Chapter 1016
Who Should Be Blamed?
Chapter 1016 Who Should Be Blamed?
The next day.
Jiangnan Jinling City,
Outside the prefectural government office,
Many officials' carriages were parked outside, and with the addition of onlookers, it was very lively. It was lively outside, and even more lively inside. Many people were watching and whispering.
The two gentlemen who had just arrived greeted each other. They came here for the same purpose, but they were all hesitant about who would take on the case.
"Master Su has worked hard today. I will trouble you to take care of Jiangnan's affairs."
Coincidentally, since people have come, they cannot stay out of it, so Lan Jili, the Imperial Censor, took the lead in speaking and testing the waters.
The people in the government office are all involved in many things. Behind the Xinbei dike, there are countless people whose interests are at stake. If it is not handled properly, the entire Jiangnan region will be caught up in factional struggles, and there will be no benefit at all.
Su Chong stood up and shook his sleeves. Since he was here, he didn't think of hiding. Although his mentor gave him many instructions for the Jiangnan case, there was one thing he couldn't go beyond.
"Haha, oh my, Lord Lan is still so cautious. Now that he is here today, many things are clear. If the case is not difficult, why would Lord Lan come here? Su thinks that some things should be done and some things should not be done. What do you think?"
The words were ambiguous, but Lan Jili nodded.
"Yes, there are some things that should be done and some things that should not be done. Whether it should be done or not, whether it can be done or not, requires Lord Su to work together to deal with it. How do you think?"
The two of them walked across the threshold of the government office while talking. At this point, they were afraid that the case could not be handled by one person, so there was no need to test it any further.
Su Chong then cupped his hands and said;
"Since Lord Lan has invited me, how can I refuse? You and I will take over this matter. I will be your deputy and we will jointly judge this case. Lord Lan, please!"
After just a few words, Su Chong felt that he was a step behind. He did what he should do, and naturally avoided what he shouldn't do.
Even Lan Jili nodded secretly at this way of being an official.
"Well, since Lord Su has such courage, then this case will be tried by you and me together. Over at the Imperial City Division, Commander Du Yifu has sent Ning Jianshi to come with us to assist in the investigation. Please."
Pointing to Ning Jianshi who was following behind him, Su Chong bowed slightly and clasped his fists. Ning Kai bowed in return, which meant they had met.
Just like that, the three of them entered the main hall of the government office.
Once inside,
I saw that there were many officials sitting in the hall, even the governor Zhuang, who rarely showed up, was there. It looked quite lively.
"Master Lan, Master Su, please take your seats quickly,"
Before anyone could speak, Jia Yucun jumped up from his seat in the government office as if he had been saved. He ignored the pain in his hands and trotted down to the hall to bow to the two adults.
"Lord Lan, Lord Su, I caught a cold yesterday, and today I have a headache and am weak. I knocked on the Jingmu Hall and accidentally injured my hand. I can no longer preside over these events. Lord Lan, Lord Su, please don't blame me."
As he spoke, he stretched out his swollen hand, without wiping off the blood, as if waiting for someone to come. This made Lan Jili and Su Chong look at Magistrate Jia for a second time. They thought he was a very smart man. However, seeing the solemn expressions of the two county magistrates in the hall, they said no more.
Su Chong waved his hand.
"It's okay. Since Magistrate Jia is not feeling well, he can go down and rest. I'll ask a doctor to come and take a look."
Since he was about to take over the case, there was no need to say more. Jia Yucun was overjoyed and bowed again.
"Thank you, Lord Su, thank you, Lord Lan, I will withdraw now,"
After he made the oar, he deliberately took a deep breath and went to the back of the government office. The other officials, especially those who followed to watch the fun, were full of envy. They could leave now, but how could they dare to leave? They had to stay there.
Even the Jinling prefect Jiang Xiyu had a grim look on his face. He turned around to glance at Shen Wanhe, who was still sitting there drinking tea nonchalantly. It was probably a premeditated plan, and it would be unwise to get involved.
Just as everyone was thinking wildly, the two Lords, Lan Jili and Su Chong, had already gone up to the high platform. Lord Lan sat in the main seat, and there was an extra seat on the west side. Su Chong sat down immediately, then reached out to take the petition and the memorial, looked through them, and found no loopholes, so he handed the memorial and petition to Lord Lan.
