Loan Wusheng

Chapter 305 No ancient sage king could surpass this.

Han Ding, the governor of Wuping County, was in a good mood until he heard that one of his men had been detained by a "cross-river dragon".

This made Han Ding feel terrible.

The reason behind this was so compelling that Han Ding had to personally intervene to suppress the matter.

Although he didn't handle the matter himself, but rather the prefectural commandant, the Five Classics scholar, and the literary clerk, how could he, as the prefectural governor, not know about it? Or rather, he was the biggest beneficiary of all this.

The sons and nephews of the Prince of Yunshuo are members of the Cai family, and it is even more necessary for him to step in and quell the situation.

After all, the Cai family was a top noble family in the Han Dynasty, with three princes from one family. The current empress was also born into the Cai family. Such a noble family naturally made Han Ding tremble with fear, and he naturally wanted to use the prefect's power to quell the matter as soon as possible.

Therefore, when Han Ding arrived and saw Zheng Jun dressed in a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, carrying a bamboo cane, he immediately felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems he's just a collateral descendant of the Cai family; it's alright.

After letting out a sigh of relief, Han Ding's face immediately darkened, and he adopted the demeanor of an official. He gathered his strength and rebuked Zheng Jun, "Where did this junior come from? I am Han Ding, the Prefect of Wuping County of the Great Han Dynasty. Why don't you pay your respects at once?!"

There are only about four hundred prefects in the Han Dynasty. Even in the Cai family, he is a figure who can be ranked among the top thirty. Han Dingxin thought that a mere collateral descendant would naturally be afraid of his reputation, which would make things easier.

However, what Han Ding did not expect was that this collateral descendant of the Cai family looked at him calmly, without the slightest respect, which made Han Ding feel extremely troubled.

Zheng Jun looked at Han Ding calmly: "You don't recognize me?"

Why should I recognize you?

Han Ding snorted coldly, then said without any politeness, "Whose family are you from in the Cai clan? I have some acquaintance with the Crown Prince of Yunshuo, how come I have never seen you before?"

Yunshuo County was also part of Suzhou.

As the governor of Wuping Commandery, Han Ding had naturally met the Prince of Yunshuo and the heir apparent of the Prince of Yunshuo.

There's no problem in saying we have a relationship.

Han Ding stroked his beard, narrowed his eyes, and continued with a sarcastic tone, "Young man, do you think this world is black and white? Ha, the way of an official is to 'mingle with the world.' Look at Wuping County, from the county magistrate to the Five Classics scholar, who doesn't turn a blind eye? It's respectable for the Cai family's nephews and nieces to collect some tributes in the local area, but you, a collateral descendant, are acting like a righteous official?"

After saying that, Han Ding continued, "If news of today's arrests reaches Yunshuo County, do you think the Prince and the Heir Apparent will praise you for your integrity? Wrong! They will only think that you have broken the tacit understanding between the noble families. Every county secretly carries out this kind of thing that you so deeply abhor, several times a year. You just had to jump out and become a roadblock."

With that, Han Ding sneered, "Having spent twenty years navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom, I know better than anyone that the so-called disciples of sages are nothing but empty promises to poor scholars. Remember this: in this officialdom, the pure-hearted die, and the awakened perish! Water that is too clear has no fish!"

He paid no attention to the onlookers around him.

Upon hearing this, the people glared angrily, but dared not utter a sound.

This is because Han Ding was the governor of a prefecture, and also because Han Ding was a martial artist who had reached the Qi Refining stage!
"What a perfect saying: 'Those who remain pure perish, those who remain awake die!'"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun suppressed his anger and continued, "His Majesty has issued an edict that although the world is at peace, the military must be properly trained. Soldiers, armed with spears and halberds, defend the country on the battlefield. They have made great contributions and are truly the backbone of the nation. The edict orders all prefectures and counties to treat soldiers with special courtesy whenever they are encountered."

"Aren't you afraid of being held accountable by the court and investigated by the emperor for your current actions?"

The provisions must be plentiful, so that there is no fear of freezing or starving.

All corvée labor was exempted, to demonstrate the court's compassion.

His children were not subject to the usual restrictions when entering the state school.

These are the three regulations set by Zheng Jun, but now, from the perspective of Wuping County, they are as worthless as waste paper!
Upon hearing this, Han Ding couldn't help but show a mocking expression, and said, "Your Majesty is certainly wise, but how noble is Your Majesty? How can you possibly manage such trivial matters? Besides, how could such lowly people be worthy of Your Majesty's attention? Since ancient times, when has an emperor ever been close to the common people?"

There have always been many sayings in this world. Some say that "the emperor and the scholar-officials share the world," others say that "the emperor and the nobles share the world," and still others say that "the emperor and the minor officials share the world!" But no matter what, has anyone ever mentioned that "the emperor and the common people share the world"?

