Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and today was the day when Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and others came to Zhejiang.
Early in the morning, Zhao Zhenji took Zheng Michang, He Maocai and Zhejiang officials of all sizes to the dock to greet them.
After all, after all, Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and others came to Zhejiang to investigate Ma Ningyuan's case under the orders of the imperial court. They were considered half-imperial ministers.
As the governor of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province, Zhao Zhenji needed to come to greet him in person both emotionally and rationally.
"I really didn't expect that I would be waiting for someone at the dock one day. I think when I was appointed as the supervisory censor, it was someone else..."
Just as Zhao Zhenji was feeling so emotional, he heard an exclamation not far away: "Look, the ship has arrived!"
After everyone heard the words, they followed the sound and saw a fleet of four or five large ships and several small boats appearing in the distance.
Right now, the fleet is heading towards the dock in an orderly manner.
"Yan Maoqing has finally arrived!"
Seeing that the distance between the ship and the dock was getting closer and closer, Zheng Michang and He Maocai couldn't help but look at each other, and they both read the message in each other's eyes.
In the opinion of Zheng Michang and He Maocai, the reason why Yan Maoqing was sent to Zhejiang to investigate the case was definitely because of the instruction of Mr. Yan Ge.
Mr. Yan Ge must have noticed the problem, so he sent Yan Maoqing over to help them cover up the case.
Just as the two were daydreaming, the ship had already docked. Then Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and an official from the Supervisory Office disembarked from the sampan, escorted by a large number of guards.
Seeing this, Zhao Zhenji immediately leaned down, cupped his hands, and said respectfully: "I'm the Governor of Zhejiang Province and the Governor of Zhejiang Province, Zhao Zhenji, I have met all of you!"
After that, Zheng Michang, He Maocai and the entire Zhejiang officials, large and small, bowed to the three of them and said in unison: "I have met you all!"
Yan Maoqing and Wang Ting heard this and looked around calmly. Zhao Zhenji, who was standing at the front of the team, had a trace of fear in his eyes.
They had heard about Zhao Zhenji's name as early as when Zhao Zhenji was still serving as the supervisory censor in the Supervisory Council.
Zhao Zhenji is very capable and ruthless in his actions. If he doesn't take action, he will do it. If he does, he will kill others!
Not only that, Zhao Zhenji also rarely leaves any clues. Even if you want to retaliate afterwards, you will not be able to do so.
Such a powerful character was sent to Zhejiang by His Majesty to take over Hu Zongxian's position. Zhao Zhenji was originally very difficult to deal with. Now that Zhao Zhenji has the authority of the Governor of Zhejiang and the Governor of Zhejiang, it is even more difficult to deal with.
When he thought about facing Zhao Zhenji next, Yan Maoqing couldn't help but feel a flash of panic in his heart.
After that, Yan Maoqing suppressed the panic in his heart, looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, and responded with a smile: "You don't have to be so polite, Governor. I came to Zhejiang in compliance with His Majesty's order. Investigate the case of Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou!"
"In the next period of time, I have to rely on the governor a lot!"
As soon as Yan Maoqing finished speaking, Wang Ting stood up and added: "Yes, Lord Governor, I hope you will bear with me during the next period of time!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji stroked his beard, looked away from Yan Maoqing and his group, nodded, and said slowly: "This is natural, please come!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he made a gesture of invitation.
Later, Zhao Zhenji, Yan Maoqing, and Wang Ting walked at the front of the team, followed by officials from all over Zhejiang.
Near the dock, there are heavily armed soldiers patrolling everywhere, and any disturbance will not escape their eyes!
At this moment, Yan Maoqing seemed to suddenly remember something. He looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji and asked, "By the way, Mr. Governor, what is the current situation of the imperial convict Ma Ningyuan?"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji suddenly stopped, turned around, looked in the direction of He Maocai, and said slowly: "I don't know the specific situation, so I'd better let Mr. Zhetai tell you!"
