In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 606 The world is going to the dogs, the Ministry of Justice investigates!
News of Korean Prince Yi Sun-chang's arrival in Beijing.
Like a strong spring breeze, it quickly spread throughout the entire Southern Zhili region.

Many people set off from their homes, eager to travel to the capital and see this civil official leader in person.

Many elderly people, despite their advanced age, resolutely boarded carriages bound for the capital, just to see their old friends one last time.

The city of Yingtian, which had initially been somewhat agitated by the opening of the trading company, seemed to have become even more bustling and lively.

At this moment, a grand procession led the civil and military officials into the city.

As more and more people gathered, the spacious streets gradually became crowded.

It was as if everyone in the entire city of Yingtian had gathered here.

Unlike the place where the merchant guild was located a few days ago, the people who came this time were all wealthy and noble, including many scholars in Confucian robes.

They stood under the scorching sun, watching the slowly passing convoy with deep, thoughtful expressions.

The convoy soon arrived at Fudong Street.

Li Shanchang sat in the same carriage as the emperor and the crown prince.

The three chatted idly while peering out through the lifted curtains at the scenery outside.

Looking at the bustling crowds in the capital, Li Shanchang couldn't help but stroke his beard with a sigh:

"Sir, when we first entered Yingtian City..."
Almost everyone in the city had fled; there were far fewer people than in front of us.

This is all thanks to your meticulous management in Yingtian over the years.

This is what has brought this ancient city back to life; it is an unparalleled achievement.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly and remained silent.

"Brother, people strive for higher positions, and water flows downhill; this is not something we did alone."

Rather, it was thanks to the imperial court and its ministers.

Wherever you are, the world's powerful and wealthy will flock there.
The common people would also feel that there are more opportunities under the emperor's nose, and naturally they would flock there.

The wrinkles around Li Shanchang's eyes deepened even further.
"You have already ascended the throne, why be so humble?"

We, as subjects,

"Without the support of those in higher positions, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, not continuing the topic.

Instead, he pointed to the "huge behemoth" located at the corner of Fudong Street and said:
"Brother, come and take a look."

This is the Yingtian Trading Company; doesn't it look impressive?

"Hmm...it is indeed very impressive."
Moreover, its appearance is similar to many newly built roads outside the capital.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded:
"Yes, this stuff is called cement."
When mixed with other materials, it becomes concrete, which is extremely strong, dozens of times stronger than traditional clay.

Yingtian Trading Company originally did not plan to use concrete for construction.
After all, such a building standing in the capital city seems somewhat out of place.

But someone told me that if we don't use concrete to build houses...
How could the people outside the city believe that concrete could be used to build roads?
I thought this made sense, so I agreed.

The results were unexpectedly good, and we made a lot of money.

Li Shanchang looked at the sea of ​​people in front of the trading company and remained silent for a moment.

Only after the convoy had passed did he say calmly:

"Your Majesty, the court is personally handling commercial affairs, which is tantamount to competing with the people for profits. This cannot continue indefinitely."

If this continues, social morality will gradually decline.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the spacious carriage suddenly froze.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao lowered his eyelids slightly, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and his hand, which was in his sleeve, suddenly clenched.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't react in any particular way; instead, he burst into laughter.
"What you say is absolutely right, brother."

When we first arrived in Yingtian, my brother told me...

Businesses like carriage and horse shops should never be handed over to outsiders; they must be kept in one's own hands.

When war breaks out, they can be requisitioned, so they won't be in dire straits.

Now it seems, my brother was truly wise.

The Tianjie Temple fire a few days ago was devastating; if there hadn't been enough fire trolleys available for firefighting,
The consequences would be unimaginable; the entire southern city would likely be burned down.

Li Shanchang nodded expressionlessly, with only a forced smile.

"I am not a famous minister, but Your Majesty is a wise ruler. This matter is entirely due to Your Majesty's boundless blessings."

