After thinking about this, He Maocai suddenly felt relieved physically and mentally, and the hanging heart in his heart finally fell to the ground.
Soon after, a guard came to report that Zheng Mi Chang was already waiting outside the Inspectorate.
After He Maocai learned the news, he quickly sent people to welcome Zheng Michang into the Chief Envoy's Office.
After Zheng Michang entered the room, he looked at He Maocai and asked anxiously: "Old He, you are so anxious, what happened?"
He Maocai was not in a hurry to reply, but after stepping aside, he pursed his lips and motioned for Zheng Michang to sit down in the empty seat beside him.
After He Maocai asked Zheng Michang to sit down in an empty seat beside him, he said, "Old Zheng, something big has happened. The imperial court has issued an official document saying that Ma Ningyuan will be arrested and brought to justice!"
"What, arrest Ma Ningyuan, Lao He, what nonsense are you talking about? This is so good, how could you..."
After Zheng Michang learned the news from He Maocai, his pupils suddenly shrank and his face was full of disbelief. He looked in the direction of He Maocai and asked.
He Maocai saw the expression on Zheng Michang's face, sighed helplessly, and explained.
"Hey, Lao Zheng, to be honest, I don't know who exposed Ma Ningyuan's previous case!"
"Right now, the imperial court has sent officials to Zhejiang. If you don't believe it, there are official documents from the imperial court here!"
After He Maocai finished speaking, he stood up and handed the official document on the desk to Zheng Michang's hands.
After Zheng Michang took the official document from He Maocai, he read it with extra concentration.
After a long time, I saw Zheng Mi Chang put down the official document in his hand and murmured to himself: "I didn't expect that this is all true. Isn't it just that in the process of converting rice into mulberry, several unruly people died? It's a shame." Are you so arrogant?"
He Maocai on the side also deeply agreed with these words. He nodded and said in agreement: "Yes, this is inevitable. We have been officials for so many years, and we have rarely seen things like this. ?"
When He Maocai said this, he paused for a moment and then continued: "Old Zheng, what do you think the superiors are thinking, and why do you choose to make a fuss about this matter?"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang shook his head in a subtle way and responded: "Huh, who knows what the higher-ups are thinking. If I knew, I might have gone to the capital to be an official!"
After that, Zheng Michang seemed to suddenly remember something. He looked hopefully in the direction of He Maocai and asked.
"By the way, Lao He, do you know who the court sent to investigate the case this time?"
"It seems to be Yan Maoqing and Wang Ting. In addition, there are also people from the Inspectorate!"
After Zheng Michang finished speaking, He Maocai gave the answer after recalling for a moment.
After Zheng Michang learned from He Maocai that the person who came was Yan Maoqing, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief and spoke immediately.
"Huh, fortunately, Yan Maoqing should be sent by Mr. Yan Ge to help us. All we need to do next is to fool the officials from the royal court and the Supervisory Council!"
"Yeah, I hope everything goes well!"
After He Maocai said this with emotion, he immediately looked at Zheng Michang who was not far away and suggested: "Without further delay, let's go to the Governor's Mansion immediately and tell the governor the news!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang nodded and said in response: "Well, let's go!"
After that, Zheng Michang and He Maocai got on the sedan that had been prepared and headed towards the direction of the Governor's Mansion.
…
On the other side, Zhejiang, the Governor's Mansion of Zhejiang Province.
It has been some time since Zhao Zhenji took office in Zhejiang, and during this period, Zhao Zhenji's ability to handle affairs has become increasingly skillful.
At this moment, in the study room of the Governor's Mansion, Zhao Zhenji was seen sitting behind the desk, putting aside the completed official document in his hand, and said with emotion.
"The burden on the governor is much heavier than I expected earlier. Alas, it was better when I was in the capital!"
Just as Zhao Zhenji was feeling so emotional, he heard a rush of footsteps coming from outside the door.
Not long after, a guard hurried in, lowered his head, and reported in a deep voice: "To the Governor, the Chief Envoy and the Inspector-General are asking for a meeting outside the Governor's Mansion, saying they have something important to report!"
"Zheng Michang and He Maocai, what are they doing here?"
"Could it be that there are merchants of unknown origin coming out again, trying to buy raw silk from the people at a low price?"
Zhao Zhenji thought so, suddenly came back to his senses, looked at the guard, and ordered: "Let the two of them wait in the meeting hall first, I will be there later!"
When the guard heard this, he immediately looked stern, cupped his hands, and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, Lord Governor!"
After that, the guard did not stay in the study for too long, but left quickly.
After the guard left, Zhao Zhenji stood up from his seat, left the study, and walked toward the meeting hall.
When Zhao Zhenji came to the meeting hall, he saw Zheng Michang and He Maocai looking restless.
