"Have you forgotten that there will be new rules in Guangdong?" Zhang Fujing asked with a smile at Zheng Cunzhong's house.
Zheng Cunzhong looked extremely ugly: "I wonder what the rules are in this game of chess?"
Is this how Go is played? What a fart!
"Don't you have some guesses about Guangdong's new rules?" Zhang Fujing asked strangely: "It's your turn."
Zheng Cunzhong looked at him for a long time and then said: "The student admits defeat."
"Admit defeat or plead guilty?"
“I don’t know what crime the student has committed.”
"Is it possible to link up with the wealthy gentry and use the help of the magistrate and subordinate officials in Jieyang, Chaozhou to provoke the villagers to besiege the county government?"
"No, the students have been studying in Guangzhou to prepare for the exam."
"Is it possible to serve as a guarantee for officials from various places to buy fertile land in Guangdong and recruit wealthy tenants to rent it?"
"How can a student be so virtuous and capable as a student?"
"Write a petition for a wealthy family and tell the villagers, is there any?"
"There were a few times when the student just wrote on his behalf to make the victim's complaint fit the format. The student had no involvement in how the case was tried, and he has never been a litigator."
Zhang Fujing nodded and asked: "So how much of the family's taxes and duties have been avoided by just one person?"
Zheng Cunzhong was silent for a moment and then said calmly: "If Futai wants to punish the students for this crime, then the students should plead guilty. But let's see if Futai can treat everyone equally and ask your majesty to punish the gentry all over the world for this crime. Didn't Futai say so? Futai said
I’m afraid my family has already acted like this.”
"He is proficient in laws and regulations, relies on his fame and status, and only has to move his mouth, and his hands are never stained with blood. He can be said to have violated the law of the country. This is the only crime. However, the law does not punish everyone, so he has nothing to fear." Zhang Fujing said with regret in his tone, "
If you have this ability, you have to be a moth. Since you have admitted this crime, I will do as you wish and ask your majesty to send you to the capital."
Zheng Cunzhong's body trembled slightly.
What does it mean to let him come to Beijing?
"It's just a matter of selecting a son, and you have to leave your name in the history books." Zhang Fujing looked at him, "I have studied hard for many years, but I still don't have the qualifications to enter the Fengxian Palace and see Tianyan, but now you have done it based on your ability. You don't have to wait for the palace examination, you
You can wear the shackles and go to the palace first. If you are lucky, you can be beheaded in front of everyone outside the Meridian Gate, honoring your ancestors!"
The yin and yang are strange, and every word is heart-breaking.
"Of the gentry in the world, ninety-nine out of a hundred are like this. Only one student can be taught, and the students will not accept it!!! Even if it is to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, is it useful? I have studied hard for decades to deserve this honor. How has the world's tax revenue been cut off because of this? Your Majesty
Why can the princes of the imperial court and the imperial court sit in peace? Isn’t it because they rely on the officials and gentry of the world to govern the place and educate the countryside?"
When the words about being beheaded fell into his ears, Zheng Cunzhong suddenly lost his temper and went crazy.
Zhang Fujing picked up the chessboard and hit Zheng Cunzhong on top of his head as soon as he finished his roar.
The chess pieces were flying, Zheng Cunzhong was dizzy, blood was flowing from his forehead, his Confucian scarf was scattered, his hair was spread out, and he no longer looked the least bit polite.
"This is what I have taught you as a saint." Zhang Fujing put down the chessboard and clapped his hands, "You don't have to roar in front of me. In the Fengtian Palace, you can either keep silent and become a martyr and admit other crimes. In this way, even though you are still alive
If the dead people are exterminated, you can hope that the officials and gentry in the world will secretly spread your good name. Or you can speak out boldly and let His Majesty see clearly the reason why the Ming Dynasty is neither rich nor powerful. Maybe the law is not responsible.
Did everyone escape with their lives?"
Zheng Cunzhong was so aggrieved that he was shaking all over.
Are you saying these things so boldly in front of the emperor? I'm afraid there will be many important officials in the court who want to draw their swords and chop him to death first, right?
The blood on his forehead flowed to his cheeks, and he said with a crazy smile: "Okay! I will go to the Fengtian Palace! I want to see how your Majesty solves this deadlock, how to convince the gentry of the world, and how to be able to do it in a few decades.