"I'm getting old... I can't deny it now."

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned back, gently patting his knees with his palms:

“I used to practice boxing every morning.”

But since last year, I've felt like my body isn't responding to my commands.
He hadn't even finished a set of punches when he strained his back; he's really not as good as he used to be.

"We're getting old...we're all getting old..."

Li Shanchang muttered to himself.

Haha, bro!
Dingchen is getting old; he can barely walk steadily.

He's waiting for us in the palace; we'll have a good get-together then.

"It should."

At the beginning of Shenshi, which is around 3 PM, at the Ministry of Justice.

Zhao Mian, the Minister of Justice, sat behind his desk. He was thin and tall, and his whole demeanor exuded a clean and efficient air.

He held a cup of cold tea in his hand, quietly looking at the documents in his hand, his face full of gloom.

Not long after, he slammed the document onto the table and began to curse loudly:
"These traitors have implicated so many people, how are we going to catch them all?"

What he held in his hand were documents of people captured during the garrison rebellion a few days earlier.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't handle all the interrogations, and there weren't enough prison cells, so they transferred some people to the Ministry of Justice, which was also a way of sharing some credit.

But Zhao Mian felt that this was a hot potato, and holding it would only bring trouble.

At this moment, the clerk on duty at the gate quickly walked in and said respectfully:
"Your Excellency, Minister Zhang from the Ministry of Rites has arrived."

"Make it clear, which Lord Zhang are you referring to!"

Zhao Mian shouted sternly, a shadow of gloom flashing across his eyes.

He felt the same way as Mao Xiang at that moment: surrounded by incompetent teammates.

The clerk quickly said:

"It is Vice Minister Zhang Heng."

"What is he here for?"

Zhao Mian frowned slightly, sat up a little straighter, and after a moment of contemplation, said:

"Please invite him in."

"Yes."

Not long after, an elderly man with a kind face and a smile slowly walked in.

This man exuded a warm and gentle aura, and his white beard was meticulously groomed.
Wearing a scarlet official robe, he was none other than Zhang Heng, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

"Lord Zhang, what brings you here today?"

Zhao Mian stood up, smiling, and invited Zhang Heng to sit down.

Zhang Heng replied with a smile:

"Lord Zhao, I'm not here today to have tea with you, but to discuss important matters."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Mian's expression straightened slightly, and he sat down.

"Oh? What is it? Given our friendship, if Lord Zhang asks, I have no reason to refuse."

Zhang Heng also sat down, his expression slightly grave.

"I have come here today because I have heard something."

"what's up?"

“Killing people in the street without trial and vigilante justice.”

Zhang Heng said in a deep voice, his originally warm expression disappearing and replaced by a solemn look.

"Murder in the street? Is that even possible?"

Zhao Mian's expression changed slightly after hearing this.

If this had happened elsewhere, it might have been a minor or major incident, but it wouldn't have caused much of a stir.

But if it happened in the capital, that would be a big deal.

This concerns the customs and traditions of the people, so it's no wonder that the Ministry of Rites sent people.

Zhao Mian immediately understood, and his answer was extremely straightforward:

"Lord Zhang, tell me where he is, and I will send men to bring him back."

"We will interrogate them thoroughly and give the people of Yingtian an explanation."

Zhang Heng's expression softened slightly, and he sighed softly:
"If only things were that simple."

Their family members are now blocking the entrance to the Ministry of Rites outside the Imperial City, kneeling on the ground...

There were about a hundred people.

They kept demanding that the government give them justice.

"so many people?"

Zhao Mian felt a chill run down his spine, and his eyes widened slightly.

The Six Ministries and the Governor-General's Office all had "offices" in the Imperial City, which also housed officials from each ministry.

This is so that in an emergency, there is no need to rush from the capital city.

Zhao Mian was used to the Ministry of Justice being frequently blocked at its gates. However, it was rare for the Ministry of Rites to be blocked at its gates.