At this point, Han Ding continued earnestly, "Just take a look at the imperial edict and don't take it seriously. Besides, this place is far from the emperor's reach. I advise you to hurry back to your residence. If things get out of hand, even the Prince of Yunshuo won't be able to protect you."

Han Ding was very disappointed in the young man in front of him.

How can you still not recognize your own social class?

We're on the same side, what kind of attitude is it for you to always speak up for the peasants?!

If Han Ding hadn't been unable to see through the young man's cultivation level, he would have already captured him and thrown him back to the Yun Shuo Prince's Mansion.

"What a convenient way to say that things in an imperial edict are just to be taken with a grain of salt, and that the emperor is far away in the sky."

Zheng Jun's face darkened, and he said sternly, "I never knew such things existed in the world! I have only been in power for a hundred years, and it is already like this! If another eight or nine hundred years pass, I'm afraid it will be even worse than the previous dynasty!"

"I?"

Han Ding was startled when he heard this self-proclaimed title.

Under heaven, there is only one person who can call himself "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I" or "the Emperor").

The current emperor, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty!
This person claims to be "the Emperor" (朕), could it be that the Cai family is plotting a rebellion?
Before Han Ding could process what was happening, he suddenly heard two respectful voices from not far away: "Your subject Tian Gaoyi/Shan Xi pay homage to Your Majesty and respectfully inquire about Your Majesty's well-being!"

"I am uneasy!"

Zheng Jun took a deep breath, looked at Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi, and said, "Is this the land you are guarding for me?"

"We are guilty, Your Majesty, please punish us."

Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi dared not speak, and could only bow down to beg for forgiveness, sweat beading on their foreheads.

They heard everything that was said just now.

This is it, everything is ruined!

Han Dingli stood to the side, his pupils suddenly dilating.

Although he was a martial artist who had reached the Qigong stage, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Han Ding's eyes darted around like golden snakes, his ears were filled with the incessant chirping of cicadas, and his unyielding bones trembled slightly, the sound of his teeth chattering faintly audible.

Upon hearing this, all the people inside and outside the alley were thrilled and immediately bowed down, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

The people were all very excited, and the old woman was even more excited, muttering incoherently to herself.

Those who were initially detained were ashen-faced and trembling.

They only have one thought in their minds right now.

Ruined.

The constables' imaginations weren't quite there yet; all they could think about was their inevitable death.

Han Ding, however, was filled with immense fear.

He knew what awaited him next.

Needless to say.

Aside from the original matter, his words just now have committed numerous crimes, including disrespect, slander against the emperor, making unwarranted comments on national policies, and disregard for the law.

For Han Ding, death might be the best possible ending.

The newly rising family might be implicated and exterminated because of him!
The villagers were overjoyed and spread the news far and wide. For the common people, in this chaotic world, to have a patch of clear sky under their protection was like a long-awaited rain after a drought.

The common people have always been simple and honest. Many people believe that the emperor is wise and just, but there are treacherous officials in the court who have deceived the emperor. Therefore, they long for a just and upright official who can tell the emperor everything and tell him about their suffering.

But what is the actual situation?
If it weren't for the repayment of the 'Forbearance for All Beings' Dharma form, Zheng Jun wouldn't even bother to come to this human world.

The Taiji Palace is high up, and cannot hear the suffering of the people.

"My subjects, my fellow countrymen, you have suffered. I am late."

Zheng Jun walked out of the alley and looked at the dense crowd in the streets and alleys, these people bowing and kowtowing to him, and said loudly: "The matter of Wuping County is my fault."

Zheng Jun ignored Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi, who were kneeling down, and instead looked at the common people.

For Zheng Jun now, the common people are nothing.

With the ten Dharma forms, Zheng Jun has already stood at the pinnacle of the Jambudvipa world, becoming the third person in Jambudvipa since its inception, and the number one person in this world.

Even if the whole world rebels, it won't do anything to Zheng Jun.

But Zheng Jun knew that as the emperor, he could save trillions of people in the Luo Tian Realm, so how could he not make the people of the Yan Fu Realm live a better life?
Upon witnessing Zheng Jun's apology, the people of Wuping County were instantly shocked, with many even bursting into tears and shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

The scholars of Wuping County were deeply moved.

The classics often say that ancient sage kings were concerned about the people and every household in the world.

But compared to His Majesty now, he is far inferior.

After all, those ancient sage kings never apologized to them, the common people.

Even many sage kings were still practitioners of slavery.

In an instant, the entire population of Wuping County was moved by Zheng Jun.

This matter will be passed down to their sons, grandsons... and so on down to their descendants, and the entire Wuping County will talk about this matter today.