As Futai said, the Ming Dynasty is full of innocent officials and gentry!"
Zhang Fujing turned around and waved: "Tie him up!"
…
The second session of the Guangdong Provincial Examination ended the next day. The gate of Gongyuan had been opened, and some who could submit their papers could leave early.
After they walked out of the Gongyuan, they saw many people running in one direction in high spirits.
Just as the sky was about to clear up, a scholar quickly asked the servants or bookboys waiting here: "What happened?"
"Some masters, scholars, and wealthy households sued the governor and the prefect of Guangzhou. But the governor arrested all the complainants last night. I heard that several people's homes were raided, and all the troops from the capital were dispatched.
The servant said excitedly, "Now the governor and the Guangzhou government office have posted notices saying that cases must be handled impartially, so that the people of Guangdong can file grievances without fear of oppression by the government and wealthy squires! Now Magistrate Yang is interrogating Xun Juren.
!”
"Mr. Xun, who is as famous as Mr. Cunzhong?" The scholar was shocked, "What crime?"
"Forcing farmland to be sold, allowing servants to beat people to death!"
"...Go and have a look!"
Since he was suing the censor and the prefect of Guangzhou, why was the mistress first arrested and then his house ransacked?
It is even more unbelievable to encourage the people of Guangdong to sue officials and even wealthy gentry households, but the first person to be used as a model turned out to be Xun Juren?
What on earth are they going to do in Guangdong!
In the Guangzhou government office, three old farmers were kneeling aside, while Juzi, named Xun, stood aside with a sullen face.
He deserves this treatment without kneeling when he is called to court.
But that's not the problem now.
Yang Shen had an impartial expression on his face: "It's an old case from seventeen years ago. Since the victim has mentioned the names of the witnesses, let's go and summon them. Don't worry, since our government has accepted the petition, this case will definitely be tried."
Xun Juren was like swallowing a fly.
If this case continues to be tried, will I, the defendant, have to be summoned to the court at any time?
If it's normal, you can hand over a name card to settle the matter. If it doesn't work, you can also hire a lawyer to defend the case on your behalf.
But now this is a situation where things are falling apart.
How many civil disputes are there? As long as it is not a murder case or a major case, the government has always asked Li Zheng to mediate first, and is very reluctant to accept more petitions and open a court for questioning.
How much energy does this involve on the local officials? A more diligent official would have subordinate officials take on more cases and try them on his behalf, only interfering with the facts and verdicts. How can it be like now, when the governor blatantly encourages the people to appeal?
Disaster relief is so complicated, what are they going to do?
Not only are those lawyers no longer daring to stand up for themselves at this time, but I am afraid that some of the talented people taking part in the provincial examinations will also be affected!
Especially those scholars who come from rich families and are expected to win the imperial examination!
As the cases continue to be tried, there are more and more cases. Should Guangdong Juren leave as soon as possible and rush to the capital to attend the examination at the Ministry of Rites?
There was a lot of discussion in the Guangzhou government office. In the governor's office, more than ten people stood or knelt looking in front of them with pale faces.
In front of them, Xie Changjie had already taken off his official uniform and official hat. He stood there with his head bowed and said, "I plead guilty. Everything I said is true."
"You are the censor appointed by the imperial court to patrol Guangdong. How to deal with it is waiting for His Majesty's decision." Zhang Fujing looked at him, "You can use the methods of shrinking the rope, widening the rope, flying and so on to hide the field first, and take the initiative to order the official to the imperial court.
Bribery comes later. Now that the evidence is conclusive, can Zhai Tixue?"
Zhai Luan's heart was racing, but he could only say with a stern face: "If you don't cultivate your virtues and violate the national law, you will be punished and your fame will be revoked. You will be held accountable according to the law."
Zhang Fujing nodded: "I will write a document and hand it over to each government, and order the interrogation."
"Master Futai was wronged! It was him who asked for bribes, it was he..."
"Report!" Someone broke in from outside the door, "Master Futai, the imperial edict has arrived!"
Everyone in the hall had a hint of expectation in their eyes, while Zhang Fujing quickly led the officials to the door to greet the order.
It was Gao Zhong who came to deliver the message.
