Thief Emperor

Chapter 554 It depends on God’s will

Zhou Liang, Li Zheng and Zhou Bi, who were standing at the door, lined up in an orderly manner and entered Li Yun's study. After seeing Li Yun, the three of them saluted with fists and claimed the position of superior.

They saluted Du Qian and called him "Sir".

Du Qian quickly stood up and bowed in return, while Li Yun sat in his seat without moving, and asked: "Is there any result in Quanzhou?"

"Yes."

As the person in charge of the inspection, Zhou Liang stepped forward, bowed his head and saluted, then told Li Yun what had happened in general.

After making it clear, he first looked at Du Qian, then continued with his head down: "As for the position, although Yu Huan did not resist the temptation, there must be someone behind the scenes, instructing those Quanzhou gentry..."

"So when Mr. Fei and Mr. Yao first arrived in Quanzhou, someone immediately reported Yu Huan to them. Although we cannot confirm now that it was these Quanzhou gentry who reported Yu Huan, I think..."

"It is inseparable."

At this time, Li Zheng also took a step forward, knelt on the ground, bowed his head and said: "My lord, I have not been strict in my management, please punish me!"

Li Yun looked at the two men silently, then turned his head to look at Du Qian.

Du Qian shook his head slightly and said, "Sir, since there is something fishy going on, I think you can give a lighter punishment."

"Wait until we find out who is behind this, then announce it."

Li Yun shook his head slightly and said, "The person behind the scenes didn't let him take the other person's 3,000 acres of land."

"Let's not talk about whether he is a bad person or not. Just the word stupid is enough to get him killed."

As he spoke, Li Yun looked at Li Zheng and said in a deep voice: "You are indeed not strict in your rule. I will demote you to the rank of captain. You will still lead the troops as a captain. Are you satisfied?"

This punishment is already extremely severe.

If it were anyone else, they might really feel dissatisfied, but Li Zheng grew up with Li Yun since childhood, and he immediately understood Li Yun's thoughts.

My second brother wanted to use this incident to set an example.

We can also take this opportunity to enforce military discipline.

In the future, if other people make the same mistake again, Li Yun will also have something to say.

My brother, who I grew up with, is punished even when he makes a mistake. What else do you have to say?
After understanding Li Yun's thoughts, Li Zheng just lowered his head and said, "I am convinced!"

Li Yun looked at Zhou Liang again and said in a deep voice: "Yu Huan has violated military discipline and should be put to death according to the facts to uphold military law."

"Next month, he will be executed in Jinling."

"Inspect all departments, pass on this matter, and inform all the captains and camps in the army."

Zhou Liang's eyes flickered, and he lowered his head slightly and said, "Sir, should the notice sent down by the Inspection Department be written as follows: I suggest you execute this person."

Li Yun was stunned for a moment, then he understood what Zhou Liang meant.

He planned to be the villain for Li Yun, in order to enforce military discipline and not affect Li Yun's image in the minds of his old friends in the anti-theft team.

Zhou Liang had already retired from the front line and was working full-time as an inspector, which was just right for him.

More importantly, Zhou Liang is the oldest and most prestigious man in Jiangdong besides Li Yun. When he plays the villain, those generals who came from the anti-theft team have nothing to say.

Li Yun looked at Zhou Liang in surprise.

Few people would be willing to take on such an offensive task, but Zhou Liang was willing to do so.

After thinking about it, Li Yun nodded and agreed: "Okay, thank you, Uncle San."

"Don't dare."

Zhou Liang bowed his head and said, "Then I will do it right away."

He retreated carefully, and before leaving, he took Zhou Bi out with him.

There were only three people left in the room.

Li Yun looked at Li Zheng, then at Du Qian, and said softly: "Brother Du, the members of the anti-theft team made a mistake and deserved to die. The gentry in Quanzhou who secretly did bad things..."

Du Qian immediately understood. He looked at Li Yun and said, "I'll write a letter to Yao Zhong and ask him to handle this matter. If these people are indeed connected with the enemy, then we won't let them stay."

"Not urgent."

Li Yun lowered his head and drank tea, saying, "Even if we find out the truth, we won't rush to take action against them, lest outsiders think that our Jiangdong Army holds a grudge and that the anti-theft team is seeking revenge for personal gain."

"It's so disgraceful."

Li Yun said in a deep voice: "If it is true, we will record it against them. After one or two years, we will come back and settle the cause and effect of today with them."

