Chapter 1066
The person picking up the person was beaten.
Chapter 1066 The person picking up the person was beaten.
Inside the restaurant lobby,
The group remained silent, seemingly lost in their own thoughts, until the innkeeper personally led the way, bringing out dish after dish of food to the table. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the table was laden with food.
The whole roasted lamb that the Marquis ordered, in particular, was placed almost in the very center.
"My lord, the dishes in the kitchen are all ready, along with two jars of Jinling Qingjiu. Is there anything else you need?"
The innkeeper served him somewhat nervously, afraid of displeasing the Marquis. Zhang Jinyu looked at the table full of high-quality dishes and nodded in satisfaction.
"Okay, go down now."
"Yes, my lord,"
Seeing that the Marquis was satisfied, the shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief, gave a shout, and led everyone away, leaving only Zhang Jinyu and his group in the hall.
"What are you standing there for? Pick up your chopsticks, Ningbian, pour the wine,"
A call,
Ningbian filled the wine cups for Prince Jin and Lord Feng. Thus, each with their own thoughts, they picked up their chopsticks and ate slowly. Zhang Jinyu smiled.
“Lord Feng, people need food to survive. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you have any other thoughts? The three judicial departments will be conducting a joint trial, and you will most likely be the deputy judge of the Dali Temple. Since you are going to participate, you must know the details of the trial. Since you know the details, how to deal with it is already here.”
Holding my chopsticks, I tore off a few pieces of mutton and put them in my mouth. The aroma was truly irresistible; the taste was absolutely amazing.
"What you say makes sense, Your Excellency. But what worries me most is not these things, but Xu Changwen. I didn't expect this child to be so resolute. To accuse a superior is a major taboo in officialdom. In addition, this matter involves the Textile Bureau and the Imperial Household Department. So how can we investigate these things once they enter the palace? In the end, they will be the ones to bear the blame for many crimes."
Feng Yongwen finally spoke his mind. With His Highness Prince Jin before him, he wouldn't have dared to utter such treasonous words if the Marquis hadn't been there.
But then the Prince of Jin frowned and asked;
"Lord Feng, do you really think this matter is related to the palace?"
Thinking about what I heard today, the jade matter should have been used by the retired emperor, but how could the textile bureau have defied the world and destroyed the dikes to flood the fields? That's a serious crime.
"Your Highness, please do not be anxious. I believe His Majesty already knows the situation. Let's start with the simple matter. It is clear who was responsible for mining, transporting, and supervising the jade mines in Jiangbei. Since the jade was transported into the capital by ship, it is easy to find out who took over the operation. The Imperial Household Department sent a batch to Chang Le Palace, and as for the rest, I have heard that many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital have bought quite a lot. There is no need to ask where these things came from."
Zhang Jinyu swallowed another bite of stewed meat. It was truly a heavenly place in the capital, far superior to what they ate on the march. Seeing how much the Marquis enjoyed his meal, the Prince of Jin also picked up his chopsticks and started eating. This action clearly made the atmosphere in the room much more relaxed.
"Does the Marquis mean that these jade stones were not only sent to the palace, but also circulated out and became sought-after items by the powerful and wealthy in the capital, used for personal profit?"
After taking a few bites of meat, Zhou Ding's eyes flickered. He hadn't expected that such a small jade mine could involve so much. No wonder the previous dynasty, even in its twilight years, insisted on sealing it off. Now it seemed the trouble had already begun.
“Your Highness, this is not just about profiting for personal gain; it's about bringing disaster to the country and its people. You should know how the previous dynasty fell. Everyone covets good things, and once they taste the benefits, they'll crave them day and night. Therefore, those who do this are truly treacherous individuals.”
In reality, those jade pieces were simply a matter of herd mentality. They were just stones that couldn't be eaten or drunk, and it would be more satisfying to distribute some grain to the poor people than to leave them with them.
Feng Yongwen sighed, realizing it was indeed as the Marquis had said. He then picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.
“Your Highness, unless the jade mines in the five counties north of the Yangtze River are sealed off again, there will never be a shortage of adventurers. Besides, the case of the breaching of the dikes and flooding of farmland in Jiangnan was actually a last resort for the sake of the cabinet's decision. The Textile Bureau was in a hurry to make the decision, so they resorted to this desperate measure. Who knew that it would backfire? These matters were mentioned by Qin Sheng, the former head of the Ministry of Justice. Now that the case has been exposed, it is unknown how to handle the situation.”
