"Officer, you can go there with some dignity, but is it necessary?"
"Not to mention our family's high position and power, we are also a famous family in Yingtian Mansion. Zheng Xiong is a new rising star. Even if he has the title of Marquis, he can be regarded as a junior."
"To pay a humble visit is to worry a junior and let people spread the news. It will be a loss of reputation!"
Liu Qian continued to smile bitterly and explained a few words to his wife so that she would not have any psychological burden.
"It's troublesome for young people like this to be in high positions."
"First, you don't know what he likes and what his weaknesses are, so you have no way of starting."
"Second, in their eyes, right and wrong are clearly defined, and they don't understand the difference between them. If they enforce the law impartially and convict my second brother severely, it will be too late to think of a solution by then."
"Thirdly, in the final analysis, it fell into his hands. If the matter becomes serious, it will be difficult for His Majesty to explain it."
"So, madam, you'd better take a trip!"
After hearing the explanation, although Liu Qian's wife was still a little reluctant, she had no words to refute and nodded.
Here, Liu Qian is making preparations for his second brother.
On the other side, Zheng Xiong's temporary operation was completed and he returned home.
The errand boy learned about Zheng Xiong's situation and quickly passed the news back.
Liu Qian learned that Zheng Xiong had returned home and quickly made arrangements.
There is a lot that can be done in one night.
In addition to finding someone to take the blame, he also found someone to deal with the aftermath of the gambling house, and sent someone to the prison to reconcile with Liu Xia.
After all, Zheng Xiong is the newly appointed governor. Yingtian Mansion has not been built into a solid stone, but it is still leaking after all.
Looking at Liu Qian's arrangement now, everything is going well, and there is only a little left. Big things are reduced to small things. If the small things can be reduced, it will be perfect.
The next day, in Yingtian Mansion, Zheng Xiong went to work as usual.
There was nothing he could do without money, so Zheng Xiong continued to deal with everyone in the gambling house yesterday to find some fun in his life.
The position of Tongpan was replaced by Zheng Xiong, and he casually read the laws and regulations copied by Tongpan.
The laws and orders were all the same, and Zheng Xiong just vented his dissatisfaction, without too much fussing over the words, and let go of the general sentence.
"I'll let you go this time, but there won't be a next time, you know?"
When the judge saw Zheng Xiong's behavior, he expressed his attitude with a heart in his heart.
"Don't worry, sir, I will keep this in mind."
Zheng Xiong said "hmm" and then turned his attention to yesterday's case. As the gavel was taken, Zheng Xiong spoke slowly.
"Ascend to the throne room and lead people to commit crimes."
"Sir, who are you bringing? There are too many people to catch the gamblers, and we can't fit them here."
Zheng Xiong followed the good deeds and replied.
"Then let's come one by one! The cause is a dispute caused by gambling. Bring Liu Bucheng and Hao Dali first."
"As commanded."
After a while, Hao Dali and Liu Bucheng were brought in front of Zheng Xiong. They drank "weiwei" from left to right. After saying these two words, the cleanup was completed and the trial officially began.
"One of you borrowed money and the other has no money to pay back. It's both because the interest rate is too high."
"In this case, the interest rate is obviously too high. It has more than doubled in just a few days. Judge Tong, how should this kind of interest rate be punished according to the law?"
Tong San was quite familiar with the laws and regulations and told Zheng Xiong the laws and regulations.
"Sir, the sermon requires that "from now on when lending money, the interest shall not exceed two or three cents." "
"The Ming Law stipulates: "Anyone who privately lends money, debts, or pawns property may not earn more than three-thirds of the monthly interest. Although there are many years and months, it is only one profit for each dollar. Anyone who violates the law will be flogged forty, and the remaining profits will be used to calculate the stolen goods. In serious cases, the stolen goods will be stolen." When it comes to crime, there is a hundred sticks to stop it.”
"One profit, one profit" means the interest rate is 100%. The edicts of various periods and the local governments at all levels in handling debt cases and formulating relevant policies basically follow this upper limit and the total amount of interest.
Regarding "interest upon interest" (i.e. compound interest), ancient laws generally prohibited this.
In the Ming Dynasty, "Although there are many years and months,
, but "one profit per capital", which means that the upper limit of the total amount of interest is 100% of the principal.
Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty also requested that "if any year expires and the counting continues", he must be punished.
"Is that so? The monthly interest rate in this case has doubled, so let's beat him forty first!"
"now?"
Faced with the judge's question, Zheng Xiong asked calmly.
"What do you think? Of course now, let me know what you think."
Although Zheng Xiong's tone was calm, with a hint of discussion, Tong San did not dare to get into trouble with Zheng Xiong again.
"No, I have no idea, I will obey the order."
The words in the hall reached the ears of the two people in the hall without missing a beat.
Forty boards is not an easy thing to endure. Zheng Xiong came up without asking any questions and was punished directly. Who can bear it?
Liu Bucheng didn't care about anything else and immediately started to defend himself.
