The county magistrate looked at the scholar who entered the door, and his face straightened slightly.
The eminent scholars of the country treated scholars very favorably, and if they were well-known, they would not accept official status.
Another example is the exemption from corvee, the county magistrate cannot torture him at will, and he can report to the superior in case of official business.
To put it in a small way, it means that he has gained fame; in a big way, it means that his class has crossed.
Judging from their appearance and age, the magistrate of Kuaiji concluded that they must have already achieved fame. The Confucian robes they wore were at least worn by literati who were selected as scholars.
"Who are you? What is your connection with this case?"
Don't treat people like this like you did to deceive Wang Shi!
"I met the county magistrate when I was in Xiashanyin, Yang Beipei!"
"Wang Renfu, the son of Shanyin Juzi, has met the county magistrate!"
The county magistrate felt that the identity of these two people seemed to be beyond his expectation.
The most difficult thing among the imperial examinations is not the title on the gold list, but the honor on the honor list.
In the imperial examinations, there has always been a saying that gold is the best for people and silver is the best.
It’s not that the weight of being a candidate is greater than that of a Jinshi, but that the difficulty of being a candidate and the class leap that comes with being a candidate are greater than those of a Jinshi.
Compared with scholars, recruiting talents is a real class leap.
The county magistrate of Kuaiji was born in Juren and served as an academic official. Later, he got the opportunity to fill the vacancy and became the county magistrate.
And judging from the age of these two people, they may not have a chance to be named on the gold list. Without any grievances or enmity, the county magistrate must first hope to make good friends with the two.
"What do you two have to say?"
Yang Qingyuan was not polite and said directly, "I would like to ask the county magistrate, is this how the case is tried?!"
The one who comes is not kind and aggressive.
The county magistrate's originally gentle expression suddenly darkened.
Although these two people are juren and the county magistrate wants to make friends, it does not mean that these two scholars are qualified to point fingers in front of him.
"What? You two have any objections to my method of handling cases?!"
Wang Hua did not take the initiative to speak, but just looked at Yang Qingyuan as he spoke.
Although he was the governor of Yuezhou, Yang Qingyuan, the deposed envoy of Yuezhou, was the one who truly had the power of life and death. Those below the fifth rank could be appointed and dismissed without any memorial.
Moreover, as the superior officer of the county magistrate, Wang Hua should also avoid suspicion.
"It's not that I have any objections, it's just that your Excellency doesn't seem to know how to review the case at all!?"
The county magistrate's face turned even darker. Who did he think he was? What a courage! It is extremely rampant to criticize a county magistrate when he has no official status!
The county magistrate was stunned and said angrily, "How brave! Do I still need your guidance on how to handle the case?"
Ignoring the official power of the county magistrate, Yang Qingyuan continued to speak: "It's not that I want to give advice, but the laws of the Zhou Dynasty specify how the case should be tried!? Since this old man Wang has sounded the drum of grievance, naturally he is When you appeal a grievance, you first don’t check the details of the witnesses, secondly you don’t report that the defendant is annoyed, thirdly you don’t tell the right and wrong, and you show off your official authority in this courtroom. Is this your attitude towards the herdsmen on behalf of the emperor?!”
Yang Qingyuan brought forth his Taoist essence as he spoke, and his mellow voice could clearly be heard by everyone present.
Everyone felt that what Yang Qingyuan said was righteous and strict, and every sentence was reasonable, and they couldn't help but applaud him.
Just when the county magistrate was about to take another picture of the Jingtang wooden door and the audience was silent, Yang Qingyuan suddenly turned his head and said, "Dear elders, this county government office is a solemn place, not a market place. If officials act recklessly, you should take responsibility for it." I speak uprightly, but it would be disrespectful to applaud me like this."
When everyone listened to Yang Qingyuan's clear voice, they couldn't help but become quiet.
"My lord, County Magistrate, I wonder if Dazhou Laws and Regulations can teach you how to judge cases!"
The magistrate of Kuaiji's face turned so dark that he looked as if he had gone to Java. What was going on with this scholar? He had no enmity with him, so why did he have to be so angry with him? Just for this old man Wang and his family? !
Although there were difficult questions in his mind, there was no hint of weakness on his lips.
"The laws of the Zhou Dynasty are naturally good, but you are ignorant of practical matters. You can only talk on paper and sit down to talk. How do you know how difficult it is to practice?! I will not pursue you for the crime of disturbing the court mentioned above because of your reputation. , if you continue to mess around, don’t blame me for being rude!"
Although the county magistrate cannot expunge the meritorious service, it is not a problem to find a reason to charge him with a punishment.
Yang Qingyuan shook his head helplessly, then took out his official certificate from his arms, and then said, "After reading this, sir, please follow me to the back hall to report the situation."
When the county magistrate saw what was on the table, his heart skipped a beat. This thing was not something that ordinary people had.
Official certificate, this is not something that ordinary people can forge.
Strictly speaking, official credentials are composed of two things. One is a document introducing the owner's identity and official position, and it also states the owner's age and appearance.
The second is the fish charm, which is made of silver, gold, jade and other materials.
