Chapter 641 - Chapter 641: Chapter 628: Impeachment (1/2)

Chapter 641: Chapter 628: Impeachment

Every once in a while, if Zhuang Qingning didn’t visit the workshop, they would definitely visit her to discuss the matter.

To alleviate the anxiety of Zhuang Yutian and Mrs. Meng, every time she came to the county town, Zhuang Qingning would take the initiative to go to the workshop, have a chat with the couple, and calm their fears.

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning had official business to attend to, Xu Zhengping did not insist on her staying any longer. He only walked her to the entrance of the weaving workshop, and then returned to the County Government Office.

—-

With their horses’ in full gallop, the letter was delivered to the capital city within two days.

Chu Jinnian’s face darkened as he read the letter in his study. He immediately wrote several other letters in return and ordered Jing Zhao to send them out.

The next day, in the main hall during the morning court.

“Your Majesty, I have a report. Zhuang Qisheng, the Magistrate of Ningming, has neglected his duties in recent years. He has extorted the common people and embezzled hundreds of thousands of taels of silver. He has abused his power to tax the people excessively, leading to widespread discontent among the local populace.”

“Your Majesty, although Zhuang Qisheng is a government official appointed by the imperial court, he fails to regulate his own family. His daughter, Zhuang Qinglan, acts arrogantly and domineeringly, intimidating others. After instigating many troubles, she justifies herself by saying that her father is a magistrate, using this to intimidate and threaten the common people, who dare not speak against her.”

“Your Majesty, Zhuang Qisheng’s son, Zhuang Lianghong, relies on his father’s position as Magistrate to bully people in the market place and even forcibly take peasant girls. He was even insolent towards the newly appointed Lord of Ninghe County, saying that she was nothing more than a peasant, and merely a minor county lord. He claimed that it was only due to Zhuang Qisheng’s momentary compassion that she managed to gain her title. The implication behind his words was that Zhuang Qisheng originally intended to silence the original Ninghe County Lord and claim the credit for himself.”

“He is merely a Magistrate, who depends on Your Majesty’s benevolence and through the hard work of his father, he was appointed to his position. He should strive to serve the people and be loyal to the country. Yet, Zhuang Qisheng dares to behave so arrogantly. He is truly undeserving of His Majesty’s grace and the position of Magistrate.”

“Please, Your Majesty, we ask for a prompt resolution to this matter.”

“May Your Majesty make a wise decision…”

At that moment, those who were denouncing Zhuang Qisheng all spoke in unison.

Upon hearing this, Chu Shengrui furrowed his brows, “As a Magistrate, a key local official, such behavior is truly abhorrent.”

“Minister Song, send someone to Ningming Prefecture to arrest Zhuang Qisheng and thoroughly investigate this matter. If he is indeed found to be corrupt and cruel, he should be punished according to the law.”

“Yes.” Minister of Revenue, Song Deyue, bowed and replied. His glance, intentionally or otherwise, flicked towards Mr. Wei at his side.

Mr. Wei’s face abruptly changed.

Indeed, Zhuang Qisheng had always been corrupt. However, much of the silver he embezzled had been presented as gifts to Mr. Wei.

If Song Deyue sends people to investigate the case and Zhuang Qisheng fully confesses, implicating him, what should he do?

Besides, what’s the deal between Zhuang Qisheng and the Lord of Ninghe County?

Hadn’t Zhuang Qisheng previously stated that the Lord of Ninghe County was extremely ambitious and opportunistic, and that they could use her to their advantage? After the Lord of Ninghe County was awarded her title, didn’t the two letters Zhuang Qisheng had sent to the capital city also mention that the Lord of Ninghe County was completely obedient to him?

Now, why is it being said that Zhuang Qisheng’s son disrespected the Lord of Ninghe County, and that Zhuang Qisheng had previously had designs on the Lord of Ninghe County’s title?

Mr. Wei couldn’t figure it out for a while. Subconsciously, he glanced at Chu Yunhe.

Could it be that Chu Yunhe, that fool, had been secretly manipulating things behind the scenes?

But at this moment, Chu Yunhe was also looking at Mr. Wei, his eyes filled with confusion.

Seeing this, Mr. Wei immediately dismissed the idea that Chu Yunhe was stirring trouble in the background.