The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

On the sixth day of October, Mr. Zhao from Xiuzhu Township had been in Songjiang Fucheng for two days. Previously, Gou Wazi and others were arrested, and Zhao Lizheng from the same village was invited to the capital city, but was unable to return home. Mr. Zhao realized that something was wrong. He arranged everything at home and rushed to Fucheng without stopping. I am going to inquire about the background of the new county magistrate and the facts of the situation, and see if I can try to rescue the servants and others.

Although Mr. Zhao is just a rich man from the countryside, he is not without connections in the city. After the invitation was delivered to Xu's house, Xu Biao ordered people to invite this old friend to his home.

As soon as the two met, Xu Biao complained: I told you earlier that you should pay more attention to buying land for them. If you had been more careful, you wouldn't have been caught now.

Now when he was talking about this, Mr. Zhao, who was over thirty years old, murmured in his heart, and said with shame on his face: I regret not listening to what Brother Xu said, which caused today's disaster. Hey, I am also worried and uneasy in my heart. ah.

The two of them looked at each other with sad faces. Seeing that Xu Biao didn't answer, he only focused on drinking tea by himself. Mr. Zhao probed again: What do you like about the newly appointed magistrate of Huating County? Please thank Brother Xu for your kindness in the past and give me some encouragement.

Xu Biao said angrily: Master Chen came to Fucheng for the first time, how could I know his preferences. I think this man is young and successful, and his temperament is calmer than ordinary people. I am afraid he is not easy to talk to. In the past few days, I have been dealing with this man. There is no leakage. Xu Biao shook his head and sighed, I'm afraid that this person has a false reputation and only wants to gain fame and reputation.

What Mr. Zhao is afraid of is meeting such troublesome people. Corrupt officials are difficult to deal with, and honest officials are even more difficult to deal with. When he was crying in his heart, he stood up from the chair again and said sadly: Brother Xu, Brother Xu, please rescue brother for a while.

I worked hard for their family in the past, and I also wanted to make more good connections. When Brother Xu takes the exam in the future, I can also use some strength for you.

It's just nonsense. Only a ghost can believe that you are currying favor with their family because of me. Xu Biao cursed secretly, but thinking that the other party was indeed the bridge between his family and the other end, he still said: If you want to make this matter a big deal, it is necessary for someone from their side to come forward. Old Zhao, you understand what I mean.

I know, I know. Mr. Zhao nodded repeatedly, I will hand over the post to them as soon as I get back. This time, I did it for their family. I don't believe they will die without saving...

It would be the best if it could really be like this. Xu Biao nodded secretly, and then taught Mr. Zhao some words, instructing him on how to plead and cry when he went there. Mr. Zhao listened in great detail and thought about it several times in his mind before nodding his head and leaving the Xu family.

After leaving the gate, Mr. Zhao got on the carriage at home and walked slowly along the official road of Fucheng. On the way, he suddenly asked the driver to change the route and bypass the gate of Huating County Government.

The Zhao family's carriage moved very slowly. When it passed the county government gate, Mr. Zhao quietly pulled up a corner of the curtain and looked inside the county government gate. I saw four guards at the door, changing from their usual lazy behavior. At this moment, these people, each holding a killing stick, were lined up on both sides, standing on the same spot like stone statues, not even saying a superfluous word to each other.

Looking inside the door again, the county government gate leads directly to the court hall. There is no screen wall or other obstruction in the middle, which means it is upright and bright. Looking through the sun-drenched courtyard, in the neat and solemn courtroom, a young man wearing a blue official robe was sitting on a public case, reading something.

Seeing the plaque above the other party's head saying The Mirror Hangs High, there is also a conspicuous mural behind him. What is painted is a red sun rising from the surging waves. It is under God that the rising sun rises in the east, warning and admonishing its great light.

Mr. Zhao was really frightened when he saw it. He quickly put down the curtain and asked the coachman to hurry up and rush to somewhere in Fucheng.