Judging from his haggard appearance, everyone knew that he had come all the way through hardships and hardships.
"Zhang Fu respectfully accepts the order!"
"Your Majesty, Zhang Fujing, would you like to ask the Holy Ann? Long live your Majesty! Long live! Long live your Majesty!"
"Sacred peace."
After he replied, he cleared his throat and unfolded the imperial edict.
"The Emperor of Heaven has sent an edict: I am heartbroken when a hurricane passes through and the people are in trouble! Guangdong is exempt from taxes for one year. The governors are required to send additional officers to each government. The chief envoy agrees, and the people's power must not be wasted. The warehouses in Guangdong have seen the edict.
Immediately open the warehouse to store grain, and start shipping another 200,000 dan to Fujian as soon as possible."
"The imperial governor of Guangdong, Zhang Fu, saw the decree and carried out the sword given by the emperor again, urging all the people in Guangdong to provide disaster relief, investigate cases, and bring peace to the people. There are officials and gentry who take advantage of the disaster to embezzle people's fields and do illegal things. Those of fourth rank and below who are deemed guilty and should be executed can first make a decision and then carry out the execution.
Of."
"In addition, I have ordered Duke Shi Ding of the former military governor's office to go south to Guangdong. If things change, I can mobilize 10,000 elite troops from the Huguang capital to go south, and prepare all the orders and talismans. The governor of Ding will take command! Here's my opinion!
"
Each one was more terrifying than the last. Zhang Fujing kowtowed excitedly to receive the order: "I accept the order, and on behalf of the people of Guangdong, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness! Long live Your Majesty! Long live! Long live!"
It’s another level 4 and below authority that can be executed. Everyone who was not affected last year will tremble under the butcher’s knife this time.
The most important thing is that Ding Guogong went south! Huguang's 10,000 elite troops are on standby at any time!
The imperial court was not afraid of chaos in Guangdong.
Since such a decree has been issued, the officials should already be making selections and waiting to fill the vacancies in Guangdong at any time, right?
After receiving the order, the pawn across the river saluted Gao Zhong: "Guangdong patrol censor Xie Changjie has confessed to accepting bribes and demanding bribes. Zheng Cunzhong, the Guangdong governor, and others have all been arrested and brought to justice. Gao Eunuch will rest for a few days and deliver them to everyone.
Enter Beijing."
Gao Zhong looked at the majestic Zhang Fujing and did not dare to neglect him, but he asked doubtfully: "The son who committed the crime...are we going to be escorted to Beijing together?"
Zhang Fujing looked at him deeply.
Gao Zhong suddenly felt excited: "Our family understands..."
Even Duke Dingguo was sent here, and the arrangement of Guangdong was naturally related to the entire Ming Dynasty.
He, Gao Zhong, is an errand boy.
"Please, Eunuch Gao, please go to the Yamen and rest. I will go to the Sansi Yamen to read out His Majesty's decree!"
This was an explicit decree, but only Zhang Fuking was allowed to accept it.
From this moment on, although Guangdong does not have a separate governor, he already has this authority.
All departments are under control.
A dozen detained gentry and wealthy people in the hall watched with pale faces as Zhang Fuking went out with a sword in one hand and an imperial edict in the other.
"...thrown into prison first!"
"It's unjust——"
Gao Zhong watched them being taken away, and then asked the person who wanted to ask him to rest: "I wonder where Huang Mingji is? Our family has never been to Guangzhou, please show us the way."
The people in the governor's yamen were frightened, thinking that there might be a secret order, and immediately said respectfully: "Eunuch Gao, please wait a moment, I will arrange for someone to prepare the sedan chair."
After giving instructions, he asked people to prepare hot tea and cakes, and then asked somewhat flatteringly: "Can you please tell me the name of Eunuch Gao? Eunuch Gao has worked hard all the way, and Futai is very strict. Many entertainments must be recorded in the account. It is really... presumptuous...
"
"That's it." Gao Zhong narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Our family name is Gao Mingzhong, and we are loyal Zhong."
…
Gao Zhong did not feel the tense situation in Guangzhou City as he thought before arriving, and the city was full of enemies.
He didn't understand, so he asked Wei Bin for help.
"Ancestor, I still don't understand."
