Wanli Ming Emperor

Chapter 253 Heart Tormented by Emotions, Entangled in a Tangle of Entanglement

"...From the third to the fifth year of the Wanli reign, during the two years that Zhang Zhan served as the prefect of Xuzhou, he successively killed seven gangs of thugs, including Wang Hu and Liu Song, who had murder cases against them. He arrested 300 members and 46 members of the 'Patrol Team' one by one, either exiling them to the army or giving them minor punishments and dismissing them."

"We have investigated and resolved more than 120 backlogged lawsuits, criminal cases, and disputes."

"Impeach fifteen officials of the Judicial Commission."

"He was impeached by Li Shidi, the then Imperial Inspector of Fengyang, and was put on leave. He was then reinstated as the Director of the River Conservancy, Pan Jixun, on the recommendation of Pan Jixun."

“Since Zhang Zhan took office as the River Management Officer, he has visited more than 600 households, impeached three officials in charge of river management for various reasons, dismissed several subordinate officials, and personally led laborers to rebuild the dikes in the area from Pei County to Feng County.”

"..."

"Besides his official career, Zhang Zhan also received mixed reviews among the general public."

"In these three years, whether it was conscripting labor for dike repair or opening floodgates, he conscripted labor whenever he wanted and relocated whenever he wanted, without giving the wealthy and the common people any room for discussion. The people on both sides of the Sishui River and the Grand Canal all said that he was unreasonable."

"Only Peixian has a better reputation."

"This is because Zhang Zhan would receive every visitor and inquire about every case. Even outside his official duties, he would maintain the airs of a former prefect and coerce the county magistrate, Xiao Jiucheng, into overturning wrongful convictions."

“On the first and fifteenth of each month, Zhang Zhan would lead his subordinates from the River Management Office to educate young children, help the elderly, sweep streets, dig wells, and do farm work. Occasionally, he would also mediate neighborhood disputes.”

"Over time, the local people began to say that if they were wronged, they should go to the river management office instead of the county government."

The advantages of having the Embroidered Uniform Guard's thousand-household and hundred-household units spread throughout the two capitals and thirteen provinces became apparent. Jiang Keqian returned shortly after leaving, carrying the information the emperor needed to report back.

The group stood quietly in the alleyway diagonally opposite Zhang Zhan's residence, listening to Jiang Keqian's report.

The first half is a record of Zhang Zhan's official career, while the second half is purely a collection of public opinions. The two reflect each other and vaguely outline Zhang Zhan's image.

His most consistent personality trait, from head to toe, is his quick temper.

During his tenure as the prefect of Xuzhou, whenever Zhang Zhan was unhappy, he would point at his subordinates and yell, "If you can do it, do it; if you can't, get out. If I can put you in a position, I can get rid of you."
When inspecting the dikes, he would often expose the shortcomings of his own department, constantly referring to the project as "garbage" and "look at this shoddy construction."
He often verbally abused his colleagues in front of the people, saying things like, "Don't be fooled by how honest these corrupt officials pretend to be; they're full of evil intentions."

Perhaps it was precisely because of his impatience that Zhang Zhan was able to disregard the unspoken rules of officialdom and accomplish many practical things.

Perhaps it was this impatience that made him disliked by both superiors and subordinates, ultimately leading to his downfall.

I just don't know if it's worth it.

With this thought in mind, Sun Jigao looked at the sparsely populated Zhang residence across the street and frowned in confusion: "Zhang Langzhong has done a lot of practical things, and Commander Jiang also said that some people are grateful to him. Why is the Zhang residence so deserted?"

As the saying goes, "the final verdict is given after the coffin is closed."

Logically speaking, any good official should have people who have benefited from his kindness coming to mourn him.

The crowd had been standing in the alley for a while, but no guests came to pay their respects on the seventh day after the death.

This is certainly not the treatment a local official who has done real work should receive.

"Zhang Zhan's coffin was carried back to his hometown in Henan a few days ago. After the mourning period, it was naturally quiet."

The person who said this was Jiang Keqian, and everyone looked over in confusion.

