"Xun...Governor, that's not the case. Ma Ningyuan really committed suicide out of fear of crime!"
When the words fell, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing looked at each other, pretending to be willing to fight.
After all, Ma Ningyuan, a prisoner of the imperial court, died in a cell inexplicably.
If this matter is not handled properly, it will undoubtedly become a life-threatening talisman for both of them!
Then, Wang Ting gritted his teeth, took out the confession signed by Ma Ningyuan from his sleeve, and said solemnly: "My lord governor, to be honest, here is the confession of Ma Ningyuan, he has admitted all the crimes! "
When Zhao Zhenji heard Wang Ting's words, a look of curiosity appeared on his face.
After the words fell, without waiting for Zhao Zhenji's instructions, the guards on the side stepped forward, took the confession from Wang Ting, and handed it to Zhao Zhenji.
"Lord Governor!"
"Um."
After Zhao Zhenji received the confession signed by Ma Ningyuan from the guard, he began to read it word by word.
Soon, Zhao Zhenji read through all the contents of the confession.
Zhao Zhenji knew very well that Ma Ningyuan was abandoned by Yan Song and the others as an abandoned son.
After all, only by shutting up Ma Ningyuan, the "initiator", can more people be prevented from being involved in this case.
After Ma Ningyuan dies, his family members, relatives, etc. will receive good care.
After all, no one is blind. Ma Ningyuan obviously chose to commit suicide just to save more people!
If the family members and relatives are wronged in the future, who will dare to risk their lives to keep the secret?
If people's hearts are broken, it will be difficult to lead the team!
After thinking about this, Zhao Zhenji put down the confession in his hand, sighed helplessly, and said slowly: "Since Ma Ningyuan has admitted all the crimes, let's do this for now!"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing were stunned for a moment, and then became ecstatic.
They originally thought that Zhao Zhenji would make things difficult for them during this trip.
After all, if Zhao Zhenji ignored Ma Ningyuan's inexplicable death in the cell and directly reported it to the court, then neither of them would be able to live with it!
In the eyes of Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing, Zhao Zhenji's words just now undoubtedly endorsed Ma Ningyuan's theory that he committed suicide out of fear of crime.
In this way, the culpability of Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing will be greatly reduced.
At that time, all the jailers who were responsible for guarding Ma Ningyuan that night would have to do was charge them with dereliction of duty, and then they would be able to get away with it.
"It seems that Zhao Zhenji is not as difficult to talk to as the rumors in the court!"
Just as Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing were feeling so emotional, they heard Zhao Zhenji's voice: "Since Ma Ningyuan has shouldered all the responsibilities, can I consider that Zhejiang Chief Envoy Zheng Michang and Zhejiang Inspector He Maocai are both criminals?" Innocent!"
"Since both of them are innocent, can I reinstate them to their posts?"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing reacted suddenly after being stunned for a moment: "So Zhao Zhenji is waiting for them here!"
In the eyes of Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing, Zhao Zhenji was clearly using Ma Ningyuan's suicide in prison to blackmail them.
This will further achieve the purpose of reinstating officials Zheng Michang and He Maocai.
But they finally seized the opportunity, and on the pretext of investigating the case, they evicted Zheng Michang and He Maocai from their positions as Zhejiang Chief Envoy and Inspector-General, leaving Zhao Zhenji with no one available.
Now, how could Zheng and He be reinstated because of Zhao Zhenji's frivolous words?
Therefore, Wang Ting rejected Zhao Zhenji's proposal without even thinking: "Your Majesty the Governor, although Ma Ningyuan has admitted all his culpability, we still cannot rule out the suspicion of Mr. Zheng and Mr. He!"
After Wang Ting finished speaking, Yan Maoqing stood up and said, "Yes, Lord Governor, isn't the time limit we agreed on for the investigation ten days?"
"The time is not up yet. Besides, the whole thing is full of weirdness. Maybe Lord Zheng and the others secretly sent someone..."
Before Yan Maoqing finished speaking, Zhao Zhenji looked in the direction of Yan Maoqing, sneered, and asked: "Master Yan, I want to ask you, can you take responsibility for what you just said?"
Seeing that Zhao Zhenji showed no mercy, the expression on Yan Maoqing's face became extremely ugly. He had not forgotten that Zhao Zhenji was from the Inspectorate.
If Zhao Zhenji accidentally gets entangled with him, everything will be over. After all, his identity is the governor-general of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang, and he is a veritable official of the frontier!
If Zhao Zhenji were to be impeached by Zhao Zhenji in his capacity as a border official, then the trouble would be big, not to mention that the current right capital censor of the Supervisory Council, Shi Hairui, was recommended to the court by Zhao Zhenji, and the two parties had close contacts!
