I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 732 Everyone Takes Turns to Sing
Ren Boan felt more confident.

"We told Xiu Qiguang that if you confess, you will be treated leniently. Tell us everything and we will send someone to rescue your family. If you make up for your crime and make meritorious contributions, you will be released sooner or later, and then we can be reunited as a family.

He refused to listen and still hoped for the best, saying he would think about it again. Well, now there is no need to think about it anymore, Xiu Qiguang and his family are all together, reunited on the road to the underworld."

After hearing what Ren Boan said, Zhao Junhai's Adam's apple kept shaking up and down, and he was very nervous.

Ren Boan saw this and continued to increase his investment.

"It seems that you have surrendered to a ruthless master. Once you are no longer useful, I will kill you to eliminate the trouble forever. The harm will not affect your wife and children. Haha, you gangsters are too naive to have such fantasies.

You are no longer just a gangster, you have been dragged into the court disputes. Once you are involved in a case, no matter how high your position is, you may have your entire family executed or exiled.

You are a bunch of weeds, and you are still thinking that your wives and children will not be harmed. Have you woken up? "

Zhao Junhai's eyes were full of despair and resentment.

Ren Boan took the opportunity to ask, "Zhao Dongjia, do you want to think about it again?"

Zhao Junhai's expression changed for more than ten seconds, and he said with difficulty: "Xiu Qiguang is dead, but I am not dead yet. I am still useful."

Ren Boan laughed so loudly that the roof shook slightly. Everyone looked at him, and even the two forensic doctors couldn't help but turn their heads to look at him.

Only three bodies remained indifferent.

"You are such an interesting person! You are so loyal to your master, but even when things have come to this point, you are still stubborn and refuse to speak. Xiu Qiguang is dead and has no use for him. But you are not dead yet, and you are still useful.

But Mr. Zhao, why don’t you think about it? Whether you live or die depends entirely on us.”

What do you mean?
Zhao Junhai stared at Ren Boan.

Chen Ronghua was the first to realize it, and immediately cooperated and said, "As long as our Director Ren hides you secretly and then announces to the public that you committed suicide, just like we announced to the public that Xiu Qiguang also committed suicide.

If the news gets out, your master will surely be grateful for your loyalty, and will tearfully kill your wife and children who are hiding in the dark."

Talent!
Ren Boan glanced at Chen Ronghua.

"No!"

Zhao Junhai cried out in pain with tears in his eyes.

"No?" Ren Boan sneered twice, "At this point, you are like meat on the chopping board. It's no longer up to you."

Zhao Junhai fell to his knees, looking as pale as death, and said, "Okay, I'll tell you."

Ren Boan pointed to the room opposite and said, "Clean up that room. We'll go there for the interrogation."

Yang Guian entered the right room first and frowned. The room was in a mess, with drawers opened, jars smashed, and bedding, clothes, bowls and chopsticks, and other sundries scattered all over the floor.

Chen Ronghua followed in and frowned when he saw this scene. "What is the villain looking for?"

"I don't know, let me clean it up first."

The two of them worked on clearing out a space and finding a table, some stools and chairs.

Ren Boan and Liu Dongyang brought Zhao Junhai in. Before they came in, Ren Boan instructed the guards to guard the place well and strictly forbid outsiders from approaching.

Liu Dongyang took the pen and ink brought by the soldier and sat down at the table next to him. Ren Boan sat down on the chair in front with his sword and golden horse.

Yang Guian and Chen Ronghua stood behind Zhao Junhai, and Shen Wanxiang pulled a stool to the corner and sat down.

"Tell me, who is the noble person behind you?"

"Guo Yingyong, nephew of Marquis Wuding."

Guo Yingyong?
How is it different from what I expected?

Ren Boan and the other four exchanged glances calmly.

"Okay, tell me the details."

"I am originally from Qichun, Huangzhou Prefecture. I passed the imperial examination and was awarded the title of Scholar. Later, I offended the Education Commissioner and was stripped of my title. I have been living on the streets and trying to make a living.

