Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 618: Basket Weaving
Fang Jiao rushed back to the inn from Renmeifang in a daze.

Seeing him coming back, Fang Hu hurriedly said, "You haven't had dinner yet, come, I left some food for you."

Old Master Fang said, "Jiao'er, go to Renmeifang and find out what you found out. Tell us while you eat."

Fang Jiao suddenly shuddered, and in fear he grabbed Old Master Fang and said, "Patriarch, let's go back to Huzhou."

Old Master Fang was stunned and scolded: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Fang Jiao said incoherently: "No, the Yang family... is too terrible, three lives were taken, beaten to death in the street, and nothing happened.

They just gave us a coffin as a reward, and the people are still shouting for justice. We should just leave quickly. We can’t afford to offend them.”

Old Master Fang and Fang Hu looked at each other, and Old Master Fang hurriedly said, "What's going on? Please explain clearly."

Fang Jiao recounted what he had seen and heard in Renmeifang, leaving Old Master Fang and Fang Hu dumbfounded.

"No way, in broad daylight, this... is okay?"

This was so beyond Old Master Fang's understanding that he could hardly believe it for a moment.

Fang Hu had little experience, but he immediately believed it, and said in fear: "Ancestor, Brother Jiao is right, how about we go back.

I think... doing nothing and getting a dividend every year is pretty good."

Old Master Fang calmed down and said, "Let me think about it. I'll think about it carefully..."

……

Yang Yuan asked Hua Yin and Xiao Nai to find a way to change their clothes, and returned to Yang Mansion from an empty place on the side wall.

Yang Yuan himself went to the mansion and met Xue Liang, Li Youcai and others.

These people are openly or secretly supporting the Yang family this time, so naturally we have to let them know that we know what they are doing and accept their kindness.

At this time, Dan Niang, with her big belly, walked out of the house accompanied by Qingtang and several other maids, to personally deal with the aftermath of the Fan family.

Although she said she would handle it personally, it was only her who would appear here, and the specific matters would still be handled by her subordinates.

Xiao Qingtang acted as the messenger between Dan Niang and the caretaker, running around.

While Qingtang was helping Master Li with all the affairs, little Qingtang told them clearly about the grievances between Fan Shi's family of three and Dan Niang.

Not to mention that what those top-notch people in the Fan family did was shocking enough, it was impossible for Xiao Qingtang to tell the truth when he publicized the matter to Li Youcai and others.

She hated the Fan family so much that it was normal for her to fabricate stories about their actions and add fuel to the fire.

When she told the whole story, all the neighborhood leaders and servants were furious.

The more harmonious their family was, the more they couldn't understand how such cold-blooded and shameless people could exist in the world.

At this time, a warder came up to Li Youcai and asked in a low voice, "Director, what kind of material should we use to order the three coffins? And how many inches should we order?"

The princess gave them five large silver ingots, and all the savings were theirs. Naturally, the janitor wanted to buy it as cheaply as possible.

Li Youcai said viciously: "Why buy a coffin? This kind of beast, dogs won't eat it even if you feed it to them. Just wrap it in a straw mat and throw it into the mass grave outside the city."

The janitor was shocked. He thought he was indeed a bit greedy. After all, if he bought three high-quality coffins, he could save a lot from the five silver ingots. But how could the janitor be even more ruthless than him?

Fang Ding hesitated and said, "This... This is not good, right? Madam Dan is watching us."

"Those are not human beings, Mrs. Dan would never treat them..., etc."

Li Youcai changed his mind and thought that Mrs. Dan might not care about the lives of the three pigs and dogs, but she still had to put on a show of showing it.

Li Youcai rolled his eyes and whispered in her ear: "Well, go to the back of Liubu Street. There is a 'Qingmingju Coffin Shop' there. When you get there..."

The guard nodded repeatedly and left after hearing the instructions.

Liubu Street is where the six ministries are located. At night, the street becomes deserted and few people walk around.

