Chapter 258: Flaying the Skin and Stuffing It with Straw

Chen Sihai took a deep look at Chen Qiyu, finally understanding why this County Magistrate had arranged to meet him here in the brothel.

This was to let him come and see for himself — see what this Henan Prefect was actually doing here.

"Hand me the evidence you hold." Chen Sihai fixed his gaze on Chen Qiyu and said in a low voice, "You need not concern yourself with anything else."

These words caught Chen Qiyu off guard, and he hesitated before asking, "There's nothing I need to do?"

"You are only a County Magistrate." Seeing his confusion, Chen Sihai explained patiently, "You have already fulfilled your duty. You did well. What remains is mine to handle — that is my responsibility."

Having said this, Chen Sihai rose to his feet, turned, and walked out.

When he reached the doorway, Chen Sihai stopped again, slowly turned his head to look at Chen Qiyu, and said with a gentle smile, "What you have done today marks you as a model for Ming officials — praised by His Majesty, admired by your fellow officers. I hope the day never comes when I must seek you out. Conduct yourself well."

After saying this, Chen Sihai lingered no longer, turned, and walked out.

Only Chen Qiyu and his secretary Li Fang remained in the room.

Compared to Chen Qiyu himself, Li Fang's expression was rather sour. He said hesitantly, "This Lord Chen truly carries himself with some arrogance."

Chen Qiyu, however, smiled. He reached out, picked up his teacup, and took a gentle sip — the fragrance of the tea leaves instantly filled his mouth.

He said with a smile, "He is protecting me."

"A Luoyang County Magistrate like me has done enough by reaching this point. If I pushed any further, I fear I would become a target for everyone's arrows. I like this man very much. If every Ming official had this sense of responsibility and accountability, how could the Ming's prosperity ever be in doubt?"

"The current Emperor's keen eye for talent is plain to see — and so too is the slander against His Majesty throughout court and country."

Having said this, Chen Qiyu also rose to his feet, turned, and walked out.

Compared to when he had arrived, his steps now seemed exceptionally light.

The city of Luoyang had always been a place of bustling prosperity and clamor.

In the northwest of Luoyang, it was somewhat quieter. There stood an unremarkable government office, with few people coming and going on ordinary days.

Even if someone passed by, they would keep well away; if possible, many would choose to take a detour.

This was Luoyang's Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.

It had been a perfectly peaceful day with nothing much happening — but on this day, a group of people arrived at the Guard's gate, looking somewhat peculiar.

The gatekeeper couldn't help but give them a second look.

At the head was a man in his forties, wearing a long robe, with an air of refined elegance.

Behind him followed several men, each with a different bearing — though a few of them also drew the gatekeeper's attention, because he sensed the smell of his own kind upon them.

One man strode quickly up the steps and said to the gatekeeping Guard, "Chen Sihai, Lord Chen, Inspector of the Office of Transmission, wishes to see your Chiliarch."

Luoyang was merely a prefectural seat, so the Embroidered Uniform Guard stationed there was equipped with a single Chiliarch.

The gatekeeper was startled. Seeing the official pass handed over, he quickly reached out to take it.

He opened the pass and glanced through it quickly — or rather, he quickly glanced at the signature at the end.

"Office of Transmission, Inspector of the Fourth Rank."

Though he didn't know what sort of post this was, a Fourth Rank official was not to be trifled with. And since the man came from the capital, that made him all the more extraordinary.

The gatekeeper dared not be negligent. He hurriedly said, "I shall report this at once."

Having said this, he turned and ran inside.

Inside the Chiliarch's headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Chen Baili, Luoyang's Embroidered Uniform Guard Chiliarch, was drinking tea.

For him, this was a leisurely afternoon. There wasn't much business at the Guard headquarters, so he had the time to sit and drink tea.

Seeing the man rushing in frantically, Chen Baili furrowed his brow and scolded, "What sort of manner is that? Steady yourself, steady yourself. How many times have I told you all — don't get so worked up over everything. We are the Embroidered Uniform Guard; we represent the face of the imperial house. Be composed! Composed!"

The newcomer stopped, panting heavily, clasped his hands toward Chen Baili, and said, "Chiliarch, a group of people has arrived outside claiming to be inspectors from the Office of Transmission. This is their official pass."

At the words "official pass," Chen Baili immediately sat up straight.

