The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 390 Public Judgment
"Li Qi, come with us."

Prefect's Yamen.

The inspection team barged in, and the constables dared not stop them.

People turned their gaze toward the historical records.

The clerk, Li Qi, was in his thirties, dressed in a long robe and a silk jacket. He looked at the four inspectors, who were dressed in black long coats and trousers, with suspicion and uncertainty, and said calmly, "Why should I go with you?"

"There is evidence that you embezzled funds and ordered officers to commit murder."

The team leader said sternly.

"Even if I did or didn't," Li Qi retorted, "what right do you have to tell me to go with you? This is a restricted area, off-limits to strangers. Who allowed you in?"

"Yeah, get out."

"Murder and arson are crimes for the government to punish; without rules, there can be no order," an old scholar sighed, shaking his head.

Amidst the accusations, the team leader calmly stated, "Our inspection team is acting on orders from the military governor's office."

"The military governor's office is only in charge of military affairs, not civil affairs," Li Qi said loudly, displaying an air of defiance against powerful figures.

"well said."

"We're not afraid of taking this case all the way to the capital," someone cheered.

Li Qi lowered his voice instead. He just wanted to stall for time, to make a big problem small and a small problem disappear, and he did not want to have a conflict with the Jiedushi's office.

The team leader ignored him and continued, "According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, any official who violates the law, commits crimes, or bullies the people has the right to be arrested by the people. Although we, the inspection team, are not officials, we are also citizens of the Great Zhou Dynasty and have the right to arrest you. If you do not cooperate, we will take coercive measures."

The captain glanced around again and raised his voice, "According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, those who obstruct or cover up wrongdoing are equally guilty!"

Everyone fell silent.

Li Qi's face was pale, and he said with a lack of confidence, "The laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty no longer have these rules. What makes you think they do?"

"Declaration of the Founding Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty: The Great Zhou Dynasty inherits the system of the Ming Dynasty!"

"If the Great Ming Code exists, then the Great Zhou Code also exists!"

"Take him away!" The captain finished explaining the legal basis and then stopped being polite.

No one dared to stop them.

"May I ask," the old scholar boldly inquired, "if it is true, what will the clerk do?"

The captain glanced at the people inside the public housing unit, as well as those who had rushed to the entrance.

"According to the provisions of the Six Corruptions in the Great Ming Code, crimes such as accepting bribes to pervert justice and accepting bribes without perverting justice are punishable by hanging if the amount exceeds eighty strings of cash. In addition, if an official kills a commoner, different provisions apply depending on whether it is intentional, negligent, murderous, or injury, and the consequences, and the crime is increased by one degree."

No one dared to look into the captain's eyes; everyone lowered their heads.

With a cold snort, the captain said in a deep voice, "His embezzlement and murder have reached a certain level. If the evidence is conclusive, he will not only be publicly tried and beheaded, but his home will also be confiscated and all his ill-gotten gains confiscated. After the remaining assets are used to compensate the victims, he will also face a fine of ten times the amount of the embezzled funds."

Everyone was shocked.

This is pushing people to their deaths.

The old scholar's lips trembled, and he was speechless.

The captain guessed what some people were thinking and sneered, "Those who harbor criminals are guilty of the same crime as those who help conceal assets. Some of you should think twice and turn yourselves in for a lighter sentence."

It was as if the door to a chicken coop had been opened.

Hands reached in.

One inspection team after another arrived at the yamen to arrest people, and even the judge was taken away.

By the afternoon, people discovered that the prefect had disappeared.

"The prefect has run away?"

The entire prefectural government office was speechless.

The farmers' market has quieted down.

But the farmers' market has become active again.

A row of criminals knelt on a high platform, while someone read out their names and announced their crimes. After the names were read out, all the evidence was presented, and the clan elders and neighbors were invited to sign their names.

Once the evidence is irrefutable, if it comes to the point of execution, it is necessary to invite relatives and neighbors to testify. There is only one thing to do: to ensure that the evidence is conclusive. Unless they find loopholes in the evidence, the sentence will remain the same.

"Li Qi, the clerk of Datong Prefecture, ordered his officers to arrest Tan Ming, a merchant from out of town, and imprison him. They fabricated charges against him to murder him for money. In addition to 672 taels and 7 mace of silver, they also seized two paintings and calligraphy. They fabricated charges to kill the merchant from out of town."

"They protected the officials who beat a civilian to death, fabricated charges to slander Xia Niu, a villager from Shili Village, and used deception to abduct and sell his daughter."

One after another.

"kill him!"

"kill him!"

"My son!" An old beggar, limping, cried out to the heavens, "Heaven has finally opened its eyes! Your injustice has been cleared today!"

The old beggar, whose family had been destroyed and who had been struggling to survive, cried like a child upon seeing the scene before him.

What the officials did.

How could ordinary people not understand?
The emotions of the old beggar were something that every ordinary person present could empathize with.

They spout classical Chinese phrases and sage quotes all the time, spouting profound truths that no ordinary person could out-argue. But facts are facts, and how could the people not harbor hatred?

