The days when I fished in Daming

When I got home, it was already late at night. After a quick wash, I lay down in bed.

Wei Hong then leaned closer, and Zheng Xiong put his arm around her shoulder, whispering something to her.

"I'm going on a long trip, which will last anywhere from three to five days to more than ten days. Don't worry about me at home."

"Tell my uncle and the others to stay here for now, and we'll talk about it when I get back."

"When you visit your aunt and mother, remember to mention it to them."

“While I’m away, you should keep your family in check. Don’t go out unless necessary, especially your aunt. Show your authority as the lady of the Marquis’s mansion, keep her in line, and tell her that if she goes out and gets into trouble, I won’t be responsible for her.”

. . .

Zheng Xiong went on and on, rambling on and on.

At this moment, Wei Hong also noticed Zheng Xiong's unusual behavior and said worriedly.

"Is there any danger on your journey, my husband?"

"No, you won't die."

"My lady, a moment of passion on this night is worth a thousand pieces of gold, the two of us... hehehehe"

The next morning, Zheng Xiong set off early and went to the government office.

Hundreds of people have already gathered at the government office.

Although it was a bit noisy, they were all dressed neatly, with sticks at their waists, and exuded an imposing aura.

Upon seeing Zheng Xiong arrive, they all bowed and cheered loudly.

"Master Hou."

"Yes, everyone, please wait a moment."

After saying this, Zheng Xiong called Wang Peng over and gave him some instructions.

"I have official business to attend to. I'll leave all matters of the government office to you for the time being. Also, organize the books confiscated yesterday and see if there is any evidence of the Kong family's treason."

"Yes."

"Hmm... Everything else can remain the same. If there are any difficulties, wait for my return."

"As ordered."

Wang Peng agreed readily; he seems like a decent guy! Aside from a couple of special instructions, there wasn't much else to say. I'm sure he'll know what he's doing.

"Set off."

With a command, Zheng Xiong led hundreds of men away in a grand procession.

The journey out of the city proceeded without incident. Apart from a couple of routine inquiries, the military command did not obstruct them and would not provoke Zheng Xiong.

Only when they arrived at the ferry terminal did they realize that arrangements had not been made properly and preparations had not been made.

But it's not a big deal.

A forward outpost was dispatched, and the group first crossed the river by boat, informing those in the process along the way.

The rest of the people crossed the river in batches, but it took a little longer, and they didn't finish crossing until noon.

Upon arriving at the first post station, due to insufficient preparation, there were only a few dozen horses, so they had to take turns riding, and the speed was not fast.

By the time they reached the second post station, it was nearly evening.

Rest for a night.

The next day, after the post station arranged for horses, they finally gathered enough for the group and galloped away.

Meanwhile, the morning court session on the day Zheng Xiong set off was also far from peaceful.

The memorials were useless. At the morning court session, all the officials began to impeach Zheng Xiong, accusing him of detaining members of the Kong family, especially the current Duke Yansheng, on trumped-up charges.

This has clearly aroused public outrage.

For example, the Huai-Xi faction, led by Hu Weiyong, was the first to launch an attack.

Later, the remnants of the Yuan dynasty, led by Liu Bowen, and his faction in eastern Zhejiang took turns accusing him.

Although Li Shanchang and Liu Bowen did not participate in the battle.

However, it is also clear that regardless of whether the two were suppressed or not, Zheng Xiong's actions had already crossed the line for these people.

Or rather, those with grudges will seize this opportunity to strike deadly, and those without grudges will now have them. This is a will that cannot be suppressed by human power.

Only the Confucius family could achieve this level of influence.

"I am aware of what you have said. Although Zheng Xiong has overstepped his bounds, we cannot tolerate his treason and collusion with the enemy. We will discuss everything after a thorough investigation. What do you all think?"

“Your Majesty has given the decree, and I will obey it. However, the Sage cannot be insulted. If Zheng Xiong has no evidence, I request Your Majesty to execute him to comfort the Sage’s spirit in heaven.”

Old Zhu glanced at the old man who had spoken, but dared not offend the crowd, because most of the people present had already chimed in.

"We will give the Emperor an explanation when the time comes. Court adjourned."

Honestly, at this point, Old Zhu really wanted to make a bet, like how to judge if the Kong family really colluded with the enemy.

The Kong family was not so easy to deal with, and it was impossible to tarnish their reputation, so he could only be angry for a moment and then suppress it.

Fortunately, the court session finally ended, and even Zhu Yuanzhang breathed a sigh of relief.

After the morning court session, the court officials were in an uproar upon hearing that Zheng Xiong had led his men away from the capital, heading north.

Zheng Xiong was either running away or causing trouble, which was intolerable. As a result, a bunch of people were preparing to go to Old Zhu to complain.

But it was all for naught. They couldn't find Old Zhu, or even if they did, they couldn't see him. They could only wait until the morning court session the next day.

The next morning, Zhu Yuanzhang learned his lesson and took a rare day off, skipping the morning court session.

Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7.

After missing six consecutive morning court sessions, Old Zhu took a few days of rest.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xiong and his party traveled for two days and finally arrived in Qufu on the evening of the third day.

Hundreds of people rode straight into Qufu city, and the soldiers guarding the city did not dare to stop them. They went straight to the county government office without any hindrance.

Before he could receive the report, Qufu County Magistrate Kong Xiwen was enjoying tea in the back office when he heard a commotion in the main hall of the front courtyard. His face immediately darkened.

A figure hurried over.

"My lord, something terrible has happened! A high-ranking official has arrived in the front courtyard. He claims to be the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture and has brought hundreds of men. He has already occupied the main hall and is beckoning you to come and question him."

The person stumbled and spoke as he walked, and when he finished speaking, he stood in front of Kong Xiwen, panting heavily.

Kong Xiwen was stunned.

What the hell? The Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture isn't in Yingtian Prefecture, but has wandered into my little county office. Is that even possible?

Although Qufu is frequented by many important figures, you can't bring hundreds of people with you when you visit, can you?
Official business has absolutely nothing to do with Yingtian Prefecture.

It's a private matter, there's no need to bring so many people, and Zheng Xiong doesn't usually make such a grand entrance.

My mind is a complete mess, but one thing is certain: this newcomer is not to be trifled with.

After straightening his official robes, Kong Xiwen jogged to the front yard.

Outside the county government office, a group of people were leading horses, maintaining order, and there were also onlookers.

Inside the county government office, as it was nearing evening, all the subordinate officials and yamen runners who had been out had returned to the office. So, all the original dozens of people from the county government office were here, huddled together, trembling, unaware of what had happened.

Looking from the outside in, one can see rows of yamen runners with sticks at their waists lined up in the main hall of the county yamen, while Zheng Xiong sits upright in the center, resting with his eyes closed.

"My lord, Magistrate Kong Xiwen has arrived."

"See Mr. Marquis."

Kong Xiwen looked uneasy and bowed respectfully.

Zheng Xiong did not reply, and remained resting with his eyes closed.

"My lord, the county magistrate has arrived."

After a long while, Zheng Xiong finally opened his eyes and looked at the two people in front of him.

Kong Xiwen was a pampered and wealthy man in his forties.

The county constable did look rather weathered, but unlike Kong Xiwen, who was three parts respect and three parts fear, the county constable looked completely bewildered.

Composing himself, Zheng Xiong stared at Kong Xiwen and said.

"Kong Xiwen, right? Now that your affair has been exposed, is there anything else you want to say?"

(Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling 2026!) (End of Chapter)