A grand funeral is not just about the lavish banquet held for the surrounding villages at the time of burial; the funeral procession must also be grand, otherwise it is considered that the descendants are unfilial—that's the custom. Otherwise, why would people sigh that they can afford to live but not to die?
To mourn a fifth-rank official like him, at least a hundred people would fill the hall, and the mourning would last for miles around, taking at least ten days.

But now that Zhang Zhan has only been gone for seven days, the funeral has already been hastily concluded, with his coffin being carried back to his hometown, which is truly inhumane.

Seeing that everyone was waiting for him to continue, Jiang Keqian then explained, "On the day Zhang Langzhong died, people gathered at Zhang's residence, and thousands of people mourned him, their cries shaking the heavens."

"Another senior knight-errant came to the county government to plead for help, saying that Zhang Langzhong might have been murdered in a conspiracy, and asked Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng to arrest the coachman and thoroughly investigate the real culprit."

"The county magistrate, Xiao Jiucheng, reacted quickly and immediately went to the Zhang residence upon hearing the news."

"Seeing the crowd growing larger and larger, Xiao Jiucheng said that the county government had already sent constables to chase after the coachman and would definitely investigate the case thoroughly. But before that, the people must not gather and cause trouble, otherwise it would ruin Zhang Langzhong's reputation."

Jiang Keqian paused, then continued tactfully, "The reason is that there was a civil unrest in Shandong before the New Year, and the imperial court was strictly prohibiting and arresting people at that time."

"Now that the emperor is passing through the area, once he learns that the people have gathered and are causing trouble, he will surely send his imperial guards to suppress them, and may even take his anger out on Zhang Langzhong."

That night, Xiao Jiucheng led the people to burn paper money and light lanterns to express their grief. He then made an agreement with the Zhang family and the people to send Zhang Langzhong back to his hometown as soon as possible.

“A few days ago, the people lined the road for thirty miles to see us off, and then they dispersed. Now, only the descendants of the third son are left in the mansion to pack up their belongings, so naturally the gate is deserted and there are few horses and carriages.”

Everyone looked at him strangely.

Although the emperor is far away, one should still be mindful of the proper conduct towards those in power. Using the emperor to stop the people from crying at night is somewhat inappropriate.

Zhu Yijun clicked his tongue, seemingly speechless: "So it turns out the emperor is immoral and cannot tolerate the people mourning a capable official."

The story of a decisive and efficient official, a car accident that leaves only one person dead, a coachman with a windfall, and an ambiguous county government office—it's all so relatable.

Sun Jigao stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before offering a tactful piece of advice: "It is common for local governments to avoid gatherings of people. Perhaps Xiao Jiucheng was considering this when he made his threats. There may not actually be any sinister plot involved."

Sun Zhuangyuan was a man of principle; he did not make unfounded accusations against any colleague without evidence.

Zhu Yijun remained noncommittal: "Let's go in and take a look."

The emperor's words were law; as soon as his voice fell, he took the first step.

The crowd immediately stopped their discussion and followed suit.

……

There are advantages to an empty house. The Zhang residence is now so empty that there isn’t even a gatekeeper. The group of people swaggered over the foot-high threshold.

Passing around the screen wall, one can see that the courtyard still retains a slight somber atmosphere from the funeral.

In the courtyard, a reed mat shed that had not yet been dismantled lay abandoned, along with half a broken cymbal; ashes of paper money were piled in the corner of the courtyard, occasionally wafting up with the smell of burning; the lattice doors of the side rooms and the main hall, after being removed, were not reinstalled.

The previous mourning hall should have been set up in the main hall, with two benches placed under the six beams, presumably for placing the coffin.

Below the beam hangs a white cotton plaque with the four characters "音容宛" (yīn róng wǎng, meaning "as if hearing and seeing one again").

A mourning couplet hangs on either side.

Sun Jigao, a man of letters, couldn't help but softly recite: "The pine's integrity can withstand the cold of snow, and the bamboo's heart will not wither in the wind."

He pondered for a moment, then revealed a thoughtful expression.

According to Zhang Langzhong's official reputation, it would be appropriate to describe him as having the spirit of pine and bamboo, but the cold snow and withered wind are ultimately external disasters.

