Chapter 69: Feint to the east and attack in the west, pottery dogs and tile chickens

The Canal Transport Office is located in the heart of Huai'an Prefecture, adjacent to the Zhenhuai Tower and the Huai'an Prefecture Office, covering an area of 7.5 acres, spacious and atmospheric.

Hanging in front of the door are the six large characters "Governor of Canal Transport Department".

The Canal Transport Office has a huge deployment, under its jurisdiction are storage warehouses, shipyards, canal guard barracks, etc., with about 20,000 people. Just in the office, there are nearly 100 civil and military officials.

Such a behemoth naturally does not lack prisons—although nominally, it belongs to the Huai'an Prefecture prison.

Wang Ruyan was imprisoned here.

At the beginning when Wang Ruyan fell, he also experienced several assassination attempts, until the news came from the capital that Hai Rui was going to supervise the case, and then it stopped—everyone understood that this was no longer a simple corruption case.

After some people came to their senses, the pressure on the Governor of Canal Transport Wang Zongmu increased day by day.

After all, it is an office, and many things are decided by the Governor, but they have to be executed by the subordinates.

The canal transport commissioners, knowledgeables, document controllers, subordinate transport supervisors, and masters under the Canal Transport Office are mostly people from Nanzhili, and their families and relatives are all local, so they will inevitably be affected.

This month was the time for autumn grain to enter the capital, but the people below dragged on and on, and it hasn't been done until now.

Everyone is acting according to the rules, but every link is a little slower, and things are dragged down.

A few days ago, the Grain Sitting Hall and the Governor's Office of Warehouse Factories of the Ministry of Revenue had already sent letters to urge them.

Wang Zongmu had no other choice but to be helpless.

His troubles didn't stop there; recently, officials in Nanzhili have been impeaching him constantly.

For example, the previous fabrication of the sea transport encountering a storm, or impeaching Wang Zongmu for deliberately ruining canal transport for the sake of sea transport, and even his "Detailed Examination of Sea Transport" was also said to be "disturbing politics with learning."

If impeached, one must defend oneself.

But the officials speak based on rumors, while he has to defend himself with facts. For example, regarding his ship capsizing in sea transport, the officials only need to say rumors, and Wang Zongmu has to attach the confessions of the accompanying officials and the warehouse accounts.

The energy consumed cannot be reasoned with.

After going back and forth, there were many times of impeachment and defense, and he was also impeached for clinging to power and lingering.

In short, it made Wang Zongmu quite overwhelmed.

At this time, Wang Zongmu was sitting in the Governor's office, listening to the report of a knowledgeable.

"Governor, Commander Chen said that he is new here and needs some time to organize, hoping that you will not urge him. He will be as fast as possible, estimating that it will be almost done in seven or eight days."

Wang Zongmu sighed when he heard this. Although he was anxious, he knew there was no way.

The central government didn't know what the consideration was, and even changed the Canal Transport Commander.

The previous Canal Transport Commander, Marquis of Baoding Liang Jifan, was recalled to the capital and replaced by the Earl of Pingjiang Chen Wangmo, who arrived five days ago.

With this change, the handover naturally needs some time, otherwise it is easy to bear the bad accounts of the predecessor.

Although it is reasonable, the transport of grain will inevitably be delayed for a few days.

Wang Zongmu thought about it and said: "Like this, send the seven ships agreed yesterday first. If the Grain Sitting Hall asks, just say the rest will be sent out in a few days."

There is no way to urge, so he can only pad the Ministry of Revenue first.

The knowledgeable immediately copied a document and gave it to Wang Zongmu to stamp—the autumn grain ship departure requires the Governor's seal.

Wang Zongmu picked up the seal and pressed it down.

Just at this time, the Canal Patrol Hai Yushi Lu Mingzhang rushed in.

Seeing this, the knowledgeable quickly took the document and retreated, afraid of hearing something more.

Seeing that there was no one around, Lu Mingzhang said happily: "Governor Wang, Hai Gangfeng, the Patrol Commissioner Hai, is here!"

Wang Zongmu stood up and asked: "Arrived at Huaiyin Ferry?"

Jianghuai is not peaceful now, and Wang Zongmu, as the Governor, naturally knows who is fighting.

He is being targeted now, and he really has no way, after all, it is passive defense, and it is inevitable to be stretched.

But if Hai Rui comes, the situation will definitely be much better.