Even if Zheng Jun fails to become the Dao Lord in the future and dies, the rule of the Zheng Han Dynasty will still continue in Wuping County. Wuping County will become the most loyal city for the descendants of the Zheng family. No matter what injustices they suffer in the future, they will still look forward to the appearance of the Great Han Sage Emperor to uphold justice for them.

"Han Ding, the Prefect of Wuping Commandery, along with the Commandery Commandant, the Five Classics Scholar, and the Literary Clerk of the same commandery, shall be executed along with their entire clan!"

Zheng Jun took a deep breath and coldly said to Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi: "The Prefectural Magistrate, the Clerk of Merit, the Clerk of Households, the Clerk of Judgment, the Clerk of Bandits, and the Clerk of Granaries have failed in governing the people and are hereby sentenced to death."

Before Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi could receive the imperial edict, they heard, "All officials involved in the case in Suzhou shall be executed!"

"I obey the imperial edict."

Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi immediately obeyed the order.

At the same time, they were also sighing in their hearts.

They were not involved in this matter.

After all, as the provincial governors of the Han Dynasty and among the top two hundred most powerful figures in the entire Han Dynasty, their status no longer required them to pursue these things.

However, this incident occurred under their jurisdiction.

They naturally bear an inescapable responsibility.

"Tian Gaoyi was demoted to Prefect of Wuping Commandery; Shan Xi was demoted to Commandant of Wuping Commandery."

Zheng Jun opened his mouth with an indifferent gaze and continued, "In Suzhou Prefecture, the officials involved will die, and those not involved will be demoted to minor officials in Wuping County! They will not be promoted for ten years. After ten years, I will investigate Wuping County. If there are still injustices, all those below the rank of prefect will be punished with death!"

"promise!"

Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi were filled with bitterness, but they had no choice but to obey the imperial decree.

"If that's the case, then let's do it!"

After saying that, Zheng Jun waved his sleeve, and Han Ding, who was still stunned, suddenly felt as if his dantian had been struck by lightning, and his internal organs were as if they had been torn apart by an invisible hand. His Ren and Du meridians were in reverse order, and a metallic taste rose in his throat.

"puff!"

A mouthful of his vital essence spurted three feet, landing on the ground like boiling oil scalding a stone, making a sizzling sound.

His seventy-three years of arduous cultivation to the Tongqiao realm collapsed in an instant, like a sand tower crumbling, and was ruined by Zheng Jun!

Upon seeing this, Tian Gaoyi and Shan Xi immediately got up and left. Tian Gaoyi picked up Han Ding and headed towards the prefectural governor's mansion, while Shan Xi himself began to eliminate the thieves according to the list that Zheng Jun had just called out.

After the two left, Zheng Jun remained there.

Zheng Jun, of course, would not stay long.

But the surrounding people were incredibly enthusiastic, calling him 'the sage emperor'.

The old woman was moved to tears.

Zheng Jun sighed at the enthusiasm of the surrounding people. After chatting with them for a while, he used his supernatural powers to conceal his figure and then walked out of Wuping County on foot, heading in another direction.

The repayment of the 'Forbearance for All Beings' Dharma form was not interrupted because it only required walking 108,000 miles on foot, without any restrictions on revealing one's identity or using supernatural powers.

The news of Wuping County spread like wildfire, reaching the entire Suzhou, and even the entire northern kingdom and the whole world in an instant.

Immediately, officials in various regions were on high alert and began to take remedial measures.

As a result, many people were surprised to find that all the benefits that had been misappropriated had been returned, which amazed them and made them think that the government had had a change of heart.

It was only later that I learned that the Emperor of the Han Dynasty was now traveling incognito to punish corrupt officials, which immediately shocked the people of the land.

Thus, in folk legends, the current emperor sometimes disguises himself as a merchant, appearing beside the herdsmen in the borderlands and kindly inquiring about their problems with natural disasters; at other times, he appears in the heart of Qingzhou, impersonating a nobleman and asking the students in the school about teaching matters.

Sometimes he would transform into an ascetic monk and set foot in the prosperous Jiangnan region.

Sometimes he would transform into a wandering knight-errant, roaming the land of Sichuan and Chongqing.

Talking about farming with old farmers, playing with young children.

Over the course of those ten years, officials who took chances were often caught red-handed by the emperor and executed along with their entire families.

In just over a decade, the story of the emperor traveling incognito had spread throughout the country.

Whether it was the ancient sage kings, or the Xia ancestor, Wei emperor, Yu emperor, and Zhou god, none of them were as diligent in governing and loving towards the people as the current emperor of the Han Dynasty.

Meanwhile, in the South China Sea, Zheng Jun, still wearing a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, stood on the shore of the South China Sea reef, gazing at the majestic South China Sea, in high spirits.

Before him was only a line of gilded characters.

The 'Forbearance for All Beings' Dharma Image has been fully repaid.

(End of this chapter)