Yingzhou, Hejian City.
"Down~~"
The frightened birds fluttered their wings and fled quickly, and a huge tree groaned and fell down.
The barefooted peasants stepped forward, regardless of the pain on their soles from the thorns and weeds. Seven or eight peasants stepped forward, tied ropes around the tree, struggled to pick it up, and walked out.
The forest was particularly lively. The little officials in black official robes, holding whips, were walking through the trees. Their heads were slightly tilted forward, like chickens pecking, and their eyes were constantly scanning the surroundings, as if they were eating.
The vultures foraging for food stepped on the fallen leaves and rotten trees, muttering and swearing constantly, and just passed by the farmer, shouting indistinctly as if they were holding phlegm in their throats.
There are people everywhere in the dense forest. Some people are holding big axes and are working hard to cut down. There are a few folk who are pulling the ropes. Veins are bulging all over their bodies. Their faces are red and their teeth are about to be broken. They have finally pulled down the big tree.
, someone was unable to dodge, and his legs were injured by a big tree. His companions hurriedly rescued him, but before he could take care of the pain in his legs, the clerk's whip had already fallen on him.
There were many small carts outside the forest. It was difficult for carriages to drive in such an environment, so they used wheelbarrows.
The wheelbarrow was too small, and the officials had very high requirements for the trees to be kept as they were. This resulted in the need for several civilians to walk in front to help balance and unload the force, so that the people behind could push the wheelbarrow.
Almost all official circles are filled with these people.
Various trees were cut down and transported to a camp outside the east city gate.
There are a large number of craftsmen working here, and they are responsible for processing these raw materials. Of course, it is only preliminary processing, such as peeling and so on. There are also carriages waiting here to transport the wood to other places.
The whole city looked extremely busy.
Inside the official office, it seemed particularly deserted and desolate at the moment.
Almost all the officials have been sent out to work, but there are not many useful people left here.
In the inner room, Governor Xu sat in the upper position and drank bitter wine.
The governor was quite young, had a neat beard, frowned, and said nothing.
Chang Shi was sitting aside at this moment, holding several documents in his hand, and said slowly: "The tribute wood that Your Majesty requested is still far short of it. If you can't pay it in full before the month, I'm afraid you will be punished."
Governor Xu looked at the young but aggressive Chang Shi, and he said calmly: "The poverty in Hejian is due to insufficient payment."
"How can you say that? There are mostly plains between the rivers and dense forests full of fine wood. Your Majesty allows the governor to do this. It is your honor to be able to see the wood in the rivers."
"However, if it fails His Majesty's good intentions, then I'm afraid it would be inappropriate."
Governor Xu fell silent again.
Chang Shi looked at his silence and immediately became angry, "Is it possible that the Governor is just looking at His Majesty as a child?!"
"Da Qi just defeated hundreds of thousands of troops from the Puppet Zhou Dynasty and built a small palace. What's there to say?"
"Why is the governor so resistant?"
"I never resisted."
"Then you give the order! We must collect enough wood before the month!"
Chang Shi looked at the other party's solemn face and said with a sneer: "If this matter is not completed, someone will definitely be punished."
The governor Xu Dun's heart was particularly complicated. He looked at the rat jumping up and down in front of him and had mixed feelings in his heart.
As a senior minister who had worked with Gao Huan and assisted Gao Cheng, he had gone through decades of ups and downs. He never thought that when he was about to retire in old age, he would encounter such a villain to torture him.
The long history in front of me only came here this year to be gilded. If he wants to make his qualifications look better, he will have to go back to Yecheng to become an official next year.
His name is Lu Xida, and he is the younger brother of the current emperor's adoptive mother, Lu Lingxuan.
Lu Changshi threatened a few more words, saying that he would definitely fulfill the emperor's request and express his filial piety, and then left angrily.
Lu Changshi strode out, and Biejia, who was guarding the door, walked in helplessly.
Biejia paid homage to Xu Dun and secretly wiped his tears.
"My lord, there is no justice in the government, which makes such a villain rampant."
