Daming prepares the emperor

"Wake up and look up."

The hood was ripped off, Fang Keqin opened his eyes, and before he could recognize the situation around him, he was yelled and scolded, and he couldn't help but look up to see the source of the sound.

I don't know where it is, it's pitch black, like a cave, and like a small room, only a small lamp is lit in the middle, emitting some light indistinctly.

The men who had arrested Fang Keqin before were all guarding here at this time, the leader still had a murderous look on his face, with one foot on the stool Fang Keqin was sitting on, with an arm-thick iron chain in his hand, one end tied to the On Fang Keqin's chest, one end was pinched in his own hand.

"May I ask which yamen you are from?" Fang Keqin quickly calmed down, "What did I do to get arrested? Your Excellency locked me away from the magistrate's yamen. Is there a transfer order signed and stamped by the three judges?" ?”

The leader sneered and said, "We are not from the yamen, we don't have what you said."

Fang Keqin was startled: "I am the magistrate of Hangzhou appointed by the Ministry of Officials. If you do this, aren't you afraid of being searched by the government?"

"Someone paid a lot of money to ask us for help, the government, how much is the government worth?"

"what do you want?"

The leader didn't speak any more, but stepped aside, revealing a man dressed as a scribe behind him.

The man walked a few steps closer, first cupped his hands towards Fang Keqin, and then said: "Master Fang, I am here to speak to you for my master."

"Who is your master?" Fang Keqin asked, "What do you want from me?"

The man avoided talking about the first half of Fang Keqin's sentence, and only answered the second half: "My master thinks about it day and night, and for the sake of the future generations of the Ming Dynasty, he sent me to remind Master Fang."

"Remind me?" It sounded like he was still a loyal minister, Fang Keqin was confused by his words.

"Yes." The man said, "Master Fang also knows that the imperial court recently sent troops to capture Sichuan. The success of this matter is my eternal foundation of the Ming Dynasty. It is not unimportant to bless the descendants of my descendants for thousands of generations. And everything It is impossible for everyone to work together in a big matter, and it is inevitable that some people will stir up trouble and reverse the car. I heard that someone has tampered with the military supplies this time, which is why the imperial envoy was sent to investigate the case."

Fang Keqin held back his doubts and nodded, at least here, there is nothing wrong with what he said.

"But there must be a limit to everything. The common people say that pulling up radishes will bring out the mud. This is what they are talking about. For the stability of the court, we can only chop off the radishes on the ground, and the radishes under the ground must not be moved. Yes. The Holy Majesty depends on them to fight wars, and the local government depends on them to govern. It’s not good for anyone to do too much, right?”

"I don't think so." Fang Keqin said, "clear and turbid cannot be confused, clear is clear, and turbid is turbid. In the Ming Dynasty, not only these people can fight wars, but also these people can govern the place. Pulling out these beetles is more difficult than Sichuan. It is the work of all ages.”

The scribe-like man was not angry either: "Master Fang's words are also reasonable, but radishes don't grow according to people's hearts. No one can control how deep they grow. In case someone from the capital is brought up, Mr. Fang can still take it easy. Say something like that?"

Fang Keqin frowned, he didn't know how to refute, he happened to be not the type of person who could argue, so he said, "You just need to mention something."

"The grain boat." The man said, "My master hopes that Mr. Fang can fight the matter of the grain boat."

Fang Keqin felt a huge sense of absurdity rising in his heart, and said angrily: "You have been talking about the truth for so long, just to let me take the blame for your master? You might as well kill me right here, it's better Let me look at your face and feel disgusted!"

The man said: "Master Fang, don't get angry in such a hurry, you first think about what I just said. If not..."

He looked away.

The leader knew it, and pulled the iron chain tightly with his hand, causing Fang Keqin's eyes to turn black and stars to appear on his head.