This "face" refers to the two plaintiffs, Xu Changwen and Xu Dong. Today, seeing that Grand Secretary Nan of the Wuying Hall didn't protect his own students, one wonders if he's backing down. If the Marquis backs down further, this case could be easily closed.
"Let's end this in the proper way. Are we to expect those who embezzle to live a life of luxury and then get away with nothing? What kind of behavior is that?"
Zhang Jinyu also sensed the Emperor's intentions; perhaps it would be better to stir things up a bit more in the capital.
"What you say makes sense, Lord Marquis. It's time for some action. Here, let's toast you with a cup of wine."
"Dry,"
While the three were eating and drinking, a number of carriages arrived outside the restaurant, accompanied by angry stewards and servants, completely blocking the street.
Many of the stewards from various households were exhausted, their eyes bloodshot from working all day. Their masters were furious, and they hadn't even seen their young masters. It seemed this restaurant was causing trouble; many people had come, including Steward Lai from the Rongguo Mansion. He returned home this morning only to be scolded by his mistress and sent back looking utterly defeated.
Seeing that many people had already gone to the restaurant, I wanted to come and find out more, but I was too late and couldn't squeeze in.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, everyone says that their young master was drinking here, then was beaten, and was arrested and taken to the Military Command. Since noon, the Military Command has come here to collect evidence three times. If it weren't for the restaurant manager's obstruction, how could the case still not be closed? In my opinion, it is this restaurant manager who is stirring up trouble. What do you suggest we do?"
It was unclear which household's steward had given the shout, but it drew responses from quite a few people.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's smash it!"
"Yes, smash it up! Everyone rush in and smash the restaurant!"
The more they talked, the more agitated they became. Without even checking the carriages parked in the courtyard, they all grabbed sticks and surged inside. Some even started by smashing down the main gate.
After the crowd rushed into the courtyard, they were stunned and at a loss upon seeing a sea of golden-armored cavalry.
But upon seeing this, the captain of the Marquis's personal guards immediately roared in anger.
"Whoever dares to attempt assassination, seize them all!"
"Yes,"
Over a hundred golden-armored guards, without hesitation, drew their long swords and surrounded the intruders. Even those outside who sensed something was wrong were joined by armored cavalrymen who rushed out to bring the group back. Among them was Lai Da from the Rongguo Mansion. Recognizing the familiar golden-armored cavalrymen, he realized it was none other than the living ancestor of Marquis Luoyun. He had indeed forgotten to check the almanac before leaving home; his luck had run out.
"Sir, I'm here to see the restaurant owner. I would never dare to assassinate him. Please don't misunderstand."
"Yes, sir, we are the stewards of the household of the Ministry of Personnel official,"
"Sir, we are stewards from the Changyong Marquis's residence,"
"I am from the household of the Marquis of Zhongqin,"
Each shout proved they weren't assassins, because the carriage parked in the courtyard belonged to the Prince of Jin. Thinking of the Prince of Jin, Marquis Luoyun must be inside. News of the events in the south of the city had already spread; if the Marquis's hand had even flinched, his death would have been in vain.
Amidst the commotion, the captain, growing impatient, shouted...
"Silence, and stay here and wait."
He then dismounted and hurriedly ran into the restaurant's main hall.
"Report, Your Highness, a number of officials' stewards have arrived outside the courtyard, intending to vandalize the restaurant. They have all been detained by my men and are staying in the courtyard."
This announcement caused the three people inside to frown. The commotion outside had already made them somewhat displeased, and now, with one troubling matter after another, even the Prince of Jin was losing his composure.
"How interesting! They don't go to the government office to demand their people, but instead come here to cause trouble. People are so brazen these days; do they even care about the dignity of the imperial court?"
Setting down his wine cup, he thought about the case in Jiangnan and the current situation in the capital. With his uncles entering the capital, the chaos had only just begun. Fortunately, this matter was minor.
"My lord, what do you think?"
Zhang Jinyu had already eaten most of her fill, but her chopsticks didn't stop. She glanced at her guard and smiled.
“Your Highness, what can we say? We must handle this according to the law. Since it was a collision with the vehicle frame, then the punishment should be caning. Three lashes for each person. Let them go.”
"Was this... a bit too harsh?"
