Bazhou temporarily entered a state of peace. In the first month, the commoners searched everywhere to beat up the swindlers and demanded back the property that had been defrauded according to the incense book. Just as the commotion died down, more than a hundred 'Great Shun officials' were arrested in Shengfang Town and thrown into prison. Following that, there was a civil revolt and the guarding eunuch Zhang Zhong was killed. Now that there was no response from the officials, the commoners did not know how the imperial court would deal with this civil revolt. The streets were completely quiet and few people went out if there was nothing important.
As a result, the officials announced that Leader Duan of Shengfang Town, also known as Zhao Wanxing, had misled the people and proclaimed himself the emperor. He had committed a heinous crime and was sentenced to be beheaded. The so-called Six Ministers, Left and Right Prime Ministers, and Great General were sent to Hamiwei and the rest were released. Whether it was the execution of the prisoners in Xi City or the prison carriages leaving Bazhou, not many people dared to go out and watch. This prevented Wang Mantang from being embarrassed. The Wang family only sent an old man with a small sedan to quietly bring his daughter home.
It was already past the first month, but the officials from the surrounding counties and towns came to Bazhou even more frequently. Liang Hong was not ignorant of these strange movements. Moreover, Yang Ling did not intend to hide the matter of the Bazhou officials reporting and exposing Zhang Zhong's crimes from him. Liang Hong immediately recorded the relevant situation in detail and sent a messenger to the capital to report to Liu Jin.
Liu Jin was now worried about the inner factory. Liu Jin had spent the first month of the year in which she held great power in the imperial court and her family was making money every day. The joy on her face had not yet faded when the members of the imperial family also came to visit. However, they did not come to give gifts. Instead, each of them came with a contract signed with the inner factory and happily came to claim their dividends.
Liu Jin did not think much of it at first. He smiled and sent the nobles away, saying that the business was getting bigger and bigger and it would take some time to check the accounts. He asked them to come back in a few days. He then ordered someone to go to the inner factory and ask Luo Xiang to quickly settle the accounts. Unexpectedly, when the inner factory settled the accounts, they suffered a huge loss. No matter how hard those useless people checked, they could not find any mistakes in the accounts.
Flustered and exasperated, Liu Jin rushed to the inner factory to personally take charge. He urgently summoned Wu Jie, who had claimed to be ill and was staying at home. Wu Jie was obedient and came as soon as he was summoned. The old man had only been alive for less than two months, but he was already full of vigor and vitality. His face was ruddy, and he seemed to have put on some weight. However … the old man had said that he was suffering from rheumatism. Even if his complexion was good and he had put on some weight, what else could he say?
Liu Jin led a group of new heads of the inner factory to interrogate Supervisor Wu. Wu Jie was unhurried and spoke with fervor and assurance. He talked to them about the ways of doing business, such as early investment, intermediate output, intangible assets. Some of the terms were said by Yu Yong, and some new terms were taught by Yang Ling to Yutang Chun and Sheridan, and then taught to the inner factory's accountant. Wu Jie was only influenced by what he saw and heard. Although he could say it, he did not understand what it meant.
Wu Jie himself did not understand, but he shamelessly lectured Liu Jin and the others. Listening to his nonsense, Liu Jin and the group of ignorant and incompetent heads of the inner factory were confused. They originally wanted to teach Wu Jie a good lesson, but now they showed their fear.
Liu Jin could only put on a smiling face and serve good tea. He invited Wu Jie to sit down and politely asked: "Supervisor Wu, I heard that when the inner factory was first established, it was raking in money every day. Why is it that this job is now in my hands and we are losing money?"
Wu Jie crossed his legs and looked around mysteriously. Then, he lowered his voice and said, "Eunuch, there's a trick to this. I'll tell you, but don't tell anyone else. Otherwise, if the Emperor's relatives withdraw their money, our business will be completely … lost!"
When Liu Jin heard that he had to compensate, his face tightened. He hurriedly bent over and bowed respectfully like a child learning to learn, saying, "Factory Supervisor Wu, please speak frankly. You and I are now a family. We will not allow outsiders to listen in on our conversation." A group of trusted aides also gathered around and pricked up their ears to listen.
Only then did Wu Jie mysteriously say, "Gong-gong, do you know why our inner factory business has been rolling in wealth as soon as it has opened? Do you know why the members of the Imperial Family, including His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, the princesses, the Emperor's son-in-law, and the dukes and marquises have all made a fortune?"