In a final, definitive statement, rhetoric and imagery are serious matters and cannot be used casually.

These passages clearly glorify martyrdom.

As everyone looked them up and down, it also caught the attention of the host family.

A middle-aged man dressed in fine linen clothes and with his head wrapped in mourning cloth approached with a puzzled expression and bowed to the crowd, saying, "Distinguished guests have arrived; I have failed to greet you properly."

Zhang Chi, Zhang Zhan's third son, stayed behind to pack his belongings and sell them.

Zhu Yijun was about to help the man up when he realized his mistake halfway up the stairs and instead put his hands together in prayer: "This humble monk's Dharma name is Jinlun. I was passing through this place when I saw that your mansion was filled with resentment, and there were signs that you were about to die with bitterness in your heart. That's why I entered without permission."

Zhang Chi, being from an official family, possessed a level of knowledge far beyond that of ordinary people. Upon hearing the phrase "this humble monk," he froze on the spot, his face practically screaming "absurd!"

He pursed his lips and looked him up and down for a long time.

He immediately dropped his polite demeanor and sneered, "Whose young master are you? You're so young and already doing bad things, coming to my Zhang residence to amuse yourself. Believe me, I, Zhang, will really shave your head and ordain you right now?"

Despite being a fake monk, his attire and imposing demeanor made him seem nothing like a charlatan.

Zhang Chi assumed it was some young master from a wealthy family indulging in debauchery—otherwise, why would he be followed by a group of burly men?
He was still in mourning and did not want to cause trouble with these uninvited guests. He would scold them and then call his servants to chase them away.

Zhu Yijun remained unmoved, only letting out a profound sigh: "If you seek me through appearances or sounds, how will you see the Tathagata?"

While the fake monk was putting on an act, Jiang Keqian took the opportunity to step forward.

The latter, with a cold expression, took out a certificate of ordination from his sleeve and showed it to Zhang Chi from his superior position: "Master Jinlun is a reincarnation of wisdom, a born Buddhist, who has seen through the vanity of the physical body, and has rejected the heretical path of monasticism. He cannot be swayed by sensual pleasures."

A reincarnation of a wise man? A born Buddha?
This serious demeanor startled Zhang Chi, who instinctively accepted the document.

If you don't look, nothing will happen; but once you do, things will get out of hand.

The ordination certificate clearly states that the Great Protector of the Nation's Security Temple is the secret teaching master and the head of the Western Altar, with the Dharma name Jinlun, the pardoned Dharma King, and is bestowed with a python robe, brocade Zen robe, Dharma King's crown, palm sedan chair, ceremonial guards, and other items. It also bears the seals of the emperor and the Ministry of Rites!

Zhang Chi grew increasingly suspicious and uncertain, checking the ordination certificate one moment and scrutinizing the fake monk in front of him the next.

The Great Protectorate Temple was a royal temple built by the Tibetan Buddhist monk Xingji Bandan in the first year of the Zhengde reign. Although it gradually declined after the Jiajing reign, it was still a dying temple, and the two empress dowagers would burn incense and worship Buddha every year.

The title of Dharma King is even more remarkable. When Tibetan monks are conferred titles by the imperial court, the order is Lama, Zen Master, National Preceptor, and Buddhist Disciple of the Western Paradise, with Dharma King being the highest.

Since the founding of this dynasty, only three Dharma Kings have been officially appointed in the entire northern frontier region!
Although the number of Tibetan monks and Dharma Kings who submitted to the Central Plains was not limited, and their official positions were slightly lower, they could still be considered high-ranking monks of the Tantric school!
However, if he is indeed a reincarnation of a living Buddha, then his age makes sense.

Zhang Chi held the ordination certificate in his hands, turning it over and over, his expression gradually becoming more reverent as he looked at Zhu Yijun…

Sun Jigao, who was standing nearby, witnessed the whole thing and couldn't help but spit out his anger inwardly.

The Ministry of Rites has completely gone astray, colluding with the secret police and other corrupt officials, presumptuously trying to guess the emperor's intentions, causing the emperor to become obsessed with dressing up and frolicking in front of others.

