Beizhen Fusi is a division under Jinyiwei. It is in charge of prisons and has the power of inspection, arrest, and interrogation without having to go through the Three Laws Division. It specializes in suppressing corrupt officials with torture.
It is a secret service agency that has the power to handle cases and belongs only to the emperor.
Wang Ruyan's case was reported to Beizhen Fusi by his subordinate.
This subordinate's name was Xu Fuyuan, who was originally the head of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. In July of this year, because he was impetuous in his investigation and failed to report his own gains and losses, he was personally ordered by the emperor to be demoted to the position of magistrate of the salt transport department in the Huaidu capital.
This man had failed the emperor's favor and felt guilty, so he decided to make a good living in his post.
But as soon as he took office, he discovered Shangguan Wang Ruyan's shocking corruption. Xu Fu could not bear the torture of his conscience, so he secretly collected evidence and exposed Wang Ruyan.
Xu Fuyuan is now in Fusi, Beizhen. Of course, he is not being imprisoned, but being taken care of.
It stands to reason that when the Three Law Division is involved in a case, the person should not be taken care of by the Beizhen Fu Division.
But Xu Fuyuan was a cautious person, saying that the matter was of great importance and would rather go to jail than leave Beizhen Fusi for fear of being poisoned.
Jin Yiwei had no choice but to feed him well and take care of him.
So much so that in the prison of Fusi in Beizhen, wooden tables, low beds, and good wine and delicious food appeared.
When Hai Rui came, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment when he saw such a cell.
He was followed by Chen Dong, the young minister of Dali Temple, and the two worked together to handle the case.
Luo Sigong was half a step behind and followed closely. Even in Fusi, Beizhen, he was carefully watching the left and right.
Hai Rui opened the prison door, looked at Xu Fuyuan, and confirmed: "Judge of the Salt Transport Department of Huaihe River, Xu Fuyuan?"
Xu Fuyuan was resting on the low bed. When he saw the two people who came in, both wearing scarlet official uniforms, he immediately understood that they were big shots in the court.
He hurriedly stood up and saluted: "Judge, the envoy for transporting salt from the Huaihe River to the Huaihe River, Fuyuan, has met two Shangguan officials."
Xu Fuyuan is not a criminal, but a witness, so his official status is naturally still there.
Hai Rui and Chen Dong looked at each other, pulled out their chairs and sat down one after another.
The former put aside the food and wine on the wooden table, took out the file and put it on the table, and got straight to the point: "Wang Ruyan did you report? Why?"
Chen Dong waved his hand to the officials who were following him to leave, and picked up a pen to record it himself.
As a witness, Xu Fuyuan didn't have to stand and sat across from him.
He did not answer directly, but looked at the two of them with some hesitation and confirmed: "I wonder what your duties are, sirs?"
Hai Rui straightened his back, sat upright and said, "I am the supervisor of the Lianghuai Salt Course and the censor of Qiandu, Hai Rui."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Fuyuan felt as if a switch had been pressed.
Without waiting for Chen Dong to speak, he immediately straightened his body and said loudly: "If Censor Hai has a question, I will tell you everything I know!"
Chen Dong swallowed the introduction as soon as he said it, and simply shut up.
Hai Rui nodded, indicating that he could reply.
Xu Fuyuan did not hesitate and talked about the whole story: "Xiaguan was previously the head of the Ministry of Personnel, so he probably has some impressions on officials from various places."
"After I was demoted to Lianghuai, I saw that the official was Wang Ruyan, so I became cautious."
"I read the case files when I was in the Ministry of Personnel, and I remember this person. During the Jiajing period, this person was the head of the Zhejiang Department of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and his rank was not low."
"But after that, he was demoted three times in a row, first to Tongzhou Tongzhi, then to Jiangdu, Haimen, and then to Xinghua County Magistrate, down to the seventh rank."
"This shows that this person is capable. Although he was later appreciated by Li... a certain superior, he was promoted back to the Ministry of Revenue."
"But after that Shangguan became an official, he was demoted to Lianghuai."
"With this kind of idiot, I naturally have to be careful to avoid being implicated by him."
"As expected!"
"The next two months, my subordinates secretly observed this person and discovered how this person despised the king's law and deceived the heaven and the earth!"
When he said this, he swallowed his saliva.
This set the stage for a long time, but before getting to the main topic, Chen Dong only wondered if this person was deliberately entertaining him.
I wanted to remind you, but Hai Rui was the main judge of the case, so he didn't speak, and it was hard for him to interrupt.
On the other hand, Hai Rui frowned.
He asked in a cold voice: "What is a certain Shangguan? Where can I find a nameless official in my court? Tell me clearly!"
Xu Fuyuan hesitated for a moment: "It has nothing to do with this case, so it's better not to mention it..."