Liu Jin shook his head like a rattle drum and said, "I don't know. If I knew, why would I ask you?"
"Hehehe!" Wu Jie laughed sinisterly and said in a low voice, "Eunuch, tell me, we don't steal or rob. How can there be a store that only opened last month, and the next month will bring in wealth and treasures? It's impossible! "
Liu Jin panicked. "Impossible? That's impossible. Why did the relatives of the emperor immediately split the money? It's a lot of real money, it can't be faked. What do you think? "
Wu Jie rolled his eyes and said, "Isn't it simple? Rob the east wall to pay the west wall."
Wu Jie said confidently, "Gong-gong, it's business. Although we have the inner factory to take care of it, it will take at least two years to make a name for ourselves and attract enough and stable repeat customers. At that time, we can just sit at home and bring in wealth and treasures. But we can't do it at the beginning. We don't have enough funds and we need money. We also need to make His Majesty and the relatives happy and at ease. What should we do?
Factory Supervisor Yang … Ah! No, no, no, it's High Duke Yang. He used the money of the relatives of the Imperial Family who later heard the news and bought in to give bonuses to the owners who bought in the beginning. He also told them that the money was earned from doing business. Thus, our name became famous and more people rushed to give us money. We came in with our left hand and gave it out with our right hand. Just like that, no one could tell. They all thought that our inner factory had magical powers … "
"Oh …" All the heads smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. 'So it's not that we're incompetent, it's that Yang Ling is too cunning.'
When Liu Jin heard this, even his neck grew thick. He stood up and said, "Isn't this like getting something for nothing? After all this time, he's the God of Fortune? Now that those who are willing to buy in have invested, and those who can be swindled have all been swindled, what should I do? "
"Shh … It's a secret!"
"Oh oh, secret …" Liu Jin hurriedly sat down again and said in a low voice, "Now that we've swindled almost everyone who can be swindled, and now the relatives of the Imperial Family are asking me for bonuses, why should I pay for Yang? No way! I won't take this lying down. I have to explain the situation to the owners and ask them to settle the score with Yang Ling. I won't take the blame for him! "
Wu Jie slapped his thigh and said, "Gong-gong, you have to take the blame for this!"
Liu Jin glared and said, "Why not? Who dares to force me? "
Wu Jie stroked his beard and said, "First of all, this isn't a debt owed by Yang Guogong, it's a debt owed by the Imperial Factory. If you ask them to look for Yang Guogong, they won't be able to bear it. Besides, our business is about to start making money. I think we'll start making money at the beginning of spring, and by the end of the year, we'll be rolling in money.
Explain the situation now? Say we're swindling you, we haven't even made any money yet. In the past, we were just using your money to fool you. If these relatives of the Imperial Family turn against us, they'll definitely withdraw their money and leave. If that happens, Gong-gong's reputation will be tarnished right after he takes over the Imperial Factory. Other things aside, there are tens of thousands of people in the Imperial Factory. Where will their monthly salaries come from? Isn't this like a chicken that just learned how to lay eggs being slaughtered by us? "
Liu Jin felt that this made sense. He rubbed his smooth chin and asked, "Then … what did Yang Ling originally plan to do? If he was still in charge of the Imperial Factory today and encountered this situation, surely he wouldn't be at a loss? "
Wu Jie spread his hands and said, "This … I am slow-witted. Gong-gong knows that I was originally just a big shot, mainly in charge of training horse scouts. This is not my forte. Back then, I asked Yang Guogong, but he only smiled and said, 'Don't worry, I have my own plans.' I didn't ask any more questions after hearing that. Now … what to do now, I don't know either. "
Hearing this, Liu Jin paused for a moment and suddenly asked, "What about Yu Yong? Isn't he always in charge of the business? We've been in charge of the Imperial Factory for more than a month, why hasn't he come back to pay his respects? "
"Gong-gong, you also know that at the end of the year, we only know how to fight and kill. Who understands these things? We all rely on Yu Yong to run around everywhere. Right now, there are still the accounts of two more prefectures that haven't been finished. He should be back in the capital soon."
Wu Jie paused and then said worriedly, "Gong-gong, this is a hurdle for our Imperial Factory. If we can get through it, then everything will be smooth sailing. If we can't, then we'll not just be making a fool of ourselves. A hero is stumped by a single copper coin. Our Imperial Factory has always outshone the others in the Three Factories and One Guard. Whether we can stand or not depends entirely on you."
