Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 368 Casting a Net to Fish

In the yamen hall of Jinling Mansion, Jia Yucun sat at the head with a solemn expression.

The main officials in the government, such as Tongzhi, Tongpan, Tuiguan, Jingcheng, Experiencer, Zhaomo, etc., all sat upright and did not dare to breathe.

There was silence in the hall, and you could hear a needle drop. All you heard was a governor saying tremblingly: "Master, early this morning, someone from the Jinyi Guards came and gave a note, saying that they were checking the deficit in the treasury and took away some warehouse officials and household books. Consolidate the government's money and food account books..."

Jia Yucun frowned, took the letter and glanced at it, but saw the harsh and cold words, which made him even more worried.

Jin Yiwei took note of the matter:

According to the case, I was ordered to thoroughly investigate the shortage of warehouses in various places. After investigation, it was found that Jinling's treasury was empty, and there was suspicion of treason, so the relevant persons and objects were detained as evidence.

Anyone with knowledge or accomplices should report to the Jinling Guards Station and surrender.

Those who fail to do so will be severely punished once found out. The facts of the case and the arguments for authenticity are all published by our department, and there is no extraneous writing. Those who need to be notified.

Right note to Jinling Prefecture, year, month, day

"Tell me how to understand this matter." Jia Yucun said solemnly.

Everyone looked at each other, there was nothing they could do, no one was a god, there was such a big deficit in the treasury, who could create money?

Tong knew: "Why not follow the previous method and borrow some money and food from the wealthy gentry first, plug up the holes, and then return it later."

The general judge said: "Now that Admiral Jia and your Excellency belong to the same sect, why not start from now on and show some filial piety. I think Uncle Jia won't be too harsh."

Everyone nodded in agreement. In fact, there were only two methods, either borrowing money to cope with the inspection or paying bribes.

Jia Yucun frowned deeply and shook his head. If it were an ordinary yamen checking accounts, these two tricks would still work.

"No, no, it's not that simple." Jia Yucun said.

The hearts of everyone started to raise their concerns again, and they quickly asked: "Please make it clear, sir."

Jia Yucun finally understood why Jia Cong repeatedly mentioned Governor Gu and the new law that day, and sighed: "I'm afraid I can only go to Governor Gu to ask for favors."

"Governor Gu?" Everyone was shocked. How could the Governor be so easy to please? If you want to ask Governor Gu for help, you have to do things for him.

Everyone is smart, and they react instantly, new method!

"Your Excellency, what you mean is that if you follow Governor Gu and implement the new law, you will be safe?" Tong knew.

Jia Yucun nodded slowly.

Everyone agreed: "Which is the lesser of two evils."

Once the deficit is confirmed, it will be a crime to confiscate the property and behead the person. Implementing the new law only offends a few people, which is nothing compared to it.

During the discussion, I suddenly saw a small official reporting urgently: "Sir, the governor has invited me."

"What's the matter?" Jia Yucun asked hurriedly.

"It's because of the province's loss."

Everyone's hearts tightened, it seemed that Jin Yiwei was serious about it this time.

Jia Yucun hurried to the governor's Yamen and saw that the chief envoy Weng Yunzhi, the inspector Tan Yao, the chief military officer Wang Shun, various Daotai and other prominent people in Jiangnan official circles had arrived.

"I'm here to see Lord Futai. I've met all of you." Jia Yucun was busy greeting him.

Everyone returns the favor.

"Brother Shi Fei, there is no need for false courtesy. I invite you to come here today to discuss some important matters." Chen Zhongjian, governor of Southern Province, said.

Jia Yucun said hurriedly: "Please give me your instructions, Master Zhongcheng."

"You already know about Jin Yiwei's inventory deficit."

"The official will find out later."

Chen Zhongjian nodded slightly and said: "I heard that Brother Shi Fei and the Jia family of Rongguo are our sect. Can you please come forward to mediate for your colleagues in Jiangnan?"

Jia Yucun smiled bitterly, Jia Cong was not as easy to fool as Jia Zheng.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. To be honest, my subordinate came to see Uncle Jia a few days ago."

"Oh? You can gain something." Everyone said hurriedly.

Jia Yucun shook his head slightly and said: "From what I can see, this man has a tiger-like nature and a heart of stone. He is not trapped by feelings. Just look at how he has killed all the dandies of the four families of King Jia Shi Wang Xue in the past few days. This can be seen. .”

Chief envoy Weng Yunzhi said: "I have also heard about this matter. He can be cruel to his family members and family friends. I'm afraid this person is not easy to deal with."

Everyone nodded.