Clearly the other party outranked him — otherwise they would have used a visiting card. The use of an official pass proved the visitor's status was far higher, since in roughly equal circumstances a visiting card would be used instead, as a matter of courtesy.

The other thing that caught Chen Baili's attention was the title: Inspector of the Office of Transmission.

He knew that the Office of Transmission had been mentioned with great frequency lately, though it had little to do with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so they hadn't paid it much mind.

But a few days ago, a document had arrived from the Northern Provost Office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, notifying all local Guard offices that when they encountered inspectors from the Office of Transmission, they must cooperate fully and must not delay or disregard them — any violation would be dealt with according to household law.

Such a document was highly unusual. Chen Baili hadn't thought much of it at first — who knew when these inspectors would come, or whether they would come at all.

He hadn't expected them to show up so soon.

Chen Baili's expression turned sour. He'd had nothing to do, stealing a half-day of leisure from his busy life — and now this.

He reached out, took the official pass, and glanced through it quickly — then abruptly rose to his feet.

Office of Transmission, Director of the Inspectorate, Fourth Rank.

What this post signified, Chen Baili knew all too well — it meant the highest authority of the Inspectorate had arrived in person.

The Inspectorate was already no ordinary body to begin with; now its highest chief had come as well. This meant something major was afoot.

Straightening his robes and cap, Chen Baili hurriedly said, "Quickly — go out to receive him."

Having said this, Chen Baili strode quickly outside.

The Guard who had come to report wore a strange expression. Hadn't the Chiliarch himself just said to be composed, to be composed? Why was he not composed now?

But that quip could only stay in his heart — he would never dare voice it aloud.

When Chen Baili rushed out of the headquarters, he spotted the crowd of people at the gate at a glance.

Chen Baili hurriedly smiled and clasped his hands, saying, "May I ask which of you is Lord Chen Sihai?"

"Your subordinate Chen Baili, Chiliarch of the Luoyang Embroidered Uniform Guard, has come late to receive you. I beg Lord Chen's forgiveness."

Chen Sihai stood in place, also smiling and clasping his hands, and said, "I am Chen Sihai."

At the same time, Chen Sihai felt somewhat bemused inside — why were there Chen-surnamed people everywhere?

The Luoyang County Magistrate was named Chen Qiyu, and now here was another Embroidered Uniform Guard Chiliarch named Chen Baili. Thank goodness the Henan Prefect wasn't surnamed Chen.

"So it is Lord Chen in person." Chen Baili hurriedly smiled and said, "Please, my lord, step inside."

Chen Sihai nodded and followed Chen Baili inside.

The group arrived at the rear hall, took their seats as host and guest, and tea was served.

Chen Baili said politely, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard offices are a bit crude. I hope Lord Chen will be understanding."

Chen Sihai waved his hand lightly, set down his teacup, and said with a smile, "An official should be incorruptible and self-disciplined; lavish offices are actually not a good thing."

"Lord Chen sees far and wide—well said." Chen Baili hurriedly flattered him with a smile.

Seeing that the atmosphere was right, Chen Sihai no longer concealed anything and continued, "This time I have come to Luoyang on His Majesty's sacred decree, to first thoroughly investigate the case of the Henan Prefect's corruption and bribery."

"After several days of investigation, I already hold solid evidence in my hands. I have come to the Embroidered Uniform Guard offices this time hoping that Chiliarch Chen can allocate some Guard personnel to accompany me in apprehending the criminal."

Hearing Chen Sihai say this, Chen Baili was startled for a moment, then said with a smile, "In that case, there is naturally no problem."

"The Northern Provost's Office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already issued a directive that all Guard units should cooperate with the Office of Transmission. So whatever you need, Lord, please speak freely." Chen Baili said with a smile.

It was only a matter of arresting a Prefect—nothing difficult for the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But Chen Baili's heart was not calm either—they were about to arrest Liao Zhong, the Henan Prefect.

They all operated on the ground in Luoyang, so Chen Baili naturally knew Liao Zhong's character, but this was not his duty, nor was it his place to interfere.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard in Luoyang had its own responsibilities—keeping a good watch on Prince Fu was the key. If Prince Fu made any rebellious moves and the Guard failed to detect them, that would be their dereliction. Other matters were not their concern.

Still, there was some doubt in Chen Baili's mind—arresting just one Prefect, why all this fuss?