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Chen Heng didn't know that Mr. Zhao, whom he was thinking about, had just walked through the door. He had just looked through the details of the county government servants in the past two days, and then went on to review the accounts from previous years.

His predecessor was really evil. When he left office, he left a lot of mess behind. The county government's treasury only had three hundred taels left. This little money is enough to do anything. Guanghuating County's normal expenses for a year are more than 4,000 taels.

This amount is not much at all. The official expenditures shown by the county government include the salaries of various officials. In addition to the county magistrate, chief secretary, Dianshi, Liufang and others. The county government also bears the expenses for the small officials at the inns outside, the watchmen on the streets, the Baojia in the countryside, the orphans, the elderly and the young in the almshouses, etc.

After the reduction of this group of people, Songjiang Prefecture also had 4,000 Songjiang Guards stationed in camps throughout the city. The salaries of these people must be shared by several counties. It's just that the money they handed over will not be distributed until it passes through the hands of Fucheng.

This is what the county officials govern the people, and the government officials govern the officials.

After deducting all kinds of expenses, looking at the interior of Huating County, there are two county examinations to be held every three years. Private schools founded by well-known scholars in the county must also be subsidized and paid. This is the power of education, which cannot be neglected easily.

When it comes to large-scale sacrificial festivals, some celebrations will be held among the people and in the city. Among the expenditures, in addition to donations of grain and silver from local large households, the county government also incurred an indispensable expenditure. Not to mention the need to build bridges and roads every year, collect corvees appropriately, and balance the relationship with spring plowing.

It is said that it is difficult to be a county magistrate. After Chen Heng flipped through the account books page after page, he realized how difficult it is to govern a county, and he also understood why the people called the county magistrate Parent Officer.

Although things are complicated and messy, there is always a thread to pull on among the myriad threads. Huating County has been split several times, from a large county to a medium county, and still has as many as eight townships under its jurisdiction.

The Dayong court stipulated that towns should be established for cities with more than 50,000 people, and townships should be established for cities with less than 50,000 people. Including half of the population in Fucheng, Huating County has more than 500,000 residents.

With such a population size, as long as it is properly guided and used, it may not be impossible for the bastard to stand up and sing a song of east wind.

After reading the account books and expenditures over the years, Chen Heng suppressed all the criticisms in his heart about his predecessor, and then ordered the clerk beside him: Go and get the fish scale book of this county.

Sir, which year do you want? the clerk asked cautiously.

Chen Heng counted the days in his mind and said, First bring the account books from the Jianping period.

This is the fish scale book for four years. The clerk nodded and quickly took his colleagues to the warehouse to search.

Taking advantage of a moment, Chen Heng leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes to relax. His heart was not anxious because of the severe situation. There are many difficulties, but as long as you keep going, the suffering will eventually come to an end.

The top priority is to gain the trust of the people in the county. Only in this way can your subsequent government orders be implemented and valued by the people.

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Mr. Zhao's journey of self-rescue is still going on. He doesn't dare to stop even a step and breaks into the Lou County government office. Lou County is also one of the three counties separated from Huating County. The county magistrate Zhen Zijing has been an official in this place for seven years. Zhen Zijing is famous for her promotion of talents, and it is said that she was recommended to be appointed as an official.

Lou County, like Huating, is a subsidiary of Fucheng. The two counties are bounded by the river in the city, Lou County governs the north of the city, and Huating governs the south of the city. This alone shows how big Huating County was back then.

No wonder the people of Songjiang in the past often said that Songjiang Prefecture had two prefects. One sits in the government office, and the other sits in the Huating County government office.

Mr. Zhao waited at the back door of Lou County for a long time before being summoned into his home by Zhen Zijing's steward. He sat in the outer hall for a long time, drank several cups of tea, and then waited until Zhen Zijing, who was wearing regular clothes, came out slowly.

As soon as he saw the county magistrate himself, Mr. Zhao screamed loudly, Sir, save me. Sir, this villain is really unjust.