Those below the sixth grade are made of silver; those above the sixth grade and below the fourth grade are made of gold; those above the fourth grade are made of jade.
The fish talisman in front of the Kuaiji County Magistrate at this moment is made of jade.
In Yuezhou at this moment, there are only three people in office who have jade fish talismans, that is, fourth grade and above.
The governor of Yangzhou, Wang Hua, the governor of Yuezhou.
Yuezhou Metropolitan Procuratorate, Duocensor Zuo Qiandu Censor Li Xunhuan.
Yang Qingyuan, the deposed envoy of Yuezhou, the minister of Dali Temple, and the bachelor of Wenhua Palace.
Only these three people are fourth grade or above and are qualified to wear jade fish charms, and these three people are qualified to directly deal with the Kuaiji County Magistrate.
The Kuaiji County Magistrate was a little afraid to open the paper official certificate, although he didn't know which of the three young scholars in front of him was?
But no matter who he is, it will not affect the outcome of today's Kuaiji County Magistrate.
Just when the Kuaiji County Magistrate's hands were trembling slightly and he was about to open the paper official certificate, Yang Qingyuan's voice sounded again.
"Your Excellency, County Magistrate, may I come to the back hall to have a talk?"
When the magistrate of Kuaiji heard this, his eyes burst out with infinite vitality. This person did not identify himself in person, indicating that things could turn around.
The county magistrate of Kuaiji hurriedly stood up and said, "You two, please follow me into the back hall to talk!"
With that said, he led Yang Qingyuan and Wang Hua into the back hall.
"My lord, I am lowering my rank..."
Yang Qingyuan interrupted the Kuaiji County Magistrate, "I depose Yang Qingyuan, the governor of Yuezhou. This is the acting governor of Yuezhou, Wang Hua, Lord Wang!"
Although he had already guessed in his mind, when Yang Qingyuan revealed his identity, the Kuaiji County Magistrate still felt that his vision was darkened and he almost lost his balance.
Seeing this, Yang Qingyuan flicked his sleeves, and a soft force of true energy helped the Kuaiji County Magistrate, who almost fell, to stabilize his center of gravity.
"Shao Jie, the magistrate of Kuaiji County, comes to see Mr. Yang and Mr. Wang!"
One is the deposed envoy of Yuezhou on imperial edict, and the other is the acting governor of Yuezhou. What sin have you committed? ! Unexpectedly, I met these two people when they were using their power for personal gain and bending the law.
Now even whether he can keep his official position is a question!
"Let me ask you, what benefits did you get from accepting Wang Liu and his son, so you ignored the law so much." Wang Hua asked from the side.
After Wang Hua came out of the Hanlin Academy, he joined the Ministry of Civil Affairs and was then sent to the prefecture. They know everything about the affairs in these counties.
Shao Jie knew that he was caught in the act by the two of them, and it would be useless to try to quibble.
"It was Wang Liu and his son who asked County Lieutenant Chen Hong to give Xiaguan five hundred taels of snowflake silver. He hoped that Xiaguan could turn a blind eye to Chen Hong's violation of the law and turn a blind eye. ."
"Huh, what a big deal." Yang Qingyuan chuckled.
Five hundred taels of silver, if only counted as salary, Yang Qingyuan would not be able to earn five hundred taels in two years.
"Does this five hundred taels of silver also include the fact that you violated the law like this today?!"
Shao Jie said honestly, "No, I didn't expect what happened today. I didn't expect that Wang Shi would bring the county government here. But if I accepted Wang Shi's complaint, I would have to deal with it." cases.”
"The facts of this case are concise and clear, and there is nothing to tamper with. Once the case is accepted, people will be arrested, and then they will be unable to explain to Wang Fu. Wang Fu is not only a local squire, but also has a big background. I am the official I was also quite afraid of him, so after thinking about it, I might as well find an excuse to send Wang Shi away, which would also be an explanation to Wang Fu and his son and County Lieutenant Chen."
"In the final analysis, this Wang Fu is just a landlord and has no fame. Why does he make you so afraid?"
Yang Qingyuan asked curiously.
Even though the county magistrate was only a seventh-grade officer, he still held real power in the local area. Although he could not kill people randomly, he could still be charged with a crime, fined silver, or imprisoned.
Cases of this magnitude would not be escalated to the Ministry of Punishment or Dali Temple. Normally, the prefecture's magistrates would just take a look at it and be done with it.
To be able to make Shao Jie, a real seventh-grade county magistrate, so fearful, it seems that Wang Fu is a big fish!
When Shao Jie heard Yang Qingyuan's words, he did not answer immediately, but gave Wang Hua an embarrassed look.
Wang Hua was confused at this glance, what? ! How could this Wang Fu be my relative? ?
Yang Qingyuan also noticed Shao Jie's actions. Both of them were named Wang. Could they be relatives of Lao Wang and his family?
"Don't worry, just say what you have to say!"
Upon hearing this, Shao Jie was silent for a few breaths, as if he had made up his mind. He gritted his teeth and said, "This Wang Fu is from the Wang family in Yaozhou County..."