"Lord Lan, we have all the evidence, it's an ironclad case. The petition and case files are all there, and the memorial to the emperor is flawless. It seems that Magistrate Xu was well prepared, but Magistrate Ma was totally unprepared. How stupid!"
Su Chong muttered secretly, such a long time is more than enough to deal with the whole thing, how could there be so many handles left there, could it be that he has some support? Thinking back to these days, Ma Tongpan has been serving Jiang Nanchun and never leaves Eunuch Yang's side. These things will not involve the palace.
Lan Jili remained silent. The case file and the confession were complete. It included everything from when and where he had been, what he had done, the murders he had committed, and there was even a witness at the Xinbei dike. There was no mistake in the time. If it wasn't real, it must be this Lord Xu. He had great means.
"Since we have accepted the case, we have to retry it. I wonder where the families of Li San and Zhang Si are?"
"Sir Lan, I know about this matter. The families of these pirates are locked up in the government jail. We can interrogate them and find out what happened on that day. Didn't they say that they went back to the government house to eat and then left the city?"
Su Chong did not read these confessions. After all, they were only said by one party, and no one had contact with the family members, so they could know the first-hand information. Lan Jili turned his head and looked at him. He never thought that Lord Su had such a keen sense of smell.
"That's it,"
Seeing that many officials were in the hall, it was better than leaving words behind. He took the Jingmu Hall and smashed it hard.
"Ascension!"
"mighty,"
The yamen runners immediately cheered loudly, and Lan Jili did not hesitate to say:
"This case is being tried jointly by me and the Supervisory Commissioner, Lord Su. The digging of the Xinbei dike was indeed man-made. The main culprit is the head of the Jinling Prefecture's fast squad, Li Si, and the deputy head of the squad, Zhang San. These two were former bandits. Lord Xu, the testimony you provided and the correspondence written in the confession are all kept. Now, bring the suspect's family into the court."
A sharp cry,
This also made many officials look tense, especially Ma Guangcheng. His legs were as weak as mud. If he didn't save himself, he might not have a good end. He immediately mustered up his courage and stood up.
"Master Ji, Master Su, I would like to sue Master Xu for false accusation. Although I recruited those fast patrol officers, I knew nothing about the previous incident of water bandits. It was four years later that I found out. They lived a law-abiding life, married and had children, and showed remorse. How could they think of such things and throw such dirty water on me? I don't know what these two Master Xus are up to."
With a cold snort, with a hint of disdain, he rebuked in public. The matter involved more than just a little bit.
Xu Changwen turned his head and looked over, only to see Ma Tongpan in a green official robe, with an aloof expression, a fat body, and a hint of oppression. He was so domineering that he was really surprised.
"Well, since Lord Ma has a clear conscience, let's hold a trial and let the people from the Imperial City Department check the evidence. Although I am the magistrate of a county, I know what it means to be loyal to the emperor and the country, and what it means to be a saint. I have never worn official uniform and done anything that is unbelievable. We will know if it is true or not once we check it out."
This sarcasm made Ma Tongpan's face turn red, and many officials present also looked unhappy. What is the way of saints? Isn't it for money to take the imperial examination and become an official?
"Don't say anything more, call the suspect's family,"
Su Chong ignored him and gave the order, but he didn't know that Captain Jiang outside swallowed his saliva, turned around and asked the people behind him to pick up the people, and walked in and bowed, saying;
"My Lords, among the suspects' families, only the families of the two leaders are still alive. The rest, no, are no longer alive."
He didn't dare to say it clearly, but he told the result. Su Chong's face darkened and he said unhappily;
"What do you mean gone? Did you let him go?"
"Well, I dare not. A few days ago, Xie Laosan from the government kitchen sent poisonous food. Five jailers died in the prison, as well as the families of the suspects. So only the family of the bandit leader escaped."
Captain Jiang kept looking at Ma Tongpan. The only person who could do this was Ma Tongpan, and they almost had the same idea. Su Chong also looked at Ma Guangcheng, and he was already 80% convinced. It seemed that this case was an ironclad case. Who else could do this in public in the government office except him?
