Li Zongcheng originally wanted to express his "clear conscience" by suing Lin Tailai.
But he never expected that he would be sentenced to "cannot prove that he did not do it."
If this "ambiguous" verdict has spread, doesn't it make others more inclined to think that he did it?
The sky outside became overcast and the light in the courtroom was a bit dark. Li Zongcheng suppressed his anger and pointed at Lin Tai and said:
"Lin Tailai has clearly admitted just now that he directed and acted in the incident! Why do you still need to prove your innocence down below?"
Wang Shizhen had already entered the state and answered fluently: "Even if Lin Tailai admits it personally, does it have to be the truth?
So circumstantial evidence is still needed, such as asking you to prove your innocence. "
Li Zongcheng had nothing to say and could only leave angrily!
But Lin Tailai did not leave, he just watched Li Zongcheng off, and then he said to Wang Shizhen: "Old leader, since..."
Wang Shizhen shouted: "In the court, please call me an official!"
Lin Tailai adjusted his title in a good-natured manner: "Young Secretary Kou, since I have come to the Criminal Department today, you might as well clear up other cases related to me.
For example, the case filed by the Xi family can be interrogated now, saving me from having to run errands back and forth for this matter in the future. "
How could Wang Shizhen want to let Lin Tailai take it easy? "You stand down today and go back and wait! When the case is heard, you will naturally be summoned!"
The Criminal Department is located outside Taipingmen in the north of the city and by Xuanwu Lake. The location is quite remote.
The West Garden of Zhongshan Prince's Mansion is in the center of the main city. It takes an hour to walk one way to the Ministry of Justice, and two hours to go back and forth.
The case was tried five or six times in court, and it would take ten hours just on the way back and forth, which would torture Lin Tailai to death!
Lin Tailai advised with good intentions: "The fact that Shao Si Kou colluded with the Xi family has not spread yet, so it will not have much impact on Shao Si Kou Qian.
It’s okay to delay the review, but if it continues to be delayed, the matter will gradually spread, especially since Shao Sikou is from Suzhou Prefecture!
Therefore, it is best for Shao Sikou to cut through the mess quickly and cut it off when necessary, so as to minimize the impact. "
Wang Shizhen's face immediately turned dark again. What does colluding with the Xi family mean? Can you, Lin Tailai, be more direct?
At this moment, a clerk hurriedly walked into the courtroom holding a pile of documents.
Then he held up a large stack of documents in his hand and reported: "Governor Wei of Suzhou arrested the old lady of the Xi family in Dongting Xishan, and six other members of the Xi family!
Investigate their crimes of inciting public opinion, gathering people to cause trouble, bullying the market, manipulating local areas, and blocking Jieyuan!
The preliminary case file is now reported to the Ministry of Justice for review by the Young Master! "
Damn it! Lin Tailai was also surprised. When the governor faced a desperate situation, he acted resolutely to protect himself!
This direct betrayal of the person, and the backhand of the ruthless arrest by his ally Xi Jiada, made official Lin feel ashamed.
Governor Wei probably knew that he could not keep his official position and that he would have no future with the Xi family, so he ruthlessly cut off the Xi family completely in order to retire peacefully.
Lin Tailai couldn't help but point to the newly delivered case file and said: "Shao Sikou, look at others, and then look at yourself, the gap is clear at a glance.
Others have already taken action, but you, Shao Sikou, are still dawdling.
When others have dumped the blame for the Xi family and only Shao Sikou is left, who will take the blame if you don't? "
Wang Shizhen's face was as dark as ink, and she was holding back a lot of anger but had nowhere to express it.
He could only shake his head and ask: "Lin Tailai! The Xi family is accusing you of framing Xi Siwei, Xi Sicheng and others, and of plundering in Mudu Town, Nanhao Street and other places. Can you admit it?"
Lin Tailai immediately denied it and said: "I have never done anything to frame others!"
Then he added: "The crimes of the Xi family are obvious. There are three major and six minor crimes. Why do they need to frame them? First"
Wang Shizhen said coldly: "Shut up! I have finished asking questions, you can go!"
Lin Tailai: "."
Although the result was this, was the process a bit too hasty? Just asked if he wanted to recruit someone, and then it was gone?
Before leaving, Lin Tailai said to Wang Shizhen: "I have met Shao Sikou many times, and I don't know whether to say something or not."
Wang Shizhen said without hesitation: "No need to say anything! Back off quickly, or you will be punished for disturbing the court!"
Originally, Senior Official Lin had a piece of advice that was hard to hear but he wanted to say it sincerely - Mr. Wang Yanzhou, you are really not suitable for being an official, so you should become the leader of the literary world!
It's a pity that Wang Shizhen didn't want to listen, so Lin Daguan could only hold back these words.
After coming out of the Criminal Department, the general of Wei Guogong who was responsible for "custodying" Lin Tailai asked: "Want to go back?"
