Di Ming

Chapter 93 The Iron-Faced Official

It was early afternoon, around 3:00 PM.

The Nanjing Garrison Eunuch (Inner Garrison Commander), Garrison Military Officer (Outer Garrison Commander), Military Advisor (Minister of War), Censorate, Ministry of Justice, and Court of Judicial Review jointly issued a martial law proclamation.

A proclamation was posted, announcing that Nanjing had officially entered martial law. The city gates were immediately closed during the day, and both inner and outer checkpoints were subject to joint inspection.

At the same time, fast horses carrying official orders rushed out of the city and headed to various prefectures and counties.

Like an enemy!

This scene was similar to the Japanese pirates' attack on Nanjing.

Many rumors circulated in the city, some true and some false, causing widespread panic. It was said that:
Most of the troops from the Seventeen Guards of Nanjing have been mobilized.

Some people colluded with foreigners to plot a rebellion.

The eunuchs of the Bureau of Armory and the Bureau of Gunpowder colluded with unscrupulous merchants to steal and sell armor and firearms on a large scale, and it is unknown who they sold them to.

The chief eunuch of the Xiaoling Shrine stole and sold sacrificial artifacts from the shrine and illegally felled ancient cypress trees at the Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Many eunuchs in Nanjing were suspected of stealing and selling palace artifacts, calligraphy and paintings, classics and books. It is said that the Yongle collection in Wenyuan Pavilion was emptied and filled with many books from the marketplace.

Many eunuchs embezzled public funds, misappropriated military craftsmen's property, and devoured supplies.

There were also people who trafficked women on a large scale and sold them to foreigners who were a menace to society.

Someone colluded with foreign barbarians to sell secrets and attempted to attack the Ming Dynasty!

……

But the people all know that this major case in Nanjing was discovered by Hai Qingtian, who insisted on investigating it thoroughly.

It was truly worthwhile to pray for Hai Qingtian.

By the grace of Heaven, Hai Qingtian escaped danger. With his intervention, those scourges met their doom.

In particular, those arrogant and domineering eunuchs caused great suffering to the Southern Zhili region and the people of the world.

People at the time angrily denounced: "Those who harm the people the most are all eunuchs!"

This time, under Hai Qingtian's ruthless methods, many eunuchs will probably lose their heads!
Heaven has eyes; this should have been done long ago!
As more and more officials and eunuchs were detained and summoned for questioning, the entire city of Nanjing became excited.

Seeing those usually high-ranking figures suddenly taken away by government soldiers, countless people applauded with joy.

Even Zhu Yin, the mastermind who knew the inside story, was surprised by Hai Rui's speed.

Old Man Hai's fighting power is off the charts!
The operation began last night, and by the afternoon of the following day, a large-scale arrest had been launched, stirring up the biggest upheaval in Nanjing since the capital was moved to Beijing.

This old man must have wanted to make a big splash for a long time, but he couldn't find an opportunity, and then he died of illness, so he didn't have time to launch his plan.

But now, having cured his jaundice, she has given him an excellent opportunity.

If he doesn't seize the opportunity to make a big splash, will he still be Hai Gangfeng?
He wanted to turn this into a shocking case that would scare the world and expose the truth!

……

Baichuan Bridge, Zhuanzipu.

The location of the highest government office in Nanjing, the Garrison Command.

At this time, the inner garrison hall was heavily guarded, with soldiers standing guard all around.

Inside the garrison hall, in the main hall, sat many important figures from the capital, their official robes and hats gleaming.

At the very top were three grand master chairs, with a middle-aged eunuch dressed in a python robe and wearing a Liang crown sitting in the center. He had a square face and large ears, and his expression was solemn, exuding an aura of authority that came from long-standing power.

It was Tian Yi, the imperial envoy and eunuch in charge of the Nanjing garrison, who also served as the Director of Ceremonial Affairs in Nanjing!

The inner guard eunuchs were in charge of major affairs of the guard hall and controlled the seals of the guard posts. They were considered "close ministers of the emperor three thousand miles away".

The Nanjing Garrison Office was the highest-ranking government office in Southern Zhili, jointly managed by three powerful figures: the garrison eunuch, the garrison military officer (noble), and the advisor on military affairs (Minister of War).

Of the three, the garrison eunuch was the leader.

As a result, the most powerful and prestigious person in Southern Zhili was the eunuch in charge of the inner garrison.

Although Tian Yi's reputation among the eunuchs garrisoning Nanjing was not as high as that of his predecessors Yan Hong and Lü Xian, it was still quite good. He was a rare example of a loyal and patriotic eunuch in this day and age.

Otherwise, Hai Rui would not have sought his support and implemented martial law in less than a day, detaining a large number of suspects.

However, Tian Yi's expression was not good at this moment.

He did support Hai Rui; he had no choice but to.

Because Hai Rui was "infamous".

If he doesn't support him, Hai Rui can bypass him and report directly to the Emperor, putting him in a more passive position and making him vulnerable to Hai Rui's accusation of "protecting evil."

After all, he was the garrison eunuch and concurrently the director of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

How could he not bear responsibility for the huge incident caused by the Nanjing eunuchs?