There are some shops along the alley behind Liubu Street. These shops are basically opened to meet the needs of various government offices.

Mainly tea shops, snack shops and so on.

Deep in an alley, there is a "Qingmingju Coffin Shop" with two lanterns made of white paper hanging in front of the shop.

This is the only store on this street that is open at night.

The coffin maker and shop owner is Master Wu. At this moment, Master Wu and his two little apprentices are making coffins in the backyard.

In the middle of the night, they made the coffin without using planes, saws, axes, ink fountains or other tools. Instead, they used thin bamboo poles scattered on the ground and two large baskets filled with paper.

Master Wu had great skills and he quickly used thin bamboo poles as the frame to build a coffin frame.

The bamboo poles are intertwined with each other, and even a person weighing over 100 pounds lying on them can still withstand the stress.

A young apprentice carried a paste bucket, took out paper from a large basket, and pasted paper on the bamboo coffin.

Another apprentice carefully brushed a layer of paint on the pasted area.

Where the light shone, I could see words written on the paper.

Small accounts such as on a certain date in a certain year, in a certain government office, a certain amount of fodder for cattle and horses was purchased, a certain number of urn buckets, a certain number of bowls and brooms were purchased, and so on.

It turns out that this master witch has a unique skill. He can use the discarded old account books in the government office to paste paper coffins.

Suddenly someone rang a bell in the front yard, and the keeper who had come from Renmeifang shouted at the top of his voice, "Is the shopkeeper here?"

Business is coming!
Master Wu was delighted and quickly waved his hand, asking his two little disciples to be careful and not to be too ostentatious, then he quickly went out to meet them.

……

Yang Yuan stayed in Dan Niang's room that night. Even if Dan Niang didn't say anything, she couldn't help but feel bad about what happened today.

The attentive Lu Xi reminded Yang Yuan, and Yang Yuan actually thought of it as well. He stayed with Dan Niang and talked for half the night before he hugged her and fell asleep together.

At daybreak, Old Master Fang finally made up his mind to leave.

Although he felt that the news Fang Jiao sent back was a little unreliable, he still felt scared instinctively.

Of course, it would be lucrative to seize the "Shuiyunjian" restaurant, but if there was a risk of losing one's life...

However, before they could pay the bill and leave, people sent by Master Ye arrived.

Master Ye was originally worried that these country folk would not understand the process of how to overturn a verdict, so he thought of sending someone secretly to give them some instructions, but he didn't expect to see them trying to run away.

After hearing Fang Jiao's shocked explanation of his reason for running away, the people sent by Master Ye were so angry that their noses were almost crooked.

"What a bunch of idiots!"

The family members of Master Ye’s house said disdainfully: “Even if he is a prince, he would not dare to act so recklessly in public on the street.

We have all heard about what happened in Renmeifang yesterday. This is what happened..."

Mr. Ye's family told the other old man about how someone tried to assassinate Yang Yuan, but accidentally killed the Fan family who were crying and making trouble and were in the way.

"Do you understand now? This Yang has been condemned by thousands of people. Just look at how many people are looking for trouble with him.

You just go to court, if the matter gets out of hand, our master will have an excuse to intervene and keep you safe. That 'Shuiyunjian' is an old hen that lays golden eggs..."

After Mr. Ye's family had been fooling around for a while, the greed in the hearts of Old Master Fang and his two grandchildren immediately prevailed, so they mustered up their courage and headed straight to the Lin'an County Government Office...

……

At this time, Xiao Hongji, who had slept drowsily for a day and a night, finally recovered some energy.

Illness comes like a mountain falling and goes like a thread being pulled out. Under normal circumstances, he would have to rest for at least two more days before he could recover his strength.

But when he thought of the current situation in the Censorate, he became extremely anxious.

He was cultivated by Wanqi Xie, so he deeply hated Yang Yuan who cursed Wanqi Xianggong to death, and always wanted to find an opportunity to avenge Wanqi Xianggong.

