Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Bao Gangfeng said, "As for the articles by Bingde, Bingren, and Bingfang, let's read them after dinner. I'm afraid I won't be able to eat if I read them now."

Mrs. Bao said angrily, "I've never seen anyone belittle his own son like this. How can you tell whether he's good or bad without even looking at him?"

Bao Gangfeng shook his head and smiled, "The art of writing is about accidental success. Bingde and the others are hardworking, but their talents are limited and they lack this bit of inspiration. Being recommended by the township is the limit. It's very difficult to get a place on the imperial examination."

Mrs. Bao said unconvincedly, "I just don't believe it."

Bao Gangfeng smiled and shook his head, changing the subject: "It said on the door that someone sent me a letter?"

"Look, that's the package. I haven't opened it yet." Mrs. Bao looked at a square package on the table next to her.

Bao Gangfeng hesitated and said, "It can't be..."

"Don't worry. Everyone knows that you have a bad temper. Who would give you gold, silver and treasures? There is no signature. I think they are here to complain to you and seek justice." Mrs. Bao spat.

"That's good. We'll watch it tonight. Let's eat first."

Under the dim light, Bao Gangfeng first opened the anonymous package. After a quick glance, his expression changed drastically and his heart was filled with shock.

This... this, there is such a shocking case in the capital? ! Who wants to use his own hands to eliminate corruption? But how can such a case be handled by a mere Shuntian prefect?
If they want to do it, it makes sense. After all, the case happened in Shuntian Prefecture, so they should have their own jurisdiction.

However, when he saw that the people behind the scenes who were pointed out in the files actually involved the emperor's uncle Chen and Prince Jing Jia Cong, and who knew how many other court officials were involved, Bao Gangfeng fell into deep thought, hesitating whether to report this to Duan Zhun in advance.

He pondered for a long time and shook his head slowly. If he reported it to his mentor first, it would easily stir up factional disputes and make the case more complicated. What's more, his mentor might not be able to handle the case. It would be better for him to go all out and make the case public. Even if Prince Jing and Uncle Chen took revenge, they would not implicate his mentor.

Bao Gangfeng looked resolute. He quickly read the case file twice. Seeing that the personnel details were detailed and well-founded, and that it was not a fabricated slander, he immediately wrote a memorial: "Please thoroughly investigate and severely punish the theft of grain":
"I believe that the court is clear and bright, and the laws are complete. Although I am thousands of miles away, I can feel the grace of the court as if it were right in my capital.

Unexpectedly, the corrupt officials indulged themselves in corruption and the stubborn gentry devoured the wealth. They harmed the country and the people. The capital of the country has become a place of thieves.

Officials and wicked officials are in collusion with each other, and they are greedy and insatiable. Those who take advantage of the people are greedy; those who erode the officials are invasive. Taizu once said that the most important thing in governing a country is to punish corruption.

If the imperial court does not care about the treasury, how can we pity the people's suffering and spare their money...

I, the minister, impeach Chen Jun, the emperor's uncle, for forging imperial seals and stealing tens of millions of dan of grain, bringing disaster to the country and the people. Is he the biggest thief in the world?
Among them, the Shenxian Wine House has made a lot of money from the illicit proceeds. As the owners, Prince Jing and Xue Pan, the Purple Wei attendant, can they stay out of this matter?"

The next day, Bao Gangfeng personally delivered the ten-thousand-word letter he had written all night to the Ministry of Public Security.

The clerk laughed and said, "Why did the old man come here in person to present a memorial?"

Bao Gangfeng said: "This is a matter of great importance and we dare not neglect it. Please submit it to the military council for review immediately."

"Okay, old sir, are you making suggestions, discussing politics, reporting matters, impeaching or..." the clerk said as he registered.

"Impeach."

"Okay, impeachment." The clerk smiled and said, "Who is worthy of such a long letter of impeachment from the old man? It's a great honor."

"The King's uncle Chen and Prince Jing." Bao Gangfeng said and turned to leave, leaving the clerk standing there dumbfounded. It took him a long while to react and hurriedly submitted the memorial to the Minister of Public Security.

The Minister of Public Administration was also frightened and did not dare to delay, so he personally took the memorial to the Grand Council.

The news of the impeachment of Prince Jing and Chen Jun exploded from the Ministry of Public Administration like a depth charge, and the shock waves quickly stirred up the officialdom in the capital, with some feeling happy and some worried.

When the officials involved in grain tax corruption learned that Jia Cong and Chen Jun were on the list together with themselves, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief and secretly laughed at Lao Bao for trying to hit a rock with an egg. If he had only impeached themselves, it would have been a bit troublesome, but he overestimated his own abilities and even spared the emperor's uncle and Prince Jing. Isn't this just courting death?
The next day, Jia Cong personally went to the palace to preside over the court meeting.

After the greetings, Jia Cong got straight to the point and said, "Yesterday I heard that a gentleman had reported me for accepting stolen grain, and it was not just ordinary grain, but grain from the imperial court!
As you all know, my family has many properties, all of which are managed by the steward, and I don't know much about the inside story.