Seeing this situation, He Maocai immediately stood up, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Your Excellency, since the imperial court issued an official document to arrest Ma Ningyuan not long ago, the Inspectorate has sent people to arrest him. Arrest him and put him in jail to await his fate!"
As soon as He Maocai finished speaking, Yan Maoqing nodded and said: "In that case, take us there!"
He Maocai heard Yan Maoqing's words and subconsciously looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji. After getting the other party's permission, he lowered his head and said in a deep voice: "Yes, sir, please come with me!"
Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing did not leave in a hurry. Instead, they looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji and said respectfully: "My lord governor, as the governor of Zhejiang, you have many things to do. It is inconvenient for us to disturb you too much. Let's leave it alone for now!"
Zhao Zhenji heard the words and responded in a subtle way, then watched Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and other people, led by He Maocai and Zheng Michang, march towards the direction of the prison.
Zhao Zhenji is the governor of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province. It is a great honor for him to come to the dock to greet Yan Maoqing and his party in person.
Therefore, Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and others did not dare to make any more requests to Zhao Zhenji.
After that, Zhao Zhenji looked away, looked at the guards on the side, and said: "Go back to the Governor's Mansion!"
When the guard on the side heard this, he immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
…
At this moment, in one of the cells in the prison, perhaps because it had not been exposed to sunlight for a long time, the straw on the bed had become moldy, and in the gaps between the stone tiles on the floor, there was still a dark red blood stain that could not be cleaned.
At this time, Ma Ningyuan was wearing prison uniform and lying on the bed bored.
Because they had already learned in advance the exact date that Yan Maoqing and his party, who were sent by the imperial court to investigate the case, would come to Zhejiang.
Therefore, Ma Ningyuan was transferred to this cell early in the morning, and the civilian clothes he was originally wearing were changed into prison clothes.
It had been some time since Ma Ningyuan was imprisoned. Except for his freedom being slightly restricted and not being able to enter and leave the cell at will, everything else was no different from when Ma Ningyuan was outside.
With the care of Zheng Michang and He Maocai, the jailers were also trying their best to please Ma Ningyuan. Their attitude towards Ma Ningyuan was far more filial than their own father.
"Oh, I don't know when I will be able to get out of here!"
Just as Ma Ningyuan was sighing, he saw several jailers appearing in the corridor not far away.
Later, these jailers came to Ma Ningyuan's cell. One of the jailors took the key from his waist and opened the cell door.
Ma Ning saw this situation and couldn't restrain his curiosity. He couldn't wait to ask the jailer: "Is it someone sent by the imperial court to investigate the case?"
When the jailer heard Ma Ningyuan's words, he did not dare to be negligent at all. He immediately lowered his head and cautiously responded: "Yes, yes, sir, the people sent to investigate the case have arrived. Please come with me!"
"Well, it seems that the day is not far before I leave from here!"
Ma Ningyuan thought so, with a look of anticipation on his face.
After that, Ma Ningyuan was put in shackles and shackles by the guards, and he left the cell under the leadership of these guards.
When Ma Ningyuan stood in the sunshine again, he couldn't help but feel as if he was in another world.
Because Ma Ningyuan was previously in a dark, damp cell without sunlight, it was difficult for him to adapt to this kind of light.
He quickly blocked the sunlight with his hands, and it took him a long time to get used to it again.
Later, Ma Ningyuan was escorted into the court by the jailer. In the court, there was a long table with a wooden table.
There are three Taishi chairs at the back, and the rest of the furnishings remain unchanged. There is a plaque hanging above the lobby with the four characters Mingjinghanghanghang.
Wang Ting, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was in the middle, and on both sides sat Yan Maoqing and the official from the Inspectorate.
As for Zheng Michang and He Maocai, they sat on the side of the long table. In addition, there were several subordinate officials responsible for recording confessions.
"Your Excellency, the criminal Ma Ningyuan has been brought here!"