However, Yang Yuan was too aggressive, so Xiao Hongji could only hold on to the idea that "it is never too late for a gentleman to take revenge" and wait for an opportunity.

So, up to now, he has not taken any action against Yang Yuan.

Some time ago, Li Jianwu, a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel, was involved in bribery. He deliberately gave Li Jianwu some advice and convenience, with the original intention of expanding his own network.

But who would have thought that Yang Yuan would then go big and use the Qiu Shunquan case to arrest a group of officials from the Ministry of Personnel, including Li Jianwu.

Xiao Hongji was also helpless. If he allowed Yang Yuan to continue the investigation, there was no guarantee that Li Jianwu would tell everyone about how he had covered up for him before.

Therefore, Xiao Hongji could only passively oppose Yang Yuan.

He first agreed to help the people from the Ministry of Personnel to go to the place where these officials were detained so that the two sides could make the handover.

Unexpectedly, the next day, a man named Zheng Gongqian hanged himself.

At this point, Xiao Hongji was getting deeper and deeper into trouble. He could only help from the dark and take the initiative to pull Yang Yuan back.

He has only been ill for one day. I believe Li Jianwu can hold on through a day of interrogation.

However, if he didn't show up, he was worried that Li Jianwu would think he had given up on him, bear a grudge against him, and tell about their private dealings.

Therefore, even though he was still weak and unable to try the case, he had to return to the yamen despite his illness.

As long as she hangs around Li Jianwu a few times and lets him know that she is still protecting him, I believe Li Jianwu will be able to grit his teeth and hold on.

Thinking of this, Xiao Hongji ignored the concubine's dissuasion and struggled, "You don't understand the official business in the government office. Hurry up and change my clothes. I want to go to the government office."

Before he could finish his words, the old servant called out from outside the door, "Master, Master Tan and Master Wang from the Censorate are here to visit."

When Xiao Hongji heard this, he thought that Tan Qi and Wang Chenkun had come, and he could not help but snorted coldly.

Tan Qi and Wang Chenkun know that they are coming to visit me, so Yang Yuan will stay out of it?
After all, I am your boss. If you are so ignorant of etiquette, we will see what happens.

Xiao Hongji gave up on getting up and weakly ordered: "Hurry up and come in." After a moment, the Right Deputy Censor-in-Chief Tan Qi and the Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief Wang Chenkun led seven or eight officials into the yard.

Wang Chenkun raised his hand to signal the officials to wait, and then followed Tan Qi into the room.

"Ah, Xiao is still ill and sorry for not coming to meet you..."

Xiao Hongji struggled in the hands of his concubine, looking like he wanted to get down but didn't have the strength.

However, Tan Qi did not rush up to stop him. Instead, he stood straight in the room and looked at him sternly.

Xiao Hongji suddenly felt something was wrong. He lay in his concubine's arms and looked at Tan Qi with some surprise.

Tan Qi had no smile on his face, and said in a deep voice: "Xiao Hongji, you are suspected of committing corruption and abuse of power. The Chief Censor has asked the Regent to supervise and investigate you."

Xiao Hongji and his concubine were horrified. Xiao Hongji sat up suddenly, frightened and broke out in a sweat.

"I'm not, I didn't, this... this is clearly a frame-up."

Tan Qi said: "Whether you have been wronged or not, we will tell you after we find out. Tan is also doing his duty, and I am sorry for the offense."

After that, Tan Qi stepped aside, and Wang Chenkun immediately turned around, opened the door, and shouted, "Come in, take the person out."

Xiao Hongji thought quickly. Although he had many concerns about Li Jianwu, he should not have any concrete evidence to hold against him. He felt more confident and sneered, "Okay, okay, then I will go with you. When this matter is settled, I will ask Zhu Zhuo for justice."

Two officials came in, snatched Xiao Hongji from the concubine's hands, lifted him up, and pulled his robe over him.

The two officials were from the Prison Bureau. They were brought here by Wei Shun from Lin'an Prison. They were not polite to Xiao Hongji at all.