But there was no anger or sadness on Xu Dun's face. He shook his head and said softly: "It's okay, it's always been like this, nothing has changed."
His expression was a little numb and untouched.
Don't look at him with some unspeakable sadness in your heart.
When Emperor Wenxiang was still there, the governor's political achievements in the local area were the first in consecutive years, which was extremely dazzling. He also made suggestions for the war, and was promoted to a capital official because of his political achievements.
However, this governor had many shortcomings in literary talent, classics, etc. Therefore, in front of Xing Shao, Wei Shou, Yang Xiuzhi, Cui Jie, Xu Zhicai and other great scholars and commentators, he seemed somewhat unlearned and unskilled, and was dismissed by many people.
ridicule.
During the Tianbao period, Xu Dun was high-spirited and had a beautiful beard. One day, Emperor Wenxuan suddenly cut off his beard after drinking wine and wanted to keep it. Xu Dun was so frightened that he did not even dare to grow a long beard anymore.
He didn't dare to show his face again. Later, when Gao Yan came to power, he asked to be released as governor to avoid the whirlpool of the temple.
Unexpectedly, even in this place, I still can't get rid of these troubles.
Don't drive too much to feel that it's not worth it for Xu Dun.
Xu Dun didn't seem to care very much. These years of experience had made him accustomed to these things.
He looked at this guest and said: "After autumn, I will return to the temple. I don't want to care about the affairs of this place anymore. I just want to find a casual job and spend my old age in peace."
"You are quite talented, but it would be a waste to stay here. I used to know Wei Shou and others. Although we are not friends, we can still get in touch. I will write you a letter, and you can take it to vote for Wei Shou.
Let them."
Biejia lowered his head and said in despair: "Since I graduated from Imperial College, I have experienced many places and held many official positions, but there is no place to stay. This time Mr. Xu wants to go back, so I will resign from the official position and rest at home."
A classic in governance, never go out again."
Xu Dun let out a long sigh.
He slowly raised his head, with a sad look on his weather-beaten face, "This is the way the world is."
"What's the point of being a prime minister like Yang Min and taking charge of the government? It's good to study at home, very good."
The two were talking, and the next moment, a state official rushed into the house with a look of fear on his face.
"Xu Gong!!"
"It's not good!"
"Thieves have attacked the craftsman camp outside the city, and the east city gate has been taken away by the thieves!"
"What?!"
Xu Dun was no longer as calm as before. He stood up suddenly and subconsciously wanted to draw his sword. When he stretched out his hand, he remembered that his sword had been hanging on the wall for a long time.
He looked blankly at the sword hanging on the wall, suddenly remembered something, and sat down again.
Don't rush around in a hurry, drag the clerk to inquire about the details.
After a while, another clerk rushed in.
"Mr. Xu!! The person who came here is not a thief!"
"I heard that he is the victorious general Kou Liu under the general's command!"
"He came under the order of Beidao Xingtai and asked Mr. Xu to go and see him immediately."
Don't be surprised and looked at Xu Dun again, "They are the general's men? What is the general doing?"
Xu Dun stood up, his face still calm, "Follow me out to meet you."
He basically doesn't care what happens.
When Xu Dun led everyone out of the official office, got on the car and rushed to the east city gate, several other officials finally appeared and came to see Xu Dun, and then followed him, the arrogant elder
Shi, at this moment, also lowered his head very deep, hiding it at the end, and did not dare to give orders anymore.
The city wall was already controlled by Taozi soldiers. The county soldiers dropped their weapons and knelt around the city wall, not daring to resist.
The officials responsible for guarding the city gate were also tied up and their mouths were gagged, and they were crawling on the ground like insects.
Many soldiers were stationed at the gate of the city. Among the people, Kou Liu was quite eye-catching.
Many peasants and craftsmen were kneeling beside him, talking loudly.
Kou Liu listened to their stories, his face was extremely ugly, and his fierce look was revealed.
"General, I have been left here for more than a month. I have been busy all day and have no time to go home. My family relied on my craftsmanship to support me. A few days ago, an old neighbor came to tell me that my wife had been starved.
They killed two children and left them living in a neighbor's house, but there wasn't much left to eat."