If it is indeed the case, I will never whitewash my fault or shirk my responsibility. As the saying goes, a prince who breaks the law is guilty of the same crime as a commoner. I will take the punishment I deserve, and I ask the censors and my colleagues to bear witness to it."

These words were so powerful that all the ministers nodded in approval.

Feng Yuan hurriedly said, "I am in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. If such an appalling thing really happened, I cannot escape the blame and I am willing to take the blame."

He expressed his position, and the officials of the Ministry of Revenue hurriedly said, "We will thoroughly investigate this case when we return."

Jia Cong looked at Bao Gangfeng and said, "Does Mr. Bao have any evidence for what he impeached? Or is it just hearsay?"

Bao Gangfeng came out of the class and said, "Your Highness, I have submitted all the clues and evidence to the Military Affairs Office. In my humble opinion, there should be no major mistakes."

Jia Cong sighed and said, "Prefect Bao is truly a loyal minister of the country! If there were no king, I would be living in a den of thieves without knowing it! Please accept my gift." After saying this, he bowed deeply.

Bao Gangfeng quickly dodged and said humbly, "I am so rude and disrespectful. I have offended your majesty. How dare I accept your great courtesy?"

Jia Cong sneered, "What do you mean by 'honourable face'? That is just flattering yourself. If it weren't for Brother Gangfeng, my face would be as black as the bottom of a pot, but I would still be complacent. How ridiculous and shameful!"

Mr. Zhun, you have taught me a lot of your teacher's character! I think Wei Zheng in the Tang Dynasty was no better than him. "

Duan Zhun hurriedly said, "Gangfeng acted impulsively and violated his superiors. If it weren't for the prince's magnanimity and integrity, how could he be tolerated?"

Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "What Bao Fuyin reported was a public matter, and he was loyal to the court. It was not an offense. If he knew about it but did not report it, I would punish him.

It is said that a horse can run on a general's forehead. Would I do such a stupid thing as hiding my illness and avoiding medical treatment?

From now on, if any of my ministers find that I or someone around me has violated the law, feel free to impeach us. I will never blame you.

I once heard a story that I deeply agree with. It said that during the Warring States Period, a vassal accepted advice and gave rewards. Later, all the bad policies in the country were swept away. It is fascinating. "

Feng Yuan smiled and said, "Your Highness, are you saying, 'Among the officials and people, those who can point out my faults to my face will receive a high reward; those who can write to me to advise me will receive a medium reward; those who can slander me in the market and let me hear it will receive a low reward. After a year, even if you want to say something, you will not be able to make any progress.'"

"Yes, yes, who is this?"

"It's King Wei of Qi."

Jia Cong clapped his hands and said, "Good! King Wei of Qi is a king, and I am also a king. Can he do it but I can't? Take this incident as an example, and I should follow the example of the ancients.

Bao Gangfeng, the governor of Shuntian Prefecture, is loyal and honest, and never flatters the powerful. He is truly a role model for all the civil and military officials in the court, and I admire him very much.

If the things he reported are verified to be true, he will be appointed as a senior official and given a bag of goldfish, to show that I am open to public opinion and am happy to hear criticism. "

"I thank the prince for his grace." Bao Gangfeng said with a bow. Duan Zhun hurried out and said, "The prince is wise and magnanimous, which is a blessing for the country."

All the ministers were busy flattering him.

Chen Ji's face was as black as charcoal. He secretly cursed Jia Cong for being shameless. He said that he was talking big and saying nice things but was putting the Chen family on the fire. He quickly winked at a censor.

The censor understood and hurried out to say, "Your Highness is modest and open-minded, and we admire you, but the matter of Lord Bao's impeachment is a bit confusing.

If they were investigating corrupt officials, that would be fine, but why were the prince and Chen involved?

Just now, the prince also said that the family is large and the business is extensive, and all of them are managed by the stewards below. Even if there are some irregularities, it is the steward's fault, and what does it have to do with the prince and the prince's uncle? I think the two should not be confused. "

"We second the motion." Hearing that it was to exonerate the two big guys, many people spoke up in agreement. Some were Chen Ji's men, and some just came to flatter him.

Jia Cong glared at him and said with a straight face, "That's wrong! Whether they are officials or managers, what they have embezzled is the state's grain. How can they be confused?
What's more, I and the King's uncle's family are also the beneficiaries of this matter, so how can we just walk away?
I understand your caring intentions, but if the disease is not cured in time when it is on the skin, will you wait until the disease enters the bone marrow and then confiscate the family and destroy the whole family?

Please stop talking, I will start the investigation from my uncle's family and my family, to warn the world! Chen Zhongtang, do you have any objection to this matter?"

Chen Ji saw that all the civil and military officials in the court were looking at him, and Jia Cong looked as clear as water and bright as a mirror. He could only say bitterly: "Your Majesty is right. I have no objection."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Okay, Chen Zhongtang is very righteous and I admire him very much. This matter is settled. The three judicial officials..."

