The next day, the morning sun shone through the thin clouds and spread on the roof of the Huang family's mansion, but it could not dispel the filled aura of sadness.
The Huang family is holding a funeral ceremony. White cloth strips flutter in the wind, and the bleak music echoes in the air.
The eldest lady stood in front of the mourning hall, her face serious and cold.
Beside her, several concubines were dressed in plain clothes and looked haggard, and tears kept falling like beads with broken threads.
"Today, you will accompany the master to leave. This is the tradition of the family and your honor." The eldest lady's voice was as cold as frost, without any sympathy.
"No! We don't want to die!" a concubine cried, her voice full of despair, "Please, grandma, let us live!"
The other concubines also agreed, and the pleading voices echoed in the mourning hall, but the eldest lady's expression was not moved at all.
At this moment, the county magistrate rushed to the scene with a group of people.
Their footsteps resounded throughout the quiet morning, as if they were a challenge to this sad scene.
The county magistrate's eyes were as sharp as an eagle. He walked straight to the eldest lady and said loudly: "Stop it! The Prime Minister has an order, and no living person can be buried with him! This is an illegal act!"
The eldest lady's face turned pale in an instant, and she looked at the county magistrate in disbelief.
"The master has already prepared the order, why would you object?"
"I am the county magistrate, and I must uphold the dignity of national laws!" The county magistrate's voice was sonorous and powerful, "No matter who it is, you cannot violate the Prime Minister's order!"
At this time, the atmosphere in the mourning hall became tense, and people began to whisper and talk.
Some people expressed dissatisfaction with the eldest lady's actions and thought she was too cruel; some people cheered for the courage and justice of the county magistrate.
The county magistrate turned to face everyone, his voice clear and loud, "Friends, burying living people with them is an extremely cruel and inhumane act."
The eldest lady's lips were trembling slightly, and she obviously did not expect such a change.
She started to curse in her heart. The county magistrate took over the master's things and actually came to meddle in other people's business again.
She still tried to argue: "This is the family business of our Huang family, and you have no right to interfere!"
"Family affairs cannot transcend the boundaries of the law!" The county magistrate did not retreat at all, "I came today to maintain fairness and justice."
"If you have to stop me, I would rather die here!" said the eldest lady gritted her teeth.
The county magistrate looked at the eldest lady coldly.
"Then you die. You keep saying that this is a family tradition, so why don't you go with the burial yourself?"
The eldest lady's body was trembling slightly, and her tears kept rolling down.
"This...is different..."
"What's the difference?" The county magistrate's voice became increasingly harsh. "You have to deprive others of their lives for the sake of the so-called tradition. How cruel and selfish is this!"
At this time, the mourning hall was silent, and everyone was shocked by the words of the county magistrate. They began to think about whether this so-called family tradition is really worth sticking to.
"But you have collected money from the Huang family and have promised the master," said the eldest lady.
At this time, the county magistrate asked the servant to bring a box.
"I didn't move the money your master gave me at all. I'll give it back to you now."
A joke, compared to being punished by Xi Yu, this little money cannot be handled.
The eldest lady's crying echoed in the air, and her heart was filled with contradictions and pain.
The eldest lady looked at the county magistrate with confusion and asked, "What the hell is going on? Why did you suddenly change your mind?"
The county magistrate was silent for a moment and his eyes turned to the door.
At this moment, a figure slowly walked in.
Xi Yu was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had an extraordinary temperament.
He smiled and showed the token to everyone, solemnly announced: "I am the Prime Minister."
The Huang family was shocked. They never expected that the Prime Minister himself would come.
Seeing this, one of the concubines hurried to Xi Yu and begged in tears: "Prime Minister, please make the decision for the little girl!"
Xi Yu looked at her gently and comforted her: "Don't worry, since I am here, I will definitely uphold justice for you."
The eldest lady didn't expect Prime Minister Xi Yu to come here in person. Her face became very ugly and she felt secretly panicked.
Prime Minister Xi Yu looked around with a serious and firm look. He said: "The bad habit of living people burying with them has long been out of place. Life is precious, so how can we easily deprive it? I came here this time to stop this absurd behavior."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and the eldest lady realized that her actions had aroused public outrage.