When Zheng and He saw Zhao Zhenji's arrival, they seemed to have grasped at straws. They quickly stood up from their seats and said in unison: "I have seen the governor!"
After hearing this, Zhao Zhenji waved his hand and said after sitting on the main seat, "Well, you two can sit down!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After Zheng Michang and He Maocai sat down, Zhao Zhenji looked away from the two of them and asked, "Tell me, what happened?"
Hearing Zhao Zhenji's words, Zheng Michang and He Maocai looked at each other. Immediately, He Maocai stood up from his seat, lowered his head, and respectfully reported to Zhao Zhenji.
"Your Majesty the Governor, not long ago, my subordinate received an official document from the imperial court. The official document said... said, said... that Hangzhou Magistrate Ma Ningyuan was going to be arrested and brought to justice!"
"What, arrest Ma Ningyuan?"
When Zhao Zhenji learned the news from He Maocai, his face was full of shock and he asked.
The position of the prefect is the fourth rank. The prefect is in charge of the orders of the prefecture and the commander-in-chief of the counties. It is the prefect's responsibility to announce national government decrees, govern the people, hear and decide lawsuits, evaluate subordinate officials, collect taxes, etc.
But now, He Maocai, as the inspector-general, brought such heavy news to Zhao Zhenji. How could this not shock him?
Afterwards, Zhao Zhenji took a deep breath. After calming down, he looked in the direction of He Maocai and asked.
"There are official documents from the imperial court. Show them to me!"
"My Lord Governor, here are the official documents from the imperial court!"
Hearing this, He Maocai hurriedly took out the official document from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Zhenji respectfully.
After Zhao Zhenji took the official document from He Maocai, he began to examine it carefully.
Zhao Zhenji has served as the censor of the Inspectorate for many years and has already developed a pair of "fiery eyes". No slight difference can escape his discernment.
However, even though Zhao Zhenji inspected it for a long time, he could not find any flaws in the official document.
The content of the official document is almost the same as what He Maocai described.
"Corruption and bribery, mobilizing guardsmen without permission, and trampling on rice seedlings, resulting in loss of life!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished browsing the official documents about Ma Ningyuan's criminal charges, he put them aside.
Then, Zhao Zhenji sighed helplessly, looked at Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively, and said: "In that case, just follow what is in the official document!"
Zheng Michang, He Maocai and others saw Zhao Zhenji, the governor of Zhejiang Province and governor of Zhejiang Province, nodding in agreement. They immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.
"As you command, Lord Governor!"
…
After Zheng Michang and He Maocai left the Governor's Mansion, they immediately led a group of fully armed guards to the Hangzhou Yamen.
At this moment, in the room, Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou, was listening to reports from his subordinates.
"You mean that an unidentified merchant entered the Weaving Bureau?"
I saw Ma Ningyuan put down the completed official document in his hand, looked at the subordinate beside him, and confirmed with him.
When the subordinate on the side heard Ma Ningyuan's words, he began to pour bitter tears involuntarily.
"Yes, Lord Prefect, our people saw with our own eyes that merchants with unknown origins entered the Weaving Bureau in a swaggering manner!"
"Just when our people wanted to come forward for questioning, they were stopped by the people from the Weaving Bureau. Not only that, our people were also beaten up. Your Majesty, you must ask for help for me. Get justice!"
"Otherwise, it will make the brothers..."
Before the subordinate finished speaking, he was interrupted impatiently by Ma Ningyuan: "Okay, let them go back and rest for a few days to recuperate. The government will pay for the soup and medicine!"
When Ma Ningyuan said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "In addition, I will report this matter to the governor truthfully!"
When the subordinate heard this, a look of gratitude suddenly appeared on his face. Immediately, he lowered his head and said in a deep voice: "Thank you, Lord Magistrate. I will definitely tell the brothers exactly what you said!"
When Ma Ningyuan heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, waved his hand, and gave the order.
"Okay, I still have official business to deal with next. If there is nothing else, you can go down first!"
"Yes, Lord Prefect!"
After the subordinate left, Ma Ningyuan was seen supporting his chin with one hand and began to think about the reason behind this.
"Is it possible that there are connections with the Weaving Bureau behind those merchants?"
Just when Ma Ningyuan was about to continue thinking about this aspect, he heard a rapid knock on the door, interrupting Ma Ningyuan's thoughts.
Seeing that his thoughts were interrupted, Ma Ningyuan couldn't help but frown, and his face was stern. After a long while, he spoke rather unhappily.
"Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a subordinate walked in hurriedly, lowered his head, and reported tremblingly: "Master Magistrate, something serious has happened!"
