Under Hu Zongxian's narration, Jiajing can be regarded as having a more detailed understanding of the current situation in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Then, I saw Jiajing wave his hand, looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and commanded: "Well, okay, let's get here first today!" ”

When Hu Zongxian heard this, the whole person was like being amnestied, and he hurriedly leaned down, bowed to Jiajing, and said: "Obey, Your Majesty, Weichen will retire!" ”

After this, Hu Zongxian did not hesitate at all, and immediately stepped forward and left the Qianqing Palace.

After Hu Zongxian left, he saw Jiajing supporting his chin with one hand, looking thoughtful.

Seeing this situation, Lu Fang, who was on the side, immediately stepped forward and cautiously admonished: "Your Majesty, the slave maid feels that this matter has to be done step by step, and you must not be in a hurry. ”

"After all, it involves land annexation, which is a major event that affects the whole body!"

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang quite indifferently, and then spoke: "Well, I know that now is not the right time!" ”

Just when Lu Fang thought that he would be able to breathe a sigh of relief next, he saw Jiajing's words change and continued: "However, as Zhao Zhenji said in his letter before, this Jiaxing Yuan family annexed 200,000 mu of land, but only paid a tax of 2,000 taels to the imperial court!" ”

"This is clearly to send the court away as a begging for food, this kind of behavior is simply a crime that cannot be punished, and it is absolutely not tolerated, and it must be dealt with hard!"

When Jiajing's words fell, I saw Lu Fang lowering his eyes, looking at the ground casually, and said secretly: "It seems that Your Majesty has made up his mind to take the Yuan family in Jiaxing!" ”

"Alas, don't blame me, if you want to blame, you can only blame you for making things too ugly, with such a huge family business, but you are only willing to pay such a small amount of taxes to the court, where do you put your majesty's face in doing this?"

After that, I saw that Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, raised his head, looked in the direction where Jiajing was, and said peacefully: "Your Majesty is right, this Yuan family clearly does not take the court in his eyes, or let the slave and maid send someone to ......"

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced over Lu Fang's body, waved his hand, and then said: "No need, everything has to be justified, and this matter will be handled by Zhao Zhenji!" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, the whole person instantly realized, only to see him retract his gaze and say to himself silently: "It seems that Your Majesty intends to use official means to justifiably copy the Yuan family's family property through the case of Yuan Kui, the young master of the Yuan family!" ”

Then, I saw Lu Fang come back to his senses, lean down, and respectfully responded: "Yes, Your Majesty, the slave understands!" ”

……

Night falls, the capital, Yanfu study.

At this moment, Yan Song was sitting behind the bookcase, looking at the books in his hand with great concentration, while Yan Shifan was standing cramped and restless not far away.

Time passed like this, minute by minute, just as Yan Shifan's patience was about to run out.

I saw Yan Song put down the book in his hand, raised his head to look in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and asked, "Say, Yan Shifan, what's going on?" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, I saw Yan Shifan leaning down and speaking without thinking: "Father, didn't you let the children keep an eye on them before?" ”

"Recently, the child got the news that secretly, many people are dissatisfied with this, and even began to plot against you!"

"They think you're doing this to make up for the shortfall in the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of Industry last year, father, you see ......?"

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he saw Yan Song snort coldly, slammed the table, and reprimanded: "How many times do you want me to explain to these short-sighted fools, just let them take a little silver out, it's like asking them to take their lives!" ”

"Yan Shifan, you send someone to me to continue to keep an eye on them, if there is any situation, report to me immediately, for those who are disobedient and want to disobey the yang and the yin, just deal with it directly!"

Regarding Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan naturally did not dare to disobey him, and immediately leaned down and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

After this, Yan Song seemed to suddenly remember something, only to see him withdraw his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, and continued: "By the way, how did you do with the incident I told you earlier?" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately lowered his head and asked Yan Song tentatively: "Father, are you referring to the fact that His Majesty mentioned in the cabinet meeting earlier the matter of finding the Chen clan who once ruled Annam?" ”

Hearing this, Yan Song nodded, and then said, "Well, that's right, it's exactly this matter, have you found the right person?" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, I saw a look of hesitation on Yan Shifan's face, and after repeatedly considering his tone, he said peacefully: "Father...... Father, to tell you the truth, the child has sent someone to look for him, but he still hasn't found a suitable candidate! ”

After Yan Song learned the news from Yan Shifan's mouth, he frowned, and turned to speak: "Why can't you even do this little thing, and it's not for you to really go to the Chen clan, as long as it's about the same!" ”

