Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 269 Today I'm here to set things right!

Hai Rui dressed simply, in just an ordinary cloth robe.

He was thin and not very tall, but his eyes were very sharp.

The old man in the scholar's cap was startled, but then became somewhat annoyed and glared at him.

"Who are you to dare shout like this? Don't you know who you are?"

But as he was talking, he immediately realized something was wrong.

Because of his gaze, he caught sight of several Imperial Guards standing behind Hai Rui.

What kind of ordinary person could be protected by these Imperial Guards?
Hai Rui's expression remained calm as he spoke with a deep frown.

"The old gentleman asked me who I was, and I told him."

I am the Vice Censor-in-Chief of Nanjing, responsible for rectifying conduct, inspecting local areas, and scrutinizing officials!
"This is the Hai Rui you have been searching for!"

Previously, the students and commoners outside the governor's office kept saying that Yin Zhengmao was a deadbeat and that some people were even shouting that they wanted to find Hai Qingtian to give them an explanation.

At this point, Hai Rui finally gave a response.

The old man in the scholar's cap was stunned for a moment, and his expression changed slightly. If Yin Zhengmao were in front of him, he would have dared to point his finger at him and curse him.

But with Hai Gangfeng standing in front, exuding an imposing aura without anger, the old man in the Confucian turban, despite having his own thoughts, lost some of his courage.

After all, Hai Rui and Hai Gangfeng were renowned in the officialdom and literati of the Ming Dynasty, and many civil officials even regarded them as idols.

This was an official who was upright and incorruptible, and had always been known for his integrity.

This seemingly "aggressive" old man in a scholar's cap couldn't help but smile slightly, and bowed deeply to Hai Rui.

"So this is Hai Xiantai. I am Gu Weizhen, who was once listed among the local scholars during the Jiajing era, and now I am honored to serve as the local village head."

Gu Weizhen immediately made a public display of his academic achievements and social status.

In the Ming Dynasty, it was truly difficult to speak with officials of the court without some official rank or title.

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui's brows furrowed even more, and he stared intently at Gu Weizhen as he spoke.

"As a respected elder of the village, you should unite the people and assist the court in governing the region. Why are you inciting students and commoners to cause trouble here? Don't you know that if anything happens here, it will be considered treason!"

Hai Rui's words resonated deeply, startling the surrounding students and common people, who were momentarily shaken.

The students turned their attention to Gu Weizhen.

Feeling the intense gaze of the students, Gu Weizhen knew he couldn't afford to lose face in this matter. He raised his head slightly and said resolutely.

"Hai Xiantai is mistaken. I have lived in Jiangnan for over twenty years and have been supported by the imperial court. Seeing the new policies that are oppressive to the people, I had no choice but to speak out for my fellow villagers. My purpose is to set things right and restore a bright and clear sky to Jiangnan!"

Hai Rui sneered, "What a fine phrase, 'bright and clear sky.' The sky of my Great Ming Dynasty is protected by His Majesty the present. When did it become obscured in your Jiangnan region?"

He made a sound from his throat.

"Gu Xiangyue! What injustice are you appealing? What kind of justice are you trying to achieve!"

Gu Weizhen was startled.

Hai Rui usually kept his official demeanor restrained and treated the people with a friendly attitude, but that doesn't mean he lacked official authority.

The oppressive aura emanating from him almost made Gu Weizhen's legs go weak.

But he came prepared, so naturally he wouldn't let it go so easily.

Gu Weizhen gritted his teeth, recalling the prepared speech in his mind, and continued.

"We all know the name of Hai Qingtian. I shouldn't mention it, but given today's events, I have to remind Hai Qingtian of something."

Gu Weizhen took a deep breath, bowed to Hai Rui, and adopted a posture of pleading for the people.

"Since the implementation of the Single Whip Law, wherever the decree was carried out, there were piles of white bones of ordinary people everywhere. The Single Whip Law was ostensibly for the convenience of the people, but in reality it only emboldened corrupt officials to become even more rampant!"

He pulled out a tattered land deed from somewhere, waved it in mid-air, and said to Hai Rui.

"I would like to ask Hai Xiantai to take a look at this land deed. The tax per mu used to be almost double!
Yin Yangshi sits in the position of Governor of Yingtian, served by others every day, spouting nonsense about "new policies for the people," yet the people are already suffering so much; in which aspect is the people truly cared for?

Gu Weizhen pointed to the people around him, his emotions becoming increasingly agitated.

"Hai Gangfeng! Are you still the same Hai Qingtian who hated evil like poison? You protect these jackals and wolves, using the people of the new government to promote the Jiangnan Textile Bureau, the loan law, and the futures market. Every single one of these things is an act of sucking the people's blood and sweat!"

He took a step forward and said it with great determination.

"Hai Gangfeng, have you become a corrupt official too? Why don't you quickly abandon the darkness and turn to the light? Have you forgotten the earnest expectations of the people of Jiangnan for you?!"

