King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Soon, the yamen runner came with a huge clay jar, hundreds of pieces of soil, and a bamboo stick.

Under Wang He's command, the yamen runners put the soil into jars and had two porters carry them away.

Click!

He exerted a little force and the bamboo stick broke into two pieces.

He had someone pick up two bamboo poles, and the same thing happened.

Wang He exclaimed: "Your Majesty is right. How could a small bamboo pole possibly hold up three hundred taels of horse hoof gold? The gold was dropped before it even entered the door."

"Mr. Wang is right. People are blinded by money and ignore the seriousness of the matter. Although I am innocent, the murderer must be caught to give justice to the country!"

Seeing that they all looked convinced, Yang Zhong couldn't help but speak up: "Zhu Tan, so you think so too, Mr. Zhao."

Wang He asked, "What does Mr. Yang mean by this?"

Yang Zhong repeated Zhu Tan's words, and everyone's attention was focused on Zhu Tan.

Wang He chuckled and said, "Zhu Tan? Your idea is the same as Mr. Zhao's. Not bad, not bad!"

Yang Zhong felt that he had owed Zhu Tan a favor and intended to raise Zhu Tan's status.

"Your Excellency the County Magistrate is right. Although Zhu Tan did not pass the imperial examination, his painting skills are unprecedented in history. He is a rare young talent."

Yang Zhong asked someone to bring the photo over. When Wang He and others saw the portrait, they were all shocked.

They had never seen this kind of painting technique before, and everyone found it very fresh.

"Zhu Tan, you have such talent. How about I paint a picture for you today to welcome the prince?"

The magistrate, also known as Baili Hou, was also a prince at the time.

How could Zhu Tan not be willing? He clasped his fists and agreed.

Zhu Tan turned around and looked at the beautiful woman.

The woman's face was filled with emotion, her smile was as beautiful as a flower, and she bowed slightly, which made Zhu Tan's heart soften.

In the backyard of the mansion, Zhu Tan unfolded the scroll in his hand and listened.

The party is almost over.

Zhu Youlang wants to see Zhu Tan's works.

Seeing that his appearance was about 70% similar to Wu Sikong back then, he couldn't help but exclaimed: "This face is really lifelike, and it is very similar to the great painter of that time."

Zhu Tan said modestly: "Your Majesty, I am too kind to praise you. How dare I compare myself with my predecessors? I just hope to see their masterpieces."

"I have a painting of 'Admonition from a High Place' written by Wu Sikong at home. I'll show it to you when you finish it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will definitely repay you!"

Chu Denglong looked more and more carefully, and not only remembered the appearance of Zhu Youlang and the others, but also remembered their appearance.

Even the maids and servants were remembered in mind and must be treated as a mobile camera!
As he watched, Zhu Tan's gaze suddenly focused.

Her heart seemed to be grabbed by something and she couldn't help but tremble.

How is this going?

This person is the suspect he had just drawn, and they look exactly the same.

Zhu Tan looked him straight in the eyes, which made him alert and he exchanged glances with Zhu Tan.

A sinister smile suddenly appeared on his face.

"Be careful!" At this moment, a voice sounded.

Zhu Tan was startled by this man and felt a chill in his heart, but he was obviously worrying too much.

Instead of killing him, the suspect went straight for Zhu Youluo.

A short knife with a cold glow stabbed towards Zhu Youlang's throat.

No one expected such a sudden change at the banquet, not even Wang He was an exception.

Everyone gasped.

Zhu Tan subconsciously picked up a square inkstone and threw it at the suspect.

The inkstone was lifted up and ink splashed everywhere.

The suspect's left eye was hit by several drops of ink, and the dagger immediately deviated from its direction.

The knife did not hit Zhu Youlang's neck, but cut a gash on his shoulder.

Zhu Youqi screamed in pain, but the suspect did not retreat, but instead pressed forward.

He pushed Zhu Youlang's ministers away and stabbed Zhu Youlang in the heart again.

Zhu Tan gave a timely warning and blindfolded the suspect with ink.

Zhu Youluo took the opportunity to hide under the table.

The prisoner groaned in anger.

She knew that she had no chance to assassinate the chief clerk, so she looked at Chu Tian viciously.

Before the guards could rush in, he jumped out of the window and disappeared without a trace.

There was chaos at the banquet.

Wang He was so furious that he ordered the arrest of the murderer and at the same time had Zhu Youlang and Xu Zhubo treated for their injuries.

"Zhu Tan, you are right! I will remember your kindness."

Zhu Youxuan stared at Zhu Tan, seeming to be thinking about something.

If Zhu Tan had not quickly issued a warning with his voice and used ink to confuse one of the killer's eyes, he would probably have died at the hands of the killer.

Zhu Tan's legs and abdomen were twitching!

He was really shocked by the suspect's courage. This man must be skilled in martial arts.