Wang Hua:"……"
Yang Qingyuan: "..."
"They are relatives of the Governor...Xiaguan...Xiaguan really can't afford to offend!"
Yang Qingyuan suddenly understood Shao Jie a little better. When Li Xunhuan was investigating the corruption of Yuezhou officials, he did not find Shao Jie, which showed that this person was not a huge corrupt person.
But if Wang Hua's influence is added to it, it is reasonable that this person would choose to cover up.
Although Wang Hua is the acting governor of Yuezhou, he is currently the highest chief executive of Yuezhou.
Wang Fu is a local squire, and with such relatives, if the county magistrate can withstand the pressure and not join in the corruption, then Yang Qingyuan will definitely promote this person.
Yang Qingyuan glanced at Wang Hua, and Wang Hua also smiled bitterly when facing Yang Qingyuan.
The Wang family is considered a wealthy family in Yaozhou County and even in the entire Yuezhou. It is reasonable to have members of the Wang family in this Shanyin Mansion.
This is why the Great Zhou Dynasty did not allow officials to serve in their hometowns.
Because once you return to your hometown to serve, your relatives and friends in your hometown will naturally receive preferential treatment.
Wang Hua was an upright and honest person, and rarely used power for personal gain. However, he only returned to Yuezhou to act as governor for a short period of time, and he still had distant relatives who pretended to be powerful.
"Qingyuan, it's no longer convenient for me to handle today's matter. It's up to you to make the decision!"
Yang Qingyuan nodded. Wang Hua should really avoid suspicion to avoid being caught.
"Magistrate Shao."
"The official is here!"
"You should answer the front office now and try the case in accordance with the law without any mistakes! As for your crime today, people from the official department will naturally come to evaluate it. By the way, you will return the stolen money yourself afterwards."
Shao Jie felt happy when he heard this. Although he was suspected of corruption and perverting the law today, it did not cause any irreparable consequences. Yang Qingyuan said that it was the Ministry of Personnel who came to investigate, not the Metropolitan Procuratorate, which showed that there was still room for this matter, and at most it was That's dismissal.
"I respectfully obey Jun's order!"
After saying that, Shao Jie hurried to the front office.
The two people who stayed in the back hall also had their own thoughts.
Not long after, Wang Hua gave a wry smile and said to Yang Qingyuan, "Today, I will go back and submit a letter to the cabinet tonight to resign as acting governor of Yuezhou. During this period, I need you, the deposed envoy of Yuezhou, to act on behalf of the governor temporarily!"
Yang Qingyuan nodded, "Brother Wang, don't worry, I can save it."
In Yang Qingyuan's eyes, these are actually not big things. What is really serious is the meaning behind today's incident.
If today he and Wang Hua were not Shao Jie's superiors, but just two scholars who were familiar with the laws of Dazhou, what would be the outcome of this case? !
Ultimately, this is the difference between rule of man and rule of law.
What convinced Shao Jie today was not the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but the power in his and Wang Hua's hands.
This is the most ironic thing. It is not the laws of the Zhou Dynasty that suppress the arbitrary power, but greater power.
If one day, there is a problem with this greater power, then who should restrict it? !
This is the biggest shortcoming of the rule of man compared to the rule of law. No one can guarantee that he will never be selfish and greedy.
The management of officialdom cannot rely on the country's decrees and trends at a certain time, nor can it rely on a few imperial missions to inspect the local area.
Although the people will cheer when the imperial envoys inspect local areas to investigate and deal with corrupt officials, the problems behind them are already extremely serious.
The local government cannot restrict the abuse of official power, so it can only rely on imperial envoys to inspect? !
Yang Qingyuan wants to innovate, but doesn’t know where to start. The real rule of law cannot be achieved by just wanting to innovate.
Even thousands of years later, we are still marching on the road of rule of law.
There is a long way to go!
-----------------------
Yuzhou, Shaoshi Mountain.
Shaolin Temple, the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism, is home to many masters.
Although Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Zen Temple are famous, the one with the deepest Buddhist heritage is the Shaolin Zen Temple.
The Sutra Collection Pavilion is a place where Shaolin Temple lectures and stores sutras. On weekdays, an old monk in gray robe is responsible for cleaning. But today, the old monk in gray robe did not hold a broom. Instead, he sat on the ground and chanted sutras. .
"That's why Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has great compassion and rescues all sentient beings who are suffering from sins and is reborn in the world of humans and gods, so that they can enjoy wonderful happiness. These sinners know the suffering of their karma and are free from it, never to experience it again..."
The former Shaolin abbot Du Ru walked into the Sutra Pavilion.
"Uncle Master, why are you reciting Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Original Vow Sutra?"
The old monk stopped reciting, opened his eyes slightly, and looked toward the southeast.
"There was an old friend who passed away today. Without him, I would not be who I am today. The old monk is alone and can only chant sutras to pray for his old friend! Help him to be reborn in bliss. For these seven days, the old monk will pray for him, Amitabha!"
After saying this, he said no more words, closed his eyes and recited the sutra.
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