"My lord, I am wronged. The money I borrowed that day was between you and me. It is recorded in black and white. Even if there is something wrong, for my uncle's sake, please be merciful and put it in the next number."
They are quarreling over the tiger's skin again, fighting for father and relationship.
But in front of Zheng Xiong, this method won't work.
After all, a lot of people have been offended, so one more person doesn't matter.
"It's your business whether you like me or not. It's none of my business. If your interest rate is high, you will be spanked. Stick your butt out, be good."
"Come here, execution."
There seemed to be some discussion, but it was of no use at all, leaving only screams echoing in the courtroom.
After a while, the execution was completed.
Liu Bucheng, on the other hand, took in too much air but didn't let out too much, and his voice became hoarse.
"Liu Bucheng, you may be convinced by my sentence. If you are not convinced, tell me and let me hear it."
Are you still speaking in human language? Even if you are beaten, what does it matter whether you obey or not?
Liu Bucheng just wanted to finish the work as soon as possible and go home to recuperate early, and followed Zheng Xiong's words and said hoarsely.
"I'm convinced. I accept my punishment. Now that the execution is over, can I go back to recover from my injuries?"
Zheng Xiong chuckled.
"Don't worry, you need to know what you're using the money for when you borrow it. Tell me first and I know. We'll talk about it later when we go back."
These words were completely out of Liu Bucheng's consideration, and he didn't know the relationship between them, which made him a little confused.
Hao Dali felt relieved when he saw Liu Bucheng's miserable condition. Hearing Zheng Xiong's question, he spoke first.
"Sir, I borrowed it from a gambling house. I just wanted to get the original copy. He knows about it."
Liu Bucheng also had a bad premonition at this time.
It was even worse for Hao Dali to step forward. Liu Buli immediately shouted at Hao Dali.
"Don't talk nonsense. I don't know what you will do if you borrow money. Your father is Qianhu, so I will lend you money if I trust you. Otherwise, why should I lend you money if we don't know each other."
Hao Dali was not stupid. Since he asked this, there must be a reason. It would be better if Liu Bucheng could suffer a little more, so he said immediately.
"Many people in the gambling house saw it that day. If you don't believe me, you can summon everyone to confront me to prove that what I am saying is true."
Hao Dali's words left Liu Qian speechless.
With witnesses, no matter how much you say, it will be in vain. You can only shut up and ask Zheng Xiong not to use the topic to get angry.
Zheng Xiong smiled secretly in his heart, but asked as usual.
"If there are witnesses, please name a few people and write down their addresses, and I will call them for questioning."
"My neighbors are Li Dong, Chen Sheng, and several others. I'll write down a list, and you can ask."
"Come here, give Hao Dali a pen and paper."
Soon, a list of names appeared on Zheng Xiong's desk. After a cursory glance, Zheng Xiong ordered the general judge.
"Go and ask a few people on the list for questioning."
"Yes, my lord."
"The rest of you should take a rest first. Let's go to the pharmacy to hire some doctors to treat Mr. Liu's injuries."
"As commanded."
Zheng Xiong is a mystery
The operation is confusing.
For example, even if you beat someone, you won't let them go, but you will find a doctor to look at their injuries.
Say you are rigorous! The words used by others to defend are useless at all, let’s just say they are not rigorous! Now I have gone out of my way to summon a few witnesses.
Anyway, I just can’t understand it.
The doctor arrived first and saluted Zheng Xiong before looking at Liu Bucheng's butt.
It is strange to say that after Zheng Xiong was promoted to Yingtianfu Prefecture, he still held the positions of Huimin Pharmacy and Jiaofang Department. I don’t know what the reason was.
Maybe Zheng Xiong did a good job and worked in Yingtian Mansion, so there was no need to replace him.
It may also be that Lao Zhu is short of people and sees that Zheng Xiong can still be lazy, so he adds more burdens to Zheng Xiong.
Looking around, Zheng Xiong now wears many hats, some big and some small.
After a brief diagnosis and treatment, the doctor saluted Zheng Xiong.
"Sir, these are all skin injuries, no muscles or bones were injured. Just recover for a while."
Zheng Xiong was a little surprised. It was not that he had never been hit by a board. Normally, at forty boards, his muscles and bones would be injured, but Liu Bucheng only had skin injuries.
This slap really made Zheng Xiong suspect that he was cheating.
He looked at the yamen servants with suspicious eyes, but saw that all the yamen servants lowered their heads, which further confirmed Zheng Xiong's suspicion.
Zheng Xiong couldn't help but sigh, the leakage in the government office was really serious, and the government official had a long way to go.
"Oh, figure out how much it will cost."
The doctor calculated in his mind and then gave the price.
"The ointment you applied is twenty cents~"
Without any warning, Zheng Xiong suddenly interrupted the doctor and said to himself.
"Okay, I already know the price of the ointment. Your medical skills in my pharmacy are among the best, so I can't lower it even after one visit."
"Let's do this! Erase the loose ends and make the whole thing into a whole. It's consistent."
