Chapter 054 Huaian Caogang V
Taoyuan County, Huai'an Prefecture
Around the entire canal, as long as there are counties adjacent to the canal, there are few poor people. The same is true for Taoyuan County, because there are docks next to the canal, and the people's livelihood and commerce in the county are relatively developed.
Zhao Tianlin led a Qianhu Office under his command to Taoyuan County. He first pretended to survey the scene with the cooperation of Jin Yiwei, and then informed the local inspection department and the county government of the situation.
Zhao Tianlin's confidant Qianhu Zhao Wuji had just returned to the temporary camp with his team of scouts: "Sir, there is a depression thirty miles north of the county. The mountains behind the depression are the lairs of thieves and tigers who steal fields."
Since Zhao Tianlin was recruited, he has acquired the aura of an official, mostly due to his many years of experience as a pirate leader: "There is no action on Taoyuan?"
Zhao Wuji handed over his hand: "There is no guard station in the local area. There are only more than two hundred people from the Taoyuan Inspection Department. However, these people only have swords and guns, and only six sets of bows and arrows. Moreover, they are in disrepair. Tian Laohu came to visit this group of people." It can only be used as a shock. If a fight breaks out, the Inspection Department will be just a decoration."
Zhao Tianlin tapped his hands on the desk, and then said: "Your Majesty means that this group of thieves must be wiped out. It is best to capture Tian Laohu himself, which will be of great help to this plan."
Zhao Wuji showed a trace of dissatisfaction: "We just robbed a Japanese merchant ship a year ago to collect one million taels of silver, and we just came back to suppress the horse thieves. Sir, this..."
Zhao Tianlin waved his hand: "Mr. Chen will be a person who will do great things in the future. If there is no official in the family, you have to change from me. Don't have such alien intentions in the future, otherwise it will be detrimental to me."
Zhao Wuji nodded: "My subordinates understand. Your future promotion will depend on Master Chen."
Zhao Tianlin sighed: "If our Zhao family wants to prosper, we have to rely on him... Okay, immediately mobilize people to surround Tian Huhu's lair. Later, you can go to Zhang Baihu in person and ask him to lead the musketeers." Help out."
"Sir," a soldier came in: "The magistrate of Taoyuan County invites you to attend the meeting."
Taoyuan County Magistrate Huang Ming, County Magistrate Wang Chong, Envoy Wang Li, Inspection Department Inspector Qin Wen and other Taoyuan County officials as well as some wealthy gentry hosted a banquet for Zhao Tianlin at a high-end restaurant in the county.
After drinking for three rounds, Qin Wen was the first to speak: "Master Zhao, I wonder if you are here to attack Tian Hu?"
Zhao Tianlin had the order from Zhao Xin and knew a thing or two about the local situation in Taoyuan, so he said: "I came here this time really because of Tian Hu's matter. The summer grain was robbed in your Taoyuan County, and you, Taoyuan, can't escape." Related."
The originally pleasant scene suddenly lost its atmosphere when Zhao Tianlin said that Huang Ming didn't know the crux of the matter, but he knew the inside story. Tian Laohu had not robbed Xia Liang at all. Xia Liang was robbed by others: "Zhao Sir, I am not afraid of getting into trouble, but the robbery of summer grain this time has nothing to do with my Taoyuan."
Zhao Tianlin held up his hand and said, "Sir Huang, I am only here to suppress the bandits. I will not ask any questions about other matters. If there is anything you don't understand, please go to Huai'an Fucheng to explain it to you, Mr. Huang."
"I really want to go to Fucheng, I will leave tomorrow, but I hope Mr. Zhao can show his respect this time." Wang Li took the words and looked at Wang Chong beside him.
Wang Chong smiled awkwardly, then clapped his hands. From time to time, a group of government servants came in, carrying several large boxes: "Master Zhao, don't be offended. These things are the hard-earned money of the gentry here given to Master Zhao."
The box was opened, and it was full of silver. There were also a lot of banknotes on it, about ten thousand taels.
It's not that Zhao Tianlin doesn't like money, but for official career, money is really of little use. Besides, he has been a pirate for so many years, so he still has some family background: "I see, I know what you want to do today. , I'm sorry, I can't bear these things. Besides, the encirclement and suppression of Tianhu this time was ordered by the Duke of Wei. No one dares to benefit from it. If you have something to say, please tell it to me. Officer, please listen. If it is useful, I will convey it back. If it is not, then please pray for yourselves. I have something to do in the army, so I will leave first."
"Hey... Mr. Zhao... Mr. Zhao..." Huang Ming shouted several times to no avail. Seeing Zhao Tianlin leave,
"Sir, what should we do this time?" Wang Chong looked frustrated.
Huang Ming took a sip of wine, and then exhaled: "This time the matter is over. Xia Liang has been robbed. I will be guilty of dereliction of duty. Demotion and transfer to a remote area are the best results. The worst is that I will go to Fucheng." Dismiss your official position and go home to take care of yourself."