The jailers who were responsible for escorting Ma Ningyuan immediately bowed down and said respectfully after bringing him into the courtroom.
Upon hearing this, Wang Ting slowly moved his eyes away from the case files on the table, waved his hands, and said: "Okay, it's nothing for you to do. Get off!"
"Yes, sir!"
Upon hearing this, the jailers had expressions of relief on their faces. After cupping their hands, they walked away.
…
After the jailers left one after another, there was only a crisp sound of "bang", and everyone present was startled by the sudden sound.
Looking around, he discovered that Wang Ting was holding the gavel in his hand.
"The criminal Ma Ningyuan didn't kneel down when he saw me. What's your intention? Is it possible that you want to despise the court?"
When Ma Ningyuan saw Wang Ting coming up, he put a big label on himself as "contempting the court". His face was full of dissatisfaction, and he did not make any move for a long time.
Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side couldn't help but feel a thump in their hearts when they saw this situation. At this moment, they all read the same emotion in each other's eyes - the person who came is not good!
After all, after all, Ma Ningyuan was also the magistrate of Hangzhou and a dignified fourth-rank official of the imperial court. If he had just a little concern about his official face, there would be no need to make such an ugly scene.
In this case, it would be tantamount to breaking up on the spot, and it would lead to an endless quarrel.
Afterwards, Zheng Michang laughed sarcastically and wanted to stand up and smooth things over: "Sir... sir, no matter what, this Ma Ningyuan was also the prefect of Hangzhou before, a dignified fourth-rank official in the imperial court. I think it's still..."
However, before Zheng Michang finished speaking, he was coldly interrupted by Wang Ting: "Huh, I don't care what position he held before, but now, his identity as Ma Ningyuan is an imperial prisoner of the imperial court. Since he is Criminal, you should kneel down when you see me!"
When Wang Ting said this, he looked in the direction of Zheng Michang and continued to add: "Master Chief Envoy, you are standing up to intercede for the imperial criminal at this time. Is it possible that you are colluding with him? "
When Zheng Michang heard this, his whole body shivered suddenly, and the expression on his face suddenly turned cold.
Wang Ting's words can be said to be a very serious warning. You must know that Ma Ningyuan is an imperial prisoner who was arrested by the imperial court personally. If you have anything to do with him at this time, you will lose your skin even if you don't die.
After Wang Ting finished speaking, he seemed to feel that he was not enjoying himself enough. He glanced at Ma Ningyuan, then looked at He Maocai not far away, and said coldly.
"Your Excellency, Ma Ningyuan is a prisoner of the imperial court. Logically speaking, he should wear at least a thirty-pound shackle. Why don't the shackles and shackles he wears comply with the rules?"
When He Maocai heard this, a large bead of sweat suddenly appeared on his forehead. After he wiped it off with his sleeve, he carefully said: "Sir... Sir, maybe the people below have been negligent. After I come down, I will go to the official You must be disciplined strictly!"
At this moment, Yan Maoqing stood up and changed the subject: "Sir, let's try the case first!"
Wang Ting heard Yan Maoqing's words and responded in a subtle way, while Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side had expressions of relief on their faces.
Then, Wang Ting looked in the direction of Ma Ningyuan. After pondering for a moment, he said: "The criminal Ma Ningyuan, in recognition of your many years of service to the court, I grant you no need to kneel down. You can do it later." You have to recruit from the real situation!”
When Wang Ting said this, he paused and added: "Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"
When Ma Ningyuan heard Wang Ting's words, a gloomy look flashed across his face. He immediately raised his head and responded as usual: "Yes, sir!"
Seeing this situation, Wang Ting closed the case file in front of him, looked in the direction of Ma Ningyuan, and asked: "The criminal Ma Ningyuan, let's explain the case first!"
After hearing what Wang Ting said, Ma Ningyuan thought about it for a moment, and then said slowly: "The official received a report from his subordinates that day, saying that some people in Wangjia Village, Chun'an County, planted rice seedlings without permission, despite the government's ban. And there was a conflict with the people sent by the government!"