"Liu Bucheng, do you have any objection to the price?"
When the doctor saw Zheng Xiong, he immediately made his decision. He didn't say much and acted as a tool on the side.
Liu Bucheng was confused again.
What's the situation? It's not my name.
If you see a doctor, you will see a doctor, and if you charge money, you will be paid. It can also reduce some pain for yourself, and I have no objection.
But your price is unconscionable.
It's really too much to say that the ointment costs 20 yuan, but you just open your mouth and it becomes consistent.
"Sir, is this price negotiable?"
Zheng Xiong ignored Liu Bucheng and instead looked at the Yamen servant and asked.
"Who can tell me what an ordinary person will look like after being beaten forty times?"
Despite the somewhat harsh questioning, all the government officials fell silent.
And Liu Bucheng also realized that these are friendly troops!
After all the water has been released, there can be no more accidents.
Since the problem can be solved by giving some money, Liu Bu can see that the things that can be solved with money will be solved immediately, so he immediately changes his mind.
"Sir, I have thought about it for a while, and thanks to your love, I will give you the money without any objection."
He was quite sensible. After hearing this, Zheng Xiong did not pursue the matter of the Yamen servant and said cheerfully.
"That's good. Do you think it should be done now or have someone deliver it to you?"
"Now knot."
After saying that, Liu Bucheng took something out of his pocket and took out a couple of silver coins.
"Okay, feel free."
Liu Bucheng replied with approval, Zheng Xiong then looked at the doctor and said.
"There are no doctors here for the time being. You can take the money and go back! Remember to record it in your account."
"As commanded."
In the blink of an eye, the doctor left and the witness was brought to Zheng Xiong.
"Hao Dali borrowed money that day, how many of you were there?"
"exist."
"Then I ask you, was that money borrowed for gambling?"
Several people glanced at each other, and then looked at Liu Bucheng vaguely, but he was still immersed in pain and did not respond in time.
"Sir, Hao Dali is a gambler.
Zhong borrowed the money for gambling, and his subsequent actions can also prove that he only stopped after gambling. "
Zheng Xiong nodded and then asked.
"Then what were you doing in the gambling house?"
Several people fell silent when they heard the question.
Zheng Xiong saw it and told the reason.
"Needless to say, we are gambling in a gambling house. I wonder if what I said is right?"
Several people still didn't speak, Zheng Xiong also lost his patience and ordered.
"Pull him down and lock him up with the gamblers behind him. We'll deal with them together later."
Several people did not struggle and allowed the government officials to drag them away.
Zheng Xiong continued to look at Liu Bucheng.
"The witnesses are all there, what else do you want to say?"
"There's nothing to say. I know why I borrowed the money, but I didn't break the law, right?"
"Well, the law is not written, but the purpose of borrowing money is to help people tide over difficulties, not to send people to the fire."
"In my opinion, the outcome has already been determined, so you shouldn't borrow it."
"Since I borrowed it, I'm sorry, I can't admit this loan, but you can agree."
I agree! unacceptable.
Just accept it after cheating for a tael of silver. Fifty guan is a lot of money, and no one will take it lightly.
"Sir, I don't need this interest money, but I have to pay back the fifty guan I borrowed!"
Zheng Xiong nodded.
"Indeed, if there is no usury and you are just borrowing money, even though you know it is for gambling, you should still pay the capital back to you."
"But your interest rate was too high after all. It almost drove people to a dead end and ruined their family fortune."
"Therefore, I have made the decision and the punishment is as follows."
"A loan of fifty guan is considered high interest. The principal will be confiscated and the interest on the documents will be invalid."
With a faint smile on his face and an expression of determination, Zheng Xiong pronounced the verdict.
Hearing this, Liu Bucheng struggled to his feet and said loudly with a hoarse voice.
"I don't accept it. Your Majesty is being unfair."
Zheng Xiong waved his hand, indicating to lead people down.
"If you don't accept it, you can go to Dali Temple for a retrial. We don't tolerate arrogance here. Someone, come and pull me down."
"promise."
No matter what Liu Bucheng said, he was still dragged down.
When Hao Dali saw this, he said flatteringly.
"Thank you, sir, for understanding everything and being fair. I am deeply grateful."
Zheng Xiong waved his hand, interrupting Hao Dali's gratitude.
"No need to thank you. Did you hear what I just said about the confiscation of capital?"
"heard it."
"That's good. You haven't returned it yet, so hurry up and hand it in."
"Also, if you participate in gambling, you will be punished as a gambling crime and fined ten times."
"From today onwards, stay in jail with peace of mind. When the money is paid in full, I will let you out."
"There's something else I want to tell you. The prison in Yingtian Mansion doesn't care about food. It only pays for one day. Please note it down."
I thought I had landed safely, but I didn't expect that when I arrived, I found another deep pit.
Seeing this situation, Hao Dali was speechless.
Fortunately, it is still acceptable compared to the high interest rate.
"My lord, I will accept my punishment."
