Shaohua is Junqing

Chapter 121

Luoyi Inn.

"Master Jiu, I have already found out clearly. The magistrate of Luoyi County is named Huang Xiang. He has been in office for five years, but has no political achievements to speak of. He only knows how to spend his days in debauchery. In order to satisfy his selfish desires, he levies extremely high taxes on the local people, making them miserable and complaining about him. However, the laws of our dynasty do not allow people to sue officials, so the people can only vent their grievances." Xiao Ma said.

"The bustling and prosperous scenes we see in the city are only superficial. Many people's lives are miserable." Su Xunxian shook his folding fan. Even though he was used to laughing and joking, he couldn't bear to talk about these things at this time.

"How did such a person become the county magistrate? Is there no one supervising him?" Siyu asked puzzledly.

"The imperial court would send censors to various places for inspection every year. They would take into account all aspects, such as officials' performance, people's livelihood, and farmland. The censors would summarize the results of the inspection and submit them to the Ministry of Personnel. After verification, the Ministry of Personnel would deal with them according to the law."

"It seems that the supervision is not strong enough now!"

"Xunxian, take my order and dispatch the people accompanying you to secretly investigate County Magistrate Huang and the entire Luoyi County Office and collect relevant evidence. I want to rectify the administration of officials."

"Yes, Wei Chen obeys your order."

"Master Jiu, let me go too. I have nothing to do anyway, so why not let me go and see it for myself."

"Okay, then you stay with Xunxian and let Caidie and Xiaoma follow."

"no problem."

Beitang Mo Ran gave Su Xunxian a look, and he immediately understood. He raised his hand and bowed to show that he understood. Beitang Mo Ran nodded with satisfaction.

Ying Niang originally thought that the government would handle her case quickly after receiving it, but she didn't expect that it would drag on for several days with no progress. Ying Niang also went to the county government to inquire many times, but was turned away every time. He Xin was fearless and continued to harass her, leaving her with nowhere to complain.

That day, Yingniang came to the county government office again and struck the drum in front of the gate to appeal for justice.

Although County Magistrate Huang was very reluctant, he still went to the court to investigate the case.

"Ying Niang, what grievances have you committed?"

"Sir, a few days ago I sued He Xin, but there has been no verdict yet. I wonder if you have investigated it thoroughly?"

"Oh, you are talking about that case. I have already ordered people to question He Xin, and he admitted all those things. But in my opinion, these are your private affairs. Oh, by the way, you have already divorced. Well, whether you are divorced or not, these are private matters. You'd better solve them privately, and don't bring them to court and embarrass yourself." Huang Xiang sat lazily in the chair, saying infuriating words.

After hearing what Huang Xiang said, Ying Niang was furious. She had heard for a long time how this county magistrate neglected his business and spent his time in debauchery. Today she saw that he was really as incompetent and corrupt as the rumors said!

"Sir, I am asking you to help me because I am unable to bear the harassment and have no way to get rid of it!" She bowed and knelt.

"Ying Niang, this is your family affair, you should go back and solve it yourself. I have important things to do and don't have time to deal with these trivial matters. This case ends here. Master Qi, let her sign and seal the case."

"Yes, my lord."

"Court adjourned." The gavel was banged, and it was over.

"Sir, from the time I submitted the complaint until now, you have never summoned He Xin, and never brought him to court to question him. Are you going to close the case so hastily?" Ying Niang asked unwillingly.

Master Qi brought the recorded case file to Ying Niang and said, "Ying Niang, please stop asking. The master has already said the case is closed. If you continue asking, it might make the master angry and that will be difficult to deal with." Master Qi advised kindly.

Yingniang felt both aggrieved and angry, but what was the use? She was just a commoner, powerless and had no influence. When faced with such things, she could only swallow her anger.

Just as she was about to sign, a clear voice rang out.

"How can Mr. Huang convince the public if he handles the case so hastily?"