"Go down and bring the person here in person. Judge Ma, do you have anything else to say about this case?"
It was almost a foregone conclusion. If the testimony of the thief's family members was also unfavorable to Ma Guangcheng, the evidence would be irrefutable and he would be doomed. Ma Guangcheng seemed to know the result as well. He snorted coldly and asked in return;
"Sir Su, there are some things that you and I know. It can be said that everyone present knows them. If I say I don't know, what can you do to me? You have contributed so much to the disaster relief in Jiangnan and the conversion of farmland into mulberry trees. You have only been to Jiangnan and have made great contributions. How can you judge me? Haha!"
A burst of laughter almost silenced the entire hall. Even Mr. Zhuang remained silent. Perhaps there were some things that could not be said openly. Ma Guangcheng was risking his life to survive.
"By the way, mining in Jiangbei is for jade. In order to rush the birthday gift to the capital, all the prisoners in the Jiangnan prison were mobilized, and the people from the five counties in Jiangbei were forcibly conscripted. Let's put it this way, those people are almost dead. The person in charge of this matter is Lord Hu, the alley magistrate of the government office. Lord Su doesn't intend to try him, haha." The sound of laughter penetrated the main hall, and the laughter was unscrupulous, making everyone in the government office pale. Only Xu Changwen was not afraid at all, and stood over and said;
"Well, since Lord Ma has spoken out, that is evidence. I ask you two gentlemen again to arrest the deputy governor Hu Wenxuan. He has committed a heinous crime by treating human lives as worthless and causing unrest in the five counties of Jiangbei."
This time, even the Governor Zhuang, who wanted to force him, remained silent. This Lord Xu really couldn't tolerate any sand in his eyes. Even Lord Zuo on the side kept wiping his sweat. Fortunately, the handover documents were signed and the silver was returned last time. If he was the one being bitten, who could bear it?
Su Chong was in a dilemma. He hadn't even started the interrogation yet, but he had already implicated a Tongzhi. If he tried again, wouldn't all the three officials in the government office be left alive? While hesitating, he looked at Lord Lan, but Lord Lan sneered and warned him;
"So, Ma Guangcheng, you are confident. This case is a big one. Whether he is guilty or not needs further investigation. In Jiangbei's case, if Hu Tongzhi breaks the law knowingly, I will arrest him without hesitation. Now, do you have something important to tell me?"
"Ahaha, no, I work for the court, so I have done nothing wrong. If I have committed any crime, Lord Lan, please do not be polite."
Ma Guangcheng shook his sleeves as if he had thought it through. He showed no fear and almost confronted him head-on. Even Ning Kai, the Imperial City Refurbishment Officer, was sweating. He could still remember the banquet hosted by Eunuch Yang that day. How could he catch him? Why did Commander Du send him here? Could it be that he had noticed something about him?
Thinking of this, cold sweat instantly soaked his back. Fortunately, he did not agree to anything, let alone take the money. There was still time. His eyes fell on Ma Guangcheng, and a murderous look flashed in his eyes.
Just at this time,
Captain Jiang had already arrived at the prison. In the innermost clean cell, Yu Niang and Wan Niang were not wearing shackles. There were even some spare clothes in the cell. I guess someone had taken care of them. When he arrived at the prison door,
Captain Jiang knocked on the door.
"Today, the Lord is trying you two. You can go to the court to plead your case. Pack up and go."
Yu Niang hugged the child tightly, with a look of fear on her face. Only Wan Niang hugged the child in her arms, glanced at Captain Jiang, who was not unfamiliar to her, and knelt on the ground.
"May I ask what's going on, Brother Jiang?"
Although there was some dust on her face, her charming face could not be concealed. A trace of guilt flashed across Captain Jiang's face, and he did not hide it.
"Today, all the gentlemen of Jinling are here. The magistrate of Chunyang County is suing the prefectural magistrate Ma Tong for colluding with the water bandits, digging up the Xinbei dike, and causing cholera in the south of the Yangtze River. We still need to interrogate the two of you on this matter!"
Being able to have such a reminder was a great favor. Upon hearing this, the two girls quickly knelt down to thank the grace, especially Wan Niang, whose eyes lit up. Her husband's family was forced to leave because of this. Thinking of this, everything made sense.