Even if he can't fight, he can at least share some pressure.

Lu Mingzhang gasped for breath and shook his head: "He said he will arrive at the Canal Transport Office immediately!"

Wang Zongmu was shocked, so fast?

He immediately reacted, estimating that he got off the ship and walked on land. At this juncture, he should not act according to the scheduled itinerary.

He straightened his crown and strode out of the office: "Go, you and I will go to meet him personally!"

Lu Mingzhang quickly followed.

On the way, the two did not forget to send someone to tell the Canal Transport Commander Chen Wangmo.

The two arrived at the door and didn't wait long before they saw a group of people coming towards the Canal Transport Office.

Wang Zongmu skipped a pile of young faces, and he saw at a glance a scarlet-robed official in his fifties, with a firm and resolute face, and he knew who it was at a glance.

He stepped forward quickly: "Hai Gangfeng, long admired!"

Seeing Hai Rui look over, Wang Zongmu walked down the five-step stone steps at the entrance of the office.

"I am Wang Zongmu, serving as the Governor of Canal Transport and Hai Yushi-in-Chief."

Hai Rui quickly returned the bow: "Subordinate Hai Rui, I have seen the Governor of Canal Transport and Hai Yushi-in-Chief."

He also looked at someone beside Wang Zongmu.

Wang Zongmu arched his hands casually and lifted Hai Rui up: "Hai Gangfeng, don't be so polite. I have admired you for a long time. Why not call me by my courtesy name, Xinpu."

Wang Zongmu holds the power of military and government, but he is a genuine civil official, a disciple of the School of Mind.

Privately, he loves to pay attention to the style of literati and the tone of friendship between gentlemen.

He also pointed to his colleague beside him and introduced: "This is the Canal Patrol Hai Yushi Lu Mingzhang, courtesy name Fengyao."

Lu Mingzhang bowed: "Patrol Commissioner Hai, long admired."

Hai Rui returned the bow and introduced everyone around him.

"This is Gu Chengguang of the Marquis of Zhenyuan's mansion, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"This is the heir of the Earl of Pingjiang, Chen Yinzhao."

Wang Zongmu looked at the latter unexpectedly and couldn't help but say: "Your adult is patrolling the camp and is not in the office."

Chen Yinzhao bowed: "Governor Wang, the subordinate is now the personal guard of Patrol Commissioner Hai, not here to visit relatives."

Wang Zongmu understood; this is to urge Chen Wangmo, the Earl of Pingjiang, in disguise.

He calculated in his heart that the Earl of Pingjiang should move faster.

He looked around: "Where is that Dali Temple Junior Minister Chen Dong?"

Hai Rui smiled: "We got off the ship early at Qingkou Ferry, they are still on the ship now."

Wang Zongmu nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

The Emperor's order is to let the Canal Transport Office cooperate with Hai Rui in patrolling salt.

To put it bluntly, Nanzhili cannot be relied upon, and the Canal Transport Office has a high enough rank, has tens of thousands of soldiers, and is responsible for the delivery and transport of salt taxes, which is naturally suitable to be a backing for Hai Rui.

The leadership is naturally this Patrol Commissioner of Salt Administration in the two Huai regions.

Patrol Hai Yushi Lu Mingzhang reminded: "Governor Wang, Patrol Commissioner Hai, why not go in and talk."

Wang Zongmu then came to his senses and was about to invite Hai Rui in to wash away the dust for him.

Hai Rui shook his head: "Governor Wang, please forgive me. The Emperor is waiting eagerly, and the Grand Secretariat has urged several times. The subordinate should handle the case first."

"Is Wang Ruyan still here?"

Lu Mingzhang beside him somewhat understood why Hai Rui was not liked.

Not giving face to eat and drink is one thing, but as soon as he came up, he asked if the case criminal was still there, saying it as if the Canal Transport Office could deliberately let people run away.

Fortunately, Wang Zongmu is generous. After all, he is a person who can write books and compile history, and a talent for prime minister does not lack this degree of tolerance.

He turned to Lu Mingzhang: "Fengyao, you take Patrol Commissioner Hai for a trip."

After speaking, Wang Zongmu turned to ask Hai Rui: "Hai Gangfeng, are you going to try it in the Canal Transport Office, or are you going to take the person away?"

Hai Rui arched his hands and thanked him: "Thank you, Governor Wang. Let's try it in the Canal Transport Office. The Emperor said that when coming to Nanzhili, the Governor and the Earl of Ding'an are the first ones to be trusted."