Thinking of this, Yan Maoqing laughed sarcastically, trying to ease the embarrassment: "Inspector... Your Majesty the Governor, I accidentally said something wrong. I hope the Governor will not blame you!"
When Zhao Zhenji saw Yan Maoqing relenting, he naturally stopped pressing the matter. Then, he picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and spoke leisurely.
"My lords, please don't forget that you are following His Majesty's order to come to Zhejiang to investigate Ma Ningyuan's case!"
"A prisoner of the imperial court died inexplicably in his cell. If I report this matter to the imperial court truthfully, then you two adults must know very well what punishment you will receive, right?"
After noticing Zhao Zhenji's gaze on him, Yan Maoqing couldn't help but shudder.
Yan Maoqing is familiar with the laws of the Ming Dynasty, so he naturally knows what kind of guilt he will bear after such a thing happens.
Even if he has a backer in the court and is lucky enough to save his life, he will still be accused of poor supervision and neglect of duty.
At that time, his career will be cut off. Once he shows signs of decline, those who have offended him will be like wolves, swarming up and devouring him.
Yan Maoqing knew that Zhao Zhenji was forcing the two of them to make a choice, either to agree to Zhao Zhenji's suggestion and save themselves, or to watch Zhao Zhenji push this matter forward.
In addition to Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting's face was also full of confusion.
Seeing that Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing had not yet responded, Zhao Zhenji's patience gradually ran out.
Then, Zhao Zhenji slammed the table, narrowed his eyes, and said in a deep voice: "Since the two adults are silent, I will take it as your acquiescence!"
After that, Zhao Zhenji summoned the guards and said in a deep voice: "I will tell Mr. Zheng and Mr. He that from now on, they will resume their duties!"
When the guard heard this, he immediately looked stern, lowered his head, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
During this process, neither Wang Ting nor Yan Maoqing said anything to stop it, and they just watched it all happen.
After that, a trace of unwillingness flashed across Wang Ting's face, he looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, bowed and said, "In that case, Lord Governor, I won't stay here any longer!"
Zhao Zhenji heard this, waved his hand, and said casually: "Well, you two adults, please go slowly!"
After that, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing did not stay in the meeting hall for too long, but left directly.
After walking out of the governor's meeting hall, Yan Maoqing looked at Wang Ting with a worried look on his face, and then said: "Master Wang, why didn't you just..."
Before Yan Maoqing could finish his words, he was coldly interrupted by Wang Ting: "Humph, do you believe it? If we dare to stop him, Zhao Zhenji will dare to bring this matter to the capital?"
"If this matter reaches the capital, even if we are lucky enough to complete the task, it will be enough for us to drink from it!"
When Wang Ting said this, he paused for a moment, withdrew his gaze from Yan Maoqing, and continued: "Besides, even if Zheng Michang and He Maocai are reinstated, it will only cause us some trouble. That’s it!”
"You know, the Weaving Bureau is under the jurisdiction of the palace. Even if he, Zhao Zhenji, is the governor of Zhejiang, he has no authority over the Weaving Bureau!"
"Even if he goes to report to the court, he will be delayed for at least ten days by going back and forth. By then, our side will be done long ago!"
After listening to Wang Ting's analysis, Yan Maoqing felt that it was quite reasonable. His eyes lit up and he couldn't help but responded: "Well, Mr. Wang is right!"
Wang Ting nodded when he heard this, and then said: "There is not much time left now, let's hurry up and get the Weaving Bureau to take action. The raw silk we have purchased so far is less than 30%!"
After that, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing were seen returning to the inn in sedan chairs.
…
On the other side, inside Zheng Michang's mansion.
"It's over, it's over, it's all over now!"
At this moment, Zheng Mi Chang was pacing back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, a restless look on his face.
"If we can't keep the raw silk in the hands of these farmers, I, Zheng Michang, will definitely be pulled out as a scapegoat by Yan Ge and the others. In this way, wouldn't I be following in the footsteps of Ma Ningyuan?"
Zheng Michang tried to imagine what would happen to him when the time came, and he suddenly felt shuddering.
Over the years, Zheng Michang has lost count of how many things he has done for the Yan family. How can he not offend others when doing things in the officialdom?
Zheng Michang was very sure that once he lost his use value, he would be immediately used as a scapegoat by Mr. Yan Ge and others and kicked away!
After all, there are countless people in the court who want to climb the high branches of the Yan family. If there is no Zheng Michang, there will be another Zheng Michang.
