Chapter 262.2
Thus, after three days, Lin Beifans entourage arrived at Huazhou Prefecture.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
The local prefect along with other officials and some common people came to welcome Lin Beifan.
Greetings to Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!
Greetings to the noble consorts, may you all be auspicious!
Lin Beifan looked at the young prefect and smiled, You must be Liu Shaocai! I clearly remember, when I first opened the imperial examination three years ago, you participated as an Apprentice Scholar and even ranked in the top ten, very impressive!
The prefect was overjoyed and tearfully bowed, I did not expect that after three years, Your Majesty would still remember this humble servant!
Lin Beifan smiled, Of course, I remember! I will remember every loyal minister who has contributed to Great Xia! Keep up the good work, with your abilities you can still be promoted!
The prefect was extremely excited, Thank you for Your Majestys great kindness. I swear to repay the imperial grace with my life!
On this journey, besides enjoying the beautiful scenery of Great Xia and experiencing the local customs and delicious food, I also want to see the construction progress in each place! Lin Beifan said.
Your Majesty, this way please, your humble servant will lead the way! the prefect said with eager courtesy.
Following that, Lin Beifan began his tour. He admired the most beautiful local scenery, tasted the finest local foods, and also inspected the local construction situation.
It was a busy yet fulfilling journey.
When the local people learned that Lin Beifan had arrived, they all rushed over to watch.
After inspecting three cities in a row, Lin Beifan was quite satisfied.
However, a small incident occurred in the fourth city while he was inspecting the local housing situation.
Suddenly, a dark-skinned old man knelt before Lin Beifan and cried out loudly, Your Majesty, please do justice for this humble commoner, or I truly cannot survive!
Everyones expression changed!
Such an incident during the Emperors inspection was no small matter!
Just as someone was about to step forward and drag the old man away, Lin Beifan stopped them and said, If it werent for a great injustice, who would dare to block the imperial procession? Old man, tell me your troubles, and I will see justice done for you!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
The other party said tremblingly: To report to Your Majesty, I, Wang Gousheng, am a local miner who has always worked hard without complaint or laziness! But the foreman Liu San took advantage of my honesty and embezzled my wages!
I earn 300 wen a month, but he embezzles 200 wen each time! With only 100 wen left each month to support a family of six, how can I possibly manage? I wanted to resist, but he abuses his power and is in collusion with the local officials! Left with no other option, I had no choice but to seek justice from Your Majesty!
Lin Beifans eyebrows knitted together: Are you speaking the truth?
Every word I speak is true!
Lin Beifan said expressionlessly, You all should be aware of what Ive been doing these days, right?
We we are aware! Sweat broke out on the faces of the two men.
In recent times, His Majesty had truly been ruthless.
In every city he visited, he would execute dozens of people and punish hundreds, most of whom were officials.
This caused those in the court to be in constant fear, dreading the day when it would be their turn.
Lin Beifan raised his voice and said, Yan Song, as the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Service, you have the duty to oversee all officials! But look at the kind of people you have promoted. How many corrupt officials have arisen under your watchare you blind?
I admit my guilt. Please give me another chance, Your Majesty! Yan Song immediately knelt down, trembling with fear.
Lin Beifan continued to berate, And Qin Hui, as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, you are in charge of the nations laws. But so many people below you are bending the law for personal gainare you ignoring this?
Your Majesty, your humble servant knows his wrongs, please give your humble servant a chance to redeem himself through meritorious deeds! Qin Hui also knelt down.
Having power does not mean you can act recklessly. Even the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people! Do you think you can redeem yourselves by simply acknowledging your mistakes? Do you think that I will let you off easily? Lin Beifan said angrily.
Your Majesty The two men kowtowed, shaking all over.
Lin Beifan watched them in silence until blood appeared on their foreheads from the kowtowing. Then he said, Considering the hard work you have put in over the years, I will give you a chance!
Lin Beifan took out a booklet and handed it to them.
This is a list of guilty officials. Deal with them according to the instruction on the list! Ill give them a chance if they cooperate and are willing to reform! If they do not cooperate, then they no longer need to serve in Great Xia!
Similarly, you will have redeemed yourselves if you do well! If not, youll see what happens!
Yes, Your Majesty! They took the booklet with trembling hands.
Upon opening it, their hearts nearly leaped out of their chests, for it was filled with names they knew all too well.
At the top of the list was none other than the emperors current favorite
The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and concurrently the Minister of Works, Heshen!
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