Now it was Prince Jin's turn to hesitate. The three lashes the Marquis spoke of weren't from a horsewhip, but from an iron-leaf whip used in the army. Three lashes were far too heavy.
"Alright, that's settled then. Two riding whips on the face, one whip on the back, as a slight punishment. Go."
He casually made a change and sent the captain out to carry it out. After finishing his meal, he took a brocade cloth and washed his hands.
"Lord Feng, let's make a bet. There are many people in the capital who don't want Yang Chi to return. Unexpected changes may occur in the next few days, perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow. Let's wait and see."
Seeing the Marquis suddenly utter a strange remark, Feng Yongwen wanted to ask more, but then he saw the Marquis stand up and leave the hall with his personal guards.
So he followed. How could the Prince of Jin remain seated? He followed closely as they left the restaurant.
Outside the courtyard at this moment,
The place was already packed with people, almost all of them golden-armored soldiers. One by one, they dragged people forward, took a whip, and lashed each person three times. Instantly, screams of agony rang out: "My lord, my lord, this servant dares not, dares not!"
"My lord, spare my life!"
Almost everyone was begging for mercy. Even Lai Da was pale-faced. When it comes to fighting, Marquis Luo Yun really dared to fight.
"Shut up, all of you! Anyone who makes a sound again will receive three more lashes!"
Ning Bian stood there and shouted coldly. The courtyard immediately fell silent, and many people stood there trembling, their faces pleading.
"It is said that a country has its laws and a family has its rules. Your Highness and I were having a meal here when we were disturbed. Considering this is your first offense, each of you will receive three lashes. You may leave after receiving them. If you do not wish to be lashed, you may go directly to the Military Command and wait to be investigated to see if you were planning an assassination. How about that?"
Zhang Jinyu stood in the courtyard, coldly observing the crowd. She spoke, and many people shrank back in fear, quickly replying.
"My lord, I accept the punishment, I accept the punishment,"
"Even a petty person will accept punishment."
The cacophony of crying and shouting had now become so docile, and no one claimed to be a steward from any household.
Only muffled groans rang out. As the executions were completed and the people were helped away, the Prince of Jin was still somewhat uneasy.
"My lord, although there aren't many people, there are still quite a few. If this gets out of hand..."
"Then let them make a fuss. Your Highness, rest assured and go back to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, didn't the Emperor send someone to tell you three princes to host a banquet for the princes? The Court of State Ceremonial is a good place."
Zhang Jinyu turned around and saw the Prince of Jin's conflicted expression, so she didn't say anything more. It seemed, however, that Lord Feng had come to his senses.
"I will do as Your Highness says. Tomorrow, I will send you an invitation to the banquet."
"Okay, I'll be there tomorrow."
The commotion at the restaurant spread as the stewards from various households left, and many of the owners frowned, patiently exchanging messages with each other.
Rongguo Mansion
Figures flickered in front of the mansion gate, and the lanterns hanging on the wall had already been lit. In particular, several extra lanterns were added outside the gate, illuminating the area in front of the gate as if it were daytime.
As the sound of carriage wheels approached, the mansion's carriage hurriedly stopped in front of the gate at the west end of the street.
Lai Da had already been helped down from the carriage by the servant. Two red whip marks on his face were extremely conspicuous. His already large face now looked even more like a spotted dove. But these didn't affect anything else. Only the long whip mark on his back was causing Lai Da pain, making it impossible for him to move his feet.
"Slow down, slow down, it hurts so much!"
He let out a wail, his face filled with terror, large beads of sweat streaming down his face. He had always thought that the punishments in the manor were excruciating, but compared to this lash, it was nothing but child's play.
"Steward, steward, it's not that I'm slow, it's just that the clothes on my back are already stained with my wound. I've found a doctor for you, and he's waiting in the courtyard to apply the medicine."
Supported by his personal servant, Lai Da quickly explained. He nodded, knowing these two were his trusted confidants and were perceptive enough to understand.
"Okay, go to the gatehouse and apply the medicine first. My back hurts terribly. I didn't expect that whip to really hurt to the bone."
"Yes, butler, please move aside."
Seeing the gatekeepers surrounding the mansion gate, the servant shouted at them. Then, supported by the crowd, he went to a side room of the gatehouse. As soon as he entered, the crowd made a bed. Lai Da took off his clothes and lay down on the bed. Then the doctor came in with his medicine box, quickly took out some liquor, and prepared to start cleaning the wound.