If this continues, the emperor might have to go back to his ancestral craft and become a beggar.

Zhu Yijun was completely unaware of Sun Zhuangyuan's inner turmoil. He met Zhang Chi's gaze and recited in a low voice: "It is not achieved through cultivation, nor through gradual stages, nor through light or darkness, but is inherently Buddha."

He constantly quotes the Diamond Sutra or the Platform Sutra, making him far superior to any charlatan.

Zhang Chi finally dispelled all his doubts and knelt down on the ground: "Believer Zhang Chi respectfully requests the Living Buddha to chant scriptures and mantras to help my father pass on to the afterlife!"

He prostrated himself, holding the ordination certificate above his head with both hands, displaying an attitude of reverence for the Buddha.

Zhu Yijun nodded slightly and reached out to help the person up: "This humble monk does not chant scriptures or recite mantras for the deceased's salvation. He only needs to eliminate the karmic debts, and the deceased will naturally be reborn in the Pure Land."

"I have heard that Physician Zhang was murdered by a treacherous person?"

Don't ask what the causes and effects were that led to Zhang Zhan's wrongful burial and inability to transcend the cycle of rebirth. Just state them all first, and the abbot will have the final say.

The Zhang family members all seem to be straightforward; Zhang Zhan is no exception, nor is Zhang Chi.

Once the latter believed the monk's identity, he began to speak frankly: "Alas, based on the current investigation, my father was most likely murdered by some unscrupulous colleagues."

"On the day my father set off, the river management office rented a carriage from a private merchant on the grounds that there were no carriages available."

"However, the problem lies here: not only was the carriage not inspected and stamped, but the driver was also a criminal who had a history of committing crimes."

"After the carriage overturned that day, my father and his accompanying officials scattered to avoid it, but the coachman did not rein in the horses and charged straight at my father, trampling him repeatedly..."

As Zhang Chi recounted the events of that day, he became increasingly choked up.

Zhu Yijun pretended to make hand seals, trying to explain Zhang Zhan's involvement in this cause and effect: "The cause and effect of the River Management Office is not small."

Zhang Chi gradually came to his senses.

He loosened his clenched fist, barely wiping away the resentment on his face, and praised, "Master's calculations are divine; even the head constable handling the case privately reached the same conclusion."

"Unfortunately, the county government had no authority to investigate the river management office, so County Magistrate Xiao could only report to Xuzhou and ask the prefect to send a letter to the Xuzhou branch of the Water Conservancy Bureau for assistance in the investigation."

The canal basin was divided into four sections, each overseen by a Director of the Waterways Department. The Director of the Central Canal was stationed in Lüliang, managing the waterway from Xuzhou to Huaiyin and the two major canals of Xuzhou and Lüliang. Later, the Jiahe River was also added to the management.

The Zhonghe Dushuisi (Central River Water Conservancy Office) also established the Xuzhou Hongfensi (Xuzhou Flood Control Office) and the Lüliang Hongfensi (Lüliang Flood Control Office). The former was the direct superior of the Peixian River Management Office.

Zhu Yijun, observing the situation, was the first to answer: "The cause and effect have not been resolved, so the investigation must have been fruitless."

Zhang Chi nodded and replied quietly, "Yes, three days ago, the state government forwarded an official letter from the Xuzhou Hong Branch of the Water Conservancy Bureau."

"Li Minqing, the Director of the Water Conservancy Bureau, replied to the county government that the authorities had issued regulations to strictly enforce the system of inspecting official vehicles and equipment, and to increase maintenance and patrols."

In plain terms, the relevant government departments have taken corresponding measures to strengthen supervision of the safety certification and maintenance of official vehicles, thereby better ensuring public safety.

As for Zhang Zhan's case, it's just a regular car accident, so let's not escalate it too much, lest it damage the good relations between the various government offices.

Zhu Yijun and his close advisors exchanged glances.

They all mingled in the imperial court; how could they not see through the shady dealings?

The death of a dignified fifth-rank official should have been enough to force the county government to investigate, but with the prefectural government and the Water Conservancy Bureau using such wording, it's no wonder the investigation is in vain.