Hai Rui stared at him quietly, his voice without any emotion: "Since it's been spoken out, it should have a name and a surname."
Xu Fuyuan looked at Hai Rui and then at Chen Dong.
His voice was extremely low, almost murmuring: "It's... the former Grand Bachelor of Zhongji Palace, the Young Master and the Crown Prince's Grand Master, Li Chunfang."
Chen Dong was startled, stopped writing, and looked at Hai Rui.
Li Chunfang is from Yangzhou, so it is not impossible to be involved, but this is really ambiguous.
After all, it is just a promotion and may not be related to the Lianghuai Salt Course.
It was a matter of choice whether to remember or not, so naturally Chen Dong had to ask Hai Rui what he meant.
Hai Rui had no expression on his face, turned his head and nodded slightly at him: "It's on record."
Chen Dong gritted his teeth, wrote down the three characters Li Chunfang, and then continued recording.
Hai Rui looked at Xu Fuyuan again: "Continue to talk, how did Wang Ruyan deceive the world?"
Xu Fuyuan took a deep look at Hai Rui and flashed a hint of admiration.
Although he was under trial, his courage did not disappoint him.
He opened his mouth and continued: "Lianghuai has three divisions, namely Taizhou, Huai'an and Tongzhou."
"It should be said that every year, 700,000 yin of salt will be produced and 210,000 yin of salt will be accumulated."
"But, I have seen the Lianghuai Salt Storehouse..."
Xu Fuyuan raised his head and glanced at the two senior officials in scarlet robes, and said softly: "I'm afraid the salt deposit is less than 50,000 yuan."
The two of them suddenly raised their heads.
Chen Dong's expression changed continuously.
Hai Rui solemnly reminded him word by word: "Witness Xu Fuyuan said that the salt warehouse was in deficit of 160,000 yuan, and it was recorded in the record."
It became increasingly difficult for Chen Dong to write and record it.
Hai Rui asked: "Does Judge Xu know where Yan Kuikong went?"
Xu Fuyuan nodded: "Wang Ruyan colluded with the salt merchants and sold all the salt as private salt."
"Non-stop salt library."
"There are thirty salt fields in the Huaihe River. I have inspected the remaining seven salt fields and asked the salt workers privately. I am afraid that the amount of salt produced at each field will be twice as much as the predetermined quantity!"
If doubled, that would be an extra 700,000 quotes.
The normal tax payment of these 700,000 yuan is supposed to be 4 million taels. The value of this case is already horrifying to hear.
But... Chen Dong had to admit that this was in line with common sense.
How come the annual salt tax of 12 million taels in the former Song Dynasty was only 2 million taels in the Ming Dynasty?
Hai Rui's expression didn't change, he nodded, and reminded Chen Dong, who was stunned, "It's on record."
He looked at Xu Fuyuan again: "The salt merchant sold official salt as private salt, and Wang Ruyan shared all the benefits?"
Chen Dong was in a mixed mood. Reason told him that the answer to this question could not be like this. How much could a mere transporter eat?
After all, it is millions of taels.
However, he was afraid of the real answer from the bottom of his heart. He could not even imagine the number of people involved in this case worth millions of taels.
Xu Fuyuan shook his head: "The lower officials don't know much about this matter."
"However, judging from Wang Ruyan's daily behavior, I'm afraid he won't be able to reap so many benefits."
"Furthermore, it has not been long since he arrived in Lianghuai, but this matter has obviously been going on for a long time and has become a precedent."
Hai Rui could tell that he had unfinished ideas.
He leaned forward and asked, "If you have any clues, speak up."
Xu Fuyuan paused and looked outside. Hai Rui understood and motioned to Luo Sigong to stand farther away.
Only then did the former say: "There are some rumors."
"Those salt merchants will give benefits to some high-profile families every time the time comes."
"I claim it's just a favor, but people say it's a dividend."
Hai Rui asked: "Which salt merchants? Which high-profile families?"
Xu Fuyuan was silent for a long time, seeming to be mentally preparing to overcome himself.
After a while, he finally said: "There are a lot of salt merchants. I have listed them in my notes. Yushi Hai can go to Lianghuai Hou and find out according to the map."
"As for the big players..."
He looked outside again to make sure no one was there.
Then he continued: "There is someone in the Duke of Wei's mansion..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Dong's pen fell to the ground.
He shuddered and came to his senses.
He leaned over to pick up the pen and smiled apologetically at Hai Rui.
Hai Rui patted his back and said nothing, then turned his head and motioned for Xu Fuyuan to continue.
Xu Fu opened his bow far away and did not turn back. He said with a face as if he was dead: "Young Master and Crown Prince Grand Master, Li Chunfang."
"Young Master and Crown Prince Grand Master, Xu Jie."