Tan Qi asked, "Xiao Hongji, you only have this one concubine and one old family member in your house?"

Xiao Hongji said proudly: "Yes, I only have these two people serving me. I have always been honest, so how could I have ever embezzled a cent?"

When the concubine heard this, her delicate little face suddenly turned pale.

Tan Qi looked at her deeply, waved his hand and said, "Take this concubine and her family with her, and have them serve Xiao Hongji as usual. Search this house thoroughly inside and out."

A group of officials immediately rushed in.

……

In the Lin'an County Government Office, County Magistrate Xu Haisheng received the petition presented by Old Master Fang. He took only one look at it and sneered.

Several days in advance, he received a reminder from someone about the case regarding the ownership of the "Shuiyunjian" restaurant, and he was afraid that someone would use it to stir up trouble again.

County Magistrate Xu had been sitting on thin ice in his position as a county magistrate in the capital, and now he had finally managed to make it to the end of his term without any trouble.

If one can serve in Jing County without any illness or disaster until the end of his term, he will definitely be promoted.

There is a vacancy for a Tongpan in Lin'an Prefecture now, which is an excellent place to go.

However, County Magistrate Xu was really tired of staying at the emperor's feet, and he thought it would be a good idea to be sent to a remote place and serve as a top official.

However, the Ministry of Personnel is in a state of chaos right now. No matter where he wants to go, he will have to wait until the Ministry of Personnel calms down first.

As a result, at this time, someone suddenly wanted to reopen the old case. If the case was reopened, wouldn't it prove that he had made a wrong judgment in the first place?

These damn people from the Fang family are going to ruin the future of this county.

County Magistrate Xu gritted his teeth, sneered, and read the petition carefully.

Afterwards, he threw the petition onto the case and calmly instructed, "This case has been tried in Lin'an County and finalized by Lin'an Prefecture. It has already been reported to the Ministry of Justice, so you can't sue again."

Old Master Fang had received advice from someone who knew the situation, and he knew that it would be difficult to bring this final case to court again, unless there was new and significant evidence that could overturn the original verdict.

But does he have any new evidence?
No.

Old Master Fang followed the advice of the expert and begged, "Master Qingtian, the restaurant was originally owned by my Fang family, but now only half of the shares are left to my Fang family. Do you still need any evidence?

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that there must be a serious injustice. I beg you to show mercy and make a judgment for me."

County Magistrate Xu said, "A man with a discerning eye? I am not blind, nor am I deaf. You can't produce any new evidence, and you want to retrial me? This is ridiculous! Get out of here!"

A group of yamen runners immediately rushed over to drive people away. Old Master Fang was carried by Fang Hu and Fang Jiao and was driven out of the county government office.

The family members sent by Master Ye had been waiting in secret. When they saw Old Master Fang being kicked out and the people from the county government office returned, they stepped forward and asked, "Lin'an County really won't accept the case, right?"

Fang Hu said, "That's right. After the county magistrate read the petition, he kicked us out."

Mr. Ye's family smiled and said, "Okay, since you have filed a lawsuit, it is not your fault if he does not accept the case. Let's go to Lin'an Prefecture and continue the lawsuit.

When Lin'an Prefecture drives you out again, we will act according to your plan."

In Lin'an County, after the Fang family was driven out, Magistrate Xu stared at the petition for a while, then immediately called an aide and ordered, "Go, take this petition, and ride a fast horse to Lin'an Prefecture immediately, and then go to the Ministry of Justice..."

County Magistrate Xu whispered something to the man, who understood what he meant. He immediately took the petition and left quickly.

This case was first tried in Lin'an County, finally tried in Lin'an Prefecture, and reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. Do you want to overturn the verdict?

You are trying to provoke all the government offices and officials involved in this line.

Mr. Ye's family kindly helped Old Master Fang hire an ox cart.