Just when Yan Shifan wanted to explain, he saw Yan Song wave his hand, and continued to add: "Okay, there is no need to explain, after finding a suitable candidate, be sure to find a few Hanlin scholars to teach him the history of Annan well, don't easily miss the stuffing." ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he nodded, and replied respectfully: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

After this, I saw Yan Shifan come to Yan Song's face, and said in a low voice: "By the way, father, the child heard that early this morning, His Majesty summoned Hu Zongxian, I don't know what happened?" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, a trace of curiosity flashed on his face, and he subconsciously said, "Oh, there is still this matter?" ”

Then, I saw Yan Song pick up the teacup on the table, and after taking a sip, he said: "Don't worry about this matter for now, take care of the matter at hand first!" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, his expression immediately turned grim, and he responded in a deep voice: "Yes, father!" ”

"Alright, if it's okay, you can go down first!"

"Yes, father, the child will leave!"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he arched his hand to Yan Song, and immediately walked away.

……

A few days passed in the blink of an eye, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, in prison.

Due to the lack of sunlight all year round, the prison is extremely dark and damp.

There was a lingering musty smell near the hallway, and if you sniffed closely, you could smell a slight smell of blood.

Since tomorrow is the day when Zhao Zhenji will openly try Yuan Kui's case, therefore, for the sake of safety, Zheng Michang and He Maocai plan to come to the prison in advance to see the specific situation.

At this moment, Zheng Michang and He Maocai were walking in the damp and dark corridor, and in front of them were several jailers, leading the way in front with a flattering face.

"Your Excellency, please!"

"Hmm."

When the prisoners in the nearby cells saw the arrival of an official, as if they had grasped some life-saving straw, they desperately crowded to the door of the cell, scrambling to tell their grievances.

"My lord, I was wronged!"

"My lord, I really didn't kill anyone, I'm old and young, how can I ......"

The more the prisoners talked, the more excited they became, and they even stretched their hands out of the cell door and waved them vigorously, trying to attract the attention of Zheng Michang and He Maocai.

Seeing this, one of the leading jailers instantly changed his face, and hurriedly stepped forward and scolded me: "Be honest with me, if you disturb the adults, let's see how Uncle Ben cleans you up!" ”

When the jailer's words fell, the faces of the prisoners in the prison could not help but show fear, and one by one they shrank back as if they were frosted eggplants.

After the jailer finished reprimanding, he hurriedly came to Zheng Michang and He Maocai, and explained with a flattering face: "The two adults don't have to care, these people are cheap embryos, talking nonsense all day long!" ”

When Zheng Michang heard this, after bowing his head slightly, he took off the handkerchief covering his mouth and nose, and commanded: "Well, continue to lead the way!" ”

"Yes, sir!"

When the jailer heard this, he immediately looked terrified, leaned down, and replied respectfully, "Yes, my lord! ”

Under the leadership of those jailers, Zheng Michang and He Maocai came to the cell where Yuan Kui was held.

At this moment, Yuan Kui was lying on the bed, as if he was taking a nap, and the prison uniform he was wearing was also brand new.

Perhaps because of the dots, Yuan Kui lived in a cell that was different from everyone else, and he lived alone in a cell.

Not only that, the bedding, straw, etc. in the room are all new, and there are some simple furnishings in the room.

A little sunlight streaming in through the windows of the cell made people feel warm.

When the leading jailer saw this, the whole person immediately panicked, and looked in the direction of his subordinates with a gaze that hated iron but not steel.

You must know that before this, he specially instructed Yuan Kui to change to the cell next to him.

If the two adults see this scene, how can they explain it, isn't this equivalent to confirming that they have received the Yuan family's silver?

And those subordinates, after perceiving his gaze, lowered their heads one after another, not daring to look at him, as if to say, "My lord, there is nothing we can do!" ”

Then, I saw that the leading jailer had a look of panic on his face, turned around, and hurriedly explained: "Big ...... My lord, things are not what you think, in fact, ......"

It's just that before the jailer finished speaking, he was coldly interrupted by He Maocai on the side: "It's ridiculous, does this look like being in prison, come on, find a suitable dress for him to wear!" ”

For He Maocai's orders, those jailers naturally did not dare to disobey, and hurriedly took out the key and opened the door of the cell.

Perhaps sensing the movement outside, Yuan Kui just sat up from the bed and was surrounded by those jailers.

Seeing this, Yuan Kui couldn't help but show horror on his face, and asked, "What do you want to do?" ”

"I'm sorry, I'm offended!"