Everyone present looked grim, even Huang Ming himself had told his ending, so what chance did they have?
Qin Wen was the most nervous: "Sir, do you mean you have to die this time?"
Huang Ming felt a lot more comfortable: "I have already said my fate. The fate of Wang Xiancheng and Wang Dianshi will not be much better. The officials will not be able to do it. As for your Qin inspection," Huang Ming shook his head: " Once the matter is exposed, you must confiscate your family and exterminate your family."
"Ah..." Qin Wen softened immediately. If someone next to him was holding him, he might slip under the table.
"Sir, please think of a way. We can't just sit back and wait for death." Wang Li said anxiously.
Huang Ming remained silent, and after a long time he made up his mind and said, "When I go to Fucheng tomorrow, I will figure it out."
...
two days later
"Sir," Zhao Xin walked into the hall quickly: "Sir, Zhao Tianlin sent a message over there, saying that Tian Huhu's camp has been broken through, and Tian Huhu himself and many thieves have been captured alive."
Chen Cao took the official document and asked, "I remember that the magistrate of Taoyuan County came to Fucheng a few days ago."
Zhao Xin nodded: "Yes, he went straight to the prefect's Yamen, and then stayed at the inn." Zhao Xin lowered his head and said, "It is reported that Tian Laohu has contacts with officials from top to bottom in Taoyuan County. This time, my lord, Tian Laohu has been arrested. Can pry the opening from Huang Ming."
"No need to pry open..." Chen Cao waved his hand confidently: "The news has come, Huang Ming will naturally come back to me soon."
Zhao Xin was puzzled: "Huang Ming is not included in your master's plan. Why does he come to you?"
Chen Cao stood up and looked at the blue sky outside: "If you want to survive, but the people behind you want to use you as a backstop, what should you do?"
Xin Zhao thought carefully and said: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"Okay..." Chen Cao smiled slightly: "I am his friend."
"Sir..." Xu Kaixian walked quickly,
Chen Cao pointed and smiled: "Say Cao Cao and Cao Cao will come."
Xu Kaixian handed over his hand: "Huang Ming, the magistrate of Taoyuan County, and Qin Wen, the local inspector, were outside the gate and asked to see you, sir. They said they had a secret report to Jin Yiwei."
Chen Cao raised the corners of his mouth: "Call in."
Huang Ming came to Fucheng and inquired for a long time before he found out that Chen Cao was personally involved this time, and that Wei Guogong was still sitting in the Water Transport General Army Yamen. After weighing the balance, he came up with a plan.
"Huang Ming, magistrate of Taoyuan County, pays homage to Mr. Chen Cao, the Imperial Guard." Huang Ming respectfully bowed to Chen Cao in accordance with official etiquette.
Chen Cao sat on the main seat with a golden sword and enthusiastically handed over his hands: "Master Huang, you are so polite. Come, please take a seat..."
"I don't dare..." Huang Ming declined politely: "I don't want to hide it either. I came here this time to ask Mr. Chen for help."
Chen Cao originally wanted to have a fight with Huang Mingxu, but he didn't know that this guy pointed out the topic as soon as he came up and didn't go around the literati's trap at all: "It's okay, I don't want to have any confrontation with Mr. Huang, since Mr. Huang found me to save his life, so I have to see what confidential information Mr. Huang can tell me about Jin Yiwei, otherwise, I will not be able to measure the rewards and punishments based on merit."
"Xiaguan knows," Huang Ming handed over his hand: "But this matter has involved Xiaguan's wealth and life, so I have to ask Mr. Chen for help. Xiaguan and Mr. Chen have nothing to do with each other, but for the sake of the saint, please save him. Your Majesty..."
"Sit..." Chen Cao didn't like talking to people standing up, and then asked Zhao Xin to serve tea: "The person serving you tea is Zhao Xin, the governor of Nanzhen Fusi."
The governor personally served tea to Emperor Yongle, who was certain to die. Huang Ming quickly stood up and saluted Zhao Xin before taking his seat.
Chen Cao asked: "Master Huang, you can say whatever you have to say, but you must know that if you enter Chen Cao's camp today and leave the next day, your reputation in Shilin will be ruined, and Huai'an Mansion will be ruined." I can’t stay any longer, so I have to find another place.”
"It's from Xiaguan Province." Huang Ming lowered his head and held his hands.
Chen Cao nodded, and then asked: "In that case, let's get started. Master Huang, just tell me what you know."
"Your Majesty, please ask." Huang Ming handed over his hand.
Oops...
Chen Cao thought that Huang Ming knew some of the pros and cons at most, but he didn't expect the old boy to speak like this. He must have had a lot of shocking information, so he smiled and asked first: "How is the relationship between your Taoyuan County and Tian Laohu?"
Huang Ming did not hide anything, and answered honestly: "I dare not deceive you, sir. Tian Laohu is stationed in Taoyuan County as the local overlord. It is the tacit approval of the county."