There was a faint smile on Wei Bin's lips: "I don't want to keep calling like that."
"What are you talking about, ancestor? You helped me a lot in the past. How could Gao Zhong be such a snob!"
Wei Bin thought, isn't it because of this Huang Ming Ji? This guy always stays in Qianqing Palace, so he naturally understands that Huang Ming Ji may be very important.
I don't have any special purpose for visiting, I just want to burn some incense.
"Let's call us supervisor." Wei Bin told him about the new name His Majesty gave his position, and then asked, "What don't you understand?"
"...This Guangzhou looks quite peaceful, right? From what the ministers said in their memorials, it seems that Guangdong is about to rebel."
"The writing skills, of course." Wei Bin smiled, "It's true to say that the situation is tense. It's just that civil servants have always used pen and ink as swords and guns, and words as sharp arrows. If your majesty only listens to his words and reads his articles,
It seemed like there were thousands of troops. But actually? Eunuch Gao also saw it."
Gao Zhong looked down from the top floor of Yuanying Building. It was full of fireworks and the people looked quite lively. Probably because... the government offices and county offices were all accepting complaints, and there were many cases to discuss?
"Zhang Fujing is really a talented person!" Wei Bin lamented, "He knows that words and ink are not important. In this big world, only those who can't survive will be brave. Those officials, gentry and wealthy people are used to being aloof and bossing around.
I am used to it, and I always think that the ignorant people who usually nod and bow their eyebrows will follow their words and do whatever they want with a few small profits. As everyone knows, the people will also quickly change their minds because of other things. Good porridge can help
If you redress your grievances and do not send troops, that will be a good life."
There was a sneer on his lips: "If there is such excitement as punishing the superior men in the past, look at it, it will relieve your anger and make you full. Without these people who are really willing to give up, what can the rich and gentlemen do?
?Their servants are not dead soldiers. Each of them has been rich for two or three generations, and they have forgotten that their ancestors were also farmers who had no food to eat and no clothes to wear. They usually get together to brag, talking about advancing and retreating with one heart. Sharp blades
If you add a neck, you will immediately pee. If you betray me, I will betray you."
"Zhang Fujing knows how to use a knife, and His Majesty knows how to use a sharp sword. How can he make the country rich? We don't understand how we can be rich every year in the future. But right now, Guangdong has confiscated all the family property, official fields, and land.
All the government offices in Guangdong will be rich within ten years! These gentry are like leeks. The number of candidates for candidates in Guangdong will not be reduced, and the number of students will not be reduced, and another crop will grow within three years. With Zhang Fujing in Guangdong, there are no
There will be problems. Your Majesty can just keep an eye on the frightened other provinces."
Gao Zhong felt horrified: "Isn't it because other provinces are looking at Guangdong that it matters here? Zhang Futai killed so ruthlessly that the officials and gentry in other provinces were frightened. What if they start a rebellion in tandem?"
"Zhang Fu knows the importance and will definitely give His Majesty a good excuse, which will make other provinces speechless."
Gao Zhong thought of the batch of scholars and scholars that Zhang Fujing asked him to send to the capital.
"Let's go back to Huangmingji Guangdong Semicolon."
"...Supervisor, isn't this here?"
"What does a restaurant mean?" Wei Bin curled his lips, "It's just a copy that was not sold to Huang Mingji."
"How much silver?"
"I haven't given it, but I have to arrange for the fleet to go to Cochin to buy grain and deliver it to the Guangdong feudal lord." Wei Bin said with a sad look on his face, "I work hard, but I don't know if the hurricane at sea has stopped."
"...If the supervisor is busy, then I should go back first?"
Wei Bin shook his head: "Your Majesty wants some things. Could you please take them back with you?"
"The supervisor is joking, but he doesn't dare to say it's troublesome!"
"It's good to work hard when you have something to do! It's good to work hard!" Wei Bin said this sincerely, and it was much better than guarding the tomb.
If you are used to living wonderful days, how can you get used to the lonely life of darkness?
Gui E, on the contrary, had been too boring in the past few years.
But now, it's so exciting.
The commander Qianshi sent by the capital was stationed in Huizhou, but there were not enough strong squads and there were still soldiers.
