Daming: I, Yang Xian, really govern Yang!

In the carriage.

"Don't talk about you being a small official of the Shipping Department. So what if it's me, or even the Chief Envoy? In this land of Guangdong, General Zhu is the only one who has to follow his lead. My arms can't twist my thighs. " Wang Hua, the prefect of Guangzhou, patted the back of Daotong's hand and said.

Daotong said with a serious face: "But investigating smuggling is the responsibility of our Municipal Shipping Department. Although I have just taken office not long ago, I also know something about the Prince Consort and General Zhu. Mr. Wang, if this continues, Guangzhou, and even Sooner or later, major problems will arise in all the treaty ports in Guangdong."

Wang Hua said: "To put it bluntly, what if they smuggled it? It's not a sinister thing like murder and arson. You just turn a blind eye and turn a blind eye."

"In Guangzhou Mansion, you were the last chief officer of the Municipal Shipping Department, but you were promoted within two years of your service. Now you are a fourth-rank official just like me."

"Why do you have to be so serious about this kind of thing that's good for you, good for me, and good for everyone?"

"Zhou Bao did go too far this time. I believe the prince-in-law will teach him a lesson. I also know that it is your subordinates who died after all. You have to give an explanation to the people below. You don't have to worry about compensation. It will satisfy the victim’s family. Death is already a fait accompli, and for them, seeking a good compensation amount is more important.”

Wang Hua took the trouble to persuade his subordinate over and over again with earnest words.

But Daotong remained unmoved.

Daotong was silent for a moment and then said: "Hello, hello, hello, everyone, but if the court is not good, the people in the world will not be good either. The taxes lost due to smuggling are all the money of the court. Our country has been developing rapidly in these years. , and all this money will eventually be used for the people. So Mr. Wang, I cannot agree with what you say."

"Yang Guogong once mentioned in the Ming Daily that the power of officials is given by the people and the court. The power in the hands of our officials rests on the expectations of the people. So the reason why I insist on this matter and not let it go is not because it is difficult to reconcile. The people below cannot explain to me with my official robe and my conscience!"

"Living up to the emperor's favor and not letting down the people are the way to serve as an official."

When Daotong said these words, Wang Hua's expression immediately changed as he sat aside.

Obviously the words stung him.

Wang Hua looked at Dao Tong with a gloomy face, as if he was saying that you are great, you are noble, and you are a good official in the hearts of the people.

"If you can't even keep your official position, how can you be a good official or do things for the people. If you want to survive in Guangdong, you must not offend Yongjiahou."

"When you arrive at the Hou Mansion later, remember what I say. Your bad temper must be stopped in moderation and don't make mistakes, otherwise I won't be able to protect you. Think not only of yourself, but also of the brothers under your command." Wang Hua said.

While talking.

The carriage arrived at the Yongjia Marquis Mansion.

Yongjia Marquis Mansion.

"General, Mr. Wang, the prefect of Guangzhou, has arrived with his fellow merchants," the servant said.

Zhu Liangzu waved his hand to express that he knew.

Tu Jie on the side said: "Then Lord Marquis, I will go down first, and I will leave everything to you."

Zhu Liangzu replied: "Don't worry, Mr. Tu, nothing will go wrong."

"Come here, take them to the banquet room and call Zhou Bao as well."

"Yes, General."

Yongjia Marquis Mansion, Banquet Room.

Daotong was led by the servants of the Hou Mansion. As soon as he stepped into the banquet hall, a familiar figure appeared in front of Daotong.

There was an angry look in Daotong's eyes, because the man who appeared in front of him at this moment, standing majestically in the banquet hall of the Hou Mansion, was none other than Zhou Bao, who should have been detained in the cell.

Zhou Bao also noticed Dao Tong and Wang Hua, but instead of showing any nervousness or fear on his face, he looked at Dao Tong with a smile, looking arrogant.

Daotong turned his head and glared at Wang Hua beside him.

As a prisoner, Zhou Bao was not in the cell, but instead appeared here. Wang Hua, the prefect of Guangzhou, could not have known this.

Daotong was an old subordinate of Wang Hua, ever since he was the magistrate of Panyu County. He originally thought that his boss was just a timid person who occasionally was greedy for small profits, and at least he would not make mistakes on such big matters. .

Daotong was about to have an attack.

At this moment, a burst of domineering laughter was heard, and a burly man walked out of the back room. After entering the banquet room, he sat directly on the main seat.

Zhu Liangzu raised his hand and said with a smile: "Since we are all here, take a seat."