"Yes, yes, Gong-gong, you have to think of a way. Even the Emperor doesn't need starving soldiers. Without silver, how can we command tens of thousands of troops?" All the heads agreed in unison.
Liu Jin squeezed out a smile that was uglier than crying and said, "Uh … you don't have to worry. Hahaha, do you think such a small matter will trouble me? Hmm … Factory Supervisor Wu, keep an eye on things these few days. See how much silver we owe the Imperial Family and the nobles. Come up with an account, I have my ways! "
Wu Jie was overjoyed. He gave a thumbs up and praised, "Gong-gong is really a godly person! I have no idea what to do. Everyone in the Imperial Factory is unsettled. With Gong-gong's words, the morale of the army will be stabilized! "
Liu Jin laughed dryly and said, "You guys go ahead. After the account is done, report the number to me." He stood up and left. Wu Jie hurriedly led the crowd and bowed deeply. "Gong-gong, farewell."
Liu Jin secretly gave Luo Xiang a look and then waved his hand. "No need. You guys go ahead. There's no need to send me off." He said this and walked out first. Luo Xiang hurriedly followed behind him.
Liu Jin walked out of the Imperial Factory and stood at the top of the hill. His expression was uncertain. Two rows of guards stood solemnly on both sides, not saying a word. Luo Xiang tiptoed over and bowed slightly. "Gong-gong."
Liu Jin didn't even turn her head. She only lightly said: "Listen to me. Find some businessmen and accountants, and gradually take control of the inner factory's business. Don't be hasty. First understand all the ways before you act. The original shopkeepers, accountants, assistants, if you can't trust them, then change them. Change them one by one."
Luo Xiang's eyes flashed. He whispered, "Gong-gong … do not trust Wu Jie's words?"
Liu Jin shook his head and then nodded. He snorted and said, "It's not that I don't trust him. Speaking of which, I don't believe that we can make money immediately after opening a shop. Maybe Yang Ling really did use this method to deceive the Imperial Family. It's just that when we wanted to check the accounts today, we realized that everything was said by others. We can't understand the accounts. The people running the business are Yang Ling's original people. I'm not at ease. "
"Yes, yes. Hmm … today, there are two more groups of Imperial Family members coming with deeds to ask for dividends. Gong-gong, do you really have a clever plan to deal with them?" Luo Xiang was now in charge of the Imperial Factory's business. Back then, the managers sent by the Director of Ceremonial did not know how to do business. When they gave him this job, he thought it was a good job. Now, he had to deal with nobles demanding debts every day. Luo Xiang was a little overwhelmed.
When Liu Jin heard this, he felt a little heartache. He pursed his lips and said, "You don't have to worry about this. This Que 'er, I can still handle it. You go back and change the people and clean up the accounts."
"Yes, yes." Luo Xiang saw that he did not look well and hurriedly agreed. He did not dare to ask any more questions.
Liu Jin turned and walked towards the sedan. A guard hurriedly opened the curtain of the sedan. At this moment, a horse galloped straight up the mountain. When it neared, it jumped off the horse and hurriedly walked to Liu Jin's side. With both hands, it presented a letter and said in a low voice, "Gong-gong, this is a letter that Liang Gong-gong of Bazhou ordered this lowly one to personally hand over."
Liu Jin was startled. He took the letter and put it in his sleeve. Without changing his expression, he said, "I understand. We'll talk about it when we get back to the residence."
The messenger respectfully acknowledged and led the horse to follow beside his sedan.
Liu Jin entered the sedan and the small sedan slowly went down the mountain. Once the sedan was in, Liu Jin hurriedly opened the letter and nervously read the contents. Logically, there should not be anything important in Bazhou. But the messenger did not wait in the residence and rushed here. He also said that he had to personally hand it over. Liu Jin's heart was really a little nervous.
He arranged for Liang Hong to be Yang Ling's eyes and ears. Originally, he did not expect that he could really find out anything important. Yang Ling only went to Bazhou to confiscate a house. What big thing could he get from confiscating a house? Unexpectedly, a few days ago, news of Yang Ling's ingenious plan to deal with the swindler spread like wildfire in the capital. Even the Zhengde Emperor listened with great interest. However, this matter had nothing to do with the bureaucracy. Now that the swindler had been dealt with, could it be that he couldn't bear the loneliness and had stirred up something again?
Opening the letter, Liu Jin was shocked. Zhang Zhong is dead?