"Thank you, Brother Jiang, for your advice. I wonder if the county magistrate can hold on."
This is the key point. If it is just a formality, she will never tell anyone, lest the other party kill her. If it is a background, she will naturally clear her name peacefully.
"Don't worry, this person is very important. Let's go, don't ask any more questions."
"Thank you, Brother Jiang."
Wan Niang nodded, her face full of gratitude, hugged the child, turned back and signaled to Yu Niang, and the two women walked out of the cell with the children in their arms and headed towards the main hall.
Arriving at the main hall of the government office, Captain Jiang walked in first and reported;
"Your Excellency, the suspect's family has been brought here."
"Okay, let him in,"
"Yes, my lord,"
"Send the suspect's family to the court."
Captain Jiang shouted loudly, and the constables escorted the two women into the main hall. As soon as they entered the main hall, Yu Niang took a quick look and found that they were all officials. She knew what was going on, so she immediately pulled her son to kneel on the ground and cried;
"I, Wan Niang, greet all the masters. Master, I am wronged."
"Gentlemen, may you be safe. I am wronged,"
Yu Niang was not ignorant of everything. When she saw her sister like this, she immediately kowtowed and cried. When she cried, the child in her arms also started crying. For a moment, the hall was filled with sadness.
Su Chong sighed. It was an injustice for such a good woman to fall into this state.
"What grievances have you made? Tell me. I will ask you, when your husband came home for dinner, what did he say, what did he do, and when did he leave? Tell me everything."
"My Lord, Yu Niang is from Jinling. She is from a small family and just wants peace of mind. She married Li Si, the head of the fast squad of the government office, and they have always been in harmony. That day, it rained heavily, and her husband brought the brothers of the fast squad back to the government office. I and my maid prepared a meal, and after they finished eating, he said that he was ordered by the magistrate to do something important. I asked when he would be back, and he said that there was no return date, and that I just needed to tidy up the courtyard at home, and then he took his people out."
Wanniang cried like a pear blossom in the rain, with a sad expression, and countless grievances in her, which made me feel pity for her.
"Don't say anything else. Since we're back home for dinner, do you remember how many people went to eat?"
Su Chong slapped the table and asked again, then glared at the clerk, who quickly picked up the pen and wrote it down. Wan Niang wiped her tears with her sleeve and said;
"Master, my husband is working in the government office. He is said to be the head of the express squad. It seems that all the brothers in the express squad have gone there, a total of thirteen people. They all said that they received a secret order from the magistrate to go to work outside the city. And, and, yes,"
Wanniang was refreshed, and she remembered what her husband had said before leaving. He said that they didn't know when they would meet again, and asked her to be careful. He also said that there were soldiers watching them from behind.
"Master, when they left the city that day, my husband said that it was not only them who left, but also that there were soldiers from the government who were watching them. As for who they were, I don't know, but I think it was the order of the judge."
Since no one else knew, she could only blame the Tongpan. After all, her husband's life or death was still unknown, and the government only knew the Tongpan. There was no other way.
As soon as these words came out, the whole hall was in an uproar. Many people were talking to each other. Many people remembered the situation on that day clearly. On the day of the incident, it was a lieutenant of the government army who was shouting,
"Silence, the court is in session, how can this be so disrespectful, Yu Niang, what do you have to say?"
Since I have asked one person, I cannot let the other one go. Lan Jili knocked on the table and asked. The woman called Yu Niang hugged the child tightly and cried;
"Master, I was also at Yu Niang's house that day, helping her and cooking. I asked my husband why he was sighing. He said that the judge had encountered difficulties and needed their help. Everything would be fine in the future. I can't read a single word and don't understand these great principles, but I know that the orders of the superiors cannot be disobeyed, so I know it, wuwu."
Another round of mournful crying sounded, and Ma Guangcheng's face turned pale with anxiety, and he shouted sternly,
"What nonsense! When did I order them to leave the city? How dare you two bitches slander me? What's your intention?"
He looked fierce but was restrained. He took a step forward, but was stopped by Xu Changwen. He could not move an inch. Just when something unexpected happened, Shen Wanhe spoke up;
"Master Su, Master Lan, there are many doubts in this case. Should we consider it carefully?"
(End of this chapter)