Zhenzi sat quietly at the top, raising his hand frequently to signal Mr. Zhao to calm down, and then said slowly and comfortingly: You, you, you are really confused about this matter. You know that the new county magistrate is coming, and you still dare to call me. The people below are doing whatever they want. Why don’t you understand the principle of the three things a new official should do when he takes office?

Seeing Zhen Zijing, the first time she opened her mouth was to criticize her. Mr. Zhao also had something to say, and he immediately said aggrievedly: Sir, my parents. I also want to do my best for my boss, so I want to take advantage of Mr. Chen's unsteady footing to get things done for my boss.

Stop fooling me in the name of your boss. How much land has gone into your pocket? Do you really think I don’t know? Zhen Zijing let out a disdainful snort and said, You keep saying it's for the boss, so aren't you causing trouble for the boss now?

Mr. Zhao didn't even dare to drink tea. He stood up and bowed to apologize: In July, the manager of my boss told us to collect the land quickly so as not to miss the good time and let the people in the village recover. I'm... I'm... …”

Zhen Zi frowned as he listened, put down his tea cup and asked, Nonsense, when did my boss say such things?!

After receiving Xu Biao's advice, Mr. Zhao quickly corrected his words with a smile, and while fanning his mouth, he said: Look at what I said, the manager of the boss really didn't say anything. It's just villains who do bad things in a fool's way, and they cause trouble to the boss. A minor inconvenience not worth mentioning.

Zhen Zijing snorted and ignored Mr. Zhao's actions. She just asked, Have the people in the village made proper arrangements after the incident?

Yes, yes. Mr. Zhao nodded repeatedly. He was certainly not a fool. In other words, only smart people dare to do bad things. Before I came to Fucheng, I asked the steward of my family to send two taels of silver to each household as an apology. Sir, don't worry, as long as this matter is settled, I guarantee that there will be no unruly people who dare to come out and expose me.

What a pig brain, you are really greedy for money and will kill yourself. You only have two taels of silver and you expect to shut someone's mouth? Zhen Zijing was very annoyed when she heard this. She could only point her finger on the table and said angrily: I'm afraid this is not going to be easy for you.

Mr. Zhao quickly winked at the attendants who were accompanying him. He waited until the servant brought a plate of grained silver before he said with a cheeky smile: I know that you are working hard, and you will have a headache and trouble for the things of this villain. I am worried about the cold winter, so I pay special tribute to the wife of the house. Some small gifts.”

Zhen Zijing didn't say anything, she just picked up the teacup from the table and took a sip. Seeing this, Mr. Zhao quickly asked his servants to put down the money.

You can go back. After the servants finished their work, Zhen Zijing had already started to greet the guests.

Mr. Zhao knew that as long as the other party was willing to accept the money, it meant there was room for maneuver in the matter. Thinking of his employer's ability and reputation, he felt a little relieved, quickly showed a bright smile, and stepped back.

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After Mr. Zhao left, Zhen Zijing was still sitting in her seat. After a while, a middle-aged man walked out from the screen behind him. As soon as this person entered the hall, he ran straight to the silver on the table. Lifting up the red cloth covering it, he took a look, counted the amount of silver, and couldn't help laughing and said: Old Zhao is very rich. When he sells it, it is five hundred taels.

After the man had laughed, Zhen Zijing asked the man dressed as a scholar to sit down and said jokingly: I am afraid that Mr. Chen, a rich old man from the country, will be frightened. This time I have lost everything, but I still want to buy peace of mind.

Push your newly arrived teacup in front of the other person. Zhen Zijing changed her respectful tone again, Manager Zhen, what do you think we should do about this matter? Should we go to the Huating County government office or not?

Go, why don't you go. Manager Zhen smiled contemptuously, If you don't go, how will Mr. Chen know that Mr. Zhao is behind our Zhen family.

The man then ordered: You know how to say it yourself. You only need to point out a little bit, you don't have to say it in detail.

Yes. Zhen Zijing nodded, What if he doesn't obey?