Lin Tailai turned around and walked next door to the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Governor Wei turned against the Xi family, indicating that the matter had reached a critical moment and he would go to the Metropolitan Procuratorate again today!
Everyone was shocked. Lin Jieyuan had been avoiding Hai Rui for fear of being tricked by Hai Qingtian. How dare he take the initiative to send him to his door today?
During working hours, as long as Hai Rui wasn't out patrolling, he would be in the courtroom.
Lin Tai came to the gate of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and reported his request to see Hai Rui. He was immediately taken in.
Everyone knows that Hai Qingtian has been dealing with Lin Tailai's affairs recently, and no one dares to stop him.
Hai Rui was looking through the thick investigation files carefully, not missing every detail, but he still couldn't find a way to take advantage of Lin Tailai.
When Lin Tailai asked for a meeting, he called people in and asked, "What? Has your conscience found out?"
Lin Tailai said hurriedly: "After my research and judgment, Governor Wei must have impeached himself to the court and resigned!"
Hai Rui was not surprised that Governor Wei resigned in a self-protective manner, but what he was surprised about was how did Lin Tailai know that Governor Wei had already done so?
Then he asked doubtfully: "How did you judge?"
Lin Tailai told what he saw and heard in the Ministry of Punishment, and said: "Governor Wei must have used a two-pronged approach, killing the Xi family while at the same time impeaching the court and resigning!
Only in this way can we protect ourselves, return home safely, and avoid being exiled from the army! "
After Hai Rui understood, he said casually: "Then what are you so anxious about?"
Lin Tailai said: "Now that the autumn grain is coming, the tax collection in Jiangnan is greater than the sky!
After the imperial court approved Governor Wei's resignation, he must send the governor nearby so that he could rush to Suzhou immediately!
Therefore, it is probably necessary to select people from Nanjing city, and Nanjing should recommend candidates. "
Hai Rui still didn't understand, "Then what?"
Lin Tailai replied: "I'm here today to discuss with the boss in advance who should be recommended as the new governor of Jiangnan."
Hai Rui looked at Lin Tailai and was speechless for a long time. "Are you sure? Are we two negotiating? Do you have the qualifications?"
Lin Tailai explained: "The boss has not reported the final conclusion to the court, so the court is not sure which minister in Nanjing is innocent.
As an imperial envoy, the court will definitely seek your opinion! Don’t worry about not being qualified! "
Hai Qingtian took a breath, forced himself to stay calm, and asked: "What is your title? What is your current position?"
Lin Tailai replied with some hesitation: "Wuke Jieyuan. The chief official of Mudu Port Branch of Xushuguan."
Hai Qingtian finally couldn't bear it and scolded: "Then the matter of recommending a governor, what does it have to do with you, a customs official?"
Lin Tailai responded with his head held high: "Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world!"
Hai Rui: "."
When I heard those words from Lin Tailai, I wanted to hit him.
He couldn't help but shouted: "You simply ignore the superiority and inferiority and interfere in the election of ministers without authorization!
If it weren't for an extraordinary period, based on what you just said, you should have been given at least twenty punishments! "
Now that Lin Tailai has the aura of "Suzhou Hero", Hai Rui really doesn't dare to fight him.
Lin Tailai said very sincerely: "There are no outsiders here, let me say a few heartfelt words.
Anyway, you will need to refer to my opinion in the end, so why waste too much time on the process?
So everyone, be sincere and go straight to the results! "
"Get lost!" Hai Rui drove Lin Tailai away without any courtesy. Who do you think you are?
After coming out of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Lin Tailai looked calm and was not angry at being rejected by Hai Rui.
He only said to the generals of Wei Guogong around him: "Go to the Suzhou City Fellowship Hall. I will treat the fellows to a drink tonight!"
Everyone didn't know what to say. Anyway, they never understood Lin Tailai's behavior.
The next day, as soon as Hai Rui arrived at the court, he received an order from the court, ordering him to meet with Duke Wei, the Minister of War and the Ministry of Personnel of Nanjing to quickly recommend the candidate for governor of Jiangnan, and the scope of the candidate was limited to Nanjing.
Hai Rui thought of Lin Tailai's "prophecy" yesterday and couldn't help but be secretly frightened.
Lin Tailai had guessed the next evolution of the situation. This boy's sense of smell was so terrifying!
The matter was urgent, so Hai Qingtian did not waste any time and sent someone directly to send a message to Wang Lin, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and Qiu Li, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and arranged to meet at the Zhongshan Palace tomorrow to discuss the election of the governor of Jiangnan.
Hai Rui was of the same rank as Wang Lin and Qiu Li, so it was inappropriate to meet him either at the Metropolitan Procuratorate or at the Ministry of War.
Therefore, the place could only be set at the Duke of Wei's house. After all, the Duke of Wei had the highest rank in name, and it would not be shameful for a second-rank minister to go to the Duke's house.
