Yang Fan and the others had already finished bathing and felt refreshed. They changed into light robes and returned to the main building. The host and guests all took their seats and exchanged pleasantries. Fine wine and delicacies were served up like flowing water.
Provincial Governor Fan smiled and said, "The three imperial envoys have lived in the Shendu for a long time and must have tasted all the best delicacies and fine wine in the world. In order to entertain the three imperial envoys, I have spent a lot of effort. Even though these dishes can't compare to the delicacies of the capital, they are the local delicacies of my Jing Province. I believe the few of you have not tried them before. "
Provincial Governor Fan picked up his chopsticks and pointed at a dish in front of him, introducing, "This is lily fish cake. It is said that it was made by Nüying in ancient times for Empress Ehuang. King Zhuang of Chu also loves this delicacy and named it as the number one delicacy of the Chu Royal Court. It is fresh and fragrant, tender and smooth, fragrant and delicious. This comb meat is also a local specialty. The meat is as thin as paper and shaped like a shuttle. It is golden in color and the meat is soft, fatty but not greasy … "
Yang Fan interrupted with a smile, "Envoy has really gone through a lot of trouble. Ah! This official has been observing the entire hall. Imperial Censor Wang Hongyi is an old friend of mine. Why is he not here? "
Getting straight to the point! He didn't beat around the bush or ask if Wang Hongyi was in Jing Province. With a single sentence, Yang Fan was certain that Wang Hongyi was in Jing Province. Furthermore, he went straight to the point and asked about his whereabouts.
Even though Sun Yuxuan and Hu Yuanli were mentally prepared, they were still stunned by Yang Fan's question. Provincial Governor Fan was even more stunned. He raised his chopsticks and stared blankly for a moment before saying unnaturally, "Ah! Imperial Censor Wang was originally going to come, but he caught a cold and wasn't feeling well, so he didn't come! "
Yang Fan asked in surprise, "Brother Hongyi is sick? Is he staying at the envoy's residence? "
Provincial Governor Fan nodded and said, "That's right!"
Yang Fan said, "Since that's the case, this official should go and pay a visit after the banquet."
With that said, Yang Fan raised his cup and stood up with a face full of smiles. He said to the crowd, "We are passing through Jingzhou on official business. I will have to trouble my colleagues from Jingzhou to host a banquet to welcome us. This Yang, Imperial Censor Hu, and Doctor Sun are extremely grateful. For the first cup of wine, let us first toast the envoy and all of you … "
Hu Yuanli and Sun Yuxuan also raised their glasses and stood up in unison.
The banquet began, and music began to play. The officials took turns toasting each other, and the atmosphere was extremely lively. Maqiao sat in the lower seat. After receiving a glance from Yang Fan, the atmosphere of the banquet had just become lively, so he used the excuse of urinating to escape. Bringing along a dozen or so of his trusted aides, he left Binyang Restaurant and headed straight for the Provincial Governor's Manor.
Suddenly the gatekeeper of the Provincial Governor's mansion saw a dozen or so soldiers appeared outside the mansion's gate. Looking at the uniform and the belt, one of them seemed to be a military officer; the gatekeeper hurriedly went out to welcome them. After asking around, the gatekeeper found out that the Provincial Governor and the Imperial Envoy had met very happily today at Binyang Restaurant and had sent someone to invite Imperial Censor Wang to attend the banquet.
The gatekeeper knew that the Provincial Governor had left early in the morning to welcome the Imperial Envoy. Although he felt that it was strange that the Provincial Governor did not send someone to welcome Imperial Censor Wang and instead the Imperial Envoy sent someone to welcome Imperial Censor Wang, he did not take it to heart. In his opinion, the Imperial Envoy came from the capital, and Imperial Censor Wang also came from the capital. Presumably, it was because the two had a closer relationship.
The gatekeeper opened the middle door and welcomed the soldiers in. He summoned a green-clothed servant and led the soldiers to the guest quarters to see Wang Hongyi. Wang Hongyi was in his room drinking by himself when someone suddenly said from outside, "Imperial Censor Wang, my family's Ah Lang is currently holding a banquet at the top of the city walls. The Imperial Envoy has specially sent someone to invite the Imperial Censor to attend the banquet."