What are you afraid of? With our family's reputation, can he still kill people? Manager Zhen sneered, In Jiangnan, our Zhen family's reputation is more effective than those in the palace. But a new champion, Are you worthy of fighting with us? Who has served as the magistrate of Songjiang for several times and has not been a guest of our Zhen family?

Besides, look at this Mr. Chen, this is an ordinary small case, and it is deliberately postponed to seven days for trial. It is nothing more than asking for directions, hoping to see who will come to rescue the person named Zhao.

If he wants to see it, let him see it. Manager Zhen stretched his body and said in a brisk tone, In Jiangnan, even if he is a dragon, he must be coiled up by our Zhen family, and even if he is a tiger, he must be laid up by our Zhen family. . If you dare to toast and refuse to eat, you will be fined, we have plenty of ways to deal with him.

Listening to Manager Zhen's words, the magistrate of Lou County heard something else and hurriedly asked: What about this Old Zhao!?

Give it to him. Manager Zhen said nonchalantly, If he wants to kill a chicken to scare a monkey, give him a piece of meat and see if he dares to take the knife.

Yes. As a county magistrate, Zhen Zijing was extremely respectful to the people in front of her.

The reputation of Jinling Zhen family is indeed well-deserved.

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The next day, Chen Heng remained motionless in the county government office. In two days' time, the trial will begin. The people behind Master Zhao were more patient than he thought.

But it didn't matter whether he came or not. If he wanted to lose his pawn to save his car, Chen Heng wouldn't mind accepting the gift with a smile. If you are willing to come, that is even better. Just enough to call him and see who is behind it.

However, he just sat in court today, and Zhen Zijing, who is also the magistrate of Fuguo County, sent a message through the county government officer, saying that he was coming to see him.

The county offices of Huating and Lou counties are both in Fucheng, so the two places are very close to each other. Chen Heng asked someone to give him the correct answer, and in the afternoon, he saw Zhen Zijing, dressed in official robes, walking into the Huating County Yamen.

Although the official robes of the two of them are the same, the patches on their chests are different. Zhen Zijing is a seventh-grade tonic, and Chen Heng also has a sixth-grade Zhou Tongzhi. There was a discussion here. When Zhen Zijing saw Chen Heng, she cupped her hands and said, Thank you, Mr. Chen. I have been very presumptuous today and want to bother you.

Chen Heng stood under the eaves of the court hall, waiting for the other party to approach, and replied with a smile: When a distinguished guest comes to the door, how can I treat you as a courtesy? Chen Heng stretched out his hand slightly, I still have tea brought by the capital master in my room, Mr. Zhen , it’s such a coincidence, why don’t we enjoy your face and drink tea together.”

Seeing Chen Heng's friendly attitude, Zhen Zijing was secretly happy and hurriedly followed the relaxed Chen Heng into the study. Although the two of them were both wearing official robes, their words were not unfamiliar to each other. After only chatting for a few words, they became brothers.

The more they talked, the more convinced Zhen Zijing became that the other party must be afraid of the name of the Jinling Zhen family. I am more confident about rescuing Mr. Zhao, and I am more relaxed.

After talking about the scene, Zhen Zijing didn't mention a word about Mr. Zhao. She only said that Chen Heng had the imperial mission on his shoulders and that she would work together to help Chen Heng accomplish the great things.

Chen Heng also smiled when he heard this, and said with a pleasant expression: This is the most important event in Songjiang Mansion. With Brother Zhen's cooperation, Brother Zhen will have more confidence.

Zhen Zijing patted her chest and said, Brother Chen, don't worry, it's not just me. If there is anything beyond my power, wait until I get home. I can also ask for some help for Brother Chen, and I guarantee that it won't delay Brother Chen's important events.

Oh?! Chen Heng raised his eyebrows slightly, I wonder where Brother Zhen's family is, and he can actually help me fulfill the emperor's mission.

Brother Chen is joking. Zhen Zijing said proudly, My surname is Zhen, and my family is naturally in Jinling Mansion.

