Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 813 Jiangnan strikes first
Luoyunhou Mansion,

The sound of loud laughter came, making people dizzy.
Outside the courtyard, the old housekeeper and his men were patrolling. When they heard the quarrel between the two parties in the courtyard, a housekeeper became worried and asked;
"Manager Wang, the students in the academy are so noisy, will they start fighting?"

"Hmph, you are a bunch of ignorant servants. How dare you do something disrespectful to society? Moreover, we are in the Marquis' Mansion. We are just hot-blooded and bickering. As the Marquis said, a scholar is useless. Just watch out."

Steward Wang stopped, stroked his beard, and scolded them, saying that they were all young people who made a joke. Without an official position, they were nothing. After passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi, that would be what the Marquis needed. Now, it was nothing more than a show of strength.
"Yes, Steward Wang, I am sorry for saying too much."

The steward bowed his head and retreated carefully. They were all old people who had come from outside the Great Wall. They were not familiar with some of the ways in the capital, so they were lacking.

"Okay, keep going."

Steward Wang waved his hands. These were not big problems. After all, outside the Great Wall, most people had bad tempers and would start fighting over a few words. It was not their fault. But this was the capital, so it was different.

Leading people, just continue walking towards the front yard,
Inside the hospital,
Many poor children looked at them with gloomy faces, as if they owed money and didn't pay it back. Zhao Mingsheng couldn't stand it anymore. The civil officials were greedy for money, which had been going on for generations. It was just their personal desire.

"My dear friends, there is no need to argue. Civil officials are greedy for money, that's official greed, and there are many people like you who are greedy. Not to mention the distant ones, the Ningguo Mansion is also the leader of the nobles. Their ancestors have made contributions to the country, but who would have thought that their descendants are so useless, believing in evil ways and harming the people of the capital. Rumors are spreading that they are connected with the evil ways of the Taiping Sect. You should know that when the Beijing Camp suppressed the Bailian Sect, it was you nobles who shed blood on the battlefield."

These words were deafening. Even Jia Lan, who was hiding aside, looked unhappy. Ningguo Mansion and Rongguo Mansion were integrated with each other. How could they be separated?

Seeing that the two sides were getting more and more angry, Xu Changwen stood up and tried to persuade them.

"Everyone, what's the point of saying this? Whether you are from a noble family or a poor family, you are all the same. Everyone has selfish desires, but when it comes to doing things, only you know how much you have learned from the saints. Being an official is the same as being a human being. It's not appropriate to talk about this now."

The voice came slowly, and the people on both sides were stunned. They all looked towards the corner of the yard, and saw Xu Changwen in white clothes, walking slowly towards them. When everyone saw him, they knew he was the "first place" in this year's provincial examination.

Everyone clasped their fists and bowed, and Zhao Mingsheng no longer had the anger he just had.
"Brother Xu, you are here,"

He wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by Xu Changwen.
"Everyone, we are all taking the same exam, so it is fate that we are all here. The provincial exam has passed, and there are still the metropolitan exam and the palace exam. Think about it, everyone. Once you pass the provincial exam, you will be given an official position, and it is not certain that you will not pass the metropolitan exam. So now, you still need to prepare well. You must seize the provincial exam in March and the palace exam in autumn. As for what I just said, it is a battle of wills."

Xu Changwen picked up the wine cup in his hand, bowed to everyone, drank the cup of wine, and then turned around and left. Seeing this, Gao Wen quickly put down his chopsticks and chased after him.

"Hey, Brother Xu, why are you leaving?"

Jia Lan also knew that it was useless to stay here, so he followed them out. A sharp-eyed student shouted,
"Hey, they are the top three on the A list, why are they all gone?"

This shout startled everyone. They were just talking and drinking, how could they have forgotten about these three people? Now they wanted to chase after them, but unfortunately the three people had already left the yard.
The lively atmosphere just now was obviously gone, and the wine had lost its taste. After all, the three of them were already officials appointed by the court, and there was a huge difference between them and the common people.
"Alas, after all the fighting, they have become high-ranking officials."

"Yes, we are still arguing here. It is better to prepare early. I don't know how to give official positions to the top three in the examination."

I don't know who was talking too much, but after some sighs, people started to leave one after another, and the banquet ended in a bad mood.

As soon as people leave,
The servants of the Marquis's Mansion came out to clean up the mess without asking any questions.