"Ji Lian, the right minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War."
"Cao Bangfu, Minister of Household Affairs in Nanjing"
"..."
Every name was like thunder, exploding in Chen Dong's heart.
No wonder the emperor even sent troops to accompany him.
This battle is only part of it, but it is so shocking!
He glanced at Hai Rui, whose expression remained unchanged, and felt extremely impressed.
"..."
"Qin Minglei, Minister of Rites of Nanjing"
"Consort Li He..."
At this point, Chen Dong finally couldn't help it and interrupted Xu Fuyuan: "Wait a minute!"
He didn't realize it when he called out, and his voice was a little dry and hoarse.
Seeing Xu Fuyuan looking at him, he remembered that he had not reported his family name yet, and subconsciously added: "I am the Shaoqing of Dali Temple, Chen Dong."
He asked in a solemn voice: "Li He, the Prince Consort, is clearly in the capital, how can he be involved with Nanzhili!?"
He had to ask this, and for this reason, he even stopped recording.
There is no other way, just forget about being noble, this is the royal family!
Li He is the consort of Princess Ning'an.
Princess Ning'an is the third daughter of Emperor Sejong and the aunt of the current emperor.
In July, she was given the title of Princess Ning'an, a figure whom the emperor would bow to when he saw her.
Is it really possible to get this kind of person involved!?
Honorable nobles, distinguished veterans, Nanzhili Jiuqing, and relatives of the emperor are all involved, how can we handle this case!
Xu Fuyuan glanced at Chen Dong and did not mean to retract his preamble. Instead, he said meaningfully: "Salt merchants can also enter Beijing."
Chen Dong was silent and hesitant.
There was no movement for a while.
Suddenly, Chen Dong saw Hai Rui making a move.
The latter moved the file recorded in front of him and looked at himself with a gentle face: "Chen Shaoqing, give me the pen and I will do it."
Chen Dong pursed his lips and had no reaction.
After a long while, he stretched out his hand and moved the file back in front of him.
He looked at Hai Rui and said firmly: "Censor Hai, please continue, I will take notes."
After that, he recorded Li He's name in the file one by one.
Hai Rui looked at him deeply, his eyes showing recognition and appreciation.
Then he looked at Xu Fuyuan: "Is there any evidence?"
Xu Fuyuan nodded and explained everything.
…
Qianqing Palace, evening.
Zhu Yijun was immersed in writing.
In the past few months, he has been much more tired than in his previous life.
Court discussions, imperial archery, greetings from the two palaces, these are all daily activities.
It is really tiring to have to deal with Lianghuai, Xinbao, and New College, interfere in personnel affairs, and influence the Beijing camp.
Finally, Zhu Yijun finished writing what he was doing and was about to raise his head and rub his eyes when he realized that Li Jin was holding a lamp beside him.
He was so trance that he didn't notice it.
Zhu Yijun said casually: "If you need anything, just call me. Why are you still imitating Zhang Hong?"
Zhang Hong has this kind of virtue. He will never disturb him when he sees him doing something. Only when he regains consciousness will he make some noise.
Li Jin said respectfully: "Your Majesty attaches great importance to your studies. How dare your ministers disturb you?"
Zhu Yijun clicked his tongue inwardly, and Li Jin became more and more respectful.
He looked up at the sky outside the window and asked, "Is Hai Rui still on trial?"
Hai Rui went in before noon, and it was already evening. It seemed that he had eaten his lunch in the Fusi cell in Beizhen.
Li Jin nodded: "Yes, I have been in Beizhen Fusi for a long time, but I haven't seen him come out."
Zhu Yijun warned: "When night falls, go and remind me that my mother is waiting at home and go home early."
Although it sounds touching to work hard, he still hopes that Hai Rui will take good care of his health and take things slowly.
There is so much content in Xu Fuyuan's hands that he will definitely not be able to finish the review today.
The Metropolitan Procuratorate and Jin Yiwei had already heard some rumors about Wang Ruyan's matter.
Zhu Yijun asked about this person from Zhu Xixiao's mouth, and then hinted to Gao Gong to let Wang Zongmu pay attention to this person.
After that, Xu Fuyuan was also sent to Lianghuai for secret visits by Zhu Yijun.
Also accompanying him were Taibao from Beizhen Fusi, responsible for investigating salt merchants and gentry.
It can be said that the information this time came from the secret investigation by subordinates, the distracted attention of Shangguan, and the collection of evidence by the people of Beizhen Fusi. The three corroborated each other. If there is a human witness, there will be a witness, and if there is physical evidence, there will be physical evidence.
I just hope that this will tear the gap between the two sides.
There is a lot of material, a lot of evidence, and a lot of people involved, so naturally it cannot be completed in a day or two.
You might as well go to Lianghuai and review it slowly instead of rushing.
