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“The Prefect has arrived. He came early in the morning, even before dawn, stating that someone accused County Magistrate Zou of corruption, allowing his relatives to act tyrannically, seizing people’s property and assets. The Prefect is currently interrogating County Magistrate Zou at the county yamen!”
“After the Prefect arrived at the county yamen, he instructed us, the gate guards, that if anyone claiming to be from Jiang’s Village and accompanying those who impersonated officers arrived, to bring them to the county yamen.”
“Please follow me.”
The guard led the way.
Jiang Mixia and Jiang Zhengxin and the others followed.
Compared to the earlier unease on the road, upon hearing that the Prefect had come to question the County Magistrate and investigate his family’s abuse of power, the villagers of Jiang’s Village became excited.
“It’s a stroke of luck! At this critical moment, the Prefect has arrived. He will surely stand up for our village.”
“Evil will never triumph over good. After committing so many wrongs, they’re bound to face consequences, and here it is!”
“Do you think it’s too coincidental for the Prefect to arrive just after our recent incident in Jiang’s Village? The Prefect arrived in the county town late at night after the incident yesterday?”
“If you put it that way, didn’t that guard mention they were waiting for us at the city gate, indicating that the Prefect was already aware of our situation in Jiang’s Village?”
“It does seem that way…”
The villagers of Jiang’s Village discussed, while Jiang Mixia and Jiang Zhengxin were equally puzzled.
Why did the Prefect come, and how did he swiftly become aware of Jiang’s Village’s situation? These questions lingered until they arrived at the county yamen and saw Xun Yuanbai’s smiling face, leading them to roughly understand the situation.
Xun Yuanbai wasted no time in addressing them, “No need to thank me. I didn’t intervene to help you specifically, but I couldn’t stand the injustice!”
After living for so many years, when had he ever faced such mistreatment? If they didn’t show these troublemakers a lesson, they would continue to see him as just a flashy charlatan!
Therefore, without hesitation, he hired a carriage upon arriving in town and made his way to Prefect Zhao.
Prefect Zhao was a branch of the prestigious Zhao family in the capital city, which, to be precise, should be addressed as Uncle Lord. The Zhao family always emphasized mutual support among main and branch lineages to ensure the family’s honor and continuity.
Prefect Zhao, despite being a local official, had close ties with the Zhao family in the capital city, staying informed about the city’s affairs. He had even met Xun Yuanbai during his participation in the Ministry of Personnel examinations in the capital, aware of Xun Yuanbai’s standing in front of the Emperor.
Prefect Zhao was known for his efficiency. Upon hearing Xun Yuanbai’s account, he wasted no time, arriving swiftly to question County Magistrate Zou.
In the imperial court, all matters such as appointments, transfers, and dismissals required the Emperor’s approval. Technically, Prefects didn’t have the direct authority to remove a county magistrate. However, they could petition the court, oversee, investigate, and hold the county magistrate accountable.
With the principle that higher officials could influence outcomes, Prefect Zhao’s serious attention to the matter meant County Magistrate Zou was likely in serious trouble.
After understanding the circumstances behind Prefect Zhao’s visit to the county yamen, Jiang Mixia, Jiang Zhengxin, and the others, when questioned by Prefect Zhao, simply recounted the events truthfully and sealed their testimony with their fingerprints.
Prefect Zhao, a slightly square-faced, upright middle-aged man, concluded the questioning and addressed the group, “Regarding County Magistrate Zou and the Chai family matter, I have nearly unraveled the truth.”
With that, Prefect Zhao walked down from the platform, his demeanor reflecting seriousness and authority.
“County Magistrate Zou initially relied on his in-laws to pursue education and pass the imperial examinations, securing a position in the government. He harbored fear and favoritism towards his in-laws, especially indulging his brother-in-law, Chai Kaifu, who had been seizing farmland and properties, extorting money from villagers for years, causing immense suffering.”
“Chai Kaifu recently targeted Jiang’s Village’s porcelain kiln. Thanks to your courage in standing up to oppression and not being misled by corrupt officers, Chai Kaifu’s plans were thwarted. This allowed me the opportunity to root out these corrupt elements in the court, eliminating such pests on behalf of the court.”
“This time, you have achieved great merit!”
Prefect Zhao’s official tone was pronounced, slightly exaggerated, but the essence behind his words was sound. He made it clear that Jiang’s Village’s actions against the officers were not only justified but meritorious.
Initially, as people traveled from the city gate to the county yamen, many believed that with Prefect Zhao’s presence, the village’s actions might be overlooked, given the circumstances. However, the situation had shifted from being blameless to being commendable.
This newfound honor was truly significant!
Upon hearing this, the people of Jiang’s Village were elated.
For lunch, they dined at the county yamen. Prefect Zhao, as a reward for capturing Chai Fa and the corrupt officers from Jiang’s Village, specially arranged a feast with food and wine from a local restaurant, serving sixteen dishes – both hot and cold – accompanied by Fenjiu liquor.
The villagers of Jiang’s Village felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. They walked out of the county yamen with their heads held high, basking in the glory of their achievement. Even upon returning to Jiang’s Village, their joy and pride lasted for days.
“Eating a meal at the county yamen, especially as guests of Prefect Zhao, truly fulfills a lifetime.”
“That feast was indeed grand and generous!”
“Our days in Jiang’s Village have been comfortable, but such a lavish feast was a first for us.”
“Our ancestors must be smiling down on us…”
After boasting and enjoying the glory for over a dozen days, news arrived from the county yamen.
County Magistrate Zou had been dismissed from his position due to corruption and allowing his family to act unlawfully. His wife, Madam Chai, and brother-in-law, Chai Kaifu, were imprisoned and to be exiled to the northwest soon.
All ill-gotten gains were to be returned to their rightful owners. Unclaimed assets would be added to the national treasury for the maintenance of the county’s waterways and embankments.
The new County Magistrate, Li Zhongan, was set to assume office shortly.
Regarding Li Zhongan, the entire county had heard of him. Hailing from a scholarly and respectable family, he ranked eighteenth in the imperial examinations and was well-regarded during his time in the Hanlin Academy. His previous position as a county magistrate was also praised by the people. Upon his transfer here, the townsfolk were eager to bid him a warm welcome.