She lowered her head and said nothing, and her heart was filled with regret.
Prime Minister Xi Yu continued: "From now on, the Huang family should abandon this bad habit, respect life, and follow the law." He looked at the eldest lady, "I hope you can understand that traditions are not unchangeable."
The eldest lady nodded silently, knowing that she could no longer stick to her original idea.
Xi Yu's arrival not only changed the fate of the Huang family, but also made them understand the importance of justice and fairness.
Under the auspices of Xi Yu, the funeral ceremony of the Huang family was resumed. There was no tragedy of living people burying with them.
This story spread throughout the county, and people praised Prime Minister Xi Yu's wisdom and courage.
His actions not only saved innocent lives, but also allowed people to see a good official who truly considers the people.
The county magistrate was sweating coldly.
Xi Yu and the county magistrate stood in the courtyard and talked seriously.
Xi Yu looked at the county magistrate with a sharp look and said firmly: "County magistrate, the governor Chen Dagang is still detained in your home. You must be tried quickly, and I will supervise it myself."
The county magistrate responded respectfully: "Yes, Prime Minister and the lower magistrate immediately began to deal with this matter."
The county magistrate turned around and left in a hurry. Xi Yu looked at his back quietly, with a lot of thoughts in his heart.
In the hall of the county magistrate, Chen Dagang was brought up. He looked at the county magistrate with a firm expression without fear.
The county magistrate patted the gavel and said sternly: "Chen Dagang, do you know your guilt?"
Because Xi Yu is supporting him now, he is braver.
Chen Dagang straightened up and replied loudly: "This matter has nothing to do with me! I was wronged!"
The county magistrate sneered.
"Hmph! The evidence is conclusive, do you still want to deny it? Come on, serve the big shot."
A hint of anger flashed in Chen Dagang's eyes.
"It is impossible to torture and force confession! This is a wrongful accusation of a good person!"
The county magistrate's face turned gloomy, and he slapped the table hard.
"Bold! You dare to be stubborn! You will be punished and punished!"
At this time, Xi Yu walked into the hall. His appearance made everyone nervous.
"It's better to call out the witness first," Xi Yu said.
The county magistrate then temporarily stopped sending people torture.
Just ask someone to call out the killer.
After a while, the killer appeared.
He immediately knelt down, and his body had improved a little.
The county magistrate then asked, "Did you say Chen Dagang ordered you to kill the Prime Minister?"
The killer insisted and said firmly: "Sir, this is the truth. Chen Dagang did hire us to assassinate Prime Minister Xi Yu."
Chen Dagang played a rogue and he shouted loudly.
"This witness was arranged by the county magistrate and does not count at all! If you have the ability, come up with other evidence!"
The county magistrate's face became very ugly.
He glared at Chen Dagang, "How dare you slander me!"
Prime Minister Xi Yu frowned and he fell into deep thought.
Although the testimony of this killer is important, it is indeed difficult to convince without other evidence to support it.
At this time, a yamen runner hurried in with a mysterious letter in his hand.
He handed the letter to the county magistrate and said, "Sir, this is a letter I just received, and it seems to be related to the case."
The county magistrate opened the letter and read it carefully.
His face gradually became serious, and finally he handed the letter to Prime Minister Xi Yu.
"Prime Minister, look."
Xi Yu took the letter and after reading it, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He looked at Chen Dagang and said majestic tone: "Chen Dagang, is the content in this letter related to you?"
Chen Dagang's face turned pale in an instant, and his body began to tremble.
"This...this..."
Xi Yu said coldly: "The evidence is conclusive, what else do you have to say?"
Chen Dagang knew that he could no longer deny him, so he collapsed to the ground and admitted his crime helplessly.
Prime Minister Xi Yu turned around and said to the county magistrate: "A fair trial will never be tolerated."
The county magistrate responded respectfully: "Yes, Prime Minister."
It turned out that the letter was written by Liu Long and Chen Dagang.
Although the letter this time was burned by Chen Dagang, the previous letters were preserved.