He keenly sensed that this was a big deal.

In fact, anything related to the Ministry of Rites is never a trivial matter.

"Lord Zhang, please tell me the truth, what exactly happened?"

If the Ministry of Justice cooperates, we will not hesitate!

Zhao Mian made a quick decision and spoke immediately.

Zhang Heng sighed deeply and said in a deep voice:

"Do you remember the murder that happened at the business a few days ago?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Zhao Mian's eyes, which quickly turned to absurdity, and he tensed up.
"Are those people relatives of the people who caused trouble that day?"

Zhang Heng nodded: "It is indeed them."

"This is simply unreasonable!"

There was a loud "bang" sound,
Zhao Mian slammed his hand on the table beside him, making even the teacup tremble.

"These treacherous officials took advantage of the chaos, not only setting fires but also pushing and shoving each other."
What's wrong with the government detaining them?

Zhang Heng gestured for him to stop.

"Lord Zhao...please calm down."

The reason I have come here is to ask,
In that incident, were there any innocent people detained, or were minor offenses punished severely?

Zhao Mian's expression was serious:

"Lord Zhang is joking. His Majesty was also at the merchant guild that day. How could there be any minor mistake?"
Moreover…some of them have already been released after screening.”

“Ah, Lord Zhao, we have different positions on this matter.”

As officials of the imperial court, we naturally do not wish to see anything that could harm His Majesty, and hope that this will serve as a warning.

But the common people don't think that way.

They might think, "I was just a little squeezed, a little rushed, how did I get locked up?"
There are even rumors circulating among the public.

It is said that the imperial court is competing with the people for profit and abusing public resources for private gain.

Moreover…the local customs and social atmosphere have already been affected.

Zhang Heng spoke slowly, his expression solemn, and continued:

"Lord Zhao, nearly two hundred people are kneeling in front of the Ministry of Rites, crying out for justice. There are countless people coming and going."

The longer we act, the longer it will take for the rumors to subside.

In my opinion, we should act quickly.

At least it silences the gossip.

Don't let the people think...

Our imperial court and the merchant guilds are in cahoots.

After all that back and forth, Zhao Mian had already grasped the meaning behind it all.

He remained expressionless, only a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes:
"Does Lord Zhang mean that this matter is the fault of the merchant guild?"

Zhang Heng shook his head:

"It's not my idea, it's the opinion of the people of Yingtian."

They all feel now...

The merchants were tools used by the imperial court to oppress them; they were public resources used for private purposes.

While businesses are important, the hearts and minds of the people are far more important.

Zhao Mian said in a deep voice:
"What does Lord Zhang hope the Ministry of Justice will do?"

Zhang Heng said:
"The Ministry of Justice has its own regulations, and as a member of the Ministry of Rites, it is inconvenient for me to interfere."

However... I hope the Ministry of Justice can silence public opinion and prevent the matter from escalating further.

At the very least, the circumstances at the time must be investigated, the truth must be ascertained, and an explanation must be given to the people.

Otherwise... things will only escalate.

By then, it will be too late for the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Justice to clean up the mess.

Zhao Mian's expression was extremely solemn, and he sighed softly:
"To be honest, Lord Zhang, even if the Ministry of Justice wanted to handle this matter, it would be somewhat beyond its capabilities."

The matter was handled by the Beijing Municipal Government and the Embroidered Uniform Guard on that day; the Ministry of Justice only provided some manpower and a prison.

To completely quell this matter, the intervention of these two government departments is necessary.

Zhang Heng looked anxious and slowly shook his head:

"The trading company is now a cash cow for the capital's government, and they're clinging to it desperately..."

Do you think we don't know what kind of people the Embroidered Uniform Guards are?

I had no other choice but to come and beg Lord Zhao for help.

Otherwise, if the situation is allowed to continue like this, it will eventually affect the Ministry of Justice.

It's better to get involved early; at least you can earn a good reputation.