He also got into the car and explained to Old Master Fang: "Don't worry. It's not impossible to have a retrial without evidence. As long as Lin'an Prefecture rejects you, you can go to the Prince of Jin's Mansion and kneel down to request a retrial with a petition..."

As Mr. Ye's family member spoke, he took out the written petition from his bosom and handed it to Old Master Fang: "When the time comes, if the matter becomes serious, the regent will have no choice but to issue an 'order' for a review. Then someone will come forward and speak up for you."

Petitioning for a review is indeed an option, but it is an extremely rare and extreme option.

The matter had become a big deal and the pressure from public opinion was too great, so the court was not in a position to maneuver outside the law.

But…if the petition for review fails, the petitioner will have to bear serious consequences.

But Master Ye never mentioned this to them at all.

……

In Deqing County, a horse-drawn carriage was moving slowly southward on the official road to Lin'an.

The weather is still a little hot, even in the morning and evening.

Therefore, the curtains of the sedan chair were lifted to facilitate ventilation.

A young girl was sitting in the car. She was at the age of budding, with bright facial features and a tender and plump baby fat.

When she picked up the fan to fan herself, her wrist was as slender as a crane's neck.

She looks quiet and charming, and her life is peaceful.

If, we ignore the big sword she was leaning against the wall.

"How much longer?"

The little girl suddenly became irritable.

Since I got off the boat and took a car, even though we were on the official road, the ride was very bumpy and my butt was sore from sitting.

"Miss, we will be able to reach Lin'an City at this time tomorrow."

After hearing this, the little girl's impatient expression turned into joy and excitement.

It’s great that we will arrive in Lin’an tomorrow.

She can see Teacher Belle, and Xiao Qingtang, who she sometimes hates but whom she misses very much after seeing her for so long, and Uncle Yang, who hypocritically says he will take care of her.

Li Fengniang completely forgot that the main purpose of her father asking her to return to Lin'an this time was to maintain relations with the Prince of Jin's Mansion.

Li Fengniang's father, Li Dao, was a general, and a brave and skilled general. When he was under Yue Fei's command, he was also the commander of an army, and his official position was even higher than Fei Tianlu.

But unlike most generals in the army, Li Dao has the keen sense of smell of a shrewd businessman, the smooth means of a shrewd businessman, and the investment vision of a shrewd businessman.

Therefore, most of the generals of Yue Family Army who refused to submit to Qin Hui were liquidated, but he was able to jump out of the whirlpool in advance and remained unscathed.

He even saved his deputy Fei Tianlu.

It was also he who saw Yang Yuan's potential at first sight, so he tried desperately to send his daughter to be with him. Unfortunately, his daughter was too young and Yang Yuan didn't like him.

But, if you lose something in one place, you may gain something in another.

Who could have thought that her daughter would live in the Prince Jin's Mansion and be taught by the Princess of Jin.

This relationship will become unfamiliar if we don't keep in touch, so we must maintain it.

Not to mention the possibility that she could be involved in marriage with the son of Prince Jin, as long as the Princess of Jin treats her like a daughter, wouldn't the Li family have gained a big leg up?

So, after taking his daughter home to celebrate the New Year and letting her stay at home for a few months, Li Dao sent his daughter back to Lin'an.

Li Fengniang was also willing to come back. When she was in Lin'an, she said that she would be handed over to the care of her uncle Yang Yuan, but Yang Yuan left her completely alone. He was really a "good man".

Apart from the days in Prince Jin's Mansion which were like a nightmare, there were many more beautiful things in Lin'an that were worth her nostalgia and memories.

Therefore, Li Fengniang had no objection to her father's arrangement and just ran away.

Now, as Lin'an was approaching, Li Fengniang's heart suddenly became excited.

Sitting in the car and acting like a young lady is a charm she learned when she was in the Prince Jin's Mansion.

But once she felt happy, she couldn't pretend anymore.

"Hey, stop!"

A delicate head popped out from the carriage, and Li Fengniang ordered a family member, "Get off the horse, you sit in the carriage, and let me ride!"

(End of this chapter)