Sun Jigao stroked his chin and suddenly realized: "No wonder Guizhou hurriedly sent Zhang Langzhong's coffin back to his hometown three days ago."

Anyone who encounters this would feel disheartened and want to end it as soon as possible.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi lowered his head and remained silent.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yijun couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Perhaps he was not disheartened, but rather wanted to get rid of the trivial matters and avoid hitting a wall again?

He didn't delve into that matter, but instead asked in a different direction: "Has Doctor Zhang offended any mortal enemies in recent years? Please tell me, and this humble monk will absolve him of all karmic debts."

Such a ruthless attack suggests the opponent couldn't have appeared out of nowhere.

However, while the logic was sound, it was precisely this simple question that made Zhang Chi look troubled.
He hesitated for a moment, then replied awkwardly, "My father has been an official for many years and has offended countless colleagues."

Everyone remained silent.

Zhang Chi thought for a moment and then added, "Your Majesty has just sorted out my father's draft memorials, biographical records, and collections of poems and essays over the years... Perhaps the Holy Monk can glean some insight into my father's karmic connections from them."

"Everyone, please follow me."

Having said that, without waiting for a response from the others, he gestured for them to proceed to the backyard.

Zhu Yijun readily agreed and followed. In the backyard, there were several boxes, and everyone saw the women and servants moving their belongings from the side rooms.

Zhang Chi waved away the servants and pushed open the study door.

"These boxes contain my father's notes on official duties over the years, covering matters such as governance, river works, disaster preparedness, and education."

The study was obviously the first room to be tidied up. Zhang Chi pointed to several boxes in the room and introduced them to everyone: "These are some of my father's notes, writings, and miscellaneous thoughts. There aren't many, just one box in total."

Writers are never afraid of their manuscripts being seen in the light, but they are afraid of no one seeing them, so Zhang Chi openly showed them to everyone.

Zhu Yijun casually picked up a scroll of notes and began to read it.

"As the year draws to a close, I realize my mistakes, and my life is filled with misfortune. In my youth, I burned the midnight oil, and in my prime, I upheld integrity and served the public. Yet, the higher my position, the more arduous the path becomes, and the higher my rank, the more exhausted I feel. Three years have passed, nine seasons have changed, I face a tangled mess by day and an abyss of confusion by night. My soul hangs on a thread, and my body withers like a piece of dead wood."

One glance was enough to captivate Zhu Yijun's gaze.

The brush and ink are quite old, but the force is so strong that you can almost see the stumbling and sorrowful emotions Zhang Zhan felt when he wrote each word.

The Ming Dynasty's officialdom had reduced even the most diligent and honest officials to such a miserable state!

"Disregarding royal decrees, forming cliques and factions; the virtuous and good are rejected, trapped like dried-up fish. The net is as dense as tangled silk, and hidden dangers lurk like piled-up firewood. Alas! I am trapped in the mire, washing alone, trying to turn back the tide but unable to. My pure heart remains unstained by worldly dust, my lonely soul faces the cold moon..."

Halfway through, Zhu Yijun could no longer bear to read any further.

I silently closed the notebook.

Seeing this, Zhang Chi explained in a timely manner: "This was written by my father three years ago when he was dismissed from his post."

“At that time, my father cried at home every day, blaming himself for letting down the emperor, the elders and folks, and for the defeat in battle. He even attempted suicide several times because of this.”

"If it weren't for Governor Pan's kindness in saving me, I probably would have plunged into Sishui back then."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yijun felt even more uneasy.

Zhang Chi simply assumed it was out of compassion for a monk and didn't find it strange. He then pointed to the last few boxes and changed the subject, saying, "These are my father's draft memorials."

"Some memorials were submitted in haste and the original drafts were missing. They were copied from memory and are largely accurate."

"My father offended almost everyone he encountered during his political career."

Zhu Yijun clasped his hands together, about to say something.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the courtyard, interrupting everyone's thoughts.

"I just told my nephew not to stand on ceremony if anything happened, but today an uninvited guest has come to cause trouble without even informing the county government."

