Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 61 The Terrifying Number One Suspect (First Update, Please Subscribe)

"Stop! Stop hitting me! I've told you everything I know..."

When Hai Yue saw the steward Lai Fu again, she saw another professionalism of the Jinyiwei reflected in this man.

Use torture.

Compared to the local yamen who only knew how to beat people to death with three sticks and no good flesh on their bodies, the Jinyiwei's methods were undoubtedly more sophisticated and gradual. Lai Fu's speech was still clear, but his expression was extremely frightened and his psychological defenses had collapsed.

But his answer left Lu Bing very dissatisfied: "Fang Wei could never have embezzled tribute pearls alone! The money he coveted must be more than just a few tens of thousands of taels of silver! There must be accomplices in this matter, how dare you hide it?"

Lai Fu trembled in fear. "I really don't know. I did see the young master playing with the pearls, and I was suspicious... but I didn't realize they were tribute from the imperial palace. If I had known, I would have reported it to the authorities long ago!"

"Ah!"

Lu Bing laughed in anger: "You dogs who act so arrogantly all the time, how can you have any respect for the emperor and the laws of the Ming Dynasty? It seems that if I don't use some drastic measures, you won't cry until you see the coffin!"

He pursed his lips, and a donkey-faced man who had been standing behind him clenched his hands and walked up to him with anticipation. The shadow soon completely enveloped Lai Fu.

Lu Bing coldly waved his hand and said to Hai Yue, "Let's go out!"

Haiyue has no objection.

Fang Wei was tyrannical and Lai Fu, as the manager, must have helped him to commit atrocities. He would not have any sympathy for this servant who was a servant himself but never treated other servants as human beings.

Just after leaving the temporary cell, Hai Yue raised a new opinion: "Mr. Lu, do you think Fang Wei's death was to silence him?"

"We were thinking alike!"

Lu Bing had been lost in thought, but his eyes lit up when he heard this. "I've just been wondering if the legend of 'Hidden Mist Village' was fabricated by someone who stole the pearl and killed Fang Wei to cover up their crime. But this method seems a bit complicated. Why bother?"

"Because more than one person died!"

Now is the right opportunity, Haiyue informed the death of Zong Chengxue, the Tongpan of Qiongzhou Prefecture.

Lu Bing was moved. "How could this be true? The murderer is really deliberate. Is he planning to use the nightmare theory to make those who know about this commit suicide and escape the pursuit of the local government?"

"In fact, Zong Tongpan's death has been attributed to suicide!"

Hai Yue said, "If we want to verify this speculation, we have to see if the first deceased, Zong Chengxue, the magistrate of Qiongzhou Prefecture, had a close connection with the Hepu Pearl. If the two are truly inextricably linked, then the true motive must be related to stealing the pearls. It's even possible that Zong Tongpan wasn't the first to die!"

Lu Bing's face was solemn: "This case must be investigated thoroughly!"

As he was speaking, Hong Qi hurried over and reported, "We've searched the entire mansion, but we haven't found the box containing the pearls!"

Lu Bing said in a deep voice: "Moved away? Or sold?"

Haiyue reminded: "If Fang Wei sold the embezzled pearls to a local wealthy family, that would also be a clue."

Lu Bing grinned: "Not bad! This is a good way!"

Hepu pearls are said to be "worth as much as gold in the palm of your hand", which means that pearls held in the palm of your hand are more valuable than gold, because they are tributes to the royal family, mined in small quantities, and priceless in the market, and many powerful and wealthy people are eager for them.

Starting from the seller, you can work your way back to find the sales route and thus get clues.

This also demonstrates the professional qualities of the Jinyiwei. Whenever this group of people investigate clues related to money, they are always surprisingly proactive.

"Zong Chengxue's connection to Hepu Pearl...the seller who stole the pearl and sold it..."

With these two ideas, Lu Bing, who had originally only been looking forward to the interrogation results, suddenly felt that the progress of the case became clearer. He laughed out loud and said, "You are worthy of being the Qiongshan Detective. Having your help in this case is simply a powerful addition. Haha! I have a really good eye!"

"You're still feeling proud..."

Haiyue laughed inwardly, but she didn't show any pride. The case had just become clear, so this wasn't the time to pop open some champagne. "I want to go out and visit Inspector Wu. He has a history with Magistrate Zong."

"it is good!"

Lu Bing nodded and said seriously, "Be careful!"

"understand!"

Before the Jiajing Dynasty, the pearl pool eunuch system was implemented for pearl hunting. The flow of pearls into the public was strictly controlled, and eunuchs were specially sent from the palace to keep an eye on it. These eunuchs "relied on their power to commit evil and abuse their authority to cause trouble" in the local area.

When Jiajing ascended the throne, he eliminated bad policies, strictly controlled eunuchs, reduced the power of the Imperial Household Department, dismissed the eunuchs in charge of garrison troops, and recalled many eunuchs from local areas, including the "Zhu Chi eunuchs" from Guangdong.