He hurriedly read through the letter and couldn't help but burst into laughter. "To think that the once insufferably arrogant Factory Supervisor Yang is now at his wit's end. He actually wanted to take advantage of the fact that Zhang Zhong was killed by the rebels to gather evidence of his crimes and cause trouble for us. Hehe, one Zhang Zhong, even if there were a hundred Zhang Zhong convicted, would they be able to topple our family? "
Liu Jin smiled disdainfully. We sent Zhang Zhong and Zhang Zhong gave us some filial piety. This is a tacit understanding. It is not written in black and white. What can you do about it? It is true that Zhang Zhong was recommended by me. But at most, I will make a mistake of recommending him inappropriately. With the Emperor's trust in me and our family's current power in the court, this small matter can't be settled.
But … Zhang Zhong is dead. The money of Gai Xuanming Palace will be lost. Sigh! Money again. Zhang Cai always advised us not to accept money. With such a large family business and to buy the Emperor's favor, how can we not accept money? If we don't accept bribes, how can we get so much money? The inner factory owes so many royal relatives dividends. This matter cannot be dragged on. Now, we can only use our own money to pay for it and wait for those shops to make profits before we get it back.
Liu Jin put away Liang Hong's secret letter disapprovingly. He began to rack his brains to think of ways to get more money to make up for the gap in Gai Xuanming Palace. It would be best … it would be best to make up for all the dividends owed by the inner factory. Taking his own money was really painful!
※ ※ ※
If one were to ask who was the busiest among the officials in Ming Destiny, who was so busy that they forgot to eat and sleep, day and night were upside down, the answer would be Zhang Zhong, Old Master Zhang. He clearly knew Yang Ling's intentions. He also knew that Yang Ling was using him. But he was still willing to be used.
If Yang Ling could not solve the case, he would still be Duke Wei. Zhang Zhong would not suffer any loss. If the case was solved, Yang Ling's status would not be able to rise. But it was different for the officials in Bazhou. In the beginning, when we were all corrupt, everyone fawned over me. Now that I, Zhang Zhong, am in trouble, they immediately hit me when I am down. I am at a disadvantage, and they are enjoying peace and happiness. They would not even rest in peace.
Especially when he saw with his own eyes that not only did Chen Zhong expose his various evil deeds in detail, but he also added oil and vinegar, exaggerated it to the extreme, and even put all the evil deeds they did on him. It was really unbearable. Zhang Zhong harbored a deep-rooted hatred to refute them one by one and expose their crimes.
Every time he mentioned a person's crime, Zhang Zhong seemed to see a person fall into his hands. He saw a face full of pain. That feeling was endless. He even felt a great sense of accomplishment as if he was in charge of the life and death of others. Zhang Zhong often held chopsticks in one hand and a steamed bun in the other. He was still talking about someone's corrupt deeds.
At first, Yang Ling was worried that he would make a false accusation. He compared the deeds Zhang Zhong talked about with the official documents that exposed him. He also sent people to secretly investigate and collect evidence. However, he found that everything matched and there was no falsehood.
Now, every time Zhang Zhong picked up an official document that exposed him, it was as if he was looking at an enemy. Didn't you want to sue me? If you don't let father live well, I won't let you live well either. If we die, we die together! With this mentality, he did not have the energy to think about framing others.
If there was a corrupt official who did not expose him and blame his crimes on him, Zhang Zhong might really let that person go. But which corrupt official did not want to take the opportunity to clear his name and not leave any future troubles?
Song Ai carried a stack of official documents back to her small building. When she arrived at the room where Zhang Zhong was imprisoned, she saw that the light in the room was as small as a bean. The flickering light showed that Zhang Zhong had already fallen asleep on the bed. The advisor who took turns taking records was also tired and curled up on the chair, dozing off. Song Ai hurriedly lightened her footsteps, tiptoed in, and placed the stack of official documents on the desk.
Her hand accidentally touched a brush lying on the inkstone. The brush rolled to the ground, and the bamboo shaft made a crisp sound when it hit the floor. Song Ai hurriedly bent down to pick it up. Unexpectedly, the sound had already awakened Zhang Zhong, who was sleeping soundly on the bed.