On the other hand,

The entire courtyard was cleaned up, and ten people sat at each table, drinking and celebrating together. It was much more lively than the Marquis' Mansion. Many students even came to Nan Zixian, the examiner, with wine cups in hand, to toast and express their gratitude.

After a few rounds, people started to feel tipsy.
Pei Shaoqing drank until his face was red. There were quite a lot of dishes, and he ate a lot. When he saw the students in the examination room, he felt a lot of emotions. The imperial examination has always been a single-plank bridge, but now it is just a provincial examination, and officials are released. Then what about the metropolitan examination and the palace examination?
Just when Pei Shaoqing was in a daze, Lord Nan Zixiannan beside him touched him with his hand.
"Shaoqing, how come you drank too much?"

There seemed to be some concern in it. Nan Zi had seen this kind of situation many times. Seeing his mentor asking questions, Pei Shaoqing gradually came back to his senses and shook his head.

"Teacher, I drank a little too much. The wind blew and the alcohol smelled up my head, but fortunately, I'm not drunk."

His face was flushed, his speech was a little stammering, and he claimed that he was not drunk. I don't know if he was really not drunk or just pretending. The most important thing was that his eyes were unusually clear.
"It's good that you're not drunk. Remember, it's a taboo for officials to get drunk. The Gongyuan incident seems to have stabilized the situation, but it may not be over yet. Imperial examination fraud has always been a big case. I'm sure you know what's going on. You are in charge of the Gongyuan. Cooperate with Marquis Luo Yun to make your own decisions. Remember this."

Nan Zixian was helpless. Wuying Palace and Hanlin Academy were all honest officials. Even Ji Mingping and Chu Nian did not want them to end up rashly. They could only let Pei Shaoqing take the lead while they made plans from behind. This was the safest way. They did not know how Luo Yunhou Mansion would respond.
"Teacher, is it possible that we are the only students causing trouble here, while everything is peaceful over there, Luo Yunhou?"

When Pei Shaoqing heard that it was a matter of cheating in the imperial examination, his slightly drunk eyes suddenly became innocent. Who wouldn't want to be involved in this matter? Not to mention losing his head, what would happen if he found out who was behind selling the examination questions? What if he investigated someone who shouldn't be investigated? He was a low-ranking official with little influence, and if that happened, he would probably die a miserable death.

"I know the seriousness of this matter. You just need to investigate the affairs of the Imperial Academy. Marquis Luo Yun and the Imperial City Department will handle everything outside. In this way, even if there is a big commotion outside, what does it have to do with you?"

Nan Zixian narrowed his eyes, obviously he had thought of a way. The palace and the court might not be unaware of the cheating in the imperial examination. The reason was that Marquis Luo Yun was able to change the test questions at the last minute, and the test questions were quickly in place. It seemed that Marquis Luo Yun knew about it, and the palace should also know about it, so it should be no big deal.

Pei Shaoqing felt relieved after hearing this explanation, but how could the Imperial Examination Hall investigate?
"Teacher, how should we check here?"

"You kid, use your brain and think about it. You can't find anything in the Imperial Examination Hall no matter what. You should have seen what happened in the examination hall for three days. It's better to say that you are stabilizing the situation and waiting for news from outside. In my opinion, even if you are investigating the case this time, it should be left unresolved. The person behind it is not stupid. He deserves to lose his life if he still hasn't concluded it at this time."

Nan Zixian's eyes gleamed. He had been wondering who dared to be so bold these days. Leaking the exam questions was a crime that could lead to the extermination of the entire clan. The inner court and the cabinet were all suspects, and the escorting imperial guards were also implicated. In the end, it would be up to whoever benefited. Unfortunately, in the end, nothing was gained.
Pei Shaoqing was completely awake now, and the drunkenness had subsided. He also knew that although the students had caused trouble that day, he could not delay it. He might as well send someone to Luo Yunhou Mansion to keep an eye on it. Suddenly, some ideas flashed through his mind. He thought that there was a convoy of tributes from the princes outside the city. Could it be that these people colluded with the inner court, secretly sold the test questions, and muddied the situation in the capital?
"Teacher, do you think it is possible that the princes of the vassal states are colluding with the inner court to stir up trouble in the capital so that they can fish in troubled waters? I heard that a team of princes from the inner court came to the posthouse outside the city to pay tribute."