Just when Zheng Michang was feeling extremely worried about this, he heard a slight knock on the door.
After Zheng Michang noticed the movement outside the door, he couldn't help but frowned and ordered: "Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, and the door of the room was pushed open. Not long after, the housekeeper walked in quickly, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Old... Master, the Governor's Mansion has sent someone. He said that you will be reinstated to your post immediately!"
After Zheng Michang learned the news from the butler, his face was full of disbelief. Immediately, he suddenly stood up from his seat and asked in a deep voice: "What did you say?"
After the housekeeper noticed Zheng Michang's gaze on him, he couldn't help but panic. He lowered his head and said cautiously: "Master, it's absolutely true. The people from the Governor's Mansion are waiting in the hall right now!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang's face was filled with unconcealable eagerness. He looked in the direction of the housekeeper and ordered: "Hurry, take me over here!"
When the housekeeper heard this, he didn't dare to show any slightness. He quickly leaned down and said respectfully: "Yes, sir, please come with me!"
Under the leadership of the housekeeper, Zheng Mi Chang came to the hall used to entertain guests in the mansion.
The officials of the Governor's Mansion who had been waiting in the hall for a long time saw Zheng Michang's arrival. They quickly stood up from their seats, bowed and said, "I have met the Chief Envoy!"
But at this moment, Zheng Michang had no intention of making small talk. After looking the visitor up and down, he chose to get straight to the point: "Did the governor send you here?"
Hearing this, the visitor nodded and reported respectfully: "Yes, your Majesty the Chief Envoy, the Governor asked me to inform you that from now on, you will be officially reinstated!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang couldn't help but show excitement on his face. After all, as long as he was still in the position of chief envoy, he could try his best to prevent those merchants from buying the raw silk from Sannong at a low price.
In this way, you can avoid becoming the scapegoat as much as possible!
Later, Zheng Michang came back to his senses, looked at the person who came, and asked: "Do you have some free time now, the governor? I want to visit the Governor's Mansion in person?"
When the visitor heard this, he thought about it for a moment and then responded: "The governor should still have some time to spare!"
After Zheng Michang got the news, he couldn't help but cheer up. He quickly called the housekeeper and said in a deep voice: "Prepare the sedan immediately. I want to go to the Governor's Mansion!"
When the butler heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded without thinking: "Yes, sir!"
Shortly after this, Zheng Michang was seen riding in a sedan chair and going straight to the Governor's Mansion.
…
When Zheng Michang arrived at the Governor's Mansion in a sedan, he suddenly discovered that He Maocai had also rushed to the Governor's Mansion.
While the guards at the door came in to report, He Maocai came to Zheng Michang and greeted him: "Old Zheng, have you also received the message sent by the governor?"
When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, he couldn't help but have black lines on his face. He nodded and responded: "Isn't this nonsense?"
Then, Zheng Michang changed the topic, looked away from He Maocai, and said: "Okay, let's go in quickly, don't keep the governor waiting!"
After the words fell, Zheng Michang didn't wait for He Maocai to respond, and then walked to the Governor's Mansion.
Seeing this, He Maocai quickly took three steps in front of Zheng Michang and lowered his voice: "Old Zheng, did you know that Ma Ningyuan is dead!"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he suddenly stopped and turned around. After looking at He Maocai up and down, he said quietly: "Of course I know. After all, this is the decision made by Mr. Yan Ge and the others!"
As soon as Zheng Midhang finished speaking, He Maocai's pupils suddenly shrank. Then, as if he had thought of something, he looked in the direction of Zheng Midhang and said cautiously: "Old Zheng, what do you mean... "
Facing He Maocai's doubtful gaze, Zheng Michang nodded imperceptibly and said in response: "Well, that's right, Lao He, it's just what you thought!"
Hearing this, a look of helplessness suddenly appeared on He Maocai's face. He sighed and said slowly: "Oh, in the end, we ended up like this!"
Zheng Michang took in the expression on He Maocai's face, a hint of sadness flashed across his face, and then said: "Maybe one day, the two of us will end up like this!"
Just when He Maocai wanted to say something more, the guard who had gone in to report earlier came to the two of them and reported respectfully: "The governor is waiting for you two adults in the meeting hall!"
Then, Zheng Michang waved his hand and ended this unpleasant topic: "Okay, let's go in quickly!"
Upon hearing this, He Maocai responded casually, and then followed Zheng Michang's footsteps towards the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
When Zheng Michang and He Maocai arrived at the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion, they found that they were not the only ones coming, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were also there.
"Is it possible that the governor is planning to take some action?"