"Hmm..." Chen Cao's guess was correct, and then he asked: "But it was authorized by the prefect of Huai'an."
Huang Ming nodded: "Prefect Liao is just one of them. Tian Huhu's existence has nothing to do with our Taoyuan County. Even if the imperial court encircles and suppresses it, it is not our Taoyuan County's business, but the water transportation general's Yamen and Huai'an Prefecture's Dahe Guard. "
"I understand what you mean," Chen Cao took a deep breath: "The existence of Tian Hu is just an excuse for them to ask for money?"
"Your Excellency, you are aware of this," Huang Ming nodded: "The Arita tiger is stuck in Taoyuan County, and all passing merchant ships have to pay taxes, which is the protection fee that market gangsters often use as an excuse, and..."
"Okay," Chen Cao interrupted him: "It's useless to say more. I only need to know that Dahewei and the General Military Office colluded with thieves and robbers. Mr. Huang, do you dare to sign and sign?"
"Xiaguan has already made full preparations when he comes here. I just ask your Majesty to tell me what to do. My request is also to ask your Majesty to protect me." Huang Ming nodded.
"Okay..." Chen Cao turned to stare at Xin Zhao: "Bring a pen and paper..."
Chen Cao watched Huang Ming write what he had done, then signed and stamped it, and said: "Since Mr. Huang has written this, I promise to keep you safe. Mr. Huang, don't be afraid when you testify in court in the future. ." He stared at Zhao Xin and said: "Ask Xu Kai to go to Taoyuan County in person first and send Jin Yiwei to protect the safety of Mr. Huang's family."
"yes..."
"I thank you, sir..." Huang Ming said and bowed again.
"If the summer grain hadn't been robbed for no reason this time, nothing would have happened to you in colluding with the thieves. Even if nothing happened to Tian Laohu, you would still be responsible for the summer grain being robbed in your Taoyuan County. Dereliction of duty is inevitable," Chen Cao Keep his confession safe: "But if something happens to Tiger Tian, you will not be as simple as dereliction of duty. Collusion with thieves is a serious crime. You are an official. If you know the law and break the law, you will get a one-level penalty. If you don't kill me, Chen Cao's name is upside down." Write."
Huang Ming was shocked. It turned out that Jin Yiwei knew everything about him.
Chen Cao added: "This matter is complicated. Your Taoyuan County officials will have the navy stationed permanently and have the Jinyi Guards guarding it day and night. Don't worry, as long as the Jinyi Guards protect you, nothing will happen to you."
"Thank you, Sir..." Huang Ming handed over his hand: "Your Excellency, you know everything about this matter. Do you have a complete plan?"
Of course Chen Cao couldn't tell the truth, so he said: "Don't forget, I, Chen Cao, am an eunuch..."
...
The imperial edict soon arrived in Huai'an. The person who received the edict was led by Wei Guogong. The meaning was very clear. Wei Guogong was solely responsible for the robbery of Xia grain, and all relevant personnel involved were subject to his exclusive authority.
In the afternoon after receiving the order, Chen Cao took Tian Laohu to Xu Hongji's camp, and then told Xu Hongji everything. Xu Hongji was furious and ordered Chen Cao to personally arrest the water transport commander Wang Yiqing and the Dahe Guard commander and others. Because the matter involved civil servants, Xu Hongji sent someone eight hundred miles away to deliver the letter to the capital.
When Wang Yiqing was arrested, Yang Yipeng was frightened, but he had a big shot behind him, and he would not admit defeat unless he had to.
"You mean the officials in Huai'an are more or less aware of the existence of horse thieves?" Xu Hongji frowned.
Chen Cao had just returned from work, and then nodded: "My lord, there are only two of us here, and I won't hide it from my family. My lord also knows the cause of this incident, but the key is to discuss the matter with the governor of water transportation with everyone in the court." The fight for this position, in other words, can be said to be a contest between the Donglin Party and the Eunuch Party.”
Xu Hongji is a warrior lord and cannot be attached to the eunuchs. However, Chen Cao is an out-and-out eunuch. As the master, he will certainly not be able to escape the relationship: "What about you?"
Chen Cao said with a smile: "My disciple has been designated as an eunuch, and it is impossible to escape no matter how hard he tries. Moreover, this time it was just to save people, but there are so many things involved. Now it is difficult to escape even if you want to."
"You..." Xu Hongji actually showed an expression of hatred for iron and steel: "Are you willing to degenerate?"
Chen Cao shook his head: "Attachment to the eunuchs is only temporary, otherwise there will be no way out. Master, this matter must be big, otherwise not only will the Weng family and his daughter not be saved, but we will all be involved."
"You mean I'm still on your pirate ship but can't I get off?" Xu Hongji asked.
Chen Cao smiled awkwardly: "Don't worry, sir, I have my disciples here. After this matter is settled, not only will there be nothing, but there will also be a lot of money to be made. We just need to wait for someone from the court to come."