A voice with a strong official accent came from the front yard.

Judging from this rude and disrespectful behavior of shouting in someone else's home, he is clearly not someone to be trifled with.

Zhang Chi seemed to recognize the voice. He smiled apologetically at Zhu Yijun and said, "It's Lady Xiao. Holy Monk, please take your time. I'll be right back."

After saying that, he hurriedly went to the front yard to greet them.

The people in the study frowned and exchanged glances.

County Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng?
This guy arrived way too fast.

It was clear that someone from the county government was keeping watch near the Zhang family's residence, and they couldn't sit still as soon as they heard that someone of unknown origin had come to visit the Zhang residence.

If they're watching you so closely, there must be some problems.

Even Sun Jigao, who had previously spoken up for Xiao Jiucheng, now stared at the courtyard with suspicion.

……

Regardless of what outsiders thought, the atmosphere was quite harmonious when Zhang Chi and Xiao Jiucheng appeared in the courtyard together.

Zhang Chi and Xiao Jiucheng linked arms, the elder being kind and the younger being respectful.

"Uncle, you've misunderstood. There were no uninvited guests. It was my nephew who learned that a high-ranking monk was passing through and specially invited him to come and chant sutras for my father's salvation."

For reasons unknown, Zhang Chi did not mention the name of the Great Protectorate Temple.

"A ritual for the deceased? The county government had already invited all the monks and Taoist priests in the city to perform a ritual for the deceased prefect for several days. Why do we need to perform another ritual?"

Xiao Jiucheng was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the thirty-second year of the Jiajing reign (1543), ranking 228th in the third class.

There's a reason why a scholar who passed the imperial examination could only become a county magistrate.

In March of the first year of the Longqing reign, Li Tinglong, the imperial inspector of Sichuan, impeached Xiao Jiucheng for corruption and dereliction of duty, and the latter was demoted from the position of assistant commissioner of Sichuan.

In July of the fourth year of the Longqing reign, Wu Congxian, the Salt Commissioner of Liangzhe, impeached Xiao Jiucheng for corruption and dereliction of duty when he was the Deputy Salt Commissioner of Liangzhe, and Xiao was demoted and transferred.

In the second year of the Wanli reign, Xiao Jiucheng was appointed as the Right Judge of the Court of Judicial Review. He was later demoted and transferred again after being imprisoned for corruption.

After being demoted three times in a row, Xiao Jiucheng, a dignified Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), was directly demoted to Pei County. Even Zhang Zhan, a junior official, could discipline Xiao Jiucheng like a son. However, as the saying goes, "spare the rod and spoil the child." Under Zhang Zhan's supervision, Xiao Jiucheng finally stopped being corrupt, and the two even developed a little friendship.

Xiao Jiucheng grabbed Zhang Chi's arm and lowered his voice: "Nephew, hurry up and send them away! You spend all day seeking monks to perform rituals and visiting Taoist priests to summon souls. Do you really want outsiders to think that the Zhang family has some unresolved resentment?"

He is over fifty years old this year, and his figure is already as thin as a gourd, with a waist and abdomen as round as a white gourd.

The failure to manage one's physique is accompanied by a sluggish demeanor; as the locals say, one's eyes are often glazed over as if drunk, and one's mouth is always mumbling as if asleep.

But at this moment, he surprisingly opened his eyes slightly.

Zhang Chi forced a smile and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I couldn't help my father when he was alive, but now that he's gone, I want to do more to show my filial piety. Is that against all reason?"

Seeing this attitude, Xiao Jiucheng was so anxious he almost stomped his feet.

He said urgently and angrily, "You're not afraid of trouble, but I am!"

"If this continues, forget about protecting you brothers, I'll end up dying because of this mess!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi's heart stirred.

He pondered for a moment, then asked Xiao Jiucheng for confirmation, "Has something happened again?"

Xiao Jiucheng gritted his teeth, his expression a mixture of joy and sorrow: "Isn't it because you said the other day that you wanted to publish the old prefect's collected works before you left? As a result, after hearing about his deeds, those scholars from the Literary Alliance admired the old prefect quite a bit, so they incited their classmates to put pressure on the Water Conservancy Bureau."