The man motioned for the leader to stop, and said softly, "I didn't make this decision to torture Lord Fang, but I heard that Lord Fang still has a son who has just been accepted as an apprentice by the prince's teacher. Let’s go to Beijing? Wouldn’t it be sad for those who hear that a bright future is ruined by this iron chain?”

Fang Keqin regained his strength from the pain, and his face finally changed. He could not care about himself, but he couldn't care less about the young Fang Xiaoru: "The dog was not brought by you."

The leader said: "He is not here now. But if we want him to come, we can let him come."

Fang Keqin insisted: "You! I won't agree."

Having said that, his tone was not as firm as before.

The man was keenly aware of it, and added another size to the bet: "I have heard a little about the incident at the gate of the magistrate's office during the day. I heard that the people in Hangzhou don't want to delay the farming season, so they transport military uniforms by land, right? If Fang Your Excellency is willing, my master can persuade the Hedao Yamen to lend you [-] grain ships and send troops to escort them, and the people above will not have the slightest opinion."

Fang Keqin was completely shaken. He had only been an official for a few years, and the Confucianism he had learned in the first half of his life had clearly been shattered.Loyalty to the emperor and the people, orderly parenting and trustworthiness among friends, are all bullshit. The relationship between people is all about interests.

It is not easy for him to protect the people in Hangzhou, and he has no time to think about how the dignitaries in Beijing think about how to conceive, saying that there are so many censors who come to investigate the case, it is not bad if one of the ten can make political achievements, and the rest Which of the nine of them didn't receive money, and what's more, they forced others to donate money.

There is obviously a terrible protective umbrella behind this big military supply case. I am struggling here, what can I do... At least let the people of the city not be cold and hungry...

"Can you really lend me a boat?"

"Of course I can." The man smiled, and ordered the person behind him to fetch a piece of paper: "Master Fang is indeed a sensible person, come, let's make a written statement."

The chains were loosened.

Fang Keqin picked up a pen, wrote his name on the paper, and stamped his handprint.

If the man finds a treasure, he carefully folds the paper and puts it in his sleeve, saying: "With this paper, my master is willing to leave a thousand taels of gold and a Zhuangzi to Mr. Fang's family, and he is also willing to give two thousand taels of good land." Mu. If Beijing runs properly, Mr. Fang may be released after being locked up for a while, and it is not impossible for the official to return to his original post at that time."

After hitting a stick, he threw a sweet date.

Fang Keqin said: "The imperial envoy arrested me, and I will commit suicide in prison. You don't need to give me your gold, I don't need the people's anointing and people's fat you looted, and my family doesn't need it!"

The man laughed again: "What Mr. Fang said, who wouldn't want to save money."

---

Prefect Yamen.

Han Baihu stepped in through the broken door, saw the concierge sitting in the corner and passed out, and continued to walk forward. There were a few handymen lying in disorder in the yard. They squatted down to check. No one was injured or injured. They seemed to be just sleeping. I was asleep, but I couldn't wake up no matter how I shook it.

Obviously, this is not something that mortals can do. The dignified magistrate's yamen can actually get involved with evil spirits and heretics to play tricks!

The more the group checked, the more frightened they became. After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Town God's Temples were built one after another in various places, and the yamen were covered with dragon veins and earth. If there were really monsters who came to arrest people, it would take many years of Taoism to be able to do it. Don't you know?

Han Baihu immediately ordered everyone to get together and protect Yuan Kai to go deep.

The bright moon rose high into the sky, and the courtyard was very quiet, not even the chirping of insects.They slowed down and walked slowly towards the only room with lights on.

There was a person lying down on the open space in front of the house, and the situation seemed to be the same as those outside.

Han Baihu winked, and a Jin Yiwei stepped out of the team, and leaned over to check his breath.

"My lord, he is still angry." Jin Yiwei said, "Looking at his appearance, he is consistent with the portrait. He should be Fang Keqin's son Fang Xiaoru."

"Go inside and have a look."

He came out quickly: "My lord, there is nothing in the house."

Only Fang Keqin was gone.