Chen Zhongjian said: "What is the purpose of Jia Cong's trip? Is it really a loss?"

Jia Yucun said: "In my humble opinion, the people in charge of Jinyiwei today are all insignificant petty officials. It seems that they want to knock the mountain to shock the tiger. I am afraid that this move is an attack in the east and an attack in the west."

Everyone hurriedly asked: "Brother Shi Fei, please tell me in detail."

"Yes. The last time I paid a visit to Admiral Jia, he mentioned Governor Gu and the new law several times. I didn't understand it at the time, but now that I think about it, I think it means today."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded slowly.

Inspector Tan Yao said: "In other words, this matter needs to be addressed by Governor Gu?"

"That should be the case." Jia Yucun said.

Chen Zhongjian suddenly felt troubled. He didn't know how many dignitaries would be offended by implementing the new law, but he had to ignore the cases of deficits after they were investigated.

Because he said: "My lords, is there any way to get the best of both worlds?"

Everyone was silent, but they didn't want to offend anyone, and they didn't want Jia Cong to investigate further. How could it be so easy?

Weng Yunzhi, the chief envoy, pondered for a moment and said: "Sell Gu Zitai first to save face and ask for a favor, so as to solve the urgent need first.

Whether the new law can be implemented in Jiangnan is not necessarily what we say. As long as we act in accordance with Jun's order from the Governor's Mansion, if the new law still fails to be implemented, or even causes a catastrophe, I will have nothing to say to you. "Everyone is an old official, and they all laughed when they heard this. This is a great good thing.

Chen Zhongjian also twirled his beard and smiled. He was able to push the boat along with the current and get the best of both worlds. He smiled and said: "This is a wonderful saying. Since the president of Taiwan wants to implement the new law, how can we not follow it? I will go to the Governor's Yamen now." trip."

Jia Yucun smiled and said: "Admiral Jia once said that he and Gu Zhitai have been friends for many years, and he took care of him a few years ago. If Master Zhitai opens his mouth, the matter will be solved easily."

Everyone laughed, it was just a plan.
-

Jia Cong crossed his legs and leaned on the Grand Master's chair to doze off. Below him, the assistant sent by Fan Ming was reporting to him the files of various aristocratic families in the south of the Yangtze River.

Wen Youfang suddenly knocked on the door and came in, reporting: "Admiral, all the offices in the south of the Yangtze River have received orders from your Majesty, and are making every effort to thoroughly investigate the officials and gentry's losses and illegal activities. Also..." There was a slight pause at this point.

Jia Cong opened his eyes, his eyes flashed, and he waved his hand.

The experience hurriedly bowed and left.

Wen Youfang continued: "In addition, the matters explained by Sir Qian'er have now been clarified."

"explain."

"More than six years ago, Chu Yuan, the head of the Chu family, married his youngest daughter Chu Chan to Zhen Ji out of the intention of clinging to the Zhen family.

Because Miss Chu has always disdained the dandy children who have accomplished nothing while sitting in the shadow of their ancestors, coupled with the disharmony between their boudoirs, she and Zhen Ji had many quarrels and discords on weekdays.

In recent years, You Lie has become a stranger to each other, and the relationship between husband and wife is in jeopardy. They can barely maintain face because of the marriage between aristocratic families. "

"How do you know that their wives are not harmonious?"

"According to the spies placed in Zhen's house, Zhen Ji is in his early thirties. He has a lot of wives and concubines at home and has nothing to do. In fact, he has become inhumane. More than three years ago, Miss Chu kicked him out of the room and called him a waste. .

From then on, he never entered the doctor's room again. This matter can be proved by his several concubines and prostitutes. On weekdays, when they served Zhen Ji, they only used their words and tongues to serve Zhen Ji. They rarely used their horses and whips to raise their whips.

According to various famous doctors in Jinling, Zhen Ji suffered from premature ejaculation when he was eighteen years old. He sought treatment from various sources and got a slight improvement. However, he returned to his old self, sleeping in flowers and willows. Finally, it was difficult to recover, and medicines were ineffective. "

"Well, it's quite detailed."

"In addition, after the adults left the Zhen family that day..." Wen Youfang recounted the situation of that day truthfully.

"The old lady of the Zhen family is trying to arrange a marriage between you and Miss Zhen San. She said she would go to Zhongrong Mansion in Xindu to discuss with the old lady. She wants to finalize the matter first and get married in two years."

Jia Cong nodded, and Chu Chan indeed said what she wanted. She pondered for a moment and said, "I will send you a letter back home later and tell the old lady that I will not agree to this without delay."

"Yes."