When the words fell, I saw those jailers rushing up, tearing off Yuan Kui's new prison clothes with all their hands and feet, and then replacing him with an extremely shabby and dirty prison clothes.

"You dare to do this to me, I'm the young master of the Yuan family, when I go out, I must clean you up!"

After those jailers had done this, they returned to Zheng Michang and He Maocai's side and returned to them.

"Your Excellency!"

"Hmm."

Seeing this, He Mao responded imperceptibly, and after looking Yuan Kui up and down, he followed up and said, "Well, this is like being in prison!" ”

When Yuan Kui heard this, he immediately looked in the direction where He Maocai was, a trace of resentment flashed in his eyes, and he subconsciously threatened: "Do you know who Young Master Ben is?" ”

When He Maocai heard this, an inexplicable smile appeared on his face, and immediately, he came to Yuan Kui's front and said unhurriedly: "Aren't you the third son of Yuan Yongyu?" ”

"This official is He Maocai, the envoy of Zhejiang, you must know that before this, your Yuan family has repeatedly sent people to the door, trying every possible way to beg this official to let you go!"

When He Maocai said this, the expression on his face suddenly turned cold, and then, he waved his hand and commanded.

"It's nothing more than a dumb kid, and he dares to talk to this official, come on, slap your mouth!"

When He Maocai's words fell, I saw that the faces of those jailers were full of hesitation, and after looking at each other for a long time, they did not make a move.

Then, I saw a jailer stand up, pluck up his courage, and admonish: "Great ...... My lord, this Yuan Kui is the Yuan family after all......"

He Maocai didn't pay attention to the jailer's admonition, just grimaced, and continued: "Didn't you hear what the official said just now, or did you want to disobey the order?" ”

When those jailers saw this, they didn't dare to admonish them anymore, and even according to He Maocai's orders, they let people control Yuan Kui.

"What do you want, I'm ......... Yes! ”

With the sound of crisp slaps, He Maocai's cold expression was also slightly softened.

After this, He Maocai didn't forget to remind: "Anyway, you have offended him now, you might as well work harder!" ”

"Like this kind of gentleman, I don't know how many there are when I see him, and when he comes out, he will definitely find someone to take revenge on you, or think about your wife and children!"

"As long as I guarantee that when the Governor hears the case in public tomorrow, he will still have a breath of air!"

When the jailers heard He Maocai's words, they barely thought much about it, and quickly made a decision.

Then, I saw a jailer viciously look in the direction where Yuan Kui was, spit on the ground, and said in a deep voice: "Damn, with two stinky money, you dare to call Uncle Ben, Uncle Ben will let you know today who can't be offended!" ”

With that, the jailer walked quickly out of the cell, and when he returned, he already had an extra set of torture instruments on hand.

After that, there was a terrible wail.

Where did Yuan Kui go through this, so soon he fainted because he couldn't bear the punishment.

Then, I saw He Maocai retract his gaze, turned around, looked at Zheng Michang on the side, and proposed: "Lao Zheng, go and report to the governor!" ”

When Zheng Michang heard this, he nodded, and said in response: "Well, let's go!" ”

……

"Lord Governor, the lower official has already gone to the prison to see the Yuan family's young master Yuan Kui!"

In the council hall of the Governor's Palace, I saw He Maocai get up from his seat, look at Zhao Zhenji, who was sitting on the main seat at the moment, and report very respectfully.

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he replied imperceptibly, then withdrew his gaze from He Maocai's body, nodded, and asked, "Oh, what's the situation?" ”

As soon as Zhao Zhenji's words fell, He Maocai spoke out without thinking: "Lord Governor, before this, the Yuan family seems to have been dotted up and down, so this Yuan Kui's life in the prison is quite nourishing!" ”

Zhao Zhenji frowned after learning the news from He Maocai's mouth.

And the change in Zhao Zhenji's expression was keenly captured by Zheng Michang on the side.

Seeing this situation, Zheng Michang hurriedly got up from his seat and explained: "Lord Governor, after learning of this situation, the lower officials immediately responded and asked those jailers to clean up Yuan Kui fiercely!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, his brows, which were still frowning before, were soothed again, and after that, he saw his eyes swept over Zheng Michang and He Maocai's bodies respectively, and commanded: "Well, sit down!" ”

"Yes, Governor!"

When the voice fell, Zheng Michang and He Maocai sat back in their original positions.

After that, I saw He Maocai look hesitantly in the direction where Zhao Zhenji was, and asked cautiously: "Lord Governor, tomorrow will be the day of the public trial of Yuan Kui's case, if it is handled according to the law of the Ming Dynasty, Yuan Kui's case will only be sixty rods at most, and he will not be guilty of death for five years!" ”

Zhao Zhenji took in the expression on He Maocai's face, only to see him caressing his beard, and said unhurriedly: "Yuan Kui's case, of course, is a crime that does not lead to death, but don't forget that in our hands, there are still the testimonies of those businessmen before!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, He Mao suddenly remembered that the businessmen who had tried to buy the people's raw silk at a low price before, after being captured by the government, in order to reduce the crime, they confided all the information they knew.

And the testimony of those businessmen can prove that the Yuan family in Jiaxing also participated in this matter, in a vain attempt to buy raw silk in the hands of the people at a low price, and then make huge profits.

Thinking of this, I saw a look of sudden realization on He Maocai's face, got up from the seat, bowed to Zhao Zhenji, and said, "Thank you Lord Governor for your guidance, the lower officials understand!" ”

He Maocai knew very well in his heart that tomorrow would not only be a public trial of Yuan Kui's case, but also at the right time, the Yuan family would partner with those businessmen in a vain attempt to buy raw silk from the people at a low price.

Only in this way can the government be able to clean up the Yuan family justifiably.

Seeing that the dust had settled, just as Zheng Michang and He Maocai were about to say goodbye and leave, they were stopped by Zhao Zhenji.

"This is the latest issue of the newspaper sent by the Information Agency, you can take a look!"

As soon as Zhao Zhenji's words fell, he saw the guards on the side step forward and handed the two newspapers to Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively.

When Zheng Michang and He Mao took the newspaper, they suddenly found that what was written in the newspaper was the fact that the imperial court was going to reduce the people's taxes for a year.

After reading the contents of the newspaper, I saw a look of doubt on Zheng Michang's face, and asked Zhao Zhenji: "Lord Governor, this is ......?"

Facing the puzzled gazes on the faces of the two, Zhao Zhenji smiled and explained: "The imperial court just issued an official document on tax reduction and exemption not long ago, and now it is mentioned in the public newspaper, which shows how much importance the imperial court attaches to this matter!" ”

"This official just wants to remind you that you must put this matter in place!"

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, I saw a look of gratitude on the faces of Zheng Michang and He Maocai, leaned down, and responded respectfully: "Obey, Lord Governor!" ”

……

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and since today was the new post, Zhao Zhenji, the governor of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang, announced the day of the public trial of Yuan Kui's case.

Therefore, early in the morning, at the entrance of the government office, many people gathered to see the excitement.

Not only that, but the people of the Yuan family also mixed in with the crowd, intending to find out the situation.

In the public hall, there is a long table, and there is a wooden hall on the long table.

Behind the long table, there is a Taishi chair, in front of the side of the long table, there are two other chairs, the rest of the furnishings have not changed, there is a plaque hanging above the lobby, and the book is hung high with four big characters.

On both sides of the public hall, there are two rows of officials holding killing sticks, looking majestic.

Seeing that the hour was almost up, I saw Zhao Zhenji, Zheng Michang, and He Maocai sitting in the middle of the long table, and Zheng Michang and He Maocai on both sides.

Then, I saw Zhao Zhenji slap the shocked wood violently, and said in a deep voice: "Take the prisoner Yuan Kui and bring it to the official!" ”

"Yes, Governor!"

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, the official who had been waiting on the side hurriedly escorted Yuan Kui to the public court.

At this time, Yuan Kui, wearing five-kilogram shackles on his feet, moved to the public court step by step under the escort of the officials, and then knelt on the ground with a 'plop'.

On his body, he was still wearing the prison uniform that He Mao had ordered him to change into yesterday, his whole hair was scattered, his body was covered with all kinds of scars, his lips were bruised, and his eyes were full of fear.

After that, the parties to the case were also brought to court.

It was a young man who limped with a limp and a homemade cane, and his wife.

Where had the man seen such a battle, he couldn't help but weaken his legs, and immediately knelt on the ground, trembling and said, "The second king of the grass people, see ...... I've seen you! ”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji nodded, looked in the direction where the man was, and commanded: "Well, you can tell everything about what happened at the beginning!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, the man, after glancing at Yuan Kui beside him with a little fear, recounted the ins and outs of the matter: "My lord, here's the thing, that day, when the grass people's wife was walking on the street, it happened to be ......" (end of this chapter)