Inspired by his words, the students and common people around them also shouted in waves.

The students looked somewhat disappointed as they spoke.

"This is not the Hai Gangfeng we know! Hai Xiantai, stop being so deluded!"

The people were affected, and they all wept bitterly. Some even knelt down and kowtowed to Hai Rui, crying and shouting something.

"We implore Judge Hai to uphold justice for us!"

Hai Rui's face turned ashen, and he fell silent.

At this moment, he felt as if he were being roasted over a fire.

In this farce, he seems to have truly become the one who cannot distinguish right from wrong and who aids and abets evil.

However, Yin Zhengmao, Zhang Jianxiu, and others had already come out of the governor's office.

Zhang Jianxiu looked at the chaotic crowd outside and glanced at the Imperial Guard beside him.

The latter immediately understood and waved his hand, addressing the Imperial Guards who had come to provide support.

"These are rioters! Quickly move forward to protect Hai Xiantai and arrest the ringleaders!"

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Guards who were standing nearby immediately drew their embroidered spring knives from their waists.

In an instant, gasps of surprise rang out from all around, and the scene became tense.

Many of the people who had been coerced into coming, upon seeing this spectacle, immediately began to have second thoughts.

Gu Weizhen seemed to be biting his teeth until they bled, and he roared at the people.

"Fellow villagers, there is no need to be afraid of these people. How dare they commit violence in broad daylight! They are nothing more than Yin Yangshi's henchmen. If we unite, we will definitely demand an explanation from them."

He was at the very front, almost bumping into the blade of the Imperial Guard. His legs trembled slightly and he was unsteady on his feet, but his upper body remained upright as he roared at the Imperial Guard.

"If you intend to commit violence, then kill me outside the governor's office first. If this can bring the people of Jiangnan to the emperor's ears, what is there for me, Gu Weizhen, to fear in death!"

Gu Weizhen's words instantly ignited the passion of the students and the common people.

The students, seemingly very experienced, all bravely followed Gu Weizhen, standing before the blades of the Imperial Guards, shouting as they went.

"If you want to be henchmen of corrupt officials, then kill us first!"

That fearless demeanor seemed to perfectly embody the spirit of a scholar!
With the students leading the way, the common people and villagers seemed to have gained confidence and flocked towards the Imperial Guards.

"Officer who catches dogs!"

The Imperial Guards retreated hastily. Seeing the scholars in their Confucian robes, most of whom held official titles, who would dare to make a move in the street? Especially in this kind of situation, if they were to kill a few scholars, it would truly cause a huge uproar in the future.

Many of the Imperial Guards glanced back at Yin Zhengmao and Zhang Jianxiu from time to time, seeking their information.

No matter how sharp the Embroidered Spring Blade is, it seems unable to stop the "raging public opinion".

At this moment, Yin Zhengmao finally broke his silence. He stepped forward, his official robes clearly visible, and spoke to the Imperial Guards.

"Put away your blades, lest you harm the innocent."

He said this, but his face was ashen, clearly suppressing a surge of anger.

However, he remained calm.

The imperial court is vigorously promoting new policies and the "loan law" in Jiangnan, and the two are being carried out almost simultaneously, which has already encountered a lot of resistance in the capital.

If this really causes trouble, it will be difficult to control.

Yin Zhengmao took two steps forward and stood in front of Gu Weizhen. He was tall and looked down at the other man.

"So you are Gu Xiangyue?"

When Gu Weizhen saw that the Imperial Guards had sheathed their swords, he seemed somewhat disappointed. But as soon as he saw Yin Zhengmao approaching, he immediately smiled coldly and said...

"I am Gu Weizhen! Yin Yangshi, don't pretend. Your misdeeds in Jiangnan are countless. You are still arrogant and domineering now, but you will surely suffer the consequences in the future!"

Yin Zhengmao was both angry and amused, and shook his head as he spoke.

"You, Gu Xiangyue, keep accusing me, Yin, of corruption and breaking the law, but what evidence do you have to prove it?"

Gu Weizhen countered sharply, "I have witnesses. That scholar Zhang's ancestral home was seized, and the Wang family had to sell their oxen to raise the tax money. And..."

Yin Zhengmao interrupted, saying, "What you've said about this place might be enough to make them come out and confront us. Could you perhaps send the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate this matter thoroughly?"

"Hey! Is Yin Yangshi trying to kill them to silence them? If they fall into the hands of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, what good will happen to them? In the end, it's still up to you, the Governor of Yingtian, to decide!" Gu Weizhen shouted loudly, wanting all the people to hear him.

This further fueled public anger, and the students took the lead, trying to break through the Jinyiwei's obstruction, shouting something.

"You corrupt official! Are you trying to kill me to cover your tracks?!"

"Fellow villagers! It is this corrupt official who has harmed the people and caused us to lose our livelihood!"