The craftsman wiped his tears and cried bitterly.
"My brother was hit while cutting down a tree. They didn't treat him or stop the bleeding, and they just let him bleed to death."
Everyone has a lot to say.
The scribe standing next to Kou Liu took notes and wrote quickly.
When the gentlemen arrived in their cars, these people just silenced themselves, not daring to speak or cry any more.
Kou Liu's face was cold and he stared at the people in the distance.
Xu Dun got out of the car and walked to Kou Liu. Regardless of his seniority and age, he saluted Kou Liu and said, "Meet General Kou."
The rest of the people followed him and said, "Meet the General!!"
Kou Liu looked at the people kneeling before him, and finally his eyes fell on Xu Dun's face.
"Is this how you run the place?"
Xu Dun didn't seem to be surprised. He had long thought of such a day. He didn't defend himself, nor was he afraid. He just calmly saluted again and said, "General, please punish me."
Lu Changshi, who was hiding at the end, buried his head deeper and raised his buttocks high.
Kou Liu had some anger in his eyes, "When I left Shuozhou, many officials in Taiwan told me that you have political talents. I saw your talents with my own eyes today."
"Are you worthy of being a governor?"
"Someone, take it down."
The soldiers quickly stepped forward, pulled Xu Dun out, and knocked off his crown.
Everyone was shocked. Bijia's face turned red. Looking at Xu Dun who did not defend himself, he suddenly said: "Some people have told me in the past that most of the generals' subordinates are capable ministers and officials who can distinguish right from wrong. Today I also witnessed it with my own eyes.
style!"
Kou Liu slowly looked at him, "Who are you?"
"Don't drive away from Yingzhou, Lu Dan!"
Kou Liu recalled it, his face softened slightly, "Oh, it's you."
"Why, I was ordered to go to Taipei in the north to investigate the local situation. The governor Xu Dun was forced to do corvee work, which delayed the spring planting. He did many harmful things to the people and I took him down. What's wrong with me?"
Lu Dan said seriously: "Since the general is from Taichung, I wonder what his identity is?"
Kou Liu looked behind him and said, "Go and invite Mr. Hu over."
The soldiers set off quickly, and after a while, Hu Changcan was brought here by the soldiers. Hu Changcan was followed by many petty officials, holding thick documents in their hands. It was obvious that he was investigating the relevant situation at the craftsman camp.
Kou Liu said: "These people asked me why I came."
Hu Changcan suddenly took out the order, "I am Hu Changcan, the Prime Minister of Xingdao Censor, and I am here to investigate the situation in Yingzhou under the order of Daxingtai Shangshu Order of Beidao!"
Everyone saluted again, and then Lu Dan said: "Mr. Hu, the governor is not guilty!"
Hu Changcan slowly looked at the embarrassed Xu Dun, "He is guilty of dereliction of duty and harming the people."
Xu Dun remained silent.
Lu Dan looked back at Lu Changshi at this moment.
Lu Changshi didn't notice this action and just buried his head.
Of course, this action could not avoid Kou Liu and Hu Changcan, but they did not pay attention.
"Xu Dun, I am going to put you in a prison car and send you to Pingcheng for interrogation. Do you agree or not?"
Xu Dun nodded, "I wish to obey."
Hu Changcan waved his hand, and the soldiers took him away.
Hu Changcan then looked at the rest of the people, "Lu Xida, Wang Boern, Liu Mu, Yuan Tiqian, Gao Shuangxi. Get up."
Hu Changcan read out several names in succession, and these people had long histories, were ministers, and were all state and county officials.
These people stood up together. Lu Xida stood up tremblingly and looked at the soldiers around him, and then at Hu Changcan and Kou Liu, whose faces were ashen.
He opened his mouth and said: "Mr. Hu."
"You guys will be put into a prison car together and transported to Pingcheng."
All these people whose names were read were extremely frightened at this moment. They all looked at Lu Xida, who was sweating profusely.
When he left Yecheng, his sister once told him that in today's world, he can offend anyone, but don't offend Liu Taozi.