"In your opinion, what is Chu Chan's character?" Jia Cong asked.

Wen Youfang secretly glanced at Jia Cong, carefully considered his words, and said: "Miss Chu has been knowledgeable about books and etiquette since she was a child, and she likes poetry. Because of Chu Yuan's pampering, she has a stubborn and willful temper, has great ideas, and is very bold.

Before leaving the cabinet, no one in the Chu family, father or brother, dared to go against his wishes. However, he relies on his strength but does not bully the weak, he is high but does not humiliate his subordinates, he is quite generous to his family members, and he has no bad deeds. "

Jia Cong smiled and said: "So powerful? I don't know. How can I see it?"

"When he was fourteen years old, he kidnapped two girls and ran away to play around. Thanks to the help of the Zhen family, they bribed Sha Dou Fu with a large sum of money, and used our own cavalry and spies to find them in Suzhou Mansion in time. There are records." Wen Youfang said.

"You are indeed bold." Jia Cong smiled, "In your opinion..."

Wen Youfang hurriedly bowed and said: "After many investigations, I believe that Miss Chu should be out of love for you, and she has no ill intentions and is not being instigated by others."

Jia Cong nodded, feeling a little relieved. If Chu Chan was instigated by someone else, he would definitely not be able to hide it from the all-round investigation of Jin Yiwei.

"What's going on with the Chu family?" Jia Cong asked again.

"The Chu family was a prominent family in the south of the Yangtze River for more than 300 years. At that time, it donated money and food to support Taizu's uprising. Up to now, the total land of mountains, forests and fields is no less than 900,000 acres, and there are countless shops, houses, warehouses, etc., and the people are all Known as the Lord of the Land, he is also the family that is most resistant to the new law."

Wen Youfang glanced at Jia Cong and said, "But Mr. Chu has always doted on Miss Chu, and he feels a lot of guilt for marrying her to a good-for-nothing like Zhen Ji and leaving her a widow. If Miss Chu helps to persuade him, it might be miraculous."

Jia Cong slowly shook his head and said: "How can a wealthy family sacrifice the core interests of the family for the sake of a powerful child? The reverse is more or less the same. Wouldn't Chu Chan be sacrificed?"

"Your Majesty has great views, but your humble position is shallow." Wen Youfang hurriedly bowed down to receive the instruction.

"Well, what about the Zhen family?" Jia Cong said.

"Your Majesty, after investigation, the Zhen family made clever excuses, falsely reported losses, and enriched their own pockets, embezzling no less than 800 million taels during the four pick-ups.

In recent years, the president of Jiangnan Affairs has been doing whatever he wants in the lucrative jobs of salt class, river work, weaving, tribute, tea, water transportation, etc.

Over the decades, I'm afraid they themselves don't know how much they have lost. According to the current account books, it is no less than 3000 million silver, and the total amount of the loss is even more difficult to estimate. "Wen Youfang said in a deep voice.

Jia Cong was shocked. How could the Zhen family afford such a large sum of money? No wonder his house was confiscated and he was charged. Which emperor would allow such huge corruption to go unpunished?

The Zhen family is finished! Even if the Zhen family is sold, it will still be far from covering the loss, not to mention how the Zhen family can be so honest.

"Furthermore, the Zhen family has been the confidant of the Supreme Emperor for decades, and was also a supporter of Prince Yi Zhong back then, supplying him with money and food. They wanted to take advantage of Conglong's achievements, but they have no contact with the emperor today.

What's more, even after he ascended the throne, the Zhen family remained stubborn, defied the law, and obstructed the new law. Governor Gu and other high-ranking members of the new party had long hated him and impeached him repeatedly. Only because the Supreme Emperor protected him, so he has been Hold back. "Wen Youfang said.

Jia Cong sighed secretly in his heart. He reminded Zhen Yingjia that day, hoping that he would escape the disaster and return a favor to him. If he didn't accept that the Zhen family's problems were so serious, he would have done something wrong for himself and would not be able to live!

"The monitoring of the Zhen family must not be relaxed. As for Chu Chan, I still want to give her a try," Jia Cong said.

"I humble my duty and obey my orders."

After sending Wen Youfang away, Jia Cong rubbed his brows and felt despicable. Chu Chan was obviously sincere, but he repeatedly suspected him.

However, in the world of martial arts, people cannot help themselves, so they have to be cautious in order to be on the safe side.

After all, there are too many people to protect, so how dare you trust anyone easily? If you fall into a beauty trap and cause trouble, you will regret it.

　Chapter 364 has been reviewed and can be read later. . .

　　

　

(End of this chapter)