Ma Ning saw that the subordinate was extremely flustered. He suppressed the anger in his heart and asked, "What happened? You are so flustered?"
After hearing the words, the subordinate official organized the words in his mind, and then reported the report as if he was walking on thin ice: "Report... the prefect, the chief envoy and the inspector personally led a large group of fully armed guards to bring the entire The Yamen are surrounded!"
After Ma Ningyuan learned the news from his subordinate, his face was full of shock. Then, he suddenly stood up from his seat and said: "What, what are these two people doing?" What are you doing? Come on, go out with me and take a look!"
Seeing Ma Ningyuan's calm expression, the subordinate official felt confident. He immediately lowered his head and respectfully responded, "Yes, Lord Magistrate!"
Unexpectedly, before the two of them reached the halfway point, they bumped into Zheng Michang and He Maocai.
When Ma Ning saw the two men arriving, a look of confusion suddenly appeared on his face. He took a step forward and asked, "Master Zheng, Master He, what are you doing? Why did you suddenly lead a group of guards to surround the Yamen?" ?”
Zheng Michang and He Maocai heard Ma Ningyuan's words. After looking at each other, He Maocai sighed helplessly, stood up, and then explained: "Well, to be honest, the imperial court's announcement not long ago The official document came down, saying that you are going to be arrested and brought to justice!"
When Ma Ningyuan heard what He Maocai said, his pupils suddenly shrank, and his face was full of disbelief.
Just when Ma Ningyuan wanted to continue asking about the reason, He Maocai on the side seemed to have guessed what Ma Ningyuan was thinking. He took out the official document from his sleeve and handed it to Ma Ningyuan's hand.
"See for yourself!"
When the words fell, Ma Ningyuan was seen mechanically taking the official document from He Maocai's hand.
When he saw the charges about himself recorded in the official document, he couldn't help but smile miserably, and lowered his head as if he had accepted his fate.
Zheng Michang, He Maocai and the others took in the expression on Ma Ningyuan's face. Then, the expression on He Maocai's face also became solemn and he said in a deep voice.
"Ma Ningyuan, something happened to you, please go back with me!"
As soon as He Maocai finished speaking, the guards on the side wanted to step forward and escort Ma Ningyuan away, but before those guards could make any move, they were stopped by Zheng Michang's eyes.
After hearing this, Ma Ningyuan raised his head, looked at Zheng and He, and said slowly: "Let's go!"
"Well, let's go!"
Before leaving, Ma Ningyuan turned around, looked at the former subordinate, and gave instructions: "Master Tongzhi will be responsible for all the next affairs of the yamen!"
When the subordinate official heard this, he immediately spoke carefully and said, "Yes...it's the prefect!"
After that, Ma Ningyuan followed Zheng and He to the prison.
…
When Zeng Li, the official in charge of managing the prison, learned that Zheng Michang and He Maocai were about to visit in person, he did not dare to neglect at all and quickly appointed his subordinates to make complete preparations.
Not only that, he also came to greet him personally with his subordinates.
After all, Zheng Michang and He Maocai, one is the Chief Envoy of Zhejiang and the other is the Inspector of Zhejiang, are the highest officials second only to Zhao Zhenji, the governor of Zhejiang, and they are beings that he cannot afford to offend in any case!
These two people can crush themselves to death just like crushing an ant with just a move of their fingers!
What's more, these two people also have Mr. Yan Ge in the capital as their backer. It can be said that they have a prosperous official career and no one dares to provoke them!
"Oh, I don't know when I, Zeng Li, will be able to be as majestic as the Chief Envoy and the Inspector!"
Just as Zeng Li was feeling so emotional, he heard reports from his subordinates that Zheng and He had arrived not far from the prison with a large number of guards.
Hearing this, Zeng Li quickly told his subordinates to prepare for the reception.
Soon after, Zheng Mi Chang and He Maocai arrived with a large group of fully armed guards. Along with them, Ma Ningyuan was at a loss.
Seeing this situation, Zeng Li hurriedly led his subordinates forward and said respectfully: "I have seen the Chief Envoy, the Inspector, and the Magistrate!" '
Hearing this, Zheng Michang and He Maocai responded casually. Then, He Maocai stood up and ordered in a deep voice: "The prisoner Ma Ningyuan has been arrested and brought to justice. Prepare a cell immediately. Go quickly!"
The news was so shocking that Zeng Li's brain shut down for a moment. Soon, he mustered up his courage and confirmed to He Maocai: "Your Excellency, I... Did you hear me right? You mean, Zhi…Master Zhifu…”
Before Zeng Li could finish his words, Zheng Mi Chang stood up from the side, frowned, and asked, "Why, didn't you hear me?"