"After hearing the news, the official was deeply worried. At that time, the government's guards and government officials were short of manpower. In order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, the official had no choice but to..."
Soon, Ma Ningyuan recounted the entire case.
Of course, as recorded in the case file, it was the villagers of Wangjia Village who were at fault first. They ignored the court's ban and planted seedlings without permission, which led to this incident.
After that, Zheng Michang stood up and said, "Sir, converting rice to mulberry is a national policy. Those villagers ignored the imperial ban and planted seedlings without authorization. They are clearly going against the imperial court! "
"Perhaps they took money from Japanese pirates and deliberately disrupted the implementation of the court's policy of converting rice to mulberry!"
After Zheng Michang, He Maocai on the side also spoke up: "Yes, sir, the folk customs in Wangjia Village have always been fierce, and there are many people who commit crimes and commit crimes, which is a headache for the government. Do you want to Don’t be deceived by these unscrupulous people!”
"In the final analysis, this matter is nothing more than a slight accident during the process of converting rice into mulberry. You know..."
Before He Maocai could finish his words, he was coldly interrupted by Wang Ting: "Shut up, everyone. There is a saying that water can carry a boat and also capsize it. As parents of Zhejiang, you don't even understand this. Do you understand?"
"What this case involves is not some cats or dogs, but real human lives!"
"Can't it be said that the lives of the people are not worth a penny in the words of these two adults?"
Seeing Wang Ting's sudden attack, Zheng Michang and He Maocai didn't know how to respond.
After all, it’s neither an answer nor a non-answer to this question.
If the answer is yes, the next memorials to impeach them will soon be filled with the Supervisory Office. If the answer is no, then their previous defense of Ma Ningyuan's behavior will appear extremely pale and weak.
Thinking of this, Zheng Michang and He Maocai couldn't help but look at Yan Maoqing for help, hoping that he would stand up, smooth things over, and bring this topic to an end as soon as possible.
Unexpectedly, Yan Maoqing didn't seem to see the two people's eyes asking for help. He still looked at his nose and heart, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
Seeing that Yan Maoqing had no intention of standing up, Zheng Michang withdrew his gaze and said to himself: "Damn Yan Maoqing, he is really unreliable!"
Then, perhaps because he didn't want to dwell too much on this topic, Wang Ting looked in the direction of Ma Ningyuan and asked.
"The criminal Ma Ningyuan, I want to ask you, who gave you the instructions to mobilize the guardsmen without authorization to suppress the unarmed people. Is this matter related to your teacher Hu Zongxian?"
"No, this is the decision made by the official himself and has nothing to do with anyone else!"
When Ma Ningyuan heard Wang Ting's words, he immediately responded categorically.
When Ma Ningyuan finished speaking, Yan Maoqing looked at the subordinate staff aside and ordered: "Record it in the record!"
Wang Ting heard this and made no comment. He only sneered, looked away from Ma Ningyuan, and continued: "Humph, Ma Ningyuan, don't think that I don't know that after the incident, your This case was suppressed quietly!"
After Wang Ting finished speaking, he turned around and looked in the direction of He Maocai. The meaning contained in it was self-evident.
After He Maocai noticed Wang Ting's gaze on him, he suddenly panicked. He quickly stood up from his seat and explained.
"Sir... Your Majesty, this matter has nothing to do with the official. The official handles things according to the regulations!"
"As an inspector, how can I know the law, break it, and cover up other people's crimes?"
"There should be something wrong with the people below. My lord, I was wronged. All of this is..."
However, before He Maocai could finish his words, he was interrupted by Wang Ting: "The evidence is solid, but you dare to deny it. We are following His Majesty's order to come to Zhejiang to investigate this case. You don't have any say." , it’s up to us to say it!”