Xi Yu had already ordered the secret guard to search at Chen Dagang's house, and finally found these key evidence. Today, the secret guard handed over the letter as a stranger.
In the face of such ironclad evidence, Chen Dagang finally admitted his crime.
He confessed that he had always had letters with Liu Long because they were relatives, and Liu Long promised to give him wealth and glory after the matter was completed.
He always believed that the country must be dominated by the royal family, and Xi Yu's current behavior is simply a traitor.
After hearing Chen Dagang's words, Xi Yu frowned slightly.
He knew very well that this kind of thought was deeply rooted in the hearts of some people.
But his mission is for the interests of the people, not for personal power.
He looked at Chen Dagang with a firm look and said, "What I do is not for my own selfishness, but for the people of the world."
Chen Dagang snorted coldly.
"You are making a fuss! The traitor will eventually be punished!"
At this time, the county magistrate interrupted: "The Prime Minister is right. Now that the country is in turmoil and the people are living in poverty, what we need is a capable person to save this chaotic world."
Xi Yu's eyes were firm, and he waved his hand to interrupt the county magistrate's words.
"No need to say too much, just sentence according to the law."
The county magistrate responded respectfully: "Yes, Prime Minister."
He turned to face Chen Dagang in the hall and pronounced the verdict loudly.
"Chen Dagang, you will be extremely guilty of hiring a murderer. This official sentences you to beheading according to law!"
Chen Dagang's face turned pale, and his body trembled involuntarily.
He never expected that his temporary greed would be rewarded with such a serious punishment.
Xi Yu looked at Chen Dagang and said to the county magistrate: "The judgment will be enforced as soon as possible to correct the national law."
The county magistrate nodded quickly.
"Yes, Prime Minister. The subordinate will make arrangements as soon as possible."
As Chen Dagang was taken away, the hall fell into silence.
Xi Yu decided to continue rushing, and Xiao Cui followed him.
The county magistrate came in person, with a humble smile on his face and a beautiful gift in his hand.
He walked up to Xi Yu and bowed and said, "Prime Minister, I have been negligent before, so please forgive me. This is a small heart, and I just regard it as my apology."
Xi Yu looked at the county magistrate, shook his head, and said firmly: "I don't need any gifts. As long as you are a good official in this county and seek welfare for the people, it will be the greatest reward for me."
The county magistrate showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, but he quickly regained his smile.
"Yes, the Prime Minister has taught me a lesson. The officials will definitely remember your teachings and be a competent official."
Xi Yu nodded.
"I hope you can do what you say."
After saying that, Xi Yu turned around and continued on the road, and Xiao Cui sat on the horse's back.
Xiao Cui asked curiously: "Prime Minister, where are we going next?"
Xi Yu smiled and replied: "We are going to Jiangnan and bring Wu Guotai to Youzhou."
Xiao Cui nodded, and a trace of expectation flashed in her eyes.
Jiangnan, it is a place full of poetry and beautiful scenery.
They walked along the winding path, lined by lush trees.
The breeze gently blew on their faces, bringing waves of fresh air.
Xi Yu raised his head slightly and felt the caress of the breeze.
He whispered: "Xiao Cui, the land in the south of the Yangtze River, has picturesque scenery. We went here not only to pick up Wu Guotai, but also to see the beautiful land."
Xiao Cui smiled and said, "Sir, I believe this trip to Jiangnan will definitely be very interesting."
A firm determination surged in Xi Yu's heart. He remembered what Liu Long did and understood that he had to eradicate this cancer that harmed the country.
At the same time, he also knew clearly that in this world full of power and struggle, there must be other people with bad intentions who attempt to murder him.
He gritted his teeth secretly, and a firm light flashed in his eyes.
"Liu Long, your evil deeds will not succeed for too long. I will bring you to justice and eliminate harm to the country!" Xi Yu's inner voice revealed unquestionable determination.
"And those enemies hidden in the dark, I will find you one by one and make you pay the price for your sins."
Jiangnan, Wu Guotai's room was filled with a faint smell of Buddha. Wu Guotai was sitting on the couch, holding Buddhist beads, and a hint of worry appeared in his eyes.