Zhou Bao immediately sat down, sitting on Zhu Liangzu's left hand side.

Wang Hua pulled Daotong's sleeve and whispered: "Don't be stubborn. You first listen to what the Marquis has to say."

Daotong was almost pulled down by Wang Hua.

Zhu Liangzu didn't hide anything, and went straight to the point: "Although we have met before, I still want to introduce you."

"Sitting on my left is Zhou Bao, the steward of Prince Consort Ouyang Lun."

"One over there is Lord Wang Huawang, the prefect of Guangzhou, and the other is Lord Daotong, the head of the Shipping Department."

It can be seen from Zhu Liangzu's introduction method who is one of his own.

After Zhu Liangzu's introduction, Zhou Bao stood up and greeted Wang Hua and the others.

"The villain Zhou Bao has met Mr. Wang. He has met Mr. Daotong."

Wang Hua, the prefect of Guangzhou, also smiled and said: "Master Hou, after the maritime ban is lifted, the Guangzhou Treaty Port is the gateway to our entire Guangdong. The matters involved are complicated. Daotong has just taken office and does not have much experience, so I need more advice from you, Lord Marquis."

"Okay! In this way, we can all be considered friends. Since we are friends, I will just say something directly." Zhu Liangzu turned to Daotong and said. "A few days ago, Zhou Bao had a conflict with a political officer from the Municipal Shipping Department at Guangzhou Port, and accidentally injured the other party. This was all a misunderstanding."

"Now that the misunderstanding is over, it will be easier to deal with."

"Sir Wang, there was a verbal conflict between the two parties and I accidentally hurt someone. How should I judge this?"

Although Zhu Liang's words were addressed to Wang Hua, his eyes never left Dao Tong.

"Returning to the Marquis, according to the "Da Ming Law", anyone who inadvertently hurts someone will be sentenced to a stick and ten days of hard labor according to the seriousness of the injury." Wang Hua raised his head and glanced at Zhu Liangzu's face before speaking carefully. "Hard labor can be offset by fines."

After listening to Wang Hua's words, Zhu Liangzu was very satisfied and laughed loudly: "Money is not an issue, the prince-in-law has plenty."

"How much fine is needed? Mr. Wang, just ask. And the dead political officer, go back and ask his family how much they need. Zhou Bao will prepare it right away. They will definitely be satisfied. .”

"Come here, I'll give you a toast!"

If things end here, then tonight's banquet will be a feast for all the guests.

But some people were unwilling to raise the small wine glass in front of them.

Wang Hua's words are based on two prerequisites, that is, the injury was unintentional, and the injured person must be alive.

Because according to the "Da Ming Law", anyone who hurts someone without reason or causes the victim to be injured due to negligent behavior will be imprisoned. If the victim dies from the injury within the specified period, the perpetrator shall bear a penalty that matches the consequences of the victim's death. If the victim is in the prescribed period, If there is no death within the period, the perpetrator will only be liable for causing injuries. Daotong spoke at this time and said: "Master Hou, Zhou Bao did not hurt anyone, but killed someone on the spot!"

The smile on Zhu Liangzu's face froze instantly, and the hand holding the wine glass was fixed there.

Wang Hua, who was on the side, saw that the situation was not going well, so he hurriedly came out to smooth things over and said, "Master Marquis, you are in great numbers. Daotong has no other intentions."

Wang Hua turned to look at Dao Tong and said anxiously: "Rules are dead, people are alive! Raise your glass quickly, the Marquis will definitely not argue with you! And the political officer is obviously injured. How can you be sure that the cause of death without recovery is Zhou Bao's fault?"

Not only did Dao Tong not raise his glass, but he turned around and stared at Wang Hua. He slowly stood up and said, "According to the Ming Law, any person who hurts someone without reason or whose negligent behavior causes the victim to be injured will be jailed."

"Lord Wang!" Daotong pointed at Zhou Bao, who was sitting opposite, and asked loudly. "I would like to ask you why this prisoner appears here."

"You are breaking the law knowingly!"

At this point, there is no room for maneuver.

boom!

Zhu Liangzu slammed the wine glass in his hand on the table and said coldly: "Since you are not here to drink, you are no longer my guest. Mr. Wang, this is your good subordinate!"

Wang Hua stretched out his hand to wipe the cold sweat on his forehead, and wanted to make one last struggle.

But don't wait for him to speak.

Daotong continued to output: "Also, please forgive me for being blunt. This criminal not only injured people to death, but was also suspected of smuggling goods. Mr. Hou, you accept such a person as your guest, so you can't help me. Association.”