Du Qian stood up and bowed his head, saying, "I understand."

After saying that, he looked at the two brothers and smiled, "Sir, it's the twelfth lunar month now, and there are still many things to deal with in the government office. I'm going back to work first."

Li Yun stood up and said with a smile, "I'll take Brother Du home."

Li Yun took Li Zheng with him and accompanied Du Qian all the way to the gate of Li Garden. Then the two brothers turned around and walked back, one in front and one behind.

Walking to the backyard, Li Yun muttered, "This is outrageous!"

"Among the four generals, we have the closest brotherly relationship, but it was your subordinates who got into trouble first, and it was the anti-theft team's business!" "That Yu Huan, I still remember him. He has been with us for several years. You lead him, don't you know his temper? How can you let him be stationed in a state capital alone?"

Li Zheng was scolded for a few times, his face flushed a little, and he lowered his head and said: "Second brother, this is my fault. The Duwei camps stationed in various states are not fixed and can be rotated at any time. But some time ago, I led the troops into Jiangnan West Road and forgot about the things behind me."

"I didn't expect this to happen."

Li Yun turned around, glanced at him, and asked, "Does it feel bad to demote you to a captain?"

Li Zheng shook his head and said sternly: "With my ability, it is a stretch for me to be a captain. It is because of my second brother that I can become a general."

Li Yun shook his head and said, "There's no need to belittle yourself."

He thought for a moment, then looked at Li Zheng and continued, "I'm punishing you for the sake of showing it to the other generals and those civil servants."

"You have thought clearly about this matter, but my sister-in-law may not understand it. When you go back, remember to talk to her about it, so that she won't hate me as her second brother."

Li Zheng quickly shook his head: "What are you talking about, second brother?"

"She...she wouldn't have that thought."

Li Yun glanced at him and said, "You are not her, how do you know she doesn't have this thought? Girls have a lot of thoughts."

"Besides, your wife is not from a humble family. She may have more in mind than you think."

Li Zheng then lowered his head and said, "Then... I will explain everything to her after I return home."

"Ah."

Li Yun thought for a moment and asked, "Where is Yu Huanguan?"

"The prefectural jail."

Li Zheng said quickly: "I've asked the guards to keep watch over him personally. He won't be able to escape, don't worry, second brother."

"I'm not worried about him running away."

Li Yun was silent for a while, then said, "I don't have anything to do this afternoon. Bring him out and find a place in the city so I can meet him."

Li Zheng finally understood and said, "Yes, I understand."

…………

In the afternoon, in an inconspicuous courtyard in Jinling City, Li Yun pushed the door and walked in, then walked towards the main room, where a haggard man in his thirties was waiting for Li Yun.

He didn't have any locks or shackles on him, but after seeing Li Yun, he remained obedient and knelt down in front of Li Yun, crying, "Boss, I...I'm sorry for you."

Li Yun moved a chair and sat in front of him. Looking at his appearance, he shook his head slightly and sighed: "How much is your salary now?"

Yu Huan lowered his head and gritted his teeth, "One hundred strings of cash..."

Li Yun nodded.

"This money may not be enough to live a life of luxury, but it is definitely enough to start a family and build a career."

"How many times did those people sleep with you in Quanzhou..."

"never mind."

Li Yun shook his head and gave up asking questions, and asked: "Are you pregnant?"

Yu Huan lowered his head and stammered, "Only...only a daughter."

"Over a year old."

When these members of the anti-theft team followed Li Yun, most of them were penniless and had no family to speak of.

The vast majority of them got married in the past two years.

Yu Huan is no exception.

Li Yun asked, "How many wives have you married?"

"A wife, and a few...a few concubines given by others."

Li Yun nodded silently, stood up, looked at him, and continued: "What you did was too stupid, and I can't save you."

"I saved you, and all the hard work I've done over the past few years has gone to waste."

When they reached the gate of the yard, Li Yun looked back at him, and then continued: "I will find a way to make a living for your wife and daughter. If your woman wants to marry someone else, I will find a reliable old brother in the anti-theft team to adopt your daughter."

Having said that, Li Yun paused and continued.

"There is still a month left until the end of the year. During this time, you can live here. I will have someone bring your family over."

"Do you have any after?"

"It depends on God's will."

Yu Huan knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

"Thank...thank you, my Lord."

(End of this chapter)