I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives
Chapter 232: Investigating Corrupt Officials
At dawn, the streets and alleys of the capital were still shrouded in a thin layer of mist. In the Duke's Mansion, Chen Jue and Chen Jia had already stood up. They were dressed in simple and neat clothes. Chen Jue looked more stern in a black robe, while Chen Jia was wearing a green shirt and plain skirt, fresh and elegant.
Today is the crucial day for them to investigate corrupt officials under the instruction of the Crown Prince based on the evidence they have collected.
Chen Jue stood in the courtyard, raised his head slightly, looked at the pale sky rising in the horizon, took a deep breath, and felt both anticipation for the upcoming action and a hint of solemnity in his heart.
Chen Jia walked gently to his side and put a cloak on his shoulders. "Xiao Jue, the weather is getting colder, don't catch a cold. You must be careful and cautious about what happens today." Her eyes were full of concern and worry.
Chen Jue held Chen Jia's hand, feeling the warmth, "Don't worry, sister. With the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the evidence we have worked so hard to collect, we will be able to catch all these corrupt officials and bring justice to the people."
His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was cheering himself up and conveying confidence to Chen Jia.
Following an order, the officers and soldiers of the Dali Temple lined up in an orderly manner and marched towards the corrupt official's residence in a mighty manner.
Wherever the team passed, the sound of horse hooves shattered the tranquility of the early morning, and the people on the street looked sideways, with curiosity and expectation for justice to come in their eyes.
The corrupt official's mansion is located in a prosperous area of the capital, and it always exudes an air of superior majesty.
However, at this moment, the vermilion gate seemed to exude a gloomy atmosphere.
The two stone lions in front of the gate seemed to be showing off their might in the past, but today they seem to be trembling.
Chen Jue was the first to dismount and strode towards the gate of the mansion. He pushed the heavy door open with force, and the door hinges made a harsh creaking sound, like the last wail of corrupt officials.
In the courtyard, the servants were already in chaos. They were running around in panic with terrified eyes, like headless flies.
Chen Jue shouted loudly: "The Dali Temple is investigating a case. No one should move!" His voice resounded throughout the mansion like a huge bell, with unquestionable majesty. The officers and soldiers quickly dispersed and guarded every corner of the mansion tightly.
Entering the main hall of the mansion, I saw the corrupt official slumped in a chair, his face as pale as paper, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead, and his eyes full of fear and despair.
He was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe, and his former majesty had long disappeared. At this moment, he was like a lamb to be slaughtered.
Chen Jue slowly approached, staring at the corrupt official with a sharp gaze, "Sir, the crime you committed is now exposed, why don't you confess quickly!" His eyes revealed deep disgust and anger, as if he saw through the corrupt official.
The corrupt official trembled and stammered, "Sir, I... I am innocent. There must be a misunderstanding. Please look into it."
He tried to make a final struggle, with a hint of hope still in his eyes.
Chen Jue snorted coldly, "Unfair? Look at what this is!"
He slammed a stack of evidence onto the table. The papers made crisp sounds in the silent hall, but they were like sharp blades stabbing into the hearts of corrupt officials.
The corrupt official's eyes fell on the evidence, his face turned pale instantly, and his body began to tremble violently. His eyes moved between the evidence and Chen Jue, as if looking for a glimmer of hope.
Chen Jia also walked into the hall. She looked at the corrupt official with disdain in her eyes, "Sir, as an official appointed by the court, you should benefit the people, but you are corrupt and pervert the law. Are you worthy of the people who trust you?"
Although her voice was soft, it struck the conscience of the corrupt officials like a hammer.
The corrupt official knelt on the ground with a plop. "Madam, I... I was also confused for a moment. The officialdom is really treacherous. I was forced to take this path of no return."
He began to cry and complain, trying to gain sympathy.
Chen Jue was unmoved. "Don't try to quibble! If you were forced, why were there so many acts of corruption? Why did the people become homeless because of you?"
His anger was like a volcano about to erupt, which could swallow up corrupt officials at any time.
Seeing that begging for mercy was useless, the corrupt official remained silent for a moment, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. Finally, like a deflated ball, he slowly said, "Sir, I'll tell you everything. It was the people of King Zhao who found me. They promised me huge wealth and a higher position, and asked me to open the door for them in the capital. I... I used the power in my hands to tamper with the tax accounts, pocketed a large amount of money, and seized the people's land, buying it at a low price and selling it at a high price."
His voice was low and hoarse, as if every word was filled with endless regret.
Chen Jue frowned, "Who are the other accomplices? Tell us in detail." His eyes were still cold and he did not miss any details.
The corrupt official wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "There is also Li Shilang from the Ministry of Revenue. He is responsible for allocating money and grain, and he cooperates with me from inside and outside. And... there are also several wealthy businessmen in the capital. They provide us with cover and help us transfer the stolen money. Every transaction is carried out in a secret base outside the city. It is very hidden and not easy to be discovered."
Chen Jue and Chen Jia looked at each other. They knew that this case was far more complicated than they had imagined. But at this moment, they had found the key clue and would never let any criminal go.
"Do you know the miserable situation of the people whose land you seized? They are hungry, naked, and their families are broken up!" Chen Jia's eyes were flashing with angry tears, and she was heartbroken for the people's plight.
The corrupt official lowered his head, not daring to look directly into Chen Jia's eyes. "Madam, I... I deserve to die. I am willing to hand over all the stolen money and property, and I only ask that you show leniency to me." His voice was full of despair and helplessness.
Chen Jue said coldly: "Whether to give you a lighter sentence or not is not something I can decide alone. You must confess all your crimes truthfully and cooperate with our investigation, then you may still have a chance of survival." There was no trace of mercy in his words, only a persistent pursuit of justice.
Following the corrupt official's confession, the officers and soldiers launched a comprehensive search in the mansion. They searched through boxes and cabinets, leaving no corner untouched. In the corrupt official's study and secret room, they found a large amount of gold, silver, and treasures, land deeds, and letters to and from his accomplices. The piles of gold, silver, and treasures were like mountains, emitting a dazzling light, but they also witnessed the greed and evil of the corrupt official.
During the search, they also found an account book that recorded every embezzled sum and transaction details. Chen Jue held the account book with mixed feelings. He knew that behind these evidences were the blood and tears of countless people.
Chen Jia watched the busy officers and soldiers from the side, and secretly vowed in his heart that these corrupt officials must be punished as they deserved, the capital city must be clean and clear, and the people must live and work in peace and contentment.
When all the evidence was collected and the corrupt official was escorted out of the mansion, the outside of the mansion was already crowded with people. When they saw the corrupt official being escorted out, they all cheered.
"Your Excellency is so wise! You finally caught this corrupt official!"
"We have hope for the future! Thank you for taking charge of this for us!"
The people cheered one after another, their faces were filled with joy and gratitude. Chen Jue looked at these people, and the fatigue in his heart suddenly dissipated a lot. He knew that everything he did was worth it.
Chen Jia stood beside Chen Jue, looked at the cheering crowd, and said softly: "Xiao Jue, look, this is the power of justice. The smiles of the people are the greatest affirmation of us." Her eyes were full of relief and pride.
Chen Jue nodded slightly, "Sister, this is just the beginning. We must continue to investigate and bring all corrupt officials to justice, so that the capital can become a truly peaceful place."
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