One had to know that this office of the Office of Transmission could dispatch the Embroidered Uniform Guard—clearly showing how great its power was.

This Chen Sihai before him was also a key figure within the Office of Transmission, simultaneously in charge of the Inspection Bureau. Did investigating a Prefect really require him to come personally?

Thinking it over briefly, Chen Baili understood—there was something more going on here. But what it was, he did not know, and he did not ask.

"Excellent." Chen Sihai nodded and said, "Then bring your men and come with us."

Having said this, Chen Sihai stood up, looking as if he were about to leave.

Chen Baili said hesitantly, "Going right now?"

Hearing Chen Baili's words, Chen Sihai stopped in his tracks, turned his head to stare at Chen Baili, and the smile on his face slowly faded. With a grim expression, he said, "Is there some inconvenience for Chiliarch Chen?"

Chen Baili quickly shook his head. "No, no—I'll prepare the men immediately."

Just being looked at like that by Chen Sihai made Chen Baili's heart tremble with fear.

This fellow was clearly not someone to be trifled with, and the question he asked was obviously a trap. If he said there was an inconvenience, he'd probably be arrested along with the Prefect.

"Excellent, then let's go." Chen Sihai nodded and said.

In fact, the reason Chen Sihai acted this way was to maintain secrecy—to give Liao Zhong, the Henan Prefect, not a single moment to react. If anything went wrong, he could not bear the responsibility.

One had to know that although Liao Zhong was a criminal, he was also a very important witness. If word leaked out, who knew whether Liao Zhong might kill himself?

If Liao Zhong died, how could he continue his investigation?

If Chen Baili tried to stall, then he would take him in as well.

This matter was a major case—the entire Henan Prefecture would likely be shaken. He could not afford to slip up on small matters; no one's face needed to be spared.

Chen Baili quickly assembled his men and followed Chen Sihai straight to the Prefect's yamen.

When the group charged into the Prefect's yamen with menacing force, they startled everyone.

The yamen runners guarding the gate, seeing a band of Embroidered Uniform Guard arriving with fierce momentum, turned and ran inside to report.

At the same time, someone came forward to greet them, and Chen Sihai said directly, "Toss them aside. If anyone resists with weapons, kill them on the spot!"

"Anyone who dares to obstruct—kill them on the spot!"

"Anyone who dares to shout loudly or pass messages—kill them on the spot!"

Hearing Chen Sihai's three "kill them on the spot" proclamations, Chen Baili shuddered.

Right—he hadn't misjudged; this fellow was indeed a ruthless one. The way he looked, he was about to charge into the Prefect's yamen and slaughter everyone.

This fellow not only had nerve, but his heart was vicious enough too.

Chen Baili felt some fear in his heart, along with a hint of excitement. The Embroidered Uniform Guard should have such awe-inspiring dominance!

What a pity...

Pressing down on the saber at his waist, Chen Baili stepped forward and declared in a loud voice, "Everyone charge in—don't let them shout or pass messages. Seize Prefect Liao Zhong directly."

"Yes, my lord!" The group of Embroidered Uniform Guard answered in unison, then charged inside.

Chen Sihai also walked in with the crowd, though he stayed at the rear.

The Prefect's yamen immediately erupted into chaos.

By the time Chen Sihai walked in, everything had already settled.

All the officials of the Prefect's yamen, great and small, were held on one side, while Prefect Liao Zhong was pinned down by two Embroidered Uniform Guard officers on the other side.

Seeing Chen Sihai walk in, Liao Zhong, the Henan Prefect, craned his neck, his face flushed red as he glared at Chen Sihai and shouted loudly, "Who are you people? What are you doing?"

Chen Sihai walked expressionlessly to Liao Zhong and said, "No need to shout—your case has been exposed."

"As for who we are, we are Inspection Envoys of the Office of Transmission, and we have come here to arrest you. Take a look—this is the arrest warrant issued by the Office of Transmission. If there's no problem, sign and affix your seal."

Liao Zhong's body trembled, and his whole demeanor collapsed.

He was the Prefect of Henan Prefecture, so he knew the Inspection Bureau of the Office of Transmission rather well.

It had been the talk of the town for some time now—Liao Zhong just hadn't expected their first case to target him.

He had originally thought it was just a dispensable office—who would have thought they'd make their move?

Liao Zhong glanced at the arrest warrant, which bore the great seal of the Inspection Bureau at the end.