Even if they were hungry, they would come and watch these people beheaded in person.

"The evidence is conclusive. A public trial and public announcement are warranted. Execution is to set an example. Approved by the Datong Military Governor's Office!" The official document from the Military Governor's Office on the stage read out at the end.

The investigation is conducted by the supervisory team.

However, the approval process requires the approval of the Jiedushi (military governor's office), which only considers witnesses and physical evidence.

When has Datong ever chopped off so many heads?

But the people did not feel it was cruel; instead, they felt a sense of clarity and comfort, as if they had eaten a ginseng fruit. They felt their inner turmoil had been swept away.

Li Qi vomited with a loud "wah".

He collapsed weakly into his own vomit, too terrified to speak, his eyes wide with panic as he looked at everyone.

"stand up."

"Where's your bullying attitude?"

The executioner sneered.

Li Qi, tears and snot streaming down his face, pleaded, "I was wrong, I was wrong, please give me a chance, spare my life, I'll do anything you ask."

"So they were afraid of dying too."

The people at the front could see Li Qi's appearance clearly. The usually high and mighty lords were nothing but this. They hated and despised him, and felt disgusted.

Zhou Gui was also among the people on the stage.

They were all bound with their hands behind their backs and their legs were also tied.

Zhou Gui felt as if a piece of cloth was stuffed in his throat, making indistinct sounds and unable to utter a single word. If it weren't for the pillar supporting him, he would have collapsed to the ground long ago.

"The young master is no good."

Several employees rushed over to see what was happening. They had changed their identities and were now working for Xue Tang Grain and Vegetable Store. In their memory, the former young master was very capable and never showed any emotion. They never expected that when it came to their own turn, he would perform even worse than others.

"Sigh, with such a large family fortune, why would the young master still commit murder, robbery, and arson?" One of the employees couldn't understand and sighed, "If I were the young master, I would be so happy to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life."

"Who knows."

Zhou Gui's charges have been announced, and they are quite lengthy.

Soon after.

One by one, they began to behead them.

The blood stained the guillotine, but it ignited a fiery passion in the hearts of the people.

Seeing the villains who used to bully them die was like seeing the dawn break.

Just as Wang Xin had thought.

Killing those wicked people whose crimes are beyond redemption and who arouse the wrath of both gods and men will not only not damage the reputation of the Jiedushi's office, but will also give the people more hope. And with hope, they will support the Jiedushi's office even more.

The entire population of Datong tightened their belts and reduced food and clothing, relying on self-sufficiency to save themselves.

This is not just empty talk.

The trust the military governor's office enjoyed among the people was enhanced through a series of events. Soldiers and inspectors were everywhere, but the security situation was not affected. On the contrary, many people took the initiative to give directions, and even more people stepped forward to expose the crimes of officials and wealthy families.

In years of great famine.

Some common people even went to the gate of the military governor's mansion to deliver grain, their own old hens, or a bamboo basket of wild vegetables.

In the end, the soldiers caught up with them and returned them.

"Soldiers can't even outrun civilians?" The soldiers joked with each other.

The Marshal's Mansion.

Xue Baochai was somewhat bewildered by the new guests.

yard.

Because Xue Baochai was a guest, she brought a lot of food with her, which unexpectedly came in handy. Wang Xin also benefited from it, receiving two large bowls of rice and several dishes of pickles. Wang Xin finally ate his fill for the day.

Looking at the man wolfing down his food, Xue Baochai became even more confused.

"what happened?"

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Xue Baochai is a smart woman. She must have encountered something she doesn't understand."

Thanks to her support, the Jiedushi's office was much more relaxed.

"Datong's foundation is commerce. Although the Zhou family is a prominent local family, they are also a major local business. Nowadays, during festivals, Datong relies even more on commerce. Aren't they afraid of affecting their own foundation?"

Xue Baochai asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xin exclaimed, "She truly is Xue Baochai!"

Why have the herders from beyond the Great Wall been relentlessly trying to cross the border for thousands of years, like madmen?
Despite historical records documenting numerous major defeats within the Great Wall, the death rate among herders outside the Great Wall was far higher than that in the interior.

Because we can't be self-sufficient.

Although Datong was better than the area outside the Great Wall, it was still the same; it had to trade with the interior, that is, engage in commercial trade.

All of Datong's claims about self-reliance in production are based on a cycle of external commerce.

Food is in short supply.

Mineral resources remain intact, and commodities are unaffected; these are more stable factors.

Commerce must continue to operate. It is precisely because of the support of commerce that Datong can still dance on the edge of a knife; otherwise, it simply cannot function.

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Your confusion stems from the idea that big merchants support the people, but in reality, as long as the ecological niche exists, merchants will inevitably exist. On the contrary, if the ecological niche is gone, the presence of merchants is useless."

Xue Baochai frowned slightly, not quite understanding.

"The labor of the people is the foundation of everything, and the value of the people's labor is the core of commerce. Therefore, it is not merchants who support the people, but the people who support merchants. Without the labor of the people, where would merchants come from?"