"What do you think of it?" Zhu Liangzu stared at Daotong and said in a deep voice.

"Mr. Marquis, do you think you are in the same group with this criminal?" Tao Tong did not show any weakness, looked directly into Zhu Liangzu's eyes, and spoke word by word.

As soon as these words came out, Wang Hua, who was standing aside, felt a chill in his heart.

He lowered his head and kept thinking in his mind.

It's over, it's all over now.

"Come here!" Zhu Liangzu shouted loudly.

As soon as he finished speaking, heavily armed soldiers walked in from outside the hall.

"This man blatantly slandered me, take him out and kill him!" Zhu Liangzu stood up and said angrily.

"Master Marquis, please calm down. I don't know the depth of my Taoism, and I have offended many of you. I will bring you back for training!" Wang Hua said quickly.

He brought Daotong here, so if anything happens, he won't be able to escape his involvement.

So I can only bite the bullet and stand up.

The Daotong on the side showed no fear on his face and said: "I believe that the capital will definitely send someone to investigate the situation. I will report the truth, including other matters."

Just when Zhu Liangzu came up, two coughs suddenly sounded from behind the screen in the banquet hall.

Zhu Liangzu finally calmed down after hearing the cough.

When Wang Hua saw this, he quickly apologized to Zhu Liangzu and pulled his Taoist companion out.

The soldiers did not get Zhu Liangzu's order and did not stop him.

Wang Hua took Dao Tong to the outside of the Hou Mansion, and then he breathed a sigh of relief. The clothes on his back were already wet with sweat, and he felt a chill when the night wind blew.

He raised his head and found that Daotong had walked away.

Wang Hua shouted loudly: "The carriage is over here!"

"Different road non-phase plan!"

Daotong's voice came from far away.

Wang Hua watched Daotong's figure slowly disappear into the boundless darkness.

at this time.

In the Hou Mansion.

Tu Jie walked out from behind the screen, glanced at the direction in which Dao Tong and the others were leaving, and said, "General, there was something in the last Dao Tong's words, and we have to treat it with caution."

"Why did Mr. Tu stop me just now and asked me to kill him? Isn't everything settled?" Zhu Liangzu said.

Sure enough, as rumored, he was just a brainless fool. Such a guy could actually get along with a marquis, which made Tu Jie feel a little unfair in his heart.

Tu Jie opened his mouth and explained: "Master Hou, you must not do it. Although Daotong is just a small official of the Shipping Department, he is an official of the imperial court after all. Without your Majesty's approval, let alone killing, he cannot be detained arbitrarily. What’s more, it’s not convenient for you, Mr. Marquis, to show up at this time.”

If Daotong, the chief official of the Shipping Department, died at this time, wouldn't it be telling Zhu Yuanzhang that there must be a major inside story in this matter.

Is there no three hundred taels of silver here?

"He dared to be so tough just now. Does he really have key evidence of other things in his hand?" Tu Jie frowned and said.

"Will such a thing happen?" Zhu Liangzu asked.

"It would be a big trouble if this happens. It involves too many areas."

"We have always been very careful in doing things. We should have left no traces of previous matters. They were all destroyed before the last head of the Shipping Department left." Zhou Baopian said with a smile.

Tu Jie glanced at Zhou Bao coldly. If you were careful, you wouldn't be in this situation.

"I have an iron ticket to avoid death, so I'm afraid of him!" Zhu Liangzu spat.

"Master Marquis, just in case, we still have to find out. There is news from Prime Minister Hu that personnel from the Third Law Department of the imperial court will arrive in Guangzhou in the near future. We must not make any mistakes." Tu Jie could only say Moved out Hu Weiyong.

"understood."

Zhu Liangzu raised his hand, summoned his subordinates, and said, "Go check it out for me immediately to see what that fellow Taoist knows and whether there is any substantial evidence."

"Yes!" The subordinates took the order and left.

"Master Hou, Lord Tu, don't worry, Daotong will never have any evidence in his hands." Zhou Bao on the side was still emphasizing.

Tu Jie smiled and said: "I know, Butler Zhou, relax. You can go down and rest first. Nothing will happen. We are just in case."

"Then, I'm going to rest first." Zhou Bao wanted to say something else, but looking at Tu Jie's smiling face, he finally swallowed what he wanted to say and said.

Tu Jie looked at Zhou Bao's leaving figure, his eyes becoming colder and colder. (End of chapter)