Zhang Zhong's hair was disheveled and his eyes were bloodshot. It was obvious that he had not slept well. Unexpectedly, when he saw two more stacks of official documents on the originally empty table, his eyes immediately opened and he became spirited. A strange expression appeared on his face. He chuckled a few times and said, "Very good, someone is suing me again? Hehehehe …! "
The anti-corruption fighter, Mr. Zhang Zhong, threw off the quilt and jumped to the ground. He ran over in a hurry, picked up the stack of official documents, and returned to his round table to sit down. Then he quickly lit the oil lamp, poured a cup of tea, and energetically slapped the table and shouted, "Get up, get up, don't sleep anymore. Wake up quickly, it's time to start recording!"
The two advisors were woken up by the noise. When they saw that the madman was as happy as if it was the New Year, they could only sigh helplessly. They picked up a brush, spread out the paper, and said weakly, "Well, Eunuch Zhang, please say it. We … remember it!"
Zhang Zhong was arrogant, and glared at them like a fighting cock. He scolded, "Bastard, wake up. What if you remember wrongly?"
Then he dipped his saliva in his saliva and opened an official document. After looking at it professionally for a while, he said in a measured tone, "Qi Longyu of Bazhou had accepted bribes and unjustly condoned a murderer. The murderer's name is Yu Zang, and he is now one of my servants. So I know about this matter. This person used to be a scoundrel of Bazhou Prefecture, and with someone … "
The morbid excitement on Zhang Zhong's face made Song Ai shiver uncontrollably. She shook her head with slight pity, turned around, and quietly went downstairs to the main room of the central hall.
Yang Ling was sitting on a mahogany chair in the study outside the central hall, with a thin golden velvet blanket covering his knees. His eyes were slightly closed, and he seemed to be taking an afternoon nap. Seeing this, Song Ai was about to turn around and leave when Yang Ling suddenly said, "What's the matter?"
"Milord, you're not asleep?" Song Ai turned around.
"Yes, I'm thinking about something. Sit down." Yang Ling opened his eyes, pulled the blanket up, and said with a smile, "I was thinking about something. If you didn't come, I would have really fallen asleep in a while. What's the matter? "
"Nothing." Song Ai sat down on a chair and sighed softly. "I just saw Zhang Zhong, and then … I couldn't help but want to see you, Milord."
"Hm?" Yang Ling blinked curiously.
Song Ai smiled bitterly and said, "Really, evil people need to be tempered by evil. After being punished by Milord … he's almost gone mad. Now, he's in high spirits when he sees a document accusing him, he … sigh!"
Yang Ling smiled faintly. "Overflowing with sympathy? His crimes are numerous and heavy, too numerous to be listed. Let's not talk about the distant ones. Think about the family of four you saw with your own eyes, hanging themselves on the fifteenth day of the first month … "
Yang Ling closed his eyes. "His crimes are unpardonable, what's there to sympathize with? However, no one wants to drive him crazy. Zhang Zhong's heart demon has been born, and he wants to torture others and himself at the same time. "
Song Ai sighed and said, "I know, I'm not sympathizing with him, I'm just touched. This person was still mighty and arrogant a few days ago. I remember when Milord planned to invite the four demon monks to spread the teachings, Zhang Zhong was invited. The local officials fawned on him and were even more afraid of him than they were of Milord. Who knew that in just a few days, he'd become like this. Milord's methods are so … so powerful! "
Yang Ling chuckled and rocked his chair. "If you want to say that I'm vicious, just say it. I have no choice but to use extreme methods. Zhang Zhong has been working hard here for many years, and he has many henchmen. The officials all protect him, so it's hard to find any evidence. If you want to use proper methods to investigate him, even if I'm in charge of Bazhou, I don't know how long it'll take me to find the truth. "
Song Ai said, "Now it's easy. Zhang Zhong is' dead ', and he was beaten to death by the rioters. This way, all the officials in Bazhou will be implicated and will be held responsible. If we put all the blame on Zhang Zhong, saying that it was he who oppressed the people and caused them to rebel, then all the problems will be solved.
Milord set up this Eight Trigrams Formation and left a life door, forcing the officials in Bazhou to crawl in. But the 'dead' Zhang Zhong just hid in this life door and caused trouble. Hehe, it can be said that evil has its retribution. When does Milord plan to arrest him? "
Yang Ling shook his head and said, "I was thinking about this just now. It's about time to cast the net, but how big should the mesh be? Should we catch all the big fish, small fish, prawns, rice, and all at once, or leave some small fish and prawns? If we are to leave, to what extent and how much should we leave, it'll take a lot of thought. "
Song Ai rolled her eyes and asked in surprise, "Why do you want to leave some behind? These scourges should all be eliminated. That'll be satisfying. Milord is not afraid of catching so many big fish, but can't bear to touch the small fish and prawns? "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "It's not that I can't bear to, it's that I can't. Xiao Ai, even though you're the head of a clan, you're still too naive. You're quick to repay kindness and enmity, and you're clear about black and white. This isn't suitable for officialdom, and it won't be absolutely beneficial to the people. If the water is too clear, there won't be any fish. That's a wise saying. "
He closed his eyes again and gently shook the chair, saying, "Can the whole of Bazhou not have an official familiar with the people's feelings and civil affairs? The officials at all levels in Bazhou are all old people. Furthermore, where will the new officials come from? Can you guarantee that they're all honest and capable?