The best course of action now is to fully support Hai Rui in order to gain his understanding and avoid provoking him to impeach me.

Anyone impeached by Hai Rui, even if they were in the right, would be rendered wrong.

Because in the hearts of the people, Hai Rui represents justice and public sentiment!

When Hai Rui speaks out, public opinion, without distinguishing right from wrong, will spontaneously side with him.

Xu Jie was impeached by Hai Rui and was already in a sorry state, let alone himself.

In fact, although Tian Yi was shocked by the major case uncovered by Hai Rui, he also felt wronged.

Because he had only recently assumed the position of garrison eunuch. So many shady dealings had nothing to do with him, yet he still had to submit a petition to plead guilty!
Sitting to Tian Yi's left is Xu Bangrui, the Duke of Wei and a meritorious official who was the garrison commander of Nanjing.

Xu Bangrui's expression was also not good.

Hai Rui made such a big fuss that no one could escape responsibility. But Hai Rui had all the witnesses and evidence in his hands, and there was no way to cover it up!

Only by standing on Hai Rui's side can one avoid getting burned.

This Hai Gangfeng is someone who thrives on chaos!

But what he uncovered was truly horrifying. The eunuchs of the Armory had colluded with unscrupulous merchants to steal and sell large quantities of military equipment to the Burmese!

The batch that Hai Rui found was the third batch. The first two batches had already been sold to the Burmese.

Is this still available?

The Burmese are fighting a war against the Ming Dynasty. They have absolutely no moral bottom line.

No wonder the letter from the Mu family in Yunnan said that the Burmese army had armor and muskets that were imitations of those from the Ming Dynasty.

This isn't a fake, it's the real deal! And the quality is top-notch!

Although the Duke of Wei's mansion engaged in smuggling overseas, they never stole or sold military equipment.

As for what Hao Zheng did, that was even more bizarre. His Majesty will be furious when he finds out.

Sitting to Tian Yi's right is Shu Yinglong, the Minister of War who serves as the Advisor on Military Affairs.

Shu Yinglong's expression improved considerably. He genuinely supported Hai Rui and applauded his actions.

Hai Gangfeng is truly an iron-faced man!
After the incident, he was one of the three leaders who took the initiative to express their support for Hai Rui.

This Minister Shu was also a master at uncovering crimes and solving cases. He had a remarkable track record when he served as a county magistrate.

Below the three giants are the three judicial departments.

To the left is Hai Rui, the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

Hai Rui wore a bright red official robe with a small floral and pheasant embroidered patch on his chest. He had deep-set features, a serious expression, and silver-white hair and beard, making him look extremely dignified.

Although he wasn't one of the three giants, his aura was the most powerful. He was awe-inspiring and intimidating, making people dare not look him in the eye.

Hai Rui served as Right Vice Minister of the Censorate for just over a year. He succeeded Guo Yingpin, who was dismissed from his post, and was promoted from Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel to Vice Minister of the Censorate.

In just over a year, he pulled off this major case.

It made the important figures present feel both hatred and respect, disgust and fear.

The main hall of the garrison was a place with strange rules, having chairs but no tables, which was unique in the Ming Dynasty.

Why is there no desk or table in the courtroom, so that it is impossible to set up a writing desk?

The reason was that Nanjing was the abode of the spirit of Emperor Taizu, and the highest government office dared not write on the table in court. Therefore, there were chairs but no tables.

Official documents can only be written after the court session has ended.

At this moment, Hai Rui solemnly said, "We, the ministers of the state, are stationed in the capital, yet things have deteriorated to this extent. We bear the responsibility!"

"As the Censor-in-Chief, I have failed in my duty of oversight. I will submit a memorial to plead guilty and resign from my post."

Everyone looked bitter.

You've uncovered such a huge matter, so why not investigate it? You're already investigating, so why do you still want to resign?

If Hai Rui alone resigned to take responsibility, what about us?

Hai Rui referred to himself as "this old man" in front of them, and they could only listen to him.

Because Hai Rui was the oldest, the most senior, and a civil official of a higher rank.

Even Tian Yi, who held the most power, had nothing to say.

“Lord Hai,” Tian Yi finally spoke, “Nanjing is now under martial law. I believe we should wait until the case is closed before submitting a joint memorial to His Majesty.”

"The conclusion of this matter should not be sensational or alarming, so as not to lose face for the city."

Nowadays, eunuchs and civil officials refer to each other as "servant servants" to show humility. This indicates that Tian Yi still respected Hai Rui.

Hai Rui shook his head: "Lord Tian, ​​you are mistaken. What do we care about appearances now? This case has far-reaching implications and far-reaching consequences. It's not just about the safety of Nanjing; it's a result of a complete breakdown in officialdom!"

"The problem originated in Southern Zhili, but the root cause lies in Beijing!"

"Doesn't His Majesty bear any responsibility?!"

"The Holy Emperor has reigned for fifteen years, possessing exceptional wisdom and intelligence. Why has the administration deteriorated to such an extent? Has someone misled His Majesty, or has His Majesty neglected state affairs?"

