Chapter 640 An unjust case is discovered in Shangyuan County
"My lord, please follow me forward. Don't worry, I will protect you."
He Fengyu also followed behind Zhu Han, and the two of them protected Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang one after another.
Zhu Han was very calm. He had thought before that if something really happened, he would probably not have too many worries no matter how he moved forward.
But now he found that things seemed not as simple as he thought, so he continued to move forward.
Zhu Yuanzhang followed Zhu Han, surrounded by darkness, and they only had a torch in their hands.
The road ahead was even more bottomless. After a stick of incense, I finally found a bright spot ahead.
However, what the two of them didn't expect was that when they walked towards the bright light, they discovered that they had unknowingly arrived at the back hill of the temple.
Zhu Han was very surprised, and Zhu Yuanzhang looked incredulous. He didn't expect that this was actually a secret passage.
It only takes half a stick of incense to get here from the temple, but if you go around the mountain road, it may take several hours.
It seems that what the tunnel digger left behind as a treasure was this secret passage.
"They probably thought that if they were besieged here in the end, they could escape through this secret passage, so they used the lie about the treasure to deceive their descendants."
Zhu Han found it even more incredible. He didn't expect that they were not such vicious people. If they were so afraid of the government, why bother to rebel?
Zhu Yuanzhang took it very seriously. It was a foregone conclusion that he would sit on the throne, but there were always people who wanted to replace him.
Both the White Lotus Sect and Chen Youliang were beaten to a pulp by him. Now that the situation has stabilized, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart relaxed a little.
"I didn't expect that after going around and around, I'm still here. Now that the matter of those corpses has been settled, we should set off for the county seat as soon as possible."
"I wonder if Wang An will deal with those rumors after returning to the county government."
Zhu Yuanzhang still had a lot of concerns about Wang An. He knew so many things in a small county town and had experts to guide him. It might not be easy.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded repeatedly when he heard Zhu Han's words. He actually had the same idea.
If something unexpected happens on this road, I'm afraid it has something to do with Wang An.
From getting along with Wang An in the past few days, I can see that he is also a wise man, but the master beside him is definitely not simple.
"Then let's go back now. Our luggage is still in the temple, and our carriage is also there."
As soon as He Fengyu finished speaking, Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang walked to the front. Looking at the beautiful scenery in the back mountain, Zhu Han felt filled with emotion.
"It's really not easy to remember that we traveled here together more than ten years ago, and so many years have passed in the blink of an eye."
"People are definitely living a good life now. I'm looking forward to entering Shangyuan County and seeing the people living a harmonious and beautiful life."
Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head and just smiled lightly, not taking Zhu Han's words to heart.
At the same time, Wang An had just returned to the county office with his master, and he was already feeling a little uneasy.
He sat on the chair with his hands shaking slightly, looking at the prince in shock, feeling suddenly nervous in his heart.
"The prince will definitely arrive at the county government office soon. If he knows what we have done, what should we do?"
The master was angry when he saw Wang An being so helpless. He looked at Wang An in front of him with a cold face.
"Master Wang, what are you afraid of now? Even if His Majesty comes to Shangyuan County, it has nothing to do with you. You just need to finish the case in your hand step by step."
Wang An shook his head, he had already expected that things were not that simple.
Although Zhu Han had already investigated the murder case in the temple this time, it happened in Shangyuan County after all, and he might not be able to escape his involvement.
What's more, the people's comments and rumors outside have not been stopped yet. He looked at the master, quickly stood up and walked to the master in a few steps.
"We have to find someone as soon as possible. We must not let this happen again. If Zhu Han starts to investigate, I am afraid that all the previous cases in Shangyuan County will be implicated."
"And I'm afraid the people's mouths won't be able to be stopped."
Wang An has been serving as the magistrate of Shangyuan County for so many years, but he actually has no real talent or knowledge.
He never cared about the affairs of the common people. He was only interested in matters that could be used to extract money and water, which led to the death of many common people.