After Hai Qingtian arranged everything, for some reason, Lin Tailai's figure flashed in his mind.
Based on his understanding of Lin Tailai, this person seems to rarely brag about major events. This time he said that he would participate in the election of the governor.
I really think too much! This person has no qualifications at all, so why should he participate?
The next day, two imperial envoys, Hai Rui, the censor of Youdu, and Xu Bangrui, Duke of Wei, met with Wang Lin, the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, and Qiu Li, the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Nanjing.
This time, Hai Rui took the lead in the discussion. After all, Hai Rui was the imperial envoy and played a leading role.
After half an hour, the four people discussed the suitable candidate, who was Song Hao, who was the right minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs in Nanjing at the time.
The most important task of the Jiangnan governor at present is the collection of money and grain, so sending an official from the Ministry of Household Affairs there can be regarded as a professional counterpart.
After that, the three ministers, Hai Rui, Wang Lin, and Qiu Li, left the Zhongshan Palace. But as soon as they reached the gate, they saw an extremely majestic man blocking the gate.
No need to ask for his name, everyone knows him, so who can this Lin Jieyuan be if he is not a man of the hour?
No one spoke, they just looked at Lin Tailai quietly. They all knew that something was definitely going to happen to Lin Tailai.
Lin Tailai was seen holding up a roll of white cloth with both hands and loudly saying: "Hundreds of Su people joined the petition in tears, begging Hai Qingtian to be re-appointed as governor of Jiangnan!"
Hai Rui: "."
He repeatedly deduced last night, guessing what means Lin Tailai would use to participate in the election of governor, or from which angle he would force his way in?
He even imagined eighteen possibilities, but he still didn't expect that Lin Tailai would do this!
Then I heard Lin Daguan say loudly: "Now that the current situation is turbulent, all the people in Suzhou only recognize and believe in Hai Qingtian!"
In terms of language and gestures, Lin Daguanren's performance was flawless. Isn’t this the usual way of giving umbrellas and plaques to officials?
Hai Rui angrily shouted: "How dare you represent the people of Suzhou?"
Lin Tailai raised the white cloth and replied: "I have the signatures of more than a hundred people from Suzhou City! If it is too few, you can find more!"
My fellow villagers entrusted me to petition, so why can’t I represent the people of Suzhou? "
Others around him pretended to be deaf and didn't say anything because Lin Tailai had been praising Hai Rui. How could they refute him? If he refutes Lin Tailai, will it accidentally hurt Hai Rui?
Only Hai Rui continued to scold without any scruples: "The imperial court has its own rules for employing people, and you and the like are not allowed to talk to each other privately! Get out of here!"
Then Hai Rui didn't wait for Lin Tailai to say anything else, turned around and got on the sedan, leaving Lin Tailai behind and left the scene.
You, Lin Tailai, can act however you want. If you want to interfere in the selection of governor, there is no way!
But Lin Tailai didn't mind Hai Rui's attitude. He put away the white cloth full of signatures and headed towards the east of the city.
Except for the Criminal Department, the five departments are all located in the east of the city, on the Imperial City side.
Then in the afternoon, Hai Rui, who was sitting in the court office, received a letter from Song Qi, the right minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs of Nanjing, who was to be elected governor.
In the letter, Song Qi used a thousand words to express his gratitude for being elected as the governor of Jiangnan, but in the end he declined the recommendation with one sentence.
Hai Qingtian felt something was wrong and quickly sent someone to inquire.
It is reported that Lin Tailai took public opinion to the Ministry of Household Affairs to meet with Song Hui, and then asked Song Hui two questions.
"How are you compared to Hai Qingtian, whom the public calls for?"
"Can you quickly quell the tax protest that has spread throughout Suzhou without public support?"
Both of these questions touched the soul. After thinking about it, Song Qi wrote to Hai Qingtian to decline the recommendation.
Looking at Song Qi's letter, Hai Rui fell into deep thought. He was thinking about the follow-up matters.
Song Qi flinched when Lin Tailai questioned him, so what about someone else? I'm afraid it will be the same!
Many people in the officialdom are calculating people, and they know the gains and losses very well!
Now Lin Tailai depends on public opinion. Without the support of public opinion, how can he do a good job after taking office? Not to mention the current position of governor of Jiangnan, the pressure is too great!
If you choose a person and are ruined by Lin Tailai just once, then in the end, don't you have to choose according to Lin Tailai's wishes?
Hai Rui also remembered that Lin Tailai seemed to have said: "In the end, you have to refer to my opinion anyway, so why waste too much time on the process? So let's go straight to the result!"
At the time, I thought it was just bragging, but now I realize that there is a real reason for being too arrogant.
I haven’t asked for monthly votes these days, so why am I the only one who has dropped down the rankings? Please continue to support us!
(End of chapter)