"We'll fight this corrupt official to the death! We're going to starve to death anyway!"

As these inflammatory words were spoken, the emotions of the people were ignited, and they crowded towards Yin Zhengmao.

Even more surprisingly, whether it was intentional or not, more and more people came to the area outside the governor's yamen after hearing the news.

Some stood outside watching, while others even joined the ranks of those resisting the imperial court.

It seems they wanted to vent all the pent-up dissatisfaction and resentment that had accumulated since the floods.

"Halt! You audacious fools! Do you intend to rebel?!"

The Imperial Guards and their constables stood guard outside, but they couldn't stop the momentum of the people, especially since some of them were carrying sickles and hoes, and could easily be attacked if not handled carefully.

Just then, someone, taking advantage of the chaos, slashed at the thigh of a Jinyiwei guard in front of him with a sickle.

With a "rip," the Imperial Guard's robe was torn open, and a sharp pain shot through his thigh.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was the emperor's personal guard. To attack the Embroidered Uniform Guard was tantamount to treason. In his view, this action had crossed the line, and he finally could not tolerate it any longer.

"Traitors! I will kill you all today!"

Just as the Imperial Guard was about to draw his sword, a withered hand firmly pressed down on the hilt of his sword. The Imperial Guard looked back in surprise and saw that it was Hai Rui.

Hai Rui's face stiffened, but he forced a smile and said, "Captain, please calm down and allow me to explain the reasoning."

Normally, these captains would certainly be dissatisfied, but upon seeing him just now, they realized that Hai Rui had also been ambushed at some point.

Suddenly, a small knife was firmly embedded in Hai Rui's arm, and blood slowly flowed out.

At this moment, Hai Rui's hair was disheveled, but his expression appeared even more resolute.

"Protect the students of Ocean University!"

Zhang Jianxiu, who had been leading men to block the students, turned around and saw this situation. He immediately led a team of captains to run over and surround Hai Rui.

Zhang Jianxiu knew very well that if other people got into trouble, it wouldn't matter much, but if Hai Rui got into trouble, his father and younger brother would definitely tear him to pieces.

But Hai Rui raised a hand and waved it, saying, "I'm fine, there's no need to panic!"

Yin Zhengmao, his face ashen, ordered those around him, "Quickly, fetch the doctor!"

He was already furious and gave orders to the yamen runners and imperial guards present.

"Today, treacherous villains have caused chaos and plotted a rebellion. I, the Governor, hereby order that all those present be arrested and imprisoned in the Governor's prison for strict interrogation! Anyone who dares to disobey shall be executed on the spot!"

Just now, Yin Zhengmao was able to endure it, but now even Hai Rui has been bleeding, and many of the Imperial Guards have been injured. This has already touched Yin Zhengmao's sore spot.

"No!"

Hai Rui let out a low growl, glaring at the yamen runners and imperial guards present.

"Let's see who dares to move!"

His words not only stopped the Imperial Guards and yamen runners from their actions, but also calmed down the previously indignant crowd. They noticed the bright red blood flowing from Hai Rui's body and were all shocked.

They were initially a bit overwhelmed, but after Hai Rui's bite and the shock of the wound, they finally calmed down.

At this moment, a doctor rushed over, wanting to bandage Hai Rui's wound, but Hai Rui refused. He took some gauze, only lightly bandaged the wound, and then looked at the people and students present. His voice was a little hoarse, but still full of energy.

"If you still believe in me, Hai Rui, and in my reputation as the upright and honest Hai Rui, then please calm down and listen to what I, Hai Rui, have to say!"

He took two steps forward, his hair disheveled, his body covered in blood, his eyes resolute, like a god of war.

For a moment, the students standing at the front were somewhat frightened, and some even took two steps back, as if Hai Rui was covered in thorns.

Gu Weizhen gritted his teeth, but dared not approach Hai Rui. He knew that the other party was a tough nut to crack, but he did not expect him to be this tough.

Gu Weizhen questioned, "Hai Xiantai, what exactly are you trying to do? Why are you so stubbornly clinging to this misconception? What is Yin Yangshi's crime?"

"Whether Governor Yin is guilty or corrupt is not for you to decide, but for me to decide!"

Hai Rui stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury, and glared at Gu Weizhen.

"As for you, you have repeatedly obstructed the court's disaster relief efforts, incited the common people to rebel, offended court officials, and ruined our Great Ming Dynasty."
The various crimes committed here are also under my jurisdiction!

Gu Weizhen was terrified. Fortunately, he was supported by the students beside him. He pointed at the other person with trembling fingers and said.

"You're spouting nonsense! Hai Ruxian, you're spouting nonsense! You're in cahoots with Yin Zhengmao!"

Hai Rui ignored the other party and instead looked at the people present and spoke.

"What is the truth, folks?"

"Today, I, Hai Rui, will truly set things right!"

(End of this chapter)