When Zeng Li heard this, a look of fear and uneasiness suddenly appeared on his face. He lowered his head and kept saying in response: "Obey, obey, your Majesty the Chief Envoy, I will order people to prepare now!"
After that, Zeng Li turned around and looked at the subordinates on the side, and shouted sternly: "Why are you guys still hanging around here? Why don't you go quickly!"
When the subordinates on the side heard this, they immediately responded as if they were walking on thin ice: "Yes, sir, I'll go ahead now!"
After that, Zeng Li turned around, looked at He Maocai rather flatteringly, and asked: "Your Excellency, I dare... dare to ask what happened, and how do you know... that the prefect would..."
Hearing this, He Maocai just glanced at Zeng Li coldly and said, "Don't ask questions that shouldn't be asked. In short, before the people from the court come, the magistrate must be taken care of. If the magistrate is wronged in the slightest, I will I can’t spare you, do you understand?”
"Follow...obey your order. Your Majesty, I will definitely take good care of you and treat him as my biological father!"
When Zeng Li heard what He Maocai said, he was frightened and kowtowed like pounding garlic.
Seeing this, He Maocai had a slight smile on his face, and then he leaned down and personally helped Zeng Li up from the ground, saying slowly.
"I have always been very optimistic about you. Soon, the imperial court will have a big plan every three years. As an inspector, I have the important task of recommending talents for the imperial court. Do it well and don't let me down. !”
After He Maocai finished speaking, he gently patted Zeng Li on the shoulder to show that he valued him.
When Zeng Li heard what He Maocai said, he fell into ecstasy, and all the unhappiness that happened before was completely forgotten by him.
You must know that He Maocai is an inspector. If he can say a good word or two for himself in the next three-year plan of the imperial court, then his promotion will be just around the corner.
Not only that, but I might be able to use this relationship to climb up to the heights of Mr. Yan Ge!
"From now on, I, Zeng Li, can be regarded as someone with a backer in the court!"
Afterwards, Zeng Li came to his senses, leaned down and made a promise: "Thank you so much, Lord Inspector. If there is any use for me in the future, just say it!"
After that, a subordinate came to Zeng Li and reported respectfully: "Sir, the cell is ready!"
After Zeng Li learned the news from his subordinates, he waved his hand quite casually and sent his subordinates away: "Okay, I understand!"
Then, he turned around, looked at Zheng Michang and He Maocai rather flatteringly, and made a gesture of invitation: "Two adults, please come with me!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang and He Maocai looked at each other and walked towards the prison with their guards and under the guidance of Zeng Li.
…
"Sir, this is the best cell in the prison. Not only are the bedding and other items newly changed, but it can also be exposed to the sun!"
"In addition, this cell is also very spacious, enough to accommodate three people!"
After Zeng Li personally brought Zheng Michang, He Maocai, and Ma Ningyuan to their destination, he began to explain them nonstop.
Hearing this, Zheng Michang couldn't help but frowned. Then, he waved his hand and interrupted impatiently: "Okay, you don't have anything to do here for the time being, so go down first!"
After Zeng Li heard this, he knew that Zheng Michang, He Maocai, and Ma Ningyuan had important matters to discuss, and what they discussed was beyond his own knowledge!
Even if you send someone to eavesdrop secretly, you will only get yourself killed. After all, the more you know about some things, the faster you will die.
After thinking about this, Zeng Li lowered his head and said respectfully: "As commanded, Lord Chief Envoy, I will retire now. If you need anything, just say a word!"
Just when Zeng Li was about to leave, he was stopped by Zheng Mi Chang: "Wait a minute, when we come down later, I will send you a few sets of regular clothes for the magistrate to change into!"
When Zeng Li heard Zheng Michang's words, a look of surprise appeared on his face at the right time, and he immediately responded: "As ordered, your Majesty the Chief Envoy!"
After all, Ma Ningyuan is still wearing official uniform.
After that, Zeng Li did not stay in the cell at all, but left directly with several jailers.
When they walked to the corner, they saw a jailer who couldn't restrain his curiosity and summoned up the courage to ask Zeng Li: "Sir... sir, what is going on? Why is the prefect being..."
Hearing this, Zeng Li glanced at the jailer angrily and explained: "Huh, how do I know this? It's better to have as little involvement as possible in this matter!"
When Zeng Li said this, he changed the topic and continued.
"Also, you all should listen carefully to me. During the next period of time, you must take care of the magistrate. If he loses half a hair, I will chop you alive. Listen. do you understand?"
"Yes, it's adults, I understand!"
After listening to Zeng Li's instructions, the jailers suddenly had a look of fear on their faces and couldn't help but responded.
Seeing this, Zeng Li couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief. He looked away from the jailers and subconsciously quickened his pace. (End of chapter)