My uncle, Monk Yuanhai, became a monk at a young age. Later, he moved to the Beijing Renciyuan and became the abbot. He wrote to me and asked me to go to Beijing to take care of the business.

At that time, I had been doing business in Wuchang, Jiujiang, Anqing and Nanjing for five or six years, and I had gained a lot of experience. With the introduction of my uncle, I got to know many dignitaries, and that was when I met Guo Yingyong.

Guo Yingyong was the son of the eldest brother of Wuding Marquis Guo Dacheng. Because his father was a concubine's son, Wuding Marquis was succeeded by his legitimate son Guo Dacheng. He was very angry and died of depression a few years later.

Guo Yingyong was raised by his uncle Guo Dacheng, and helped to manage the affairs of the Marquis's mansion. He was a prominent figure in the capital. He was grateful for his father's deeds since he was a child, and wanted to set up his own business from the Marquis of Wuding's mansion, so he and I hit it off.
In order to conceal his plan from being known by the Wuding Marquis' Mansion, Guo Yingyong introduced Zhu Yingmo, the eldest grandson of the Chengguo Duke's Mansion, to me.

Zhu Yingmo also had his own little thoughts, so I conspired with Guo Yingyong to register Chu Yuexuan under Zhu Yingmo's name and use his name and the banner of Chengguo Mansion to do business."

After listening to Zhao Junhai, Ren Boan asked again, "Do you have any evidence?"

"Yes, I kept separate accounts for my financial transactions with Zhu Yingzhen and Guo Yingyong, one open and one hidden. You found out Zhu Yingzhen's open account, but I buried Guo Yingyong's hidden account under an elm tree in the backyard of the land temple near my house."

He really is in collusion with Guo Yingyong.

"Do you know who is the mastermind behind Xiu Qiguang?"

"Although Xiu Qi Guang never told me, from his words, I can infer that it was Xu Wenshuo, the second son of Yongkang Marquis Mansion."

"Xu Wenshuo?"

Finally got the number right.

"Then do you know that Xiu Qi Guang has evidence?"

"You should keep some. Xiu Qiguang and I have a close relationship. We are both lackeys of nobles. We are both trapped in the vortex and cannot extricate ourselves. We feel a sense of sympathy for each other.

I have reminded him implicitly that he should keep some evidence in his hand to prevent his cunning rabbit from being killed and his running dog from being cooked. He listened to me and should have kept some evidence. "

"Do you know where it is?"

"I don't know. But I guess he must be hiding at home."

"Why do you say that?"

"I have known Xiu Qiguang for more than ten years and I know his temper. If important things are not under his nose, he will be uneasy."

After another half an hour of questioning, they had asked all the questions that could be asked, and Ren Boan and the other four took Zhao Junhai away.

Shen Wanxiang returned to Shuntian Prefecture to report the latest situation. Liu Dongyang led his men to escort Zhao Junhai back to the detention center of the Inspection Bureau. Ren Boan led his men to the land temple to dig up evidence. Yang Guian and Chen Ronghua led their men to rescue Zhao Junhai's wife and children who were hiding in Daxing County.

Near dusk, Ren Boan, Yang Guian and Chen Ronghua met in a yard not far from the Inspection Bureau.

This is a courtyard of the Jingji Bureau of the Zhenfu Division. There are some things in the case that are not convenient for the Inspection Bureau to know, so the three of them discussed it here.

Ren Boan asked: "Has the person been rescued?"

"They've been rescued and properly placed. Director Ren, have you found any evidence?"

"Found it. It was in an iron box. There were four account books. Three of them were accounts of money transactions. The other one recorded the tasks assigned by Guo Yingyong, including the time, place, people, and how the tasks were completed. All were recorded in detail."

Yang Guian and Chen Ronghua looked at each other in surprise. They finally found the evidence, and Zhao Junhai's case could finally be closed.

"Zhao Junhai's case is closed. Now the only case left is Xiu Qiguang's. There is evidence, but where is it?"