Before he had finished speaking, Maqiao barged in with his men. Wang Hongyi's countenance changed and the wine cup in his hand fell to the table with a 'clang'. He looked at the several burly men in military attire in front of him with a slightly panicked expression. Just as he was about to say something, Maqiao had already laughed and said, "Imperial Censor Wang is in the mood to drink, he has poured himself a cup and is already drunk."
Maqiao waved his hand and instructed, "You guys carry Imperial Censor Wang. Imperial Censor Wang is already drunk. Do not throw the Imperial Envoy and incur his displeasure."
On the way here, the attendants had already received Maqiao's instructions. Immediately, two men stepped forward, one on the left and one on the right, and carried Wang Hongyi away. The green-clothed manservant who was leading the way felt that it was somewhat rude to invite a guest in such a manner. However, he did not think too much about it. He only knew that the military masters in the capital had this kind of boorish temperament.
As soon as Wang Hongyi was carried away, he knew that the situation was not good. His face immediately turned deathly pale. He did not make a fuss. What was the use of making a fuss? Once his disguise was exposed, even Provincial Governor Fan would not protect him.
Yang Fan was on the top of the city wall, drinking wine and drinking wine with Provincial Governor Fan and the other officials of Jing Province. It was a joyous and harmonious atmosphere. Maqiao suddenly pressed down on his saber and strode into the hall, his expression stern. Behind him were two soldiers, one on the left and one on the right, holding Wang Hongyi. Seeing this situation, the joyous chatter and laughter in the hall immediately stopped. The dancers and musicians who had been separated stared blankly at their master.
Provincial Governor Fan straightened his body in astonishment. He looked at Yang Fan, who still had a faint smile on his face, but his gaze was as sharp as a knife. He then looked at Wang Hongyi, whose arms were being held by two burly soldiers, his expression ashen and extremely unnatural. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the dancers and asked in bewilderment, "Yang Langzhong, what are you …"
Yang Fan did not answer. He only said to Wang Hongyi, "Imperial Censor Wang, I trust you have been well since we last met!"
Wang Hongyi struggled fiercely but was unable to break free from the two pairs of iron-pincer like large hands. He then put on a fierce front and shouted, "Yang Fan, you ordered people to capture this official. What is your intention?!"
Provincial Governor Fan's gaze wavered for a moment before he calmed down. He quietly sat at the side and did not say another word. At this point, if he still could not understand that there was something fishy going on between the two of them, then he could forget about being a provincial governor.
Provincial Governor Fan originally did not know much about the conflict between Wang Hongyi and Yang Fan. When he found out that Yang Fan was coming, he had mentioned this matter to Wang Hongyi and invited him to welcome him together. Unexpectedly, Wang Hongyi was very unhappy when he heard this. He coldly laughed and said, "What kind of thing is this Yang Fan? If he comes, I will go welcome him? I don't want to see him! "
With just one sentence, Provincial Governor Fan understood. From this, it could be imagined that Yang Fan and this Wang Hongyi were definitely not on good terms. Since that was the case, there was indeed no need for him to go meet him. The reason why Wang Hongyi was able to safely stay in the provincial governor's residence was also because of this sentence.
Since he knew that the two of them were not on good terms, then Provincial Governor Fan would definitely not seek trouble by mentioning a few words about him in front of Yang Fan. From the start to the end, it was impossible for Yang Fan to know that he was in Jing Province. However, he had never expected that when he was touring the Emperor's Temple yesterday, he had already exposed himself.
With a single question from Wang Hongyi, Yang Fan really could not do anything to him. As an imperial envoy, he was responsible for inspecting the various officials and the various patrolling imperial censors that were related to the officials. There was no reason for him to take charge of everything in the world and interfere with everything he saw. If he did not give a reasonable explanation for today's matter, then he would be abusing his authority.
However, Yang Fan had his own ideas. He turned to Hu Yuanli and said, "Imperial Censor Hu, as the Supervising Imperial Censor, I am responsible for inspecting the officials of the internal and external departments in the capital. Outside, I am responsible for inspecting the local areas, supervising the provinces and counties, testing the officials, impeaching illegal acts, and maintaining discipline. Today, I will have to trouble you with this strange matter. "
Yang Fan did not have the authority to investigate Wang Hongyi's matter, but Hu Yuanli did. As an imperial censor, Hu Yuanli's job was precisely this kind of task. Wherever he went, he could investigate that place. As long as he felt that something was amiss, he could investigate anything.