With this in mind, Zheng Michang stepped forward together with He Maocai, bowed to Zhao Zhenji, who was sitting at the top, and said, "I've seen the governor before!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji glanced at Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively, nodded, and said: "Well, you two are here just in time, please sit down!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he pointed to the empty seat beside him.
After the two of them sat down, Zhao Zhenji coughed twice, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Now that the matter has come to an end, I don't want to hide it from you any longer. Before I officially took up my post, Your Majesty gave me the order to behead first and then report." power to deal with possible emergencies!"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou looked as usual, while Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side looked shocked.
Then, Zheng Michang on the side seemed to suddenly think of something.
He summoned up the courage, looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, and asked: "Could it be that the governor is referring to these merchants who, under the banner of the Weaving Bureau, buy raw silk from the people at low prices?"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji glanced at Zheng Michang quite indifferently, and then said: "Well, that's it. Before I officially left for Zhejiang, His Majesty had already received the relevant news."
"It is said that someone in the DPRK wants to take advantage of the mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang to buy raw silk from the people at a low price, and then make huge profits!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he paused, picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and continued: "You have also seen the current situation. In Zhejiang, many people with the name of Weaving Bureau suddenly appeared. Merchants under the banner buy raw silk from the people at extremely low prices!"
Then, Zhao Zhenji glanced at the people present and said in a deep voice: "Therefore, I now authorize you to go ahead and do it. No matter who is involved in this matter, they will be dealt with! "
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, everyone in the meeting hall stood up from their seats and responded in a deep voice: "I obey, Lord Governor!"
Before this, Zheng Michang had no expectations for saving the raw silk in the hands of the farmers. After all, this matter involved many things, and many high-ranking officials in the court were involved!
It is absolutely impossible to compete with them with the power in your own hands.
But at the moment, Zheng Michang is full of confidence. After all, Zhao Zhenji has the power given by His Majesty to kill first and report later!
Even if Zhao Zhenji killed all these merchants and some people from the Weaving Bureau, as long as the reason was justifiable, the court would not investigate further.
After that, Zhao Zhenji began specific deployment work.
Then, he looked in the direction of Zheng Michang and He Maocai and gave instructions: "You two, immediately ask the government to post notices to encourage people to report merchants who buy raw silk at low prices!"
"If it is indeed true, the whistleblower will receive a silver reward from the government!"
"In addition, mobilize all the people who can be mobilized by me. If those merchants dare to resist the government, they will be killed without mercy!"
Hearing what Zhao Zhenji said, Zheng Michang and He Maocai immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice: "As ordered, Lord Governor!"
After giving instructions to Zheng Michang and He Maocai, Zhao Zhenji turned his attention to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou who were standing aside, and continued.
"General Qi, General Yu, you should act according to the strategy we set before. In addition, bring a team of people with you and go to the Weaving Bureau with me later!"
Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou immediately stood up from their seats, bowed their hands to Zhao Zhenji, and responded in a deep voice: "I obey, Lord Governor!"
Seeing that the matter had been settled, Zhao Zhenji waved his hand and gave instructions: "In that case, everyone should go down and prepare!"
"Yes, Lord Governor, I will resign as soon as possible!"
After everyone heard this, they bowed to Zhao Zhenji and left immediately without stopping at all.
…
After leaving the Governor's Palace, Zheng Michang and He Maocai returned to the Chief Envoys' Department and the Inspector's Envoys' Department respectively. Then, they began to mobilize their subordinates non-stop to pass on Zhao Zhenji's orders step by step.
As the order was issued one level at a time, many police officers appeared in the city, posting notices all over the streets.
After the officers left, some brave people came forward to check the situation.
In front of a bulletin board in the city, many people gathered to watch the excitement, but most of them were illiterate.
Therefore, I can only look at you and me and stare at you under the bulletin board.
Later, someone stopped a gentleman who was teaching in a private school and begged: "Can you please take a look at what is written on the government notice?"
When the teacher heard this, he stopped and, surrounded by people, came to the notice and said, "It says that if you find a merchant buying raw silk at a low price, you can report it to the government. If it is true, you can report it to the government." If you do, you will receive a silver reward from the government!"
"The amount of silver reward ranges from one tael of silver to ten taels of silver. In addition..."
The gentleman who taught in a private school had not finished reading the notice, but the crowd was already boiling.
"What, there is such a good thing, as long as you report it, you can get a reward from the government!"
"If you don't ask for ten taels of silver, even one tael of silver will be enough for my family for a year!"
"Recently, aren't there merchants in Wangjia Village purchasing raw silk in large quantities?"
"What are you still doing? Hurry up and report it to the government!" (End of Chapter)
