Hidden in the court

Chapter 171 Ascension to the Hall

The person opposite was also masked, but the two recognized each other immediately.

The person who came was Zhao Yao, and he let go immediately. Then Hu Die saw that he was holding an unnamed book in his hand.

"Found it, let's go."

Without wasting too much time, the two of them evaded and maneuvered their way out of the governor's mansion and returned the same way.

Hu Die immediately opened the account, which indeed contained detailed evidence of the bribes and corruption that Governor Wang Xie had received over the years. However, there was more evidence of the money he had spent on smoothing relations with his superiors.

It can even be said that the money he spent on building relationships with higher-ups over the years was more than the total amount of bribes and corruption he received. There were also many people involved, including three third-rank officials...

Hu Die did not dare to read on because there were too many people on the list. What surprised her most was that there was a name among them: "Huo Gang".

She decided not to pay too much attention to the list. It was too big a matter and required long-term consideration.

As they were walking, Hu Die suddenly remembered something and asked anxiously, "Where is Ji Mingshang? He wouldn't have come out yet!"

Zhao Yao nodded and replied, "I guess he won't be back until the second half of the night."

Zhao Yao knew very well what an embarrassing situation Ji Mingshang was in at the moment - he was pinned under the bed, and there was another person on the bed, and there should be another person on top of that person.

"Oh."

Hearing Zhao Yao say this, Hu Die felt relieved. She knew that Ji Mingshang should be fine. So, she became curious again and asked, "Did you find this book in the study as well? Why didn't I find it?"

Zhao Yao looked to the west and said helplessly, "It's hidden in a pile of books, and it's an unnamed book. My brother is not as good at hiding things as me. It's not hard to find at all..."

Hu Die smiled bitterly helplessly, and Ji Mingshang at this moment was obviously even more helpless than him.

What on earth is going on!

Ji Mingshang decided to take the opportunity to turn over and wait until the two of them fell asleep before finding a way out.

But as soon as I lifted my buttocks and twisted my hips, something pressed against my waist. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a square box.

Any surprises?

I turned over and saw the small box around my waist.

He opened the box and found a booklet inside. After flipping through it, Ji Mingshang was somewhat amused.

What was written here was actually trade with Jin, including but not limited to food and medicinal materials.

It's really a case of searching for something without any effort. Suddenly I felt that the forged evidence in my hand was useless. Forgery requires taking risks, so I really don't need it.

After thinking about it, he felt that it was inappropriate. He could have fabricated the facts to deceive his superiors and subordinates and bribed court officials. However, if Ji Liancheng was involved, this matter would most likely be left unresolved.

Although what I wrote may not be completely correct, based on the current situation in the court, it is almost certain that there will be no good people left if this blow is passed.

In the end, I hid what I wrote under my bed.

Fortunately, the noise stopped after a while, and the even breathing of both of them could be heard, and gradually they began to snore a little.

Ji Mingshang breathed a sigh of relief, crawled out little by little, and soon disappeared into the night.

Censor's Mansion

Several people were still awake, waiting there. Hu Die paced back and forth, Luo Lin was drowsy. Zhao Yao leaned against a pillar and closed his eyes to rest, while Su Mengyang picked up a pen to write down Wang Xie's crimes.

The list that Butterfly brought back lay quietly on the table.

"They are all here. Look what I found."

As soon as he came in, Ji Mingshang shouted, and then he found the book on the table.

"Old Hu, where did you find it?"

"You've come just in time. Take a look. How do you write this?"

The list was obtained, but there was another problem of how to write it up. There were so many people who had received benefits, how could they be included?

"You're just avoiding the main point. You must write about your low position and whether you have any background. It would be best if you get paid a lot."

After just a quick glance at Ji Mingshang, I knew a lot of things and felt a little surprised.

"Hey, why is there something about Huo Gang in this? Tsk tsk..."

The memorial was submitted, and it was not until three days later that Wang Xie and Zheng Jiao discovered something was wrong.

Before they could react, the imperial court issued a written inquisition. They were dismissed from their posts and awaited trial by the Imperial Censorate.

What’s interesting is that when the people were arrested, it was the state Sima Huo Gang who led the team.

The morning was particularly lively. Just after dawn, the yamen of the Censorate was already crowded with people, and the common people came early, hoping to witness this rare trial with their own eyes.

"I've lived for so long, but I've never seen such a high-ranking official being killed."

"Today is the day when the Supervisory Censor Hu is trying the Qingzhou Governor Wang's corruption case. Everyone come and take a look..."

The news spread, causing a sensation throughout Qingzhou City. People all knew that Censor Hu had not only resolved the poisonous incense disaster a few days ago, but was also upright and daring enough to take on tough situations. This time, he had actually brought down the highest official in Qingzhou. Who knew what exciting scenes would happen today?

Inside the government office, in the court, Hu Die had already sat in the main seat, her face solemn. She was wearing a green official robe and an official hat. Her eyes were like torches, and her aura was majestic. On both sides, Wang Dahu and his guards stood, with their swords drawn, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Wang Xie and Zheng Jiao were brought into the courtroom. Their former majesty was gone, and only fear and anxiety remained on their faces.

Perhaps they had never been very powerful, but the current situation made them no longer look like they were sycophants, and instead they had a feeling of being indifferent to life and death.

Hu Die spoke slowly, her voice cold: "Wang Xie, Zheng Jiao, do you plead guilty?"

At this moment, Wang Xie's face was as calm as death: "I plead guilty..."

Hu Die sneered, "You have been stripped of your official positions. Without official status, how can you call yourself a subordinate?"

"I know my mistake, little man."

Hu Die waved her hand, and then two guards brought up a box and opened it, which was filled with gold, silver, jewelry, land deeds, real estate, etc. These were all searched out from the residences of Wang Xie and Zheng Jiao.

This was not the highlight. He then threw out another account book, which was the simplified version that Su Mengyang had copied.

She pointed at the box and the account and said, "Zheng Jiao, why did these treasures appear in your house? Wang Xie, have you been looking for this account these days?"