"Director Ren, Zhao Junhai said that Xiu Qiguang is very likely hiding at home." "We went there today and found everything in a mess. They were almost digging deep into the ground. Did Xu Wenshuo's people find any evidence left by Xiu Qiguang?"

This is really hard to say.

Yang Guian and Chen Ronghua remained silent.

After a while, Chen Ronghua said, "Director Ren, Section Chief Yang, we can go to Xiu Qiguang's concubine's residence and take a look."

Ren Boan's eyes lit up.

Yang Guian pondered for a while and said happily: "Yes, we thought that the small courtyard in Wanping County was Xiu Qiguang's home, and the courtyard in the west city where the concubines were placed was just a decoration, but it was actually also Xiu Qiguang's home.

Xiu Qi Guang deliberately placed it outside to hide it from the public, and it had been secretly monitored by people from the Jingji Bureau of the Zhenfu Division early on. Xu Wenshuo also knew about it, so he didn't dare to act rashly even if he wanted to search for it.

There has been no movement there. If Xiu Qiguang hid the evidence there, it must still be there intact."

Ren Boan made a prompt decision and said, "Let's go to West City."

The three of them immediately called for help and headed straight for the West City. They entered the third courtyard where Xiu Qi Guang's two concubines lived. They searched everywhere and dug deep into the ground. Finally, they found a wooden box behind a plaque in the front hall. There were two account books in the box, recording the large amounts of silver paid to Xu Wenshuo.

There is also a notebook, which is full of records of work done for Xu Wenshuo.

Well, with these three pieces of evidence, Xiu Qi Guang’s case can be closed.

The three of them returned to the Inspection Bureau, handed the account book to Liu Dongyang, copied a general ledger, and took Zhao Junhai and Xiu Qiguang's notebooks. When they arrived at the Shuntian Prefecture Yamen, it was already dark.

Shen Wanxiang came out after hearing the news and met the three people.

"What's the emergency?"

"Xiu Qiguang's case has also been closed. We will bring the general ledgers and notebooks of the two cases and report to Prefect Pan."

Shen Wanxiang's eyes lit up, "Come on, I'll take you to see Prefect Pan."

As they walked into the government office, Shen Wanxiang asked, "It's so late, why are you still coming to the government office? Aren't you afraid of coming to nothing?"

Ren Boan replied, "Prefect Pan is diligent in his work, and everyone in the capital knows it. On weekdays, Prefect Pan will not leave the government office before 8 o'clock in the evening."

Shen Wanxiang smiled.

When they arrived at the gate of the signing room, Shen Wanxiang went in to report first, then took the three of them into the yard and into the signing room.

After greeting, Ren Boan said, "Prefect Pan, we, Ren Boan, Yang Guian, and Chen Ronghua, have lived up to your trust and solved the case of Xiu Qiguang and Zhao Junhai and found out the real mastermind behind them."

After that, he put the evidence on the table.

"Thank you for your hard work. Please take a seat first while I take a look at the evidence."

Pan Yinglong finished reading quickly, put down the three booklets and two petitions, took a deep breath, stood up, turned away from the desk, and walked up to Ren Boan and the other two.

The three of them stood up quickly.

Pan Yinglong saluted and said, "You three have worked hard and made great contributions! This government will definitely ask Envoy Su for your contributions!"

Ren Boan and the other two quickly replied, "You are too polite, Mr. Pan. This is what we should do."

Ten minutes later, after seeing off Ren Boan and the other two, Shen Wanxiang returned to the signing room and saw Pan Yinglong sitting behind the desk, lost in thought.

"Prefect, I am here to escort the chief clerk Ren and his men out of the yamen."

"Well, Qianhe, tomorrow morning, go to the Audit Office and bring back a copy of the files and accounts."

"Yes."

"Sit down!" Pan Yinglong waved his hand downwards.

Shen Wanxiang sat down on the chair next to him.

"Chizuru, are you confused?"