He had already restrained himself, so why did he still face such a group of people?
Lu Xida hurriedly said: "Hu Gong!! I wonder what crime we have committed?"
Hu Changcan looked at him slowly and said, "Lu Xida, you are corrupt and bribery, you bully the people violently, and you exclude officials who are not close to you."
"Unjustly accused!!"
"I am not responsible for interrogating, only arresting people. If you want to confront them, go to Pingcheng."
When Lu Xida saw the soldiers approaching from the left and right, he panicked and immediately took a few steps back, "I am an official granted by the temple. If I want to be questioned, I should go to Yecheng. Why go to Pingcheng?!"
"This place is under the jurisdiction of Beidao Xingtai!"
Several soldiers rushed forward. Lu Xida wanted to resist a few times, but was directly pushed to the ground. The other people dared to resist, and they all knelt on the ground and begged for their lives. The soldiers also pushed them to the ground.
He was captured and taken out of the city.
Lu Dan was a little confused at this moment.
He watched these people being tied up, and Lu Xida's mouth was also gagged, and he was struggling and being dragged away by the soldiers.
"You, take us to the governor's office."
Hu Changcan pointed at him, and Lu Dan led them to the official office. He walked beside Hu Changcan, hesitated for a moment, and then said: "Mr. Hu, in fact, this corvee and other things were led by Lu Xida and others, the governor.
It was completely out of necessity that he protected many civilians, otherwise, the situation would have been even worse. He really shouldn't be allowed to take the blame."
"I know."
"Since you know it, why do you want to arrest him?"
"As a governor, I can't restrain the traitors under my command. I dare not disobey the temple's orders and do nothing. Why not arrest him?"
Lu Dan frowned, "But that's an order from the temple. How could that be done?"
"This corvee order was not only issued to Yingzhou, but there were also governors in other places who dared to risk the crime of disobeying the edict and continue to maintain spring plowing. Why couldn't they do it in Xudun?"
Lu Dan could no longer speak.
Hu Changcan and Lu Dan walked to the government office, but Kou Liu did not come with him. Only a hundred riders followed them, but Kou Liu disappeared without a trace. Lu Dan did not know that Kou Liu led the people there.
where.
But he thought that he must not be doing any good deeds.
The soldiers were shuttled through the city, and the bandits divided into four groups and fought towards the south of the city.
The south of the city is just like the original Cheng'an. It is completely different from other corners of the city. The courtyard walls are tall and the gate is red.
Kou Liu gave an order, and the soldiers drew their swords and rushed forward.
In the official office, Lu Dan was placing the lists of many officials in the city in front of Hu Changcan.
He saw that Hu Changcan also had a list of names in his hand, and he was comparing it with the names of these people.
The cry of killing suddenly came from outside, and the documents in Lu Dan's hand almost fell to the ground.
He slowly looked outside but didn't know where the shouting of death came from.
Then I saw thick black smoke rising in the distance, quickly flying into the sky.
Lu Dan looked at Hu Changcan in shock. He was sitting here as if nothing had happened, as if nothing happened outside.
"These officials must all be dismissed. Among them, those I have circled must be detained for questioning."
"For the rest, let them pack their things and go home!"
"The new governor, new governor, many officials, and other officials will arrive tomorrow. You will be responsible for welcoming and handing over."
"You continue to serve as chief historian and wait for the new order from Xingtai."
Lu Dan nodded, his face still a little confused, "Mr. Hu, this is outside"
"You don't need to worry about things outside. Xingtai has appointed Pan Zihuang, the king of Hedong, to temporarily serve as the governor of Yingzhou. Pan is a simple man and rarely talks. You have to help him stabilize the situation in the prefecture and county!"
"only!!"
Lu Dan saluted and said yes.
Hu Changcan explained some more things, left the empty official office, and quickly left here.
He was still in a hurry to get to the next place.
Lu Dan was in the city, watching the thick smoke billowing from various places, and the shouts of killing gradually subsided.
The sky across the river became gloomy and dark at this moment, as if it was shrouded in thick smoke.
Lu Dan couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Things are going to change.
Chapter completed!