Nan Zixian was suddenly shocked. It was indeed possible that the eunuchs in the inner court stole the test questions and gave them to a certain prince, taking this opportunity to disrupt the court's attention and fish in troubled waters. It was not impossible.
"Shaoqing, be careful in everything. It may not be what you think."

A sigh.
Jiangnan misty rain,

As long as they drifted down to the mortal world, it would be a long time. Suddenly, a group of officials rushed into the mansion of Lord Qin, the head of the Suzhou Weaving Bureau, and knocked on the door.
"Quick, quick, open the door,"

There was a sound of hurried footsteps, and the doorman hurried back to the backyard to report to the master.

"Master, Master, something terrible has happened. People from the government are knocking on the door. It seems like a disaster is coming."

The master of the Qin family, Miaoyu's father Qin Sheng, the head of the Jiangnan Suzhou Manufacturing Bureau, stood in the house with a pale face, looking at the panic-stricken housekeeper outside, and murmured,
"Everyone who should come has arrived. Open the door and follow me."

"Yes, sir."

The steward trembled, wondering if the prefectural government had misunderstood. After all, the master knew the Zhen family.
He called a few servants and followed the master to the front yard. Outside the gate,
Ma Guangcheng, the magistrate of Jinling, has already arrived here with a large number of yamen runners.
"Why haven't you opened the door yet?"

The captain in front of him wiped the sweat off his face and replied;
"My Lord, the front and back doors are blocked by the brothers. I can't run away. If I really can't, let the brothers break them open."

The voice just fell,

The door was opened, and Lord Qin walked out with his hands behind his back, saying sarcastically,
"No need, Lord Ma, how are you? I wonder why you came to my house today?"

Seeing that the real owner had come out, Ma Guangcheng did not hide anything and took a few steps forward.
"Master Qin, how are you?"

He clasped his hands together and bowed, but the smile on his face never faded. Qin shook his head and ignored him.

"If you have something to say, please say it quickly. Lord Ma brought so many people to my house tonight. I'm afraid he didn't come here just to pay his respects to me."

"Haha, Lord Qin is really good at joking. Since I am here, I believe Lord Qin knows everything. I will follow the instructions of Eunuch Yang to arrest Qin Sheng, the wanted criminal of the imperial court, immediately, confiscate his property, and send him to the Ministry of Justice in the capital. No delay is allowed. Lord Qin, please come in."

Ma Guangcheng smiled. Ever since Eunuch Yang and Lord Jing decided on the time to convert the fields into mulberry trees, the entire prefecture of Jiangnan, as well as the guards, the prefectural army, and the people of the Imperial City Bureau, did not dare to act rashly to stop it. Even Lord Zhuang, the governor of Jiangnan, has now retreated, as if he had given up and no longer asked about it.

Thus,
The government officials and some of the government troops began to post notices in various counties, requiring them to uproot the young seedlings and replant mulberry trees within three days. Anyone who disobeyed the court's notice would be arrested and sent to Jiangbei to mine jade.
This caused controversy among the people of Jiangnan, and all kinds of rumors spread. In some places, there was even a situation of joint defense to protect themselves.

Officially, the chief of Suzhou Weaving Bureau became the first person to be punished in order to serve as a warning to others.
"Haha, Master Ma, it is said that the three masters of the Jinling prefectural government have always been timid, but now it seems that they are bold and reckless. What is the situation of the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau? Apart from me, only Shen Wan and that paperhanger know it. You can arrest the officials, but the manufacturing bureau will be your burial place in the future."

A hearty laugh made the people around him seem a little uneasy. Ma Guangcheng was also nervous. The Weaving Bureau has always been a gold nugget in Jiangnan. How come it sounded like a big trouble after hearing this? Who could believe it?
"Qin Sheng, stop your sweet talk. I think this is your burial place. When you enter the capital and are put in the imperial prison, I will see if you still insist on talking nonsense. Someone, tie him up. The rest of you, go in and search his house to see how much silver Lord Qin has embezzled."

"Yes, my lord."

After a round of response, a team of people rushed in immediately. When they arrived at the yard, they knocked and banged. They entered the house like a swarm of locusts. They checked all the hidden places, but found nothing. There were only 30,000 taels of silver in the warehouse, and Qin Sheng was tied up with his hands behind his back.
It was unknown how long it had been, after so many people had searched the Qin residence and found nothing, the head of the police came out with his troops.