Someone had given him hints before, but Wang An never took them seriously. Now that things have become a big deal, he has begun to worry a little.
I am afraid that Zhu Han will catch him when the time comes, and no one can save him even if the King of Heaven comes.
"Sir, please don't panic. If those people have any rumors, it will be easier for us to fool them."
"It's just that we want to find out some truth as soon as possible. As long as we hold the prince in our hands, even if he has extraordinary abilities, he can't find out any truth. As the saying goes, a strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake."
The master's words slowly eased Wang An's worries.
A sinister smile appeared on his face, and he murmured as he turned to look at the master.
"A strong dragon will not suppress a local snake. What you said is indeed true. Now let's inform several merchants and shops in the county government so that they can make preparations as soon as possible."
"First smooth out all the account books of my shop. Otherwise, if the prince starts to investigate, the tax issue will probably fall on me."
On weekdays, their tax issues are the same as those of other county governments.
But this year, because the harvest was good and the business of several stores was gradually improving, even if they wanted to go to Yingtian Mansion to file a petition, they failed because of their lack of strength.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! And ordinary people who want to file a complaint have no way to do so. This matter has been suppressed, and now Wang An is afraid that the incident will come to light.
"Sir, don't worry, I have settled this matter completely."
Wang An felt a little relieved, but he didn't know that rumors were spreading in Yingtian Mansion at this time.
Many people are spreading rumors that the Emperor of Ming Dynasty will pay a private visit incognito and will probably arrive in Shangyuan County soon.
"I heard that His Majesty wanted to understand the sentiments of the people. If he really comes to our place, he must turn out those unjust cases, otherwise those people will really die in vain."
"It's best to deal with this corrupt official at once. I heard that a number of officials from Datong Prefecture have been investigated and dealt with, and now it's finally Shangyuan County's turn."
"We, the people, will finally be able to see the light of day. But I don't know when His Majesty will be able to come. We must seize the time these days."
The people were talking a lot, but little did they know that in a deserted corner, two beggars were eating dirty steamed buns in their hands, and the little beggar was leaning on the old beggar's arms.
"Grandpa, is what they said true? Can that dog officer really be investigated and punished? Can't my parents' revenge be avenged?"
The old beggar looked at the little beggar and shook his head. He had heard about this a long time ago, but the officials in the court and the central government were protecting each other, and now the trouble has gotten out of hand.
He had heard all Zhu Han's actions in Datong Mansion, but after thinking about it, there was absolutely no way that this matter would fall on them.
"Now I just need to drag you out first. You must hold on to your parents' hatred. We are just waiting to see this good show. If there is a chance, it would be great to rehabilitate your parents."
The little beggar listened to the old beggar's words, and his eyes were filled with tears.
He looked at the steamed bun in his hand and slowly fed it into his mouth. He thought that they were also a wealthy family in Shangyuan County back then, but they fell into this situation at some point.
The old beggar slowly held the child in his arms and looked at the passers-by on the street with eyes filled with hatred.
He secretly swore in his heart that he would avenge his family and let Wang An die without a burial place.
When Zhu Han, He Fengyu and others arrived in Shangyuan County by carriage, they saw bustling crowds of people on both sides of the street not long after entering the city.
The people were living peacefully, and the streets were prosperous. Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with emotion when he looked at this scene.
He and Zhu Han did not ride in the carriage. They got off the carriage as soon as they entered the city. The two of them started patrolling the streets one after the other.
He Fengyu and Gao Fei went to find an inn to stay first. Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han rarely had such leisure time.
Zhu Han held the folding fan in his hand and waved it gently. As he walked ahead, he saw that the people were now living and working in peace and contentment, and the small items sold on the streets were indeed well made.
He saw someone selling candied haws on a stick in front of him, so he quickly stepped forward, took out the money from his sleeve, bought two candied haws, and turned around and handed them to Zhu Yuanzhang.