"Damn it, do this kind of thing under my eyes." Han Baihu's face was as black as a piece of carbon, "Think of us brothers as vegetarians."

Yuan Kai's complexion was not good. Judging from the appearance of the scene, they were probably only a quarter of an hour late, and the time of a quarter of an hour was a huge difference. Who on earth had the guts to openly break into the magistrate's office and take the imperial court away? Commander?Aren't they afraid of the government's revenge and the pursuit of the demon town?

Han Baihu turned around a few times in the same place. If Jin Yiwei came to investigate the case by himself, then although such a situation is rare, it is not unheard of. He cooperated with the spies in the city and notified the local monster town to cooperate. A thief can also find a clue.

But now...Han Baihu looked back at Yuan Kai. Their top priority now is to protect Yuan Kai and find out the truth about what the Holy Majesty and the Prince want. If the missing Fang Keqin is related to the military embezzlement case, what should he do at this time?Or to put it simply, do you want to take care of this case?

"My lord." Han Baihu whispered, "Make up your mind."

When this happened suddenly, Yuan Kai obviously couldn't sort out his thoughts. When Han Baihu said something, he didn't react immediately. He stared at the void with his eyes, and after a while he suddenly said: "What did you say?"

"My lord, please make up your mind." If it was an official next to him, Han Baihu would have blamed him a long time ago. He is a Jin Yiwei, he is used to dirty things, and he doesn't have much conscience. How could he be a good person with a kind heart? It was only after Eunuch Wei's explanation before the trip that he decided to treat Yuan Kai as one of his own, and he would be both prosperous and hurt.

"If it's an investigation, we have our own thunderous means." Han Baihu added, "I'm afraid there is something involved in it."

"Invite the people from the Town Demon Office first." Yuan Kai made a decision, "Invite in secret, don't disturb the other yamen in the city, as for us, go back to the inn and wait for the news, everyone don't sleep tonight , and wait for the results to come out.”

"Yes." Han Baihu sent someone to set off the fireworks.

"The enemy is in the dark, but we are in the light." Yuan Kai murmured, "We just decided to come to see him, but he was taken away. Is there such a coincidence?"

He couldn't help but start guessing.Maybe the person who kidnapped Fang Keqin was sent by Li Yinbing, maybe Lu and He hired evil ways to kill people to silence them, maybe it was Fang Keqin's thieves calling for a thief, and they were all in the same boat...

After guessing for a long time, Yuan Kai knew that based on the current evidence, it was impossible to determine who the murderer was, and his heart sank.The water in Zhejiang is really bottomless. If you think of the first step, people will think of the tenth step. If you can stare in the dark, people will dare to kill people. If there is no Jin Yiwei to follow, I am afraid that I will die without a burial. place……

---

"Sir, here we are."

Yuan Kai got off the sedan chair, looked at the tall crimson gate in front of him: "Is there no news from Fang Zhifu?"

Han Baihu shook his head: "No. The Taoist monk at the Zhenyao Department has been looking for the whole night, and there is no news. Those yamen servants are awake, but they don't remember anything. The same is true for Fang Keqin's son. He just said Before he passed out, someone broke in, what he said, what he looked like, and he has no memory at all."

"Sigh." Yuan Kai sighed, "My lord Han, you finally understand the filth of the officialdom."

Han Baihu clenched his fists: "If I hadn't been worried about investigating the case, I would have..."

"This is where things go wrong." Yuan Kai interrupted him, "Let's go in."

Because today I came to the Hedao Yamen, and they are all officials of Ming Dynasty, so it is not good to be so vigilant. Yuan Kai is only accompanied by Han Baihu and another Jin Yiwei. They revealed their identities and walked inside. A figure greeted him.

"I respectfully welcome Sheng'an." The two knelt down.

Han Baihu represents the Son of Heaven, instead of replying: "Sheng Gong'an."

Only then did the two get up, one on the left and one on the right introduced themselves, smiling very attentively.