He raised his head and looked around slowly, then said, "Has someone impeached me?"

One had to know that Liao Zhong also had access to the Office of Transmission's courier network and knew that they dealt in memorials. Ever since the secret memorial system had been established, Liao Zhong had worried that someone under him might impeach him, though he also felt it was unlikely.

Because his subordinates had long since been well-fed by him—if they dared to impeach him, that would be dragging themselves down along with him.

Chen Sihai glanced at Liao Zhong, a faint smile appearing on his face as he said, "That matter need not trouble you. Besides, you'd be better off worrying about yourself right now."

"Strip his official robes and remove his hat, then bring him in—I will interrogate him right now."

After saying this, Chen Sihai walked straight into the main hall of the Prefect's office and took the seat of honor.

At the same time, Chen Sihai said to the people beside him: "You all go to the second hall and interrogate the other officials of the Prefect's office. If they are willing to confess against Liao Zhong and have actual evidence, count it as meritorious disclosure on their part."

"When the court passes judgment, it will take their meritorious disclosure into account and reduce their sentences. You may tell them this so they know where they stand."

"Yes, sir." Several people quickly acknowledged and went off to their work.

When Liao Zhong was brought back to the main hall, he no longer had the bearing of a Prefect at all—he was forced to kneel directly on the floor of the hall.

Glancing at Liao Zhong, Chen Sihai said: "Will you speak on your own, or shall I ask the questions?"

"If you speak on your own, it counts as voluntary confession. When the Court of Judicial Review interrogates you, perhaps they will give you a lighter sentence; otherwise, you know the outcome won't be pleasant."

Upon hearing this, Liao Zhong raised his head to look at Chen Sihai and said directly: "I will confess on my own."

In truth, from the moment he was arrested, Liao Zhong knew he was finished.

His Majesty was not a soft-hearted man—how many officials had been executed in Beijing in recent days?

Those were big shots that even he could only look up to.

The six ministries in the capital had all been purged; it was said that blood flowed like a river outside the Meridian Gate.

Hearing that he had a chance at a lighter sentence, Liao Zhong confessed decisively without the slightest hope of getting lucky. He was willing to confess everything he had done, only asking to keep his life.

Chen Sihai nodded lightly, not at all surprised. A man like Liao Zhong was deathly afraid of dying; he would never pass up a chance to reduce his guilt.

Chen Sihai said: "Then speak."

At the same time, he nodded to the clerk on one side and said: "You are responsible for recording."

In fact, whether in the Great Ming or in later ages, once corrupt officials were caught, they would actively cooperate with the investigation—very few held out stubbornly.

Because they knew very well in their hearts: the more stubbornly you hold out, the faster you die.

Especially in this era, especially when His Majesty had already killed so many corrupt officials.

Liao Zhong poured out everything like beans spilling from a bamboo tube, confessing all his affairs.

From the time he arrived in Luoyang to take office—how he was corrupted, how he was won over by the Prince of Fu's household, how he opened every door of convenience for the Prince of Fu's household, and how he embezzled and took bribes—he told it all, item by item, without the slightest concealment.

Of course, Liao Zhong also tilted his account, pushing the main guilt onto the Prince of Fu while making his own offenses sound relatively minor—his greatest crime being embezzlement and bribery.

Chen Sihai listened quietly, his face showing no expression, though he felt a slight regret inside.

The Office of Transmission not being able to sentence these people was truly unsatisfying. Otherwise, such men, under the laws of the Hongwu Emperor's era, should have been flayed and stuffed with straw, then hung directly from the flagpole at the entrance of the government office as a warning to those who came after.

His own direct superior was a staunch supporter of the Hongwu Emperor, believing that all corrupt officials should be severely punished according to the laws of the Hongwu Emperor's era.

Those who embezzled forty guan or more were all flayed and stuffed with straw, then hung from the flagpole at the entrance of the government office. So that the next official coming to serve there would see his predecessor's corpse before even entering the office.

Of course, it could hardly be called a corpse anymore, because only the skin remained, filled entirely with straw, swaying in the wind atop the flagpole at the entrance of the government office.

As for Liao Zhong shifting the blame onto the Prince of Fu, Chen Sihai said nothing, because once the Prince of Fu was arrested, the two accounts could be cross-examined against each other.

This Liao Zhong clearly assumed that he did not dare to arrest the Prince of Fu.