Hahaha. Chen Heng chuckled and closed the tea lid secretly, I have admired you for a long time! It is actually the Jinling Zhen family that I have visited four times. I didn't expect that Brother Zijing is actually the queen of a famous family.

After you are not from a famous family. It's just a name on the family tree. If you really want to talk about the relationship, it's neither far nor close, which makes it difficult for people to admire the glory of their ancestors. Zhen Zijing's answer was flawless, and she refused to associate herself with the Jinling Zhen family easily. close relationship.

After saying this, he lowered his head to look at the tea leaves in the cup and praised: The tea from the capital has a lingering fragrance when you drink it, which makes people think about it in many ways. Brother Chen is a good food, he has achieved success at a young age, and he has a bright future, which is even more enviable.

Chen Heng smiled and said nothing, neither answering nor denying. Seeing that the atmosphere was about the same, Zhen Zijing looked at the smiling Huating County Magistrate again, and finally asked aloud: I heard that Brother Chen went to the countryside to catch some unruly people a few days ago and came back?

Brother Zhen has also heard about it? Chen Heng showed a slight look of surprise. When he saw the other party smiling, he also took the initiative to cheer up and said: Is it possible that Brother Zhen has an old relationship with these people? Oh, that's not good. If it is true, , Brother Zhen should have told me earlier.

Zhen Zijing hurriedly raised her hands and said in a relaxed tone: How do I know these little unruly people? They are their masters, and I have some friendship with them. This Mr. Zhao has a loyal temperament, is kind-hearted, and has a good reputation in the countryside. . I learned that the people under my command were acting recklessly in my own name. I was in a hurry and found me here.

Oh—— Chen Heng stretched out the last note and immediately laughed, I didn't expect that the flood rushed into the Dragon King Temple. Suddenly, he clapped his hands violently again, shook his head and sighed, If I had known this, I shouldn't have When the trial is held in court, the people should come and watch.

Brother Chen has only taken office not long ago. He who doesn't know is not guilty. Zhen Zijing heard Chen Heng's difficulties and took the initiative to think of a solution for him, Brother Chen, if you are really willing to help Mr. Zhao, I will accept your kindness as a brother. I will not make it difficult for you. Just let Brother Chen handle those unruly people.

Chen Heng really showed a thoughtful expression. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and said: I'm afraid that a few unscrupulous people will not be able to convince everyone. If Mr. Zhao really wants to settle the matter, in my opinion, he will have to spend some money to settle the matter.

After hearing this, Zhen Zijing was truly convinced that Chen Heng was really planning to help. He secretly laughed in his heart. Sure enough, there are a few people in the world who can regard gold and silver as if they were nothing. The smile on her face became more sincere. Zhen Zijing approached Chen Heng and said, I wonder how much money Brother Chen wants?

Chen Heng laughed loudly when he heard this and said hurriedly: Brother Zhen is joking. Of course, this money is not given to me. It is during the court trial, and I will punish the sufferer.

He is actually a man with good fortune and good reputation. Zhen Zijing secretly thought, no wonder, if she were the top scholar, she would still pity her wings and refuse to get dirty. He nodded: In Brother Chen's opinion, how much is appropriate?

Chen Heng paused slightly, smiled and stretched out a hand towards Zhen Zijing. The latter was surprised and said: Why do you need five hundred taels?!

You, the magistrate of Huating County, have a huge appetite. You open and close your mouth. Are you sitting at home waiting for money to fall from the sky?

Brother Zhen, don't talk nonsense. Chen Heng was also anxious and quickly broke his own riddle, I said fifty taels, fifty taels is enough.

Zhen Zijing then burst out laughing, I'm confused for my brother's sake. I'm confused for my brother's sake.

Fifty taels of silver can buy peace. For Mr. Zhao, this is already excellent.