Therefore, last year's pearl hunting was completed by the three government offices of Guangdong Province in cooperation with Lianzhou Prefecture. The person who was able to take advantage of the situation and steal a large number of pearls was most likely a prominent figure in the province.

You have to know that Fang Wei's external positioning is that he is a new upstart in etiquette and the favorite nephew of Tian Guanxianfu, the Minister of Personnel. How could an ordinary person be able to conspire with him?
Once the pearl theft is discovered, he might make a desperate struggle and attack the investigators. Therefore, Lu Bing reminded Haiyue to pay attention to her own safety.

I don’t know if it was a psychological effect, but when Hai Yue walked out of Fang’s house, she vaguely felt that someone was following her. The eyes were looking at everyone who came in and out, and the person even followed him for a while before disappearing.

Hai Yue remained calm and did not return to Xixing Temple. Instead, she headed towards the south of the city.

He was going to visit the Inspector-General Wu Lin.

Arriving at the courtyard in the south of the city, the sun was setting. Haiyue went forward and knocked on the door. Soon, a familiar voice came out: "I'm coming!"

The one who opened the door was the servant Sun Bin. Seeing Hai Yue's surprise, he said, "Master Hai? Master Hai is here! Please come in! Please come in!"

When Hai Yue entered, she saw not only Min Ziyong and Xiang Ang walking out quickly, but also Wu Lin, dressed in casual clothes, standing in front of the hall to greet them with a kind smile: "Shisanlang, you've arrived just in time. Let's have dinner together at this hour!"

Haiyue bowed and said, "I'm really hungry. I hope Inspector Wu will take me in!"

"Why are you being so polite? You're still calling me by my title at home..."

Wu Lin's smile became more and more friendly, as if an elder was looking at his nephews and grandchildren.

Both sides knew the reason for the change in attitude. Facts proved that Lu Bing valued Hai Yue not only in the capital, but also in Guangzhou Prefecture. Wu Lin was envious and felt fortunate.

It’s a great favor to save your life!

It’s easier to interact with others if there are favors between us!

Haiyue was not impressed by Wu Lin, but they were not close friends, so she soon changed her address from official title to Mr., and they had a very pleasant dinner together in a great atmosphere.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Haiyue finally spoke: "I have something I don't understand, and I beg you to enlighten me, sir."

Wu Lin stroked his beard and smiled, "Just speak frankly, no need to be restrained!" Hai Yue asked, "What was Zong Chengxue, the Tongpan of Qiongzhou Prefecture,'' what position did he hold before coming to Qiongshan?"

Wu Lin's smile faltered slightly. He had previously arranged a fake kidnapping with Zong Chengxue, and was nearly killed by an Annan assassin. He naturally didn't want to mention this stain on his life, but the man in front of him seemed to have no need to hide anything. He slowly said, "Brother Shuyuan was originally the magistrate of Lingshan County."

Haiyue continued to ask: "How far is Lingshan County from Hepu County?"

"Lingshan and Hepu are adjacent to each other and both belong to Lianzhou Prefecture. They are connected by mountains and rivers, and transportation is convenient..." Wu Lin said this and suddenly realized: "Shisanlang knows about that matter?"

Haiyue's eyes moved: "I still need to ask the master for advice!"

"You do not know?"

Wu Lin was quite puzzled, but he still said, "Zong Shuyuan resigned as the magistrate of Lingshan because of a misunderstanding. He was attacked by rioters and was beaten so badly that he vomited blood. It caused quite a big uproar at the time. The three government offices were alarmed, and they transferred him to Qiongzhou. Alas!"

Hai Yue realized that this was the crucial moment and stood up and bowed. "What exactly was the misunderstanding? Who was the one who injured him? This matter is extremely important. I hope Mr. Wu will be willing to tell me!"

Wu Lin was a little embarrassed, but finally said, "I don't know the details, but I heard that someone slandered him for embezzling pearls from Hepu County, and the villagers were angry and stopped him on the road and beat him up..."

Hai Yue said in a deep voice, "Did they find out afterwards whether this happened? And what happened to the villagers who assaulted the county magistrate?"

"Those rioters fled and became bandits. Later, the Hepu County Government stepped in and wiped them out!"

Wu Lin's voice was thick with anger. "Zong Shuyuan was an honest and upright man, diligent and responsible in his work. He lived a very simple life. How could he have embezzled the pearls that were tributed to the palace? This matter was later found to be completely fabricated. It's a pity that Shuyuan suffered such a disaster!"

Haiyue looked thoughtful.

The doctor at He's Pharmacy had previously said that Zong Chengxue wasn't ill, but had been beaten and injured. The injury had been delayed for a long time and had become a chronic illness. It turned out he was beaten by the people of Hepu...

The magistrate of Lingshan, a county magistrate next to Hepu County, was beaten by the people of Hepu and vomited blood. He was later transferred and became a judge in Qiongzhou Prefecture...

