal revenue continues to be unable to make ends meet, a lot of livelihood work will not be carried out." Chu Ze frowned and fell into deep thought.

"Please forgive me, Lord Wang," Chu Ze's henchman Li Xing stepped forward and said, "At present, it seems that increasing taxes is a more direct and effective way. ”

"You're right." Chu Ze nodded and said, "But the excessive tax burden will also make the people complain. We have to find a balance. ”

After careful consideration, Chu Ze finally formulated a new policy, deciding to impose a heavier new tax on luxury goods such as gold, silver, jewelry, silk, etc.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to introduce a new heavy tax policy on luxury goods, so hurry up and draft a tax order and send a messenger to convey it to the whole city." Chu Ze ordered.

"Yes! Do as you are told, do it now! Li Xing and Zhao Si responded in unison. (End of chapter)