Hu Yuanli nodded his head and said solemnly, "Wang Hongyi, you sold your title and bribed others. You were punished by the country's law and exiled to Jiaozhi, never to be released. Why have you appeared in the city of Jingzhou and become an honored guest of the envoy? "
Yang Fan looked on coldly from the side. When Hu Yuanli said this, the officials of Jingzhou did not have any strange expressions on their faces. It looked like they knew about Wang Hongyi's exile. Since that was the case, they still treated Wang Hongyi with such courtesy … Yang Fan frowned.
Wang Hongyi tried his best to puff out his chest and said loudly, "Thanks to His Majesty's great kindness, when I arrived at Jingzhou, I received a decree from His Majesty to be pardoned. Why? Is this why you're arresting me? "
Hu Yuanli said in a deep voice, "Show me the imperial edict!"
Wang Hongyi stared at him and said, "What right do you have to see the imperial edict that His Majesty gave me?"
Hu Yuanli slapped the table and said, "Because I am the Supervising Imperial Censor!"
Wang Hongyi was sent to Jingzhou. After being taken in by the Jingzhou government, he received an imperial edict from the Emperor to be pardoned.
It was impossible for there to be only two officials. From the capital to Jiaozhi, they had to send criminals off one stop at a time like this. Wang Hongyi had just been escorted by the officials of the Jingzhou government when he received an imperial edict, pardoning his punishment. Naturally, the officials of the Jingzhou government released him.
After Provincial Governor Fan learned of this matter, he knew that there was hope for Wang Hongyi to be reinstated. This was why he was very courteous to him. However, Provincial Governor Fan had not seen the imperial edict. If he insisted on seeing the imperial edict before treating Wang Hongyi politely, wouldn't that be a clear sign of distrust? At that time, not only would he fail to be a good person, he would also make an enemy.
In any case, in Provincial Governor Fan's opinion, it was impossible for anyone to forge an imperial edict. But how could he have known that Lai Junchen's subordinates were basically a group of lawless ruffians? Was there anything they didn't dare to do? Was there anything they didn't dare to do? Was there anything they couldn't do?
At this moment, seeing Hu Yuanli and Wang Hongyi's conversation, Provincial Governor Fan did not dare to be so certain.
Provincial Governor Fan coughed. With a stiff smile on his face, he said, "Imperial Censor Wang, since Imperial Censor Hu has doubts, it is also part of his duty. Imperial Censor Wang, why don't you take out the imperial edict and show it to Imperial Censor Hu? This way, your innocence will be cleared. I believe that at that time, Imperial Censor Hu will also solemnly apologize to you. "
Wang Hongyi had ordered people to begin making the fake imperial edict on the day he left the capital. It was only when he dawdled his way to the Jingzhou government that his family finished making the fake imperial edict and sent it over at top speed. Admittedly, this imperial edict was exquisitely made and could fool the officials of the Jingzhou government responsible for escorting it. However, how could it fool Hu Yuanli?
From the start, that official had never seen an imperial edict before. Furthermore, he did not dare to examine the imperial edict over and over again. However, since Hu Yuanli was already suspicious, how could this shoddily made fake imperial edict fool him? When Wang Hongyi heard Provincial Governor Fan's words, he lowered his head. After muttering to himself for a while, he raised his head and answered very straightforwardly, "The imperial edict was forged by me!"
When these words came out, the entire crowd was in an uproar. Provincial Governor Fan's face alternated between green and red. He did not know whether to be embarrassed or angry. A wanted criminal of the court was actually treated like an honored guest by him. A stately provincial governor was being made fun of like this. He had lost all his face.
Hu Yuanli could not help but feel nervous. Only when Wang Hongyi said these words did his heart calm down. He could not help but want to laugh out loud. He forcefully suppressed his excitement and ignored the shocked discussions of the officials in the hall. He only leaned his body slightly toward Yang Fan and asked in a low voice, "Yang Langzhong, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Yang Fan raised his wine cup and used his sleeve to cover his mouth. He quietly replied, "A long night is fraught with dreams. Why not imitate the story of Prime Minister Li killing Hou Si?"
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