"I'm here." The chief of the three departments hurried out and said.

"This case concerns the administration of the imperial court and the destiny of the country. It is extremely important. The three courts are ordered to conduct a joint trial. It is strictly forbidden to abuse the power for personal gain. The truth must be revealed as soon as possible! The Jinyiwei will supervise the trial throughout." Jia Cong said.

"The ministers obey the order."

After the court session, Feng Yuan quietly pulled Jia Cong aside and said, "Your Majesty, if the three courts really investigate...what should we do?"

Jia Cong sneered, "What can I do? I've already asked. It's OK if the stolen money is returned. At most, he will be beaten with a stick. Anyway, it won't be me."

"Really withdrawing? That's not a small amount." Feng Yuan exclaimed.

Jia Cong glared at him and said, "Did I just say bullshit? If I don't retreat, how can those corrupt officials die with a clear conscience?"

Feng Yuan chuckled and said, "Zilong's move of drinking three cups as punishment is really smart. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. The court will make money again, and it will be easier to report to the Empress Dowager."

Jia Cong sighed, "There is no other way. I can only resort to this last resort. If it were my temper, I would just chop them all off, but I have to consider the overall situation. This is really not a pleasant thing."

Feng Yuan said: "This is common sense. The late emperor was so talented and wise, has he ever had a happy day in all these years?
From the emperor to the common people, no one is happy. If you want to be happy, I'm afraid only becoming a god can make you happy."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Yes, everyone knows that being an immortal is good, but fame, wealth, desires, and ambitions are unforgettable. But there are also some things in the mortal world that are quite enjoyable."

"Appreciate further details."

"Serve the people."

Feng Yuan laughed, bowed and left.

Jia Cong returned home and summoned Ruyi, Baochai, Daiyu, Fengjieer and others, saying, "Today I have ordered the three courts to investigate this case thoroughly, and to start from our house. As soon as I spoke, someone came to my door. Have you sorted out the accounts of the wine shop?"

Baochai said hurriedly, "I understand. Over the years, we have purchased 5,137,345 shi of grain at low prices. Of this, 3,686,288 shi have been used to make wine, and 1,433,600 shi have been resold. There are still 17,457 shi of grain left in reserve."

When Sister Feng heard the word "resell", she was embarrassed and dared not say anything. She glanced at Jia Cong cautiously, fearing that she would be scolded again.

Jia Cong said, "The profits from the grain used for brewing and the grain storage are not exclusive to our family. The three families of Chen, Jia, and Xue will pay compensation according to their share. As for the resale, our family will pay for it ourselves. How much will we have to pay?"

Baochai said hurriedly, "It turns out that we have to pay six cents and three fen of silver for every dan of grain. The wine shop has to pay more than 2,330,000 taels in total. Our family owns 40%, so we have to pay more than 930,000 taels. The resale part has to pay more than 900,000 taels. In total, our family has to pay more than 1,800,000 taels."

"So much compensation?" Feng Jieer couldn't help but ask.

Jia Cong glared at her and said, "Do you think it's too much? Do you think you can buy the corresponding amount of food with this little money? It's far from enough! It can't even buy one-third of it."

Sister Feng frowned and said, "All compensation is based on the market price, how can it be impossible to buy it?"

"I told you that you have big breasts and no brains, but you still refuse to admit it. If the Ministry of Revenue really uses this much money to purchase millions of dan of grain, the grain price will definitely soar. How can we get that much grain for you?
Do you know how much it costs to transport a stone of grain from the south to the capital?" Jia Cong said unhappily.

"How much does it cost?" asked Sister Feng.

"You ask me, how should I know? I'm not in this business, anyway it's definitely not cheap." Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "If the shipping cost is really included... Alas... I can't afford it."

Baochai advised, "Cong'er, our family has no intention of violating the law. We are able to return the money according to the market price, which is enough to set an example for the world. There is no need to nitpick."

Sister Feng quickly chimed in, "Right, right, our family didn't directly embezzle the grain, so what does the freight have to do with us?"

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "Forget it. My willingness to return the stolen goods is a great improvement at this time. The shipping fee should be paid by the Chen family."

Ruyi was a little worried and asked, "Does the Queen Mother know about this case? She..."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I haven't had time to report this to my mother yet. I think that with your wisdom, you will definitely ask the two uncles to return the money according to the law."

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him and said, "How can you compensate for such a large sum of money?"

Jia Cong shrugged and said, "Who told them to do that?"

Suddenly, Qingwen came in and said, "Master, an angel from the palace has sent a message asking you to come in. She said the Grand Empress Dowager has summoned you."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to ask my mother to take out the silver from the bottom of the box this time."

Ruyi said angrily, "Go quickly, and speak carefully in front of mother."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't worry, this time the prince consort and the uncle are in the same boat, and we share the same pain. Yes, I can ask my mother to borrow some money to pay off my debts later."

"Go to hell, you treacherous little thief." Ruyi laughed and scolded. (End of this chapter)