Seeing Xue Baochai deep in thought, Wang Xin hoped that this intelligent young woman could become a valuable businesswoman. He patiently said, "As long as the labor of the people exists and their labor is valued, then commerce based on this foundation can continue to thrive and never stop. Otherwise, it will only become more and more difficult and eventually it will not be able to continue."

Xue Baochai guessed with difficulty, "So the Zhou family has caused great harm to the people, and in Uncle Xin's view, they are actually an obstacle to business?"

Wang Xin smiled.

no way.

God is fair, and God is unfair.

Everyone's opening blind boxes.

A PhD student's child might be a poor student, while an illiterate child might be a top student—in a fair environment.

It is actually very comfortable to discuss things with intelligent people.

Moreover, Wang Xin needs more people who understand him, such as Xue Tang Grain and Vegetable Store. If it is a traditional merchant's mindset, such as Xue Yan, no matter how smart he is, he will eventually drift further and further away from him.

“I have always supported business, and I do not believe that punishing the Zhou family for murder and arson will affect the business atmosphere in Datong. On the contrary, it is precisely because we have dealt with such a scourge on the industry that I believe Datong’s business will become more prosperous.”

Xue Baochai pondered for a long time.

Speak slowly.

"Uncle seems to dislike large trading companies, especially the monopolistic ones you mentioned, like the grain and vegetable market this time. The Xue family put in everything, but they still had to give a portion to other trading companies. Isn't that unfair?"

“Initially, the status of nobles was hereditary. Later, when the hereditary status of nobles was taken away, some people asked the nobles whether it was fair?” Wang Xin asked softly.

Xue Baochai remained silent.

“All absolute power, or absolute monopoly, must be restricted,” Wang Xin said calmly. “Everything will be like this.”

Xue Baochai understood the deeper meaning in Wang Xin's words.

I felt a mix of uncertainty and excitement.

This trip to Datong was not much different from what she had expected, but it was also different from what she had anticipated.

This disdain for the world caused Xue Baochai's cheeks to flush slightly. She felt uncomfortable, yet also extremely stimulated, and a different kind of feeling arose within her. She had never imagined that things could be like this.

"With Uncle's strength, Datong is not the problem. The real problem lies with the imperial court. Killing the Zhou family is easy, but how will you deal with the imperial court?" Xue Baochai asked with concern.

“I act in accordance with the law; why should I need to deal with it?”

Wang Xin remained calm.

Even so, Wang Xin was already prepared.

Regardless of what others do, I will only do what I believe I should do.

Take the right path.

We will continue on this path with unwavering determination.

Just fine.

Even knowing it's impossible, you still stop.

Is he a reckless brute or a ruthless hero?
Xue Baochai was well aware of Datong's strength and situation, especially since her family was so deeply involved; even if she didn't want to know, it was impossible for her not to.

It seems I've placed a bit too big a bet this time.

Xue Baochai was a little scared.

Seeing that Xue Baochai had nothing more to ask, Wang Xin took the initiative to say, "I would like to ask the Xue family to do a few things."

"Uncle, please tell me."

"The Xue family has overseas trade in Jiangnan. I would like to ask the Xue family in Jiangnan to persuade merchant ships to use grain as ballast when they come to Dazhou from overseas, and Datong can buy it at a high price."

"The governor's mansion shouldn't have that much money, right?" Xue Baochai didn't ask how much money it would cost, but instead asked the crucial question.

"The Datong Military Governor's Office will use the tax revenue from the next ten years to collect grain from overseas, but the office needs money now. Therefore, the total expected amount for the ten years is seven million taels, and it plans to mortgage four million taels. After ten years, the mortgaged vouchers of four million taels can be exchanged for seven million taels."

Wang Xin came up with a method.

Businesses need a valuable investment project.

For example, railways.

For example, the development of fertile land.

Or develop agriculture and animal husbandry outside the Great Wall.

Besides a good project, a good reputation is also needed for this book.

Is there any place in the world that does business better than the Datong Military Governor's Office?
Don't say that mainland businessmen are essentially local gentry with great power. This is not business, but the operation of power. For most people, this model is more uncertain and brings greater risks.

Datong has the advantage of trade with the areas outside the Great Wall and a good business reputation.

Therefore, Wang Xin believes that issuing local government debt with a maturity of ten years is not a big problem, and not everyone is eligible. Given the current situation, the target this time is maritime merchants.

"Aren't there natural disasters overseas?" Xue Baochai asked curiously.

“Of course, they exist overseas too,” Wang Xin laughed. “Their officials are no different from those of the Great Zhou; they only care about money.”

Historically, there are records of Ming Dynasty merchants purchasing grain from Korea and Japan, even at a time when people in both countries were struggling to feed themselves, yet they still sold large quantities of grain to foreign countries.

Although overseas grain transport was inefficient, trying every method and accumulating small amounts would eventually result in a considerable sum.

Behind every grain of food lies the lives of countless disaster victims.

Even saving just one more person is not too much.

He doesn't mind the trouble.

I've done everything I can, and I have a clear conscience.

(End of this chapter)