"Sun Ce, my son." Wu Guotai called softly.
Sun Ce asked, "Mother, what's the matter with me?"
Wu Guotai smiled slightly.
"I just want to ask, Sun Quan has written a letter? How has he been recently?"
Sun Ce's expression was slightly deeper.
"Mother, the child has not received Sun Quan's letter. However, no news is the best news. He must be doing well, you don't have to worry."
Wu Guotai sighed.
"Well, I hope he's all right."
Sun Ce held Wu Guotai's hand.
"Mother, don't worry. I will send someone to inquire about Sun Quan's news, and I will inform you immediately when there is any news."
Wu Guotai smiled slightly.
"I want to go to Youzhou to see Sun Shangxiang, I hope you can arrange it."
Sun Ce's expression was slightly deeper.
"Mother, you are old and should not travel long distances. Moreover, Youzhou is far away and you may encounter many dangers along the way."
Wu Guotai's face changed.
"I miss my daughter very much. If you don't make arrangements, it's unfilial to me!"
Sun Ce felt ache. He knew his mother's feelings for Sun Shangxiang, but he was also worried that his mother's body would not be able to withstand the long-distance travel.
"Mother, please rest assured, I will make arrangements immediately." Sun Ce decided to satisfy his mother's wish.
Wu Guotai showed a gratified smile on his face.
"Okay, okay, then you can step down."
Sun Ce got up, took a deep look at Wu Guotai, and then turned around and left the room.
Outside the house, the sun was shining brightly, but Sun Ce’s heart was heavy.
He knew that this trip to Youzhou might be difficult, but for the sake of his mother, he had to do it.
Sun Ce called Zhuge Jin and asked him to escort Wu Guotai to Youzhou, and Zhuge Jin could also gather with Zhuge Liang.
When Zhuge Jin heard this, he was a little hesitant.
He was willing to go there, after all, it was rare to be able to reunite with his younger brother Zhuge Liang.
But can Wu Guotai's body bear it?
"Lord, Wu Guotai's body..." Zhuge Jin couldn't help but speak.
Sun Ce sighed.
"I think so too, but my mother insists on going to see her daughter. She said she missed Sun Shangxiang and hoped to see her with her own eyes."
Zhuge Jin understood Sun Ce's difficulties. He knew that Sun Ce was unwilling to let Wu Guo take too much risk, but he could not go against his mother's wishes.
"Okay, I will try my best to protect Wu Guotai's safety." Zhuge Jin finally agreed.
Sun Ce nodded.
"I'll feel relieved with you. You can prepare and set off tomorrow."
Zhuge Jin stood up and left, and began to prepare for tomorrow's itinerary.
Zhuge Jin was also very happy. Taking this opportunity to meet Zhuge Liang, this really made him particularly happy.
After a while, Sun Ce came to Wu Guotai's room again and said that he had made arrangements.
Tomorrow, Zhuge Jin will take someone to escort his mother to Youzhou.
Wu Guotai expressed his joy.
"Zhuge Jin is very steady, and I am very happy that he escorted me."
Sun Ce smiled slightly.
"Mother, he is indeed a reliable person. I feel relieved to have him by your side this time."
"Mother, do you have any other requirements?" Sun Ce asked.
Wu Guo thought too much.
"No more, you have already made a good arrangement. As long as I can see Sun Shangxiang, I will be satisfied."
"Mother, you should take a break early. You will have to get up early tomorrow to rush."
Sun Ce exited the room.
Wu Guotai immediately moved the Buddhist beads in his hands and began to ask the Buddha to bless his actions tomorrow.
In the room, the breath of burning incense filled the room. Wu Guotai knelt in front of the Buddha statue, folded his hands together, and prayed devoutly.
Her eyes were closed, and she muttered words in her mouth. The Buddhist beads turned gently in her hands, making a crisp sound.
"Buddha, please bless our journey to the future smoothly. Let me arrive in Youzhou safely and meet my daughter Sun Shangxiang." Wu Guotai's voice was full of earnestness and expectation.
Chapter completed!