Every place has its own unique charm, and the Southern Zhili region was no exception, with its literary circles and public opinion taking center stage.

Xiao Jiucheng lowered his voice even further: "I don't know how the Literary Alliance and the Capital Water Division came to this argument."

"This very morning, the Water Conservancy Bureau handed over a statement saying that the coachman had been caught and that the mastermind was the head of the Gutou Sluice Gate!"

In the twentieth year of the Chenghua reign, the Sishui River established a sluice gate management office, with one stationed at Gutou Sluice Gate in Pei County and the other at Jining.

After Zhang Zhan's death, the Pei County River Management Office was temporarily managed by this Chief Clerk Cao.

Zhang Chi's expression brightened, and he quickly grabbed Xiao Jiucheng's wrist: "Then why don't you arrest them immediately, Uncle?!"

Xiao Jiucheng quickly shook him off, almost crying, "Oh dear, my dear nephew, please spare me! What a coincidence!"

"Master Cao is probably just waiting to commit suicide out of fear of punishment!"

"With all this filth, how could I, a mere county magistrate, possibly afford to offend them?"

"I have already reported this to the prefectural government. Now I'm just waiting to hand this matter over. My dear nephew, please don't make things difficult for me, okay?"

A fifth-rank physician can be killed at will, and a sixth-rank clerk can be dismissed at will. What is a seventh-rank county magistrate?
Xiao Jiucheng attributed his lack of success in his official career to bad luck. He had long since become obsessed with superstition and supernatural phenomena, believing only in divination and determined to protect himself.

So, upon hearing that another uninvited guest had arrived at the Zhang residence, he disregarded his pride and rushed over to eliminate the potential threat.

If he were to provoke any unrelated individuals and cause trouble out of nowhere, those important figures might mistakenly believe that it was Xiao Jiucheng who was causing trouble!
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi immediately fell silent.

Although Xiao Jiucheng was shrewd and timid, he still had some family ties with his own family.

It's truly lamentable that even this uncle is now trying to distance himself from the matter.

Zhang Chi sighed: "How could I dare to make things difficult for you, Uncle? The high monk is currently in his study reviewing documents and memorials, intending to sort out the karma of my father and help him be reborn in a better realm."

This means that the officials are free to drive people away.

Xiao Jiucheng breathed a sigh of relief and, supporting Zhang Chi's arm, walked towards the backyard: "Nephew, listen to my advice, don't see any more guests. Pack your things quickly and go back to your hometown in Henan!"

Both were preoccupied with their own thoughts and remained silent.

However, when the two arrived at the study, they did not find the uninvited guests.

Only one woman was tidying up the books that had been rummaged through.

"My husband and my uncle talked for a long time. After the holy monk finished reading the memorial, he had already left."

The woman was none other than Zhang Chi's wife, and after speaking, she didn't forget to bow to Xiao Jiucheng.

Xiao Jiucheng glanced around the room and thought to himself that it was a pity. He had originally wanted to make an example of Zhang Chi to warn him.

Zhang Chi sighed inwardly. He had deliberately avoided mentioning the great reputation of the Great Protectorate Temple and had intentionally angered Xiao Jiucheng, hoping to use Xiao Jiucheng's rudeness to provoke the Dharma King into intervening in this matter.

The two had similar ideas, but unfortunately, they were not on the same level.

Xiao Jiucheng, completely unaware that he was on the first level, still pressed for answers: "Did that evil monk swindle money from you? Did he utter any evil words?"

Zhang glanced at her husband and replied gently, "The master's cultivation is profound. He did not ask for money, but only took a few memorials, saying that he wanted to find a place to perform a ritual to settle my father's karma."

Xiao Jiucheng felt a sudden sense of unease and frowned as he pressed, "Memorial? What memorial? Why do you want a memorial?"