Zhao Mian pursed his lips tightly. This matter seemed to be a big problem, and once you got involved, you couldn't get rid of it.

But he also understood that Zhang Heng was right. If things escalated and the public outcry became uncontrollable, the three departments of the imperial court would inevitably intervene.

At that time, the Ministry of Justice will indeed be in a very passive position.

However… Zhao Mian couldn’t understand why Zhang Heng, who was usually indifferent to worldly affairs, was so concerned about this matter.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhao Mian finally spoke in a deep voice:
"Alright then, I'll go with Lord Zhang to the scene first."

If public opinion truly cannot be controlled, the Ministry of Justice will send people to investigate again.

"That's great, that's great..."

"Lord Zhao, please hurry, let's go together."

As evening approached, Ping Wenbo, a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice, led a total of one hundred officials and yamen runners to the Yingtian Trading Company.

Just then, the bell rang signaling the closing of the business.

There were no people going in through the gate; everyone was carrying large bags and small packages and heading out.

Upon seeing the menacing group, they quickly stepped aside, their eyes filled with confusion.

The shop assistants also witnessed this scene and hurriedly ran back to report it to the managers.

Not long after, a middle-aged man in his forties with an extremely handsome appearance slowly walked out.

He was the manager of the business's public relations department, and his name was Jiang Yonghuai.

He looked at the group of people at the door, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Before he could speak, the middle-aged man in the lead quickly said:
"I am Ping Wenbo, a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice."
"I have been ordered to investigate this murder case. Please provide your cooperation, Yingtian Trading Company."

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Yonghuai's eyes, but a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he gestured for him to proceed.
"Please come into the shop and have some cool tea to cool off in the summer heat, Lord Ping."

Ping Wenbo waved his hand and said decisively:

"No need. Take us to the warehouse where the murder occurred."

According to the records, it should be located in the northeast corner of the first floor, very close to the north gate.

Jiang Yonghuai's face stiffened, he cupped his hands in greeting, and asked:
"May I ask if Lord Ping has any investigation documents from the Ministry of Justice?"
As you know... businesses are large and influential, affecting people's livelihoods, and now it's time to close down.

Acting rashly could negatively impact tomorrow's business.

"A murder has already occurred, and you're still thinking about business? That's ridiculous!"
You merchants are greedy for money and regard the lives of ordinary people as dirt.

If you people fall into my hands, hmph…

Ping Wenbo's voice was cold and ruthless as he reprimanded him.

He took the document from the clerk beside him and held it up in front of Jiang Yonghuai:

"See that? It's stamped with the official seal of the Ministry of Justice."

Yingtian Trading Company is to assist the Ministry of Justice in investigating the case.
Now, as a senior official in the Ministry of Justice, I am going to inspect the scene. What are the problems?

Despite Jiang Yonghuai's long experience of life,

But he still left her speechless, his tough attitude causing her anger to surge.

But he still smiled and said:
"Lord Ping, regarding the murder case at the merchant guild, both the capital government and the Embroidered Uniform Guard have already reached a conclusion."

When the adults came...didn't you talk to them about it?

"The Ministry of Justice is the Ministry of Justice. According to you, the Ministry of Justice should take orders from them?"

Ping Wenbo glared at Jiang Yonghuai and shouted, then forcefully waved his hand:

"This person is obstructing the investigation; arrest him!"

Jiang Yonghuai was utterly astonished.

He then realized that the person in front of him was clearly there to cause trouble on purpose!
But he didn't make a fuss and let the officials detain him.

He glanced at Ping Wenbo, then at the two employees who had followed him, and said:

"Go and report this matter to Lord Liu."

The two employees were startled by the scene and quickly ran away...

Ping Wenbo did not stop him, but simply waved his hand forcefully:

"Go in, seal off the warehouse, and make sure no one gets close."

Furthermore, summon and question everyone who saw the body that day!

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)