"Lord Tian, ​​as subjects, we should not cover up the shame of the court or cover up the emperor's mistakes. If we do not reform the administration, will there be no descendants?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned pale with fright.

Is this the start of causing trouble for His Majesty?

Xu Bangrui couldn't help but frown and said, "Lord Hai, please be careful with your words! What does this matter have to do with His Majesty? His Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler throughout the ages. Lord Hai, please do not slander him..."

Hai Rui was even less polite to meritorious nobles and military officials, and sternly said:
"What slander! It's nothing but flattery! The world belongs to the Ming Dynasty, to Your Majesty. As the ruler, how can the Son of Heaven remain aloof?"

"I am guilty, and you are guilty too!"

"Do you think you still have the right to sit high and mighty in this hall?!"

"You have been favored by the nation for generations. As the Governor of Nanjing, you are in charge of the defense and security of the capital, yet the palace is practically a shell! Palace treasures and books have been stolen, military weapons have been sold off, the Xiaoling Mausoleum has been robbed... and there are even people colluding with foreign barbarians, plotting treason, and communicating with foreign countries from the inside!"

"You know absolutely nothing! How can you be so ignorant and foolish as to be innocent!"

Xu Bangrui's face turned red with anger. "Hai Gangfeng, you, you..."

Hai Rui snorted coldly, "If you properly assist me in investigating this case, then you still have some sense of duty as a subject. If you try to deal with it perfunctorily or obstruct it in secret, then don't blame me. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Hai Rui's public rebuke of the Duke of Wei was clearly a warning to others.

These important figures were warned to cooperate fully with the investigation and not to obstruct it behind the scenes.

Shu Yinglong, the Minister of War and also a civil official, shouted sternly, "Well said! Lord Hai is absolutely right!"

"Duke of Wei! Such a major incident has occurred in the capital, and we are all implicated! As the governor of the capital, you should apologize!"

The two civil officials, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of Justice, also looked coldly at the Duke of Wei.

Suddenly, Vice Censor-in-Chief Wang Yongji entered the garrison hall and presented a testimony.

After reading the confession, Hai Rui personally handed it over to Tian Yi.

"Master Tian, ​​please take a look at this statement."

After reading it, Tian Yi sighed and said to Xu Bangrui, "Lord Wei, you must recuse yourself from this case. There are more than one testimony involving you."

Xu Bangrui's face turned pale, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Who dares to slander this commander? How dare they!"

Hai Rui said, "Whether it is slander or accusation, I will investigate it myself and will never turn it into a prison case. Lord Wei, please leave and do not leave the Duke's mansion."

Xu Bangrui looked at Hai Rui's cold and stern expression, and his legs suddenly went weak.

He knew what he had done. As a duke, he was not guilty of a capital offense, but being dismissed from his post and stripped of his title was the lightest punishment he could receive.

Hai Rui added, "The former garrison eunuch Zhang Jin also testified that he was involved in the case. Even though he is old and retired, he should still be summoned for questioning."

What does Master Tian think?

This is certainly good for Tian Yi, making him even more determined to support him.

Because of the previous commander Zhang Jinding, Tian Yi, the current garrison commander who had only recently taken over, was not involved.

Tian Yi nodded and said, "What Hai Gong said is absolutely right. Since there is a confession involving Zhang Gong, let's send him in. What do you think, soldier?"

Minister of War Shu Yinglong said, "That's natural. I have no objection."

After a brief discussion, the group decided to take action against the former top official in Nanjing!

At this moment, although Hai Rui was not the most powerful, he became the backbone of the case.

Even the top leader, Tian Yi, wouldn't dare to go against him.

Iron-Faced Man!
……

While Hai Rui and others were engaged in a battle of wits, Zhu Yin, accompanied by Ning Caiwei, came to the slave market to purchase female servants.

Late Ming society was quite bizarre. On the one hand, the law explicitly prohibited officials below the third rank from keeping slaves, while on the other hand, slave ownership was rampant in society.

It's like the laws of the Ming Dynasty having nothing to do with the Ming Dynasty itself.

The two went to the same brokerage firm in Youfang Lane, the same place where they had rented a room last time.

With martial law in place in the city and people unable to leave for the time being, they decided to select a group of "students".

The two need intelligence students and business students, and Ning Qingchen will also need medical disciples in the future.

They all used the pretext of buying slaves to build their own factions.

“Young sir, you are a regular customer, so I will naturally do my best,” the broker said. “But young sir, you need to be ten to twelve years old, with a decent appearance, clever and quick-witted, and a literate maidservant. Then the price will not be cheap.”

"This kind of servant girl will cost at least seventy taels of silver, no bargaining allowed."

"To be honest, although there are many who sell themselves into slavery or are forced into slavery, very few meet the requirements of a humble customer."

Ning Caiwei gritted her teeth and said, "Let's buy ten first, six men and four women."

Ya Zi smiled brightly: "Please follow me!"

P.S.: Chapter 2 at 10 PM. Requesting monthly votes; those who are reading at a loss, please subscribe automatically.

　Chapter Two, 10 PM. I'm currently running naked; I can only rely on monthly votes!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)