Wang Zongmu's expression moved slightly, but he didn't speak again, and waved his hand to let Lu Mingzhang lead Hai Rui to the prison.

At this time, the sky was gradually darkening.

The lanterns on both sides of the office were lit one by one, each signed "General Canal Department".

The canal soldiers held their heads high and stood in all parts of the Canal Transport Office, looking like they had a model.

Hai Rui was led all the way to the prison of the Canal Transport Office.

Lu Mingzhang said while walking: "Wang Ruyan is inside."

Hai Rui looked at Lu Mingzhang curiously: "Has no one tried Wang Ruyan since he was locked in the Canal Transport Office?"

Lu Mingzhang was stunned.

Now there is just a little sign, and the autumn grain was almost stuck in the two Huai regions and couldn't get out. If it were really tried, the office would not want to turn.

Moreover, this doesn't matter to them, there is no need to be a dog catching a mouse.

He was not easy to say directly, and after holding back for a long time, he said: "The Canal Transport Office is not easy to overstep."

Hai Rui nodded knowingly.

Along the way, Lu Mingzhang let the jailers retreat whenever he met them, letting the Embroidered Uniform Guard under Gu Chengguang take over the defense of this prison.

After walking for a while, Lu Mingzhang stopped and pointed to a cell: "It's this one."

Hai Rui arched his hands and thanked him.

Lu Mingzhang turned to leave, suddenly remembered, and turned back to ask: "Does Hai Yushi Hai live in the prefectural office or the Canal Transport Office?"

Hai Rui smiled apologetically and replied: "There are too many people following, we will go to the Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Commander Office later."

Lu Mingzhang naturally understood, after all, there were two hundred Embroidered Uniform Guards, which just saved the trouble of the Canal Transport Office, arched his hands, and left.

Luo Sigong pushed open the gate of the cell for Hai Rui and stood in first.

Hai Rui bent down and lowered his head, followed closely, kicked away the scattered straw under his feet, and cleared a place to stand.

As soon as he entered the cell, he could see the haggard Wang Ruyan.

His hair was now all white, his lips were chapped, and he was lying on the straw pile in the cell with a dazed expression.

Seeing someone come in, Wang Ruyan gathered his gaze slightly and nailed it to the scarlet-robed official at the head.

Wang Ruyan looked up and down, and said slowly: "Are you Hai Rui?"

When he was a Ministry of Revenue official, Hai Rui was still a magistrate. Later, Hai Rui was promoted to Ministry of Revenue official, and he had already been demoted to magistrate, just missing each other, so naturally they hadn't met.

Now that they met in prison due to fate, Wang Ruyan broke Hai Rui's identity in one bite, as if he had long known that Hai Rui was coming.

Hai Rui was not too surprised and asked casually: "Has anyone told you I was coming?"

He hadn't seen the Emperor yet, and Wang Ruyan was already in prison.

Logically speaking, this person's knowledge should have stopped before he was imprisoned. But now, with this attitude, it was clear that someone was communicating with him.

Wang Ruyan nodded: "It scared a lot of people."

He said, and changed his lying position.

Hai Rui called for someone to lift a table and two low stools, signaling Wang Ruyan to sit.

Wang Ruyan glanced at it and was too lazy to move: "If you want to try, try it. Wang also wants to see the ability of Hai Qingtian."

Hai Rui shook his head: "The Dali Temple Junior Minister hasn't arrived yet. It's not in accordance with the Great Ming Law for me to try the case alone, and it won't count if I try it. Let's just chat casually."

"Wang Ruyan, who are the many people you mentioned just now?"

Wang Ruyan looked at Hai Rui with a scrutinizing gaze and said: "Hai Rui, what are you pretending to be noble for!?"

"Don't you know in your heart why you came?"

"With so many mouths up and down in the two Huai regions, all of them took a bite of the salt administration. Why do you have to catch me, a small character?"

"Don't you know who these people are!?"

"If you dare to ask, I dare to say! After saying it, can you throw all these people into prison!?"

Hai Rui looked at Wang Ruyan, who was somewhat manic, quietly.

Seeing Wang Ruyan finish speaking, he said appropriately: "Just saying the names naturally won't work. But if you gather the experience, past, and material evidence of the crime, I will naturally handle it according to the law."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Ruyan burst into laughter.

It seemed as if he had heard something extