"Speak! What is the background of the Fan father and son? Why are you being so timid? "
In the back office, Li Zexuan put his hands behind his back and asked in a low voice.
As smart as he was, how could he not see the anger and hesitation in County Magistrate He's eyes when he looked at Fan Jianqiang? It was because of this that he asked this question.
County Magistrate He's face froze for a moment before he smiled bitterly: "Marquis, this Fan Family started their business four years ago. In Lantian County, it can be said that they have deep roots. Their family owns thousands of acres of land, and they have dozens of shops in the city. They are involved in silk, clothing, jade, restaurants, gambling houses, and other businesses. They have thousands of tenants and hundreds of servants. They can be said to be the most powerful family in Lantian County.
"Not to mention other things, the Fan family pays thousands of strings of coins in taxes every year. It is because of this that I usually turn a blind eye to Fan Jianqiang, as long as he doesn't do things that are too out of line!
"When I took up my post in Lantian County last year, I also wanted to take down the Fan father and son who are full of evil. However, if the government took action against the Fan family, Lantian County would collect thousands of strings of coins less in taxes every year. In order to complete the Ministry of Appointments and Ministry of Revenue's assessment, I could only impose this tax on the people!
"I didn't want to do it, so I could only hold back my desire to deal with the Fan father and son. I wanted to wait until the people of Lantian County were better off and all the children were in school before I took action against them. "I didn't expect Fan Jianqiang to be so daring as to offend Marquis. I am guilty of covering up for a tyrant!"
County Magistrate He bowed deeply to Li Zexuan and did not get up. His face was full of guilt.
"Get up!"
Li Zexuan was silent for a moment and said, "Since there is a reason for this, and you are wholeheartedly concerned about the people, how can I blame you? Although it is pardonable, I don't agree with your way of doing things! Lantian County's conditions are not good and taxes are hard to collect, but indulging a tyrant is like drinking poison to quench thirst. It hurts the people's hearts. No matter what, I don't want you to do such things in the future! "
County Magistrate He cupped his hands and said with a gloomy face, "Marquis is right. I was foolish!"
"Mm! It was never too late to mend the pen after the sheep had been lost! From now on, all you have to do is to protect the people and live up to your title as the County Magistrate!
As for the tax revenue of Lantian County, you don't have to worry about it! With this Marquis around, the county's treasury will definitely have more than enough every year, and the people will gradually become richer. The government is still the government, relying on the tyrants in the city to maintain the government's operations. Can such a government be called a government? Might as well call them the lackeys of the rich!
Immediately send someone to investigate the illegal activities of the Fan father and son over the years. After the investigation is done, hold a public trial. At that time, all the people in the county are allowed to watch! "
In the past, Lantian County still needed to complete the tax tasks given by the imperial court, but now, there was no need at all. This was because Lantian County had now become Li Zexuan's private territory. The land, official appointments, and financial authority were all under Li Zexuan's control. The taxes that were previously handed over to the imperial court would now be handed over to Li Zexuan.
To a certain extent, the current Li Zexuan was no different from the feudal lords of the previous dynasties, just that the land was a little smaller.
With Li Zexuan's support, Magistrate He's back straightened, and his previous misgivings were no longer present. He excitedly saluted and replied, "Yes! Marquis! This official will have someone investigate the Fan family thoroughly! "
"Sir! Sir! Not good! Not good! Lord Fan has brought many of the Fan family's guards to the front office and is making a scene in the front yard. They want us to release Fan Jianqiang immediately! "
At this moment, a yamen runner hurriedly ran over, shouting as he ran.
"Impudent!"
Magistrate He's expression changed. The court was a solemn place, and Fan Tong had come to cause a scene. This was a slap to his face! Especially when Li Zexuan was watching from the side. This made County Magistrate He's expression turn even uglier!
"Zheng Fan! Quickly inform all the yamen runners on duty to gather in the front yard! Those who are not there on time will no longer have to work as a government official! Today, I will capture all of these villains who dare to cause trouble in the county office! "
"Yes! Sir! "
The yamen runner saw Magistrate He's "unyielding" attitude, and felt his blood boil. He used his loudest voice to reply.
"Marquis, it's all my fault for indulging Fan Tong and his people too much. That's why they dare to act so impudently. I will do my best to make up for my past mistakes! "
After the yamen runner left, Magistrate He saluted Li Zexuan with a face full of shame.
"Haha! It's great that you can correct your mistakes! I'll go with you to meet Fan Tong! "
Li Zexuan said with a smile.
Speaking of Fan Tong, Fan Tong felt an inexplicable urge to laugh at the mention of his name. Who was the person who named Fan Tong back then?
…
"My son has always been a good boy. Why did you put him in prison for no reason? Where's Constable Zhao? Tell him to come out. I'd like to ask him if he has the guts to arrest people for no reason! And where's Magistrate He? In the past, the Fan family has always been the most active when the county office collects taxes. What Magistrate He did today will disappoint all the aristocrats of Lantian County! "
In the front yard of the county office, a fat, well-dressed middle-aged man was holding his big belly and scolding the yamen runners in the yard.
It was as if he was the official and the runners were the commoners.
It was clear that Magistrate He was very kind to the aristocrats of the county.
"Hmph! Lord Fan! Your son kidnapped a commoner in broad daylight. Do you think I can't arrest him? You, on the other hand, brought people to the county office in broad daylight. What are you trying to do? Do you have any respect for the law? Do you have me? Do you have His Majesty? "
While Fan Tong was in the middle of his rant, Magistrate He walked out of the courtroom. At the same time, two teams of yamen runners ran out from both sides of the courtroom and surrounded Fan Tong and his guards and servants. The atmosphere in the courtroom suddenly became tense.
Fan Tong was stunned at first. Clearly, he did not expect Magistrate He to be so decisive today. Then he said angrily, "Kidnapped a commoner? Gathered at the county office? You're just trying to accuse me! The person my son arrested today was only a servant girl who escaped from the Fan family! As for me, I'm here today to seek justice for my son! How is this defying the law? "
"Hmph! What a bunch of nonsense! I've already asked around. The girl's identity is clean. When did she become a servant girl of the Fan family? "
Magistrate He said coldly.
Fan Tong rebuked, "Impossible! That girl must be lying! My son has her indenture! "
"Haha! Indenture? Fan Tong, Fan Tong, go in and ask your son if he can produce the indenture! Guards, Fan Tong has offended the county office and is defying the law. Take him to jail and interrogate him another day! "
Li Zexuan, who was standing behind Magistrate He, did not want to waste any more time. He walked out and gave his orders.
"Yes! Marquis! "
…
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