"Your Excellency, the Qin Mansion only has 30,000 taels of silver and nothing else?"

"What, so little?"

Ma Guangcheng frowned, not believing it at all. How could anyone believe that the head of the weaving bureau only had this little wealth?

Then he turned his head and asked sharply;

"Master Qin, where did the money in the mansion go?"

"Haha, Lord Ma, I only have this much silver. If you want more, you can only go to the Weaving Bureau to get it."

Qin Zhushi had a look of melancholy on his face, but then he seemed to have come to his senses and laughed arrogantly. He said, "Where is the silver? Even if there is a lot, it is not enough for the weaving bureau to use.

Seeing Qin Sheng's stubborn attitude, the captain rolled his eyes and whispered:

"Sir, I remember that Sir Qin has a daughter who is said to have become a nun outside. I wonder if he left his wealth there. I heard that this girl is really good."

At first glance, he saw a face full of evil intent. Ma Guangcheng narrowed his eyes, knowing that this person had bad intentions, but how could he explain such a small amount of money to the eunuch? As long as he had the money, he would turn a blind eye to the rest.
"Go and do this overnight, and be sure to get the silver back."

"Yes, sir, I will take someone there right away."

The captain was surprised and agreed immediately. He waved his hand and a group of people rushed out of the city.

The people who stayed here,

Ma Guangcheng waved his hand and took the man back. Along the way, he was still thinking about Qin Sheng's words. All the money was in the weaving bureau. Could it be in the hands of Lord Shen? After all, Lord Shen was the richest man in Jiangnan. This was difficult to deal with.

After a long journey, he returned to the government office, arranged everything properly, and then returned to his mansion. Who knew?

As soon as I arrived in front of the mansion, I saw a convoy coming in front of the gate. The carriages were all covered with black cloth. There were not many people coming. I saw the person in the lead was waiting there respectfully, and he had some packages in his hands. I don't know what was inside.

Seeing the adults coming, I quickly knelt down beside them.
"Sir, I am the steward of Lord Shen's residence. I came here today to give you some things."

Seeing that the visitor had directly pointed out the reason for the conversation, Ma Guangcheng lifted the curtain of the carriage and asked;
"I wonder what your master wants to give me?"

As he spoke, his eyes would occasionally glance at the carriages, wondering what all those boxes were.
"Sir, I dare not hide anything. These are some land deeds. One of the boxes is the account book of bribes received by Sir Qin. The remaining boxes contain about 50,000 taels of silver. They are my master's gift to you."

Although it was not daytime, no one dared to speak so bluntly on the street at night. Ma Guangcheng smiled slightly. Lord Shen was really a wonderful person. He had just arrested Qin Zhushi and he had already taken action. It was really neat.
"Okay, I will take the things and deeds for Lord Shen. You go back and tell your master that Chief Qin can't go back. With these, he will be escorted directly to the capital and put in prison. I will submit a memorial. When the Ministry of Justice takes over the case, even if Chief Qin has all kinds of abilities, it will be useless."

This is what I discussed with Lord Jia yesterday. We must make this case an ironclad case. As long as the Ministry of Justice takes over the case and the cabinet does not make any mistakes, then Chief Qin will be doomed.

The silver and the title deed were naturally in his pocket, so he simply told the matter directly. The steward was delighted and agreed without hesitation.

"Thank you, sir. I will definitely pass it on. My master also said that there is a long time to come, so please pay attention to the counties below to avoid any omissions."

"Humph, a bunch of lowly people, how can they make waves? What mistakes can they make? Go back and reassure Lord Shen. I have already informed Lord Jing and the eunuch, and I have already mobilized soldiers. Tomorrow, I will start to inspect Chunyang County."

Ma Guangcheng narrowed his eyes. Of the four counties below, only Chunyang County was the most stubborn. Although the county magistrates of the other counties did not cooperate much, at least the notice was posted. Only the magistrate of Chunyang County, Zuo Sangui, relied on being a disciple of Master Zhuang and dared to blatantly block it. As the saying goes, killing a chicken to scare the monkey, so he went to meet him first.
"Yes, sir, I will definitely pass it on."

The steward in front of him kowtowed again on the ground, and then slowly retreated, leaving only the carriage in front of the door. Feng Yongcheng waved his hand, and the carriage entered the mansion and disappeared!
(End of this chapter)