"Brother, this candied haws on a stick is your favorite. Try it and see if it tastes the same as before."
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Han and laughed.
He took the candied haws in Zhu Han's hand, put it into his mouth and took a bite. The sour and sweet taste instantly stimulated his taste buds and whetted Zhu Yuanzhang's appetite.
Zhu Yuanzhang also felt a little comfort in his heart that the people could live such a good life.
He has been the Emperor of Ming Dynasty for so many years, just to make the people have clothes and food, so that they no longer have to worry about life.
Now that I see the changed appearance of Shangyuan County, I feel even more happy. This is the best answer to his people-oriented approach and his ability to govern the world well.
"Brother, what was Shangyuan County like back then? The people didn't even have enough to eat. I didn't expect it to be so prosperous now. Look, the restaurant in front of you is called Zuichun Pavilion. Let's go and take a look."
Zhu Yuanzhang followed Zhu Han's line of sight and looked forward, and he saw a lot of people at the door of the restaurant.
It's getting dark now, but the restaurants are brightly lit, and the people have a better quality of life.
You can also get drunk and party in this restaurant late at night.
Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang entered the Zuichun Pavilion and asked for the best private room.
As soon as the shopkeeper saw the newcomer, he quickly stepped forward and asked the waiter to lead the way.
Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang followed the waiter and walked up to the attic. They heard a lot of rumors along the way.
The few people drinking below began to discuss in low voices. They all knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had been paying private visits to various places these days.
They thought that if they could meet Zhu Yuanzhang, the injustice they had suffered for so many years might one day be cleared away.
"I really don't know when His Majesty will be able to come to our Shangyuan County. I heard that he has been traveling around these days and will he come to us one day."
"We have suffered too much oppression here over the years. If one day we can investigate all of this, we must kill Wang An's head."
The shopkeeper seemed to have noticed something unusual here, and hurriedly came over. Hearing them discussing this matter, he quickly apologized with a grimace.
"Keep your voice down, keep your voice down, don't let his lackeys hear it, otherwise we won't be able to eat and walk around in circles."
Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at each other and realized that there must be something they didn't know.
So Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang entered the attic, and the waiter quickly served them some food, as well as a jar of red wine.
Just when the waiter was about to leave, Zhu Han called out to him.
"Xiao Er, I have something I want to ask you about today. Is it convenient for us to talk to you?"
The waiter looked at Zhu Han and shook his head quickly. He took a few steps back with a cautious look on his face, holding the rag in his hand.
"Guests, the food I'm supposed to serve has been served. If you have any questions, just ask the shopkeeper. I don't know anything."
The waiter's vision was not very wide. Looking at his immature face, Zhu Yuanzhang stepped forward quickly, gently put it on the waiter's shoulder, and helped him take off the rag.
When Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the waiter, he asked him in a low voice.
"Don't worry, the information we are trying to find out will definitely not make you lose your head. There are so many people in this store making trouble, so you must know a lot of gossip. We just came here."
Zhu Yuanzhang's words made the waiter slowly relax his vigilance towards him.
Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's kind look, the waiter nodded gently.
Zhu Yuanzhang quickly brought them to their table, picked up a handful of peanuts and put them into the waiter's hand.
"How long have you been working here?"
Zhu Yuanzhang started asking around, and the waiter told Zhu Yuanzhang that he had only been here for three months, but he had heard a lot of things.
"You can ask whatever you want. Anyway, I don't know much, but it seems that a lot of things have been mentioned here in recent days."
Zhu Yuanzhang listened to the waiter's words and quickly began to ask him.
After all, some of the news he heard now was actually not perfect, and Wang An must have been well prepared these days.
It may not be easy for them to find some opportunities now, but since they are already here, there is absolutely no way they can miss any opportunities.
Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han quickly began to ask what happened in Shangyuan County to the county seat these days.
The waiter told them everything about the rumors, which surprised Zhu Han.
He couldn't imagine that Wang An actually did so many evil things behind their backs.