When Brother Zhen goes back, he can ask Mr. Zhao to prepare the money. During the court hearing, Brother Zhen told him that if he receives a summons from the county government, he can just come over without any worries. At that time, I will give his servants a good beating. , stay in the county government office for a few more days, give an explanation to the people, and then let them go.

After hearing such an appropriate arrangement, Zhen Zi could not help but nod his head and say hello three times in a row. The next chat between the two became more and more intimate, and they wished they could become close friends.

When it came to parting, Zhen Zijing was still a little reluctant to leave. She felt that the number one scholar in the dynasty was really talented in literature, and his words were like a spring breeze.

Brother Chen, if you have time in the future, just come to Lou County to see me.

Very good, very good. When His Majesty's errands are finished, I will definitely go and sit at Brother Zhen's place. Chen Heng sent Zhen Zijing away with a smile.

Two magistrates who jointly govern Songjiang City can form such a good friendship. Zhen Zijing couldn't help but feel extremely proud. She stood at the gate of the county government office and said, Why wait until Brother Chen finishes reviewing the case? I will ask him to set up a banquet in the restaurant. Brother Chen will definitely reward you by then.

Chen Heng nodded, and although he didn't agree, he still stood at the door and watched Zhenzi sit quietly in the sedan chair back to the Yamen, and then led Xinda back.

But he just saw off Zhen Zijing, and Xu Biao came right behind him. The two of them were just a few cups of tea apart, but their words were exactly the same, they were all trying to excuse Mr. Zhao from Xiuzhu Township.

Naturally, Chen Heng would not change his words at this time, and would still respond with the same rhetoric. Xu Biao also laughed repeatedly, put down the small gift he brought, and invited Chen Heng to go to the brothel to listen to music when he had time.

After receiving such promises from Zhen Zijing and Xu Biao, Mr. Zhao's mind was indeed settled. While sighing that the two adults were so proud, he secretly thought that his eldest son was no longer useful. If he had another son, he would be forced to study hard and become an official in the future.

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On the eighth day of October, the sky is bright and it is a good time. Chen Heng put on his official robe and strode into the courtroom. As soon as the people sat down, many people came to watch around the gate of the county government office.

Among these people, there were people from the city who came to watch the fun, guests from the local newspaper shop in Songjiang, people from Xiuzhu Township who were involved, and even servants from the Zhen family and the Xu family came to watch.

Everyone fell silent when they saw the young county magistrate sitting in court. In the eyes of everyone, some were excited, some were gloating, and many were vaguely expecting something.

Chen Heng looked around and took in the expressions of the people. Then he picked up the gavel on the case and said heavily: Ascend to the hall!

Eighteen or so standing officers all struck out with their mighty sticks and shouted in unison: Mighty!

Bring someone to commit crimes. Chen Hengli frowned and ordered the court.

Liu Xianglian, who was already the official history officer of the county government, immediately left the office and said, Yes, sir. He led two guards and walked away quickly. After a while, he led several prisoners into the hall.

People like Gou Wazi just appeared in court. The people of Xiuzhu Township who were watching saw their embarrassment. He couldn't help clapping his hands, half of the anger in his heart was released, and he immediately shouted: Master Qingtian, you have to make the decision for us.

Seeing the people at the door shouting to leave, Chen Heng knocked on the gavel tree again and shouted: Quiet. If anyone roars in the court again, he will be captured immediately and brought to the officer.

Two squads of police officers spoke out to help, silencing the people outside.

Who is kneeling in this hall?

After hearing the magistrate's question, Gou Wazi raised his head tremblingly, and saw Chen Heng, who was full of majesty, sitting under the high hanging mirror, and he couldn't think of talking. He just made a plop and kept kowtowing on the ground.

My lord, please spare my life, my lord, please spare my life. The villain is innocent, the villain is really innocent.

Thanks to book friend: Blue Raindrop for the reward.

Thanks to the book friend: My Big Stupid Sheep for the reward.

Thanks to book friends: it’s the breeze that blows into my breathless eyes.

Asking for votes, asking for monthly votes, and asking for recommendation votes. Hahahahaha