Zhang answered fluently and without concealment: "These are all memorials that my father submitted to the Water Authority this year, such as 'Memorial Requesting the Reduction of Canal Workers and Soldiers,' 'Memorial Investigating the Empty Warehouses of Yongfu and Guangyun,' 'Memorial on Corruption at the Nineteen Embankments including Feiyun Bridge, Jingshan, Chacheng, and Lijian,' and 'Memorial on the Lack of Regulations in the River and Canal System'..."

Xiao Jiucheng was dumbfounded.

His teeth began to chatter, and he pointed a trembling finger at Zhang Chi: "The Waterways Bureau clearly withheld these memorials, where did you find them! How dare you show them to others so casually? Aren't you afraid the Zhang family line will end?!"

Zhang Chi said calmly, "My nephew copied it after recalling it, and it's pretty much accurate."

"To be honest, Uncle, that person just now was the Dharma King of the Great Protectorate Temple. He is highly trusted by the two Empress Dowagers and advised you not to think about taking it back."

"In addition, not only the recent literary alliance, but also today's Dharma King, I have roughly counted that I have already sent out more than ten memorials."

He would make an extra copy for anyone who came to pay their respects, as long as the person was of high status.

After saying this, Zhang Chi stepped forward to support Xiao Jiucheng and earnestly said, "Uncle, the matter is getting bigger and bigger and we can't get rid of it. My father's injustice will come to light sooner or later. Uncle, you should arrest and prosecute Chief Cao as soon as possible!"

Xiao Jiucheng grabbed Zhang Chi's collar, intending to vent his anger.

Before he could even open his mouth, his eyes rolled back and he fainted on the spot.

……

at the same time.

A luxurious carriage, surrounded by soldiers, slowly drove away along the official road of Pei County.

The emperor and his ministers inside the carriage swayed precariously.

Zhu Yijun rubbed his temples and casually tossed the memorial to Sun Jigao: "Have the ministries and the Ministry of Justice received these memorials?"

Sun Jigao had been a clerk at the Hanlin Academy for five or six years, and his professional skills had long been developed.

He glanced at the name on the cover and shook his head vigorously.

Upon receiving confirmation, Zhu Yijun was furious and laughed: "The Water Conservancy Bureau dares to block memorials? I'd like to see how many heads Li Minqing has!"

The Water Management Office was under the Ministry of Works. Memorials were generally submitted to the emperor through the Water Management Division, the Water Management Director, and the Water Management Division of the Ministry of Works.

Today, Tian Ting has lost his hearing, and Li Minqing, the clerk of the water department in the middle of the chain, is definitely involved.

Sun Jigao silently picked up the memorial and reminded him, "I'm afraid it's not just a problem with the Zhongshui Division."

How could a mere secretary of the Water Conservancy Department have the authority to block the Emperor's access to information?

If Zhang Zhan had been even slightly more vigilant, he would have bypassed the Water Conservancy Bureau and submitted a memorial to the central government through the Imperial Inspector.

However, speaking of the Imperial Inspector Li Shidi…

Back when Zhang Zhan was serving as the prefect of Xuzhou, he was impeached by the imperial censor and forced to retire.

It seems that Li Minqing was promoted by Sun Piyang, the former governor who worked with Li Shidi.

The more Sun Jigao thought about it, the more horrified he became.

In Xuzhou, from river engineering, water storage, sluice gates for canal transport, to the censors, corruption is rampant, and the area is bound to collapse like an earthquake!
In the past, it was all analogy, but this time it really concerns the livelihoods of millions of workers!

Zhu Yijun took a deep breath to calm himself down.

After a long period of deliberation, he finally spoke and gave the order: "Let the Censorate intervene in Zhang Zhan's case, but do not say that it is my will."

"Tell the Xuzhou government and the Xuzhou Water Conservancy and Warehouse Department that I will be inspecting the Yongfu and Guangyun Warehouses the day after tomorrow, and instruct them to prepare to welcome me."

"Have the Waterway Commissioner Pan Jixun and the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner Hu Zhili stop waiting in Huai'an and come to the temporary residence in Xuzhou to see me immediately!"

"Governor Deng Yizan of Henan has also arrived!"

Even after saying this, Zhu Yijun was still furious and slammed his fist on the car window: "If I can't control the Yellow River, I can control you!"

(End of this chapter)