As the saying goes, you don't hit people with smiling faces. Although Yuan Kai was dissatisfied and suspicious of them in his heart, at least he couldn't be sure.

"There's no need to talk about gossip." Before sitting down, Yuan Kai said, "I want to see your account books recording grain transfers first."

It's really different.

He and Lu looked at each other, and Lu Yiliang said, "Since your lord is anxious to see it, I'll send someone to fetch it right away. I just don't know which month or which month you want to see the account book?"

"First bring all the account books after the new ship is built."

Lu Yiliang turned around to get it.

He Yonglian stayed with Yuan Kai and poured him tea and snacks himself.

Yuan Kai suddenly said: "Master He, don't you have any seasonal fresh fruits here? If there are any, you can bring some of them so that everyone can taste them."

He Yonglian stopped drinking tea, and he replied without changing his face: "Of course, I'll let them serve you a plate."

When the fruit came, Yuan Kai was the first to pick it up, peeled off the skin and ate one in full view.

Han Baihu also ate one.

Not gold.

Lu Yiliang came back with the account books at this time. The account books were so big that a box couldn't even be carried on a tray. The two office staff followed closely behind him, each carrying one side and placing the box heavily on the ground.

"My lord, please read it." Lu Yiliang smiled, "It's just that there are regulations in the yamen, what your lord wants to see, please read it here, so we can help explain it."

"En." Yuan Kai nodded, bent down and picked up a book to read.

An hour passed, Yuan Kai put down the last account book in his hand, and Han Baihu's eyes immediately followed him. He didn't speak, but he was undoubtedly expressing a questioning meaning.

"The 50 taels of silver are indeed all used on the righteous way."

He Yonglian showed a well-prepared smile: "That's natural, the court has a clear official order, how dare we not follow it? Eat the king's salary, and be loyal to the king, just do your duty."

Yuan Kai was silent for a moment: "Fang Keqin, the prefect of Hangzhou, disappeared last night. Does Mr. He, Mr. Lu know about this?"

He Yonglian was surprised and said: "Missing? We don't know about this, this is the first time I heard of it."

Lu Yiliang was even more straightforward: "I don't know if you have sent troops to look for it. Mr. Fang is an official appointed by the court. What a troublesome person would do such a thing!"

"We are investigating." Han Baihu said coldly, "Master Yuan and I were going to see him when he disappeared. If we know who did it, I will keep him alive."

He Yonglian laughed twice: "What the boss said is true. If there is something we can help, just ask the boss."

"I haven't ordered you yet." Yuan Kai said, "After noon, I will go to the post to meet Mr. Li, and ask the two of you to take us to the shipyard together."

"Yes." He Yonglian seemed very talkative.

"Everyone knows." Yuan Kai continued, "The above means that the ship built by the Ministry of Industry was supposed to be completed in March, but I couldn't wait to launch it in winter, and I didn't report it. There are too many things that can be changed. , Timber, iron, military supplies, food, and grass, there is a slight mistake, and no one can afford the crime. If you are a little busy, it is best to check it out. If you don’t check it, no one can say what the consequences will be.”

He Yonglian and Lu Yiliang said: "Your Excellency is right."

Yuan Kai frowned secretly, it seemed that he couldn't find anything here.

Just as the three of them were about to leave the Hedao Yamen, a brocade guard wearing a cloak and wearing straw sandals suddenly ran in from outside. As soon as he entered, he rushed to Han Baihu, bowed his head and whispered a word, and then retreated.

Yuan Kai looked at Han Baihu.

Han Baihu said in front of He Yonglian and Lu Yiliang: "An informant came to report that Fang Keqin has returned from outside the city."

He Yonglian said: "This is a good thing, how is Fang Zhifu?"

"He went to the posthouse as soon as he came back." Han Baihu said to Yuan Kai without looking at him, "Fang Keqin found that Li Yushi and said that he had embezzled the military supplies."