From the situation that we've investigated, the officials in Bazhou are corrupt, but some of them are just going with the flow. If others are greedy, I'll be greedy too. If we put an end to the unhealthy atmosphere in Bazhou and set up more honest patrolling imperial messengers, under the deterrence of the law and supervision, these officials wouldn't dare to have any greedy thoughts.
There were also some who felt that the atmosphere in Bazhou was like this, and there were no restrictions. They couldn't control themselves with just the morals in their hearts, and even if they wanted to be honest, they would be ostracized and end up like Imperial Magistrate Hua. That's why they got into the muddy water. These officials could also be let off. What else could they do? Get rid of all the big and small officials in Bazhou and rebuild after destruction?
Then the people would have to first experience the pain of destruction. Unless the old dynasty was overthrown and a new era was established, such drastic measures wouldn't be suitable. You have to know that we're protecting Ming Destiny's empire, not destroying Ming Destiny's empire. It's satisfying to go on a killing spree, but the harm far outweighs the benefits, especially … the people's hearts. If all the officials in Bazhou are arrested, what kind of impression will the imperial court have in the eyes of the people?
The people won't be excited because of this, but they'll definitely suspect that all the officials in the world are like this and lose all confidence in the imperial court. So … those who have committed the most heinous crimes must be punished severely, and those who go with the flow must be treated differently. Loose on the outside but tight on the inside, this isn't easy to control. "
Yang Ling calmed down and said, "A year's plan starts with spring. It's going to be the start of spring soon, so farming, horse management, merchants, transportation, and so on have to be started as soon as possible. Otherwise, these things will come to a standstill. If we get rid of the corrupt officials, other than attracting a lot of praise, it won't have any practical meaning to the people.
Other than that, there's also the problem of how to deal with these officials after they are arrested. If they are escorted to the three law departments in the capital to be dealt with, it will definitely take a long time. Once these officials' evil deeds are exposed, they'll bite each other, and there'll be endless repercussions. Furthermore, if they are arrested and brought to the capital for interrogation, they'll have to investigate and collect evidence. The officials' messengers will keep going back and forth between the two places, and not only will it disturb the local areas, it will also cause panic everywhere, and rumors will spread. This isn't good for pacifying the local areas. So I'm prepared to suggest to His Majesty to deal with it on the spot, quickly, and simply so that the people's hearts and the political situation can be pacified as soon as possible. "
Song Ai's willowy eyebrows arched, "Ai, it's still more satisfying to fight and kill. Daren only said it to me, and my head hurts. These things involve too many things, and I have to worry about one place and worry about another. It's boring listening to it."
Yang Ling laughed out loud, "You're asking for trouble, and you're getting rid of the lice, but you'll also be injured all over your body. Do you think you're doing a good deed for the people by killing all the corrupt officials in a hot-blooded manner? There's still a lot of things to deal with in the future. If you're going to dig out someone's sore, you'll have to prepare medicine for it, right? You'll have to prepare bandages, or else if you don't dig out the sore, the person can still live, but if you dig out the sore with a knife, the sore will be gone, but the person will be done for.
These things can't be handled lightly, and they can't be plotted or plotted. The country's politics and the people's livelihood are related to the vital interests of the people, and it can't be compared to using force to fight. It must be done in a fair and just way, in a down-to-earth manner, for it to be truly effective. "
Yang Ling thought for a moment, "Later, invite Deputy Prosecutor Hua over. He's a local official, and he's an honest official, and he's familiar with the officials here. Let him sort out these files for me, and I'd like to hear his opinion on the angle and depth of punishment."
※ ※ ※
Jiang Bin entered the Zhang residence with a radiant face, and Zhang Mao quickly welcomed him with a smile. He held his arm as they entered the hall, and smiled, "Cousin, you haven't been here for a long time."