"Butler Lai, please bear with it. We can only apply medicine after the wound has been cleaned,"
"Hmm, ah"
As soon as he answered, strong liquor was poured over his wound, the liquid mixing with blood as it flowed down. Only Lai Da's screams could be heard. The servants surrounding him were also startled and retreated. Many people wondered, wasn't Steward Lai supposed to be going to pick up Master Bao?
"Hey, what happened? Wasn't Butler Lai supposed to be picking up Master Bao? How did he end up like this?"
"Who can argue with that? A whole day and night has passed, and they still haven't found him, but he's been beaten up like this."
"Didn't you see? This person's back was beaten so badly, the skin and flesh are showing."
"What about Master Bao?"
The servants at the gate were whispering amongst themselves, and the murmurs grew louder and louder. As soon as someone moved in the front courtyard, those in the middle courtyard knew what was happening. Some quick-witted servants scurried back to the pear orchard.
On the way, they encountered the steward, and a servant quickly reported what had happened in the front yard.
"Hey, steward, steward Lai is back. He's applying medicine over at the gate."
Laiwang frowned. Why did he have to come back to apply the medicine?
"What happened? Weren't we supposed to be picking up Master Bao? Why are you applying medicine?"
"Oh dear, Steward, Steward Lai has been beaten; his back is covered in blood. And, Master Bao hasn't returned yet."
Upon hearing that Master Bao hadn't returned yet, Laiwang's heart skipped a beat. A whole day had passed, and he still hadn't come back. It seemed unlikely he was coming back, but that couldn't be true either; the military command was full of acquaintances from the manor. He was somewhat skeptical. Even if they didn't release him, they wouldn't beat him. But seeing the servant's panicked expression, he couldn't believe it was fake.
"Lead the way, let's go take a look at the gatehouse."
"Yes, come and take charge."
The servant nodded and walked ahead. The two went to the front yard and indeed saw a crowd gathered near the side room of the mansion gate. They squeezed through the crowd and saw Lai Da lying there groaning, two red, swollen marks on his face, and a long strip of whipping marks on his back—a horrifying sight. Lai Wang's forehead throbbed at the sight, and a bad premonition welled up in his heart.
Without saying a word, he turned around and left, heading straight for the pear orchard.
"Grandma, Grandma, something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"
Upon receiving the news, Laiwang was the first to run into his second grandmother's courtyard.
Inside the room, Wang Xifeng had already finished her meal and was drinking morning tea. Hearing the commotion outside, she looked displeased.
"There's never a moment of peace these days. Come in."
At the sound of a murmur, Laiwang ran in, yawned, and said;
"Grandma, Grandma, something terrible has happened! The gatekeepers have received word that Steward Lai is back. He's been whipped several times, and his back is badly bruised. They're applying medicine to his wounds at the gatehouse. And Master Bao hasn't returned yet!"
Seeing that his second grandmother was unhappy, Laiwang dared not pretend to be well-behaved any longer and quickly told the truth.
"What? Someone was beaten, and Baoyu hasn't returned yet? Is this how the Military Command operates now?"
Upon hearing the news, Wang Xifeng was somewhat taken aback. It was already late, Baoyu had not yet returned, and the people who went there had been beaten. Could it be that the Military Command had really detained them? But the students were drinking, causing trouble, and fighting, and no one was injured. Where did all this trouble come from?
"Yes, Grandma, a doctor has been called over and is treating Steward Lai's wounds. I went over to take a look, and he was only whipped once on the back, but the skin was already torn open. He also has two marks on his face, which is a bit lighter. I heard from the doorman that Steward Lai didn't bring Master Bao back, but was whipped several times instead. I heard that quite a few people were beaten."
Laiwang was mostly curious. Who was so bold as to beat someone up? He heard that quite a few people from various families and households had gone there. Who knew how much commotion this would cause?
"Hey, the Military Command is really tough now. They've arrested people and even beaten them. They're quite arrogant now. There are eighty supplementary students at the Imperial Academy, and they really dare to arrest them."
Although it was said in anger, there was a hint of consideration in his expression. Could there be another hidden story behind it?
"Let's go over there and see what's going on. We can't even pick someone up."
"Yes, grandma."
(End of this chapter)