This relationship is so close!
He is simply a member of the game!

So, facing Wu Lin's puzzled gaze, Hai Yue began to talk about the progress of Fang Wei's case.

In ancient times, there was no such thing as confidentiality. Wu Lin had only arrived in Guangdong as an inspector in the early ninth year of the Jiajing reign. By then, the pearls in Hepu had long been harvested, so Haiyue felt it was appropriate to reveal the information. She gazed at him and asked, "In your opinion, sir, is Zong Tongpan connected to this case?"

"Tribute pearls?"

As Wu Lin listened, he became horrified. He slowly said, "Zong Shuyuan was my classmate at the Imperial College. Although he didn't pass the imperial examination and only became an official as a juren, we've kept in touch through the years. After I came to Guangdong, I personally visited Lingshan and the villagers. They all praised Magistrate Zong for his love for the people. The county scholar still remembers him fondly. I... I can guarantee that with his character and integrity, he would never collude with Fang Wei to steal the pearl!"

Wu Lin hesitated for the last sentence, but finally gritted his teeth and made a guarantee.

Haiyue began to look at this person with new respect.

The case is of great importance, and Wu Lin's action is indeed courageous. Zong Chengxue is already dead, but he dared to take such a risk. This friendship is touching.

But Haiyue didn't believe it. After all, a friend's words couldn't be used as a basis for reference. She continued to ask, "Who was the magistrate of Hepu at that time?"

"Hu Ying'en."

"Is he still the magistrate of Hepu County?"

"Because of his meritorious service in suppressing bandits, this man was promoted. When I was inspecting Guangdong, he was no longer in Guangdong."

"What about the Hepu County Magistrate?"

“Not anymore.”

"Were all the local officials promoted for suppressing bandits? Are those bandits...really bandits?"

Hearing this question, Wu Lin's expression became extremely solemn. He slowly said, "Shisanlang, now that I've come to this, there's one thing I won't hide from you! Do you remember that I was planning to use a trick to escape, first going to Qiongshan, and then secretly returning that night with Zong Shuyuan?"

"Of course!"

Hai Yue asked seriously, "Sir, what are you investigating?"

Wu Lin waved his hand, and Min Ziyong and Sun Bin retreated tacitly. The strongman Xiang Ang even patrolled the surroundings to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

Seeing the three followers take their places, Wu Lin stood up, put his hands behind his back, turned around, and then said in a serious tone: "I have received a letter of accusation, which identifies Lin Fu, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and the Right Jindu Censor of the Censorate, the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Guangdong and Guangxi Military Affairs!"

"Governor Lin?"

Haiyue couldn't help but be shocked.

He was the highest official in Guangdong and Guangxi, in charge of the military and political power in both Guangdong and Guangxi, a true frontier governor!

Wu Lin added, "Governor Lin has always been known for his love for the people. I didn't believe him at first, but the many details in that letter are definitely not groundless. Among them is the mention of the Hepu uprising. As I told you before, that group of rioters not only attacked Zong Shuyuan, the then magistrate of Lingshan, but also attacked Bailong Village in Hepu County, slaughtering almost all the villagers and looting a large number of pearls up the mountain!"

Haiyue immediately asked, "After the bandits were suppressed, where is Zhenzhu?"

"Missing!"

Wu Lin said in a deep voice, "Governor Lin was furious about this, but he was helpless. This prompted him to submit a petition to Your Majesty requesting a halt to the pearl fishing!"

"If you want to stop pearl fishing, why would you be greedy?"

Hai Yue asked, then met Wu Lin's expression and said slowly, "Sir, do you suspect that he did this to increase the price of the missing Hepu pearls?"

Wu Lin's expression became extremely solemn. "Shisanlang, you must remember this: if a ruler is not discreet, he will lose his ministers; if a minister is not discreet, he will lose his dignity; if things are not discreet, harm will occur. Therefore, a gentleman is cautious and keeps secrets! This has come out of my mouth and into your ears, and no third person can know about it. Without solid evidence, making random accusations will cause unrest in Guangdong and Guangxi!"

Lin Fu was a true frontier official. Not to mention Wu Lin, the seventh-rank censor, even Lu Bing had to report to the capital if he wanted to touch him. He would never act on his own.

The key is evidence.

It is absolutely impossible to launch an attack based on just a letter of complaint and some unfounded suspicions.

Hai Yue pondered for a moment and said, "Just now I proposed a solution to Lu Sheren, starting with the buyer..."

Wu Lin's eyes lit up after hearing this: "Hepu pearls are extremely valuable. This is a good idea!"

"I originally thought that this route might yield some clues, but then I remembered something else. Governor Lin also facilitated trade with the Portuguese. Didn't we run into them before entering the city?"

Hai Yue said in a deep voice, "What if the Hepu pearls that were embezzled were sold to the Portuguese and shipped away by sea?"

(End of this chapter)