He had already hinted to Hai Rui that he would continue to advance towards the Huaihe River basin on the premise of slow and long-term development, Wang Ruyan as the fulcrum, and the salt merchants as the starting point.
I just didn't expect that when Hai Rui started working on the case, he would get so absorbed in it that he would forget all sleep and food.
Li Jin responded, but did not leave immediately.
Zhu Yijun then remembered that he had something to do, waved his hand and asked directly: "What's the matter? Just tell me."
Li Jin said carefully: "We have some clues about Sun Yizheng's matter."
Zhu Yijun immediately turned to look at Li Jin, waiting for the next step.
Sun Yizheng has been giving this order for a long time.
Feng Bao had previously raided his home and originally planned to let Li in.
But at that time, in order to obtain several key positions from the cabinet, he had no choice but to make concessions and promised not to use spy politics casually. Of course, Zhu Yijun also doubted whether Zhang Juzheng had some black information in Feng Bao's hands, which was why he had to block it.
Don't let Jin Yiwei take action.
In short, in the end, the job was taken over by the outer court and fell into the hands of Yin Sun Yizheng of Shuntian Prefecture.
But Sun Yizheng was really ignorant of life and death, so he copied out 60,000 taels and dismissed the emperor as a beggar.
If you don't check him, who will?
At that time, he ordered the leader of Dongchang and Jinyiwei to cooperate and secretly investigate.
Zhu Yijun almost forgot about it, but he didn't expect that the result would come out now.
Li Jin reported in 1510: "The ministers have made many visits and have a rough number."
"The current silver in Feng Bao's house is probably only 80,000 taels, but the calligraphy, paintings, jewelry, and jade are far more than this amount."
Zhu Yijun leaned forward, his face focused, and he listened carefully.
If we didn't want to check the specific number, it wouldn't have taken so long.
Li Jin continued: "A rough estimate, the equivalent is about 130,000 taels."
Zhu Yijun yelled: "Sun Yizheng! Zhen Yizheng!"
"This bastard, I haven't settled the Huguang mining tax case with him yet, and now he's blatantly bullying me!"
"It's so lawless!"
Regarding the mining tax case in Huguang, Sun Yizheng was the envoy to Huguang, but now he has come to Shuntian Prefecture and still doesn’t know how to restrain himself!
Zhu Yijun suddenly turned his head and stared at Li Jin: "Which giant Buddha is behind him, so unafraid of death!?"
It's hard to say whether he, the emperor, can regain his position. It depends on the situation.
Li Jin said carefully: "This matter has not been investigated clearly, but..."
Zhu Yijun said nothing, waiting for his reply.
Li Jin hesitated and said carefully, "Sun Yizheng went to Yuan Fu's house after that."
"Then he sent a carriage of goods to the Prince Consort, Li He."
"The father-in-law's family is also not missing."
Zhu Yijun hesitated.
He asked further: "Did you give Yuan Fu a treasure?"
Zhang Juzheng was not kind. He reminded him repeatedly but still refused to give him face.
Do we have to finish the last two months and wait until the first year of Wanli to stop?
Li Jin shook his head: "He was driven out by Yuan Fu, and his property was returned with him. Then Sun Yizheng sent the property to Zhang Siwei's house."
Only then did Zhu Yijun soothe his color.
As long as Zhang Juzheng doesn't cause trouble, Zhang Siwei will inevitably die anyway.
He asked: "What happened to Li He?"
Li He, the consort, is his biological uncle.
Li Jin hesitated and said: "Consort Li personally received Sun Yizheng. It is said that Sun Fuyin gave a lot of jewelry, and the eldest princess was also very happy."
Zhu Yijun secretly hated it.
His nephew’s family fortune was also plundered, these people really didn’t take him seriously!
This is called entangled roots.
A mere house search can involve the chief minister, the Jin party, the eldest princess, the head of the country, and who knows how many more people under the water.
That's all. Huguang's mining tax case must be more complicated than this.
We sent people there in July, but still no news.
He even doubted whether he would receive news of his death next.
Fortunately, I responded this month, saying that the situation was complicated and that we were still investigating.
Zhu Yijun looked uncertain.
After a long while, he ordered: "Go and give half a jade ring to my aunt."
"Let's just say that although I am short of money, I still remember who my relatives are. I heard that my aunt loves jade, so I have no reason to be stingy."
Just as Li Jin was about to retreat, Zhu Yijun stopped him again. After thinking for a long time, he added: "I went to tell Yuan Fu about Sun Yizheng's matter and said, I want all the officials to be handed over to Shi Zhongli in the court, and I can pass the exam myself."
people."
Li Jin waited some more, and when he saw that the person above him was finally speechless, he slowly withdrew.
Ten thousand words, Heizi speaks!
Chapter completed!