Huguang's 10,000 elite soldiers are watching eagerly, and they have the momentum to come to Huguang to do things that Guangdong cannot handle. General Chiang has already chopped off the heads of three thousand households, and strictly ordered to let bygones be bygones, but must do a good job!
Is it really troublesome for the old Duke of Ding to lead Huguang's elite troops south to seize the glory?
The chaos outside Guangdong has nothing to do with them. Let’s plow the local area first!
So Gui E went to court to inquire about the case, and looked at every magistrate, minor official, gentry, and wealthy householder who was accused.
Find the evidence and make the decision!
No one is doing anything? Gui E was driven crazy by the two previous Shangguan officials, and her energy was frightening.
He even found that he enjoyed the pleasure of deciding the fate of others, especially those who looked down on him and relied on their status.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, the official was just coerced by the officials to collect some silver. According to the "Regulations on Penalty", the official's crime is not among the exceptions that should be permanently banished to the army. The official can redeem his sentence, and he is willing to redeem his sentence...
…”
Gui Cai is very confused.
There are such provisions in the "Regulations on Punishment". As a rule, in the Ming Dynasty, "there are almost no irredeemable crimes and no irredeemable people." As long as they are not over seventy years old, under fifteen years old, or disabled and sentenced to death, they can
Or those who are not sentenced to eternal exile in the army can pay money to atone for their sins.
Based on the money he was greedy for, he would be sentenced to life-long military ban, but he would not be sentenced to life-long military ban, which would require his descendants and relatives to take over.
"...Then I will pay you four thousand taels of silver..."
Before Gui E finished speaking, he whispered again: "Master, according to the "Da Ming Law" and the "Regulations on Punishment", it should be four thousand guan..."
The little eyes of the prefect in the hall almost widened, and his beard twitched.
"According to the "Imperial Imperial Order", those who take away official property and sell the rich to the poor will be punished by the clan! Those who take bribes and talk about things over money will be executed at Lingchi! Those who steal and sell warehouse grain will be tattooed with ink on their faces and have their muscles and knees removed!"
"I'll accept the silver! I'll accept the silver!"
Gui E held the pen in her hand shaking as she wrote the verdict: "I'm so angry! I'm so angry!"
Could it be that this group of people eventually paid money to atone for their sins and were demoted to civilian status and returned to their hometowns?
Who knows what other fields they have hidden under the name of so and so, and it is not convenient and strict to check who has official registration or not in various places?
Because there is no clear definition of official status!
"Next! Next! I have to submit a memorial, amend the "Regulations on Punishment", decide on prosecution, and send copies to all counties..."
He muttered to himself, and the commander of the Guangdong Dusi who accompanied him here only felt that there was something wrong with the Huizhou magistrate's mind.
On the official ship outside the city of Guangzhou, Zhang Fujing handed a small box of confessions to Gao Zhong and only said: "There will be new files later. I will send them to Beijing again by express delivery, and my father-in-law will hand them over to your majesty."
That’s it.”
Gao Zhong, who stayed in Guangzhou for three days, nodded: "We will remember it, Futai, take care!"
As the official ship set sail, Gao Zhong walked into the cabin and looked at Xie Changjie, who was guarded by two guards in brocade clothes, one on the left and one on the right.
"The inspector did not convict him, it doesn't have to be that way."
He was referring to Xie Changjie himself wearing plain clothes.
Xie Changjie pursed his lips: "Just listen to His Majesty's comments."
Gao Zhong had heard about the situation in Guangdong in the past few days, so he said with a smile: "It's more or less away from the land of right and wrong. I can get a few more good nights' sleep while patrolling."
After that, he went to the bottom cabin again, where more than a dozen people were shackled and locked in small cages nailed to the wooden beams.
He curiously walked towards the lonely person at the end, squatted down and asked, "We heard that your name also has the word "loyalty" in it?"
Zheng Cunzhong, with disheveled hair, looked at him with contempt.
In the dark cabin, he actually sat upright, looking quite dignified.
Gao Zhong made a sound in his mouth, and then said: "Bah!"
Zheng Cunzhong clenched his fists and let his spit flow down his face and hair.
"What do you mean by the flowing dynasty and the iron-clad gentry, you deserve to be called Zhong?" Gao Zhong said with disdain.