Jiang Bin had just gone to Wang Zhi's residence, and Wang Zhi's son-in-law was beheaded for treason. This scared the litigator a lot more, and after bringing his daughter home, he didn't dare to go out for a few days. When he saw Bazhou's You Ji visit, he thought the court was going to go back on their words, and his face turned pale with fright.
It wasn't until Jiang Bin left behind a gift of four colors, and bluntly said that he wanted to take his daughter as a concubine that Wang Zhi's shock turned to joy. Not only did his daughter get married, but she was also a descendant of a rebel, and her life was over. Now that the dignified You Ji General had taken a liking to her, and she could become his concubine, it was more than he could ask for. Wang Zhi didn't say anything else, and immediately agreed.
The two of them discussed the date of the wedding, and Jiang Bin went to Zhang Mao's place. He smiled, "I just took over the army, so I'm a little busy. Big Brother, I'm here today because I have something to ask of you. "
Zhang Mao laughed, "You're treating me like an outsider. Who are we? If you have something to say, just say it, as long as I can help you. "
Jiang Bin sat down in the luxurious hall, and glared fiercely at the little maid who served tea. She was about 12 or 13 years old, and her body was petite and delicate, and although she wasn't as enchanting as Wang Mantang, she had a refreshing aura. Even a maid who served tea in his cousin's residence was a beauty.
Jiang Bin sighed enviously, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his legs, saying, "Big Brother, I'm already in my twenties, but I haven't married yet. Two days ago, I saw a family, and she's married before, but I like her appearance. Today, I went to discuss with her father to take her as a concubine. You know, I'm living in the barracks, and I can't have a woman, so I have to settle down in the city. But I just arrived in Bazhou, and I've spent all the money I have, so I don't have any savings …"
"Oh, so that's it. It's not a big deal," Zhang Mao said disapprovingly, "My residence has hundreds of houses, but if you want to be free, I'll buy you another one in the city."
Jiang Bin was overjoyed, and said with a chuckle, "Then … thank you, Big Brother. Just get me a place with a single door and a courtyard. I can't stay at home all day anyway."
Zhang Mao said, "How can that be? You're my brother, and you're a guerrilla soldier in Bazhou, how can it be shabby? The big landlord in Bazhou, Wang Tingshuang, is selling his residence, and I'll buy it. You're a guerrilla soldier in Bazhou, so you'll have to marry and have children here in the future. Just treat it as an early wedding gift from me. "
Jiang Bin lifted the lid of the teacup and was about to drink his tea, but he was overjoyed when he heard this. He said hurriedly, "Cousin, you … you're really generous. Such a big residence, I'm ashamed to accept it!"
Zhang Mao's family was worth hundreds of millions, so he did not care about this little bit of money. Moreover, he was a forthright and righteous person, so there was nothing he could not bear to give his cousin. Moreover, this cousin of his was a guerrilla soldier in Bazhou, and just from the official circles, he was someone to curry favor with, so there was no reason for him to be stingy.
Zhang Mao chuckled and said, "It's fine, it's fine. Wang Tingshuang's father made a fortune in his previous life and became a nouveau riche. He's just a local tycoon who hasn't seen much of the world. Although his house is tall and big, it's a little too vulgar. I'll buy it later, and you can live there first. When the weather gets warmer, I'll get someone to renovate and redesign it for you. "
Jiang Bin was deeply grateful, and hurriedly put down his cup. He cupped his fists and said, "Thank you, Big Brother. Where's Moneybags Wang's residence?"
Zhang Mao smiled and said, "It's not far, it's just across Fugui Street, the biggest building in the East Alley."
Jiang Bin came to a realization and said, "Ah! Big Brother is talking about that Wang Xianyan. Hehe, the generals in the army held a banquet in the East Alley to welcome this little brother. Once the window on the right gable wall is opened, the Wang family's residence is below. Oh, that residence is not small. Although it can't be compared to Big Brother's, it's still one of the best in Bazhou City. "
"Wang Xianyan?" Although Zhang Mao was a local, and a great bandit, he could not have any ideas about the tycoons in Bazhou City, so he did not pay much attention to the Wang family. This was the first time he heard of this nickname.
Jiang Bin smiled and said, "That's right, this little brother has heard of it from my comrades in the army. Wang Yuanwai does not have much experience, but likes to be cultured. This local tycoon came to the capital two years ago, and made a big name for himself. This matter is known by everyone in the city.