This is not the most terrible.

The suspect seemed to be aware that he was drawing a picture of a pirate being captured.

They are being targeted!
Besides, why did he want to save Zhu Youlang?

Xu Zhubo's chest was pierced by a sword, leaving him completely dead.

After searching for nearly two quarters of an hour, nothing was found. It was as if the killer had disappeared from the face of the earth.

Yang Zhong just felt that his luck was really bad.

My cousin’s problem has just been solved and the thief has not been caught yet.

Zhu Youlang and the county magistrate were assassinated, and his lord was also killed. This year was the worst misfortune for him as a county magistrate.

Zhu Tan was already prepared at this time. He looked at Yang Zhong, who was full of worry, and said, "Mr. Yang, this is the suspect in the gold theft case."

Yang Zhong's expression turned serious: "Really?"

"I'm sure it's definitely him!"

"You bold little thief, don't you know where Captain Xing is? Send out all the captains to look for them."

Zhu Tan calmed down completely and said, "Mr. Yang, the suspect stole the gold and then assassinated the prince. There may be some connection between them."

Zhu Tan had no choice but to come up with an idea to merge Yang Zhong's two cases for investigation.

The murderer had already discovered the arrest portrait he had drawn. If he didn't catch the suspect, he might lose his life!

Yang Zhong also thought that Zhu Tan’s words made sense and told Wang He what had happened.

Wang He's eyes fell on Zhu Youluo's dark face.

Zhu Youluo thought for a moment and said, "Minister Yang, why not start your investigation from this matter! Since Zhu Tan said that both cases were committed by the same person, then the two cases must be related."

Yang Zhong nodded and said, "Your Highness, County Magistrate, the scholar Zhu Tan is talented in playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. I would like to recommend Zhu Tan to assist the county prime minister."

Zhu Youlang and Wang He nodded in agreement.

"Zhu Tan, are you willing to let Zhu Tan be my subordinate and my chief clerk?"

The staff is the advisor, and the registrar is the secretary, who specializes in handling documents and information.

"Thank you for your kindness, officers. I will fully cooperate with Mr. Yang to catch the criminals."

It's easier said than done. Zhu Tan suggested investigating the case again.

"Zhu Tan, the truth has not yet been revealed! We have also found out the appearance of the criminals. We just need to send them their portraits and wanted warrants. How can we investigate this case?"

Hearing this, Yang Zhong frowned.

Although Zhu Tan is not a detective, he often dealt with criminal police in his previous life and was not surprised by the process and methods of solving cases.

"Mr. Yang, portraits may not work. I have one more thing to ask you."

Zhu Tan’s portrait camera is not just for show, its memory of images is profound.

He recalled what happened at the banquet and discovered something.

"The villain appears to be trying to kill the prince and the county magistrate, but in fact, I think his main goal is to kill the chief clerk."

"Xu Zhubo, what's going on? No way?"

Wang He and Yang Zhong said almost in unison.

"This Xu Zhubo seemed to know the thief. When he saw the thief, he was stunned at first. When the thief stabbed him to death, he was even more incredulous, with disbelief in his eyes."

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Zhu Tan drew with his hands the facial expression of Xu Zhubo before his death to prove that what he said was true.

Zhu Youlang and the others saw through his thoughts at a glance.

After Zhu Tan's drawings reinforced his memories, he vaguely remembered that Xu Zhubo's behavior at that time was indeed a little wrong.

This makes things even more complicated. That group of thieves is actually related to Xu Zhubo?

Could it be that Chief Secretary Xu already knew who stole the gold?
Could it be that Xu Zhubo is the traitor?
Zhu Tan unfolded another blank piece of paper and sketched out the key points of a case on it, like a thinking map.

Tianzhuang, Ma Tijin, Li Zheng, bandits, and Xu Zhubo.

Connect elements together with straight lines.

This novel approach allows Zhu Youlang and others to understand the case more directly.

Zhu Tan drew two “?” on top of Jinjuzi and the bandit soldier.

"Both the horseshoe gold and the thief are gone. It's hard to find them, but there are so many horseshoe golds that they can't escape on their own if no one touches them. So, we must find the stolen horseshoe golds as soon as possible to solve the case."

Wang He stroked his beard and said, "If a thief threw it into the river and buried it underground, would we still be able to find it?"

Zhu Tan continued, "Even if they did, it's already dusk and the city is under martial law. After those thieves stole the gold and silver, they probably wouldn't be able to get far.

Considering the difficulty of taking it out later, the river should be eliminated first, and the burial site will not be in a crowded place, in which case the area will be smaller. "

After saying that, Zhu Tan pointed to the line between the bandit and Xu Zhubo.

"If Xu Zhubo is acquainted with this thief, then we must investigate Xu Zhubo's movements in recent days. Maybe we can find the lost gold."

Zhu Tan is still very confident in his memory and recollection.