Shen Wanxiang replied: "The student is a little confused."

"Are you confused?" Pan Yinglong smiled, he picked up the teacup and took two sips, "In the past, in the autumn and spring examinations, the relationship between teacher and student was a common practice in the officialdom.

However, I feel that the teacher-student relationship is a bit far-fetched. On the contrary, the Lingshi system designated by the emperor is more like a teacher-student relationship in the officialdom.

Only officials of the seventh rank and above can be assigned the post of Lingshi. Lingshi is personally selected by the chief officer and brought by his side to do secretarial work and various trivial matters on a daily basis. He can be said to be the closest person to the chief officer.

More importantly, the chief officer's governance philosophy influenced Lingshi. He was by his side day and night, watching how the chief officer handled government affairs, how he greeted and saw off guests, and how he dealt with superiors, peers, and subordinates. He was influenced by the chief officer and sometimes gave him careful guidance.

This is what a teacher and student should be like! "

Shen Wanxiang immediately stood up, crossed his arms and bowed, saying, "I have long regarded you as my mentor. I have been studying under you for a long time and I dare not slack off. I am just afraid that I am dull and cannot learn even a little from you. I am afraid that I have failed you in your teachings."

"Qianhe is a good student. I know that. Sit down. Let's sit down and talk."

Shen Wanxiang was very excited. This was the first time that Pan Yinglong acknowledged him as his "mentor in his career."

"Yes, I will listen carefully to the teachings of my teacher."

“In fact, it doesn’t matter to me who the real nobles behind Xiu Qi Guang, Zhao Jun Hai, and those bullies who run rampant on the streets of the capital are, whether it’s the Duke of Chengguo’s Mansion, the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s Mansion, or the Marquis of Yongkang’s Mansion, or the Marquis of Wuding’s Mansion.

I, the master, only need to investigate thoroughly and find out the real person behind the scenes, because this case will be submitted to the West Garden and presented to the emperor.

The emperor is wise, perceptive, and insightful. If the case is not handled thoroughly, carrying a pot of half-cooked rice to the West Garden will not only be in vain, but will also be reprimanded by the emperor. "

Shen Wanxiang understood a little.

"Now that Ren Boan and his group have finished their performance, it is time for me to go to the West Garden and perform a performance in front of the Emperor. When my performance is finished, it will be the Emperor's turn."

Pan Yinglong patted the evidence on the table lightly.

Shen Wanxiang said thoughtfully: "Master, when you went to Xiyuan to perform this play, you were not only singing for the emperor, but also for the civil and military officials?"

Pan Yinglong smiled and said, "Yes, I will sing it for the officials to see."

Shen Wanxiang said worriedly: "Master, if you insist on being a lone minister, won't you be clipping your own wings?"

"Haha, Lord Meilin said he was a lone minister, but was he really a lone minister? Lord Gangfeng, who was recognized as a lone minister by the world, still had students and former officials who recognized him as their mentor and former master.

Qianhe, remember, wings are not something you can grow by yourself just by standing on the ground. You must fly into the sky, and then wings will come from all directions. The higher you fly, the more wings will be attached to you. "

Shen Wanxiang nodded repeatedly: "Teacher, I understand. What should we do next?"

"After I come back from singing in Xiyuan, I will sing my own play in Shuntian Prefecture. I will clean up the local thugs, gang forces, and the rotten police department in Shuntian Prefecture! Eradicating the evil and cleaning up the land, this is the real Fenglei Operation!"

On the morning of the third day, Pan Yinglong took Shen Wanxiang to Nanhua Gate of Xiyuan in a carriage.

After reporting, Qi Yan came to receive him.

Pan Yinglong smiled at Shen Wanxiang, then took a stack of copies into the duty room next door for a routine search.

Seeing his back disappear in the duty room, Shen Wanxiang looked up at the majestic and magnificent Nanhua Gate, and began to feel worried.

The teacher is performing in Xiyuan today. I wonder if he performs well?
(End of this chapter)