This fellow heard that men's sex was something that only high officials and nobles played, so he specially went to the brothel, wanting to experience what it was like to be a high official and noble. In the end, he was challenged by a man who pretended to be a brothel customer. A hundred taels of silver could be used to sleep for a night, but he spent three thousand taels of silver to hire a brothel customer.
Wang Yuanwai got on the kang bed, but his heart ached for the money. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it was not worth it. Visiting a brothel girl in Bazhou was only twenty taels of silver, why was the rabbit in the capital so expensive? He was unwilling, so he scolded as he whipped, "One ten taels, twenty taels, this is f * * king thirty taels. Are you gold-plated? Silver plated? Six hundred and seventy-eight, ten taels, why are you worth three thousand taels? One hundred and ten, one hundred and twenty, I feel so wronged … "
Jiang Bin crossed his legs, and as he spoke, he used the covered bowl to knock on the rim of the cup, "Dang dang, dang dang dang." The four beautiful maids serving in the hall blushed, and they all turned their heads away, covering their mouths as they giggled.
Jiang Bin suddenly stopped talking. He glanced at Zhang Mao and stopped smiling. "Big Brother, is there something on your mind? It's not like you to smile so reluctantly. "
Zhang Mao did have something on his mind. Zhang Zhong was dead, and he lost a big backer, which made it inconvenient for him to do things in the future. There was also General Yuan from Hejian Prefecture. That person had met him before, and he recognized him. Now that Zhang Zhong was dead, would he come to make trouble again?
Things had changed over time, and all the evidence was gone. That General Yuan was an officer in charge of arresting bandits, so he couldn't be a witness and a soldier at the same time. Even if he came, he couldn't do anything to Zhang Mao. But once this matter was made known, it would attract other people's attention, and he wouldn't be able to do business in the future. He was a thief, not a bandit. How could he commit crimes if his identity was exposed?
If it was appropriate to move, what about the network of relationships and relationships that he had painstakingly built here for many years? How could such a big family business be moved so easily? Zhang Mao wanted to bring a large sum of money to Hejian Prefecture, and it would be best if he could completely suppress General Yuan's matter. In Bazhou, no matter who was an official, he had money, and he could slowly make friends.
As he pondered, he gradually became a little distracted. He didn't expect Jiang Bin to be able to see through his boorish appearance. Zhang Mao was shocked, and hurriedly said, "Oh … Hey! It's all about Eunuch Zhang. You also know that big brother's business is complicated, and sometimes … I even secretly transport some prohibited items, and evade some taxes. Which rich and powerful family doesn't do these things?
But I need someone to protect me in the officialdom. Who is the most powerful in Bazhou? It's Zhang Zhong. In order to transport Zhang Zhong, big brother spent a lot of money. It's not like you don't know how big his appetite was. Sigh, what a pity, I just gave him two boxes of gold, pearls, and jade before the New Year. Now that he's dead, I've lost everything. "
When Jiang Bin heard this, he couldn't help but laugh. Thinking of the two boxes of gold, pearls, and jade, he couldn't help but feel a little heartache. His big brother was generous, and gave him such a big gift when he took in a concubine. If he didn't return the favor, it wouldn't be right. Although High Duke said to strictly keep it a secret, Zhang Mao was not an outsider. He was his big brother, and not an official. It was not a big deal to reveal some information to him and ask him to keep it a secret.
Thinking of this, Jiang Bin stood up, and moved closer to Zhang Mao's ear, and said mysteriously, "Big brother, don't worry, Zhang Zhong is not dead yet."
"What?" Zhang Mao was shocked, and cold sweat broke out all over his body. His eyes almost popped out. Jiang Bin covered his mouth with one hand and looked left and right. He lowered his voice and said, "Big Brother, this is a big secret. You are my blood brother, that's why I'm telling you. You mustn't let anyone know. This is a trap set by the High Duke. When Zhang Zhong went to Gu An …"
Zhang Mao's expression changed a few times.
After saying this, Jiang Bin added, "He's not dead, so this debt can be settled. Moreover, there's still me, your brother. When Zhang Zhong makes his public appearance, I'll ask High Duke for your belongings on behalf of big brother. But now is not the time to make it public, big brother, you must not make it public. I'll tell you, so that you can be at ease for the time being. "
Zhang Mao nodded his head, and said with a smile, "Thank you, brother. Then big brother … can rest assured!"
As he said this, a chilling glint flashed across his tiger-like eyes, but Jiang Bin, who was whispering in his ear, did not notice.
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