After Wang Ting finished speaking, Yan Maoqing stood up and said slowly: "Master He, Ma Ningyuan's case has an inexplicable relationship with you. You must know that the only person who can help cover it up is You are in the Inspector’s Office!"
After Yan Maoqing finished speaking, he looked at Zheng Michang on the side and said slowly: "And you, Mr. Zheng, you and Mr. He are very close to each other on weekdays. The two of them often get together to have banquets. Now, , if something happens to Mr. He, you are not exempt from suspicion!"
"If you don't want to be implicated in Ma Ningyuan's case, how about temporarily suspending you two from your duties first, and then reinstate your duties after the case is fully investigated?"
After Yan Maoqing finished speaking, Zheng and He realized belatedly that this Yan Maoqing was not here to help them at all!
Then, Zheng Mi Chang suddenly stood up from his seat, with a gloomy look on his face, looking in the direction of Yan Maoqing and speaking word by word.
"Hmph, Yan Maoqing, who do you think you are? I am the chief envoy of Zhejiang. If you want to move me, you must first ask the court for instructions. Also, aren't you afraid of Mr. Yan Ge and the others..."
Faced with Zheng Michang's threat, Yan Maoqing's face suddenly turned cold. He slammed the table and said in a deep voice.
"Shut up, Master Zheng. You must know that I have come to Zhejiang to investigate the case under His Majesty's order. Are you threatening me?"
At this moment, Wang Ting glanced at Yan Maoqing and Zheng Michang respectively, and said coldly: "Master Zheng, do you know what the crime of threatening an official of the imperial court is?"
"Ma Ningyuan's case was able to be suppressed quietly, and the assistance of the Prosecutor's Office was indispensable. And you, Mr. Zheng, have a close personal relationship with Mr. He, and there is a lot of suspicion on you. !”
"This is just to avoid suspicion, so we have temporarily suspended you two. After the truth of the case is found out, you will be reinstated!"
"All this is done in accordance with the regulations. Even if you sue the cabinet or His Majesty, it will still be of no avail!"
Afterwards, the royal court summoned the guards and ordered in a deep voice: "I will tell the governor that the chief envoy Zheng Michang and the inspector-general He Maocai are involved in the case of Ma Ningyuan. For the sake of safety, we will He is temporarily suspended and will be reinstated after the truth is found out!"
When the guards heard this, their faces were full of hesitation. After all, the identities of these two people were extraordinary.
Seeing that the guard did not move, Wang Ting showed an impatient expression on his face. He looked at the guard and asked coldly.
"Why, didn't you hear what I said?"
When the guard heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded as if he was walking on thin ice: "Sir... Sir, shouldn't we be cautious about this... this matter?"
"You know, these are the Chief Envoy and the Inspector. If the time comes..."
Before the guard could finish his words, he was coldly interrupted by Wang Ting: "What are you afraid of? We came to Zhejiang to investigate the case under His Majesty's order. If anything goes wrong then, I will be responsible for it." !”
Seeing that Wang Ting had already said this, the guard did not dare to shirk anymore. He could only tremble and cautiously said, "Yes, sir!"
At this moment, Zheng Michang sneered, glanced at Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing, and said slowly.
"Since we are only temporarily suspended, can we leave now?"
Hearing this, Yan Maoqing was about to speak, but was stopped by Wang Ting's eyes. Then, Wang Ting looked in the direction of Zheng Michang and said slowly: "This is natural, sir, please do so!"
After Zheng Michang and He Maocai left, a look of worry appeared on Yan Maoqing's face, and he immediately said: "If you just let them leave like this, will you..."
When Wang Ting heard Yan Maoqing's words, he shook his head and said slowly: "If we leave these two behind, we will definitely anger Zhao Zhenji, the governor of Zhejiang. With this situation, everyone can at least get along on the surface! "
"If you anger Zhao Zhenji and let him intervene, things will be in trouble!"
"Send someone to keep an eye on them. Also, tell the Weaving Bureau that we can take action!" (End of Chapter)