He felt that Xu Zhubo must be connected to the thieves and there was a high possibility that he had been assassinated.

Hearing Zhu Tan's words, Yang Zhong was delighted.

He thought again that recruiting Zhu Tan as his secretary was indeed the right decision.

Immediately let the yamen runners investigate based on what Chu Tian said.

Zhu Tan didn't dare to leave the government office. He was frightened by the look in the thief's eyes.

He was regarded as a thorn in the side, and he didn't want to be Xu Zhubo's second person.

Zhu Tan felt that he was sick, missing himself, and secretly cursing his own stupidity in his heart.

He is actually still obsessed with Youyou. This guy is a beast. He is thinking about other things after just taking a bite?

From Aqiu, Zhu Tan learned about Youyou, who could be said to be a young girl genius.

He learned to read at the age of five, and could compose poems and couplets at the age of eight. Especially in the past two years, he was praised by countless people and was regarded as a young talent.

As if he could see what Zhu Tan was thinking, Ah Qiu snorted and said, "Is this gentleman interested in the young lady from the Xu family? You better hurry up."

Zhu Tan's heart moved, and he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Li thinks Miss Xu will have a hard time in the future, so he plans to send her to a nunnery to practice!"

What the hell?

A biological father lets his daughter become a nun?
What is he thinking? Is he really his father?

Superstition can get you killed!

"Although you are now the chief clerk of the county magistrate, this is a place for scholars. If you don't have an official position, it will be difficult for you to marry Miss Xu!"

Do you want this?
A Qiu noticed Zhu Tan's expression and couldn't help but cover his mouth and laugh.

"Young Master, there is no need to be so modest. Maybe you will be able to pass the imperial examination next year! This is quite suitable. Do you want me to be your matchmaker?"

"Really?" Regnar was stunned.

Qiu rolled his eyes.

"It seems that you admire this Miss Xu very much. Since you are a scholar, why don't you write a poem to express your feelings? I will bring it to you right away."

You think highly of me.

Reciting poems and composing couplets?

Can he say this in seven days?

That's very difficult.

It’s okay to copy a poem!
Unable to utter a word, Wang He and Yang Zhong found Zhu Tan.

Zhu Tan looked at the expressions of the two men and felt a chill in his heart.

"Master, has this matter been investigated?"

Wang He didn't say anything, but Yang Zhong's brows were furrowed.

"We searched Xu Zhubo's house from top to bottom, but found nothing. However, someone dug up the backyard of Xu Lizheng and found a horseshoe gold coin hidden in a pit. The villagers confirmed that it was one of the stolen coins."

Chu Deng was stunned.

Xu Lizheng’s case had just been cleared, and now something like this has happened again. What else can he say?
Wang He shook his head. "Xu Yuan's family has been sent to the prison by Wuchang Prefecture. If we can't find out who that person is as soon as possible, I'm afraid the whole family will die."

"What? Caught him?"

Zhu Tan did not see the village head Xu Yuan, but his face changed when he thought of You You being locked up in a dark and cold dungeon.

Yang Zhong sighed.

"Although you and Master Zhao Po have cleared Xu Yuan of all charges, once Jin finds out, all your efforts will be in vain. Wuchang Prefecture will determine that Xu Yuan embezzled the money. He will be exiled at best and demoted at worst."

Zhu Tan shouted, "How can this thief explain himself? He stole gold and assassinated someone. Can this be used to punish Xu Lizheng?"

"We have received news from Wuchang Prefecture that it was indeed done by a group of gangsters, but the mastermind is Xu Yuan, and he must be severely punished."

Yang Zhong said angrily: "This is clearly revenge. Du Lianshan wants to kill Xu Yuan!"

When Zhu Tan heard this, he immediately understood.

The trial in Wuchang Prefecture was presided over by Judge Du Lianshan, who had a grudge against Xu Yuansu.

He wanted to take this opportunity to kill Xu Yuan and destroy Xu Yuan's family.

"You two, it's really hard to explain why Xu Yuan has horseshoe gold in his home, but whether it's the thief or Du Lianshan, it could be his doing."

Yang Zhong sighed helplessly: "So what? Du Lianshan is adamant that he won't tell us, so where can we find the thieves?"

"The murderer is either dead or has left traces. He needs rest, food and water. And it is impossible for one person to carry away so many horseshoe golds. So we can start with these clues."

Zhu Tan thought that more than 300 horseshoe gold pieces would not be so easy to carry.

Even if it is divided into small parts and transported in large pieces, it will still burn!

What's more, he still believed that Xu Zhubo was acquainted with the group of thieves, which was a very crucial clue.

Zhu Tan left the government office helplessly.

First of all, he had no trust in the way the yamen runners handled cases.

This is a very primitive method, without any techniques.

Second, he wants to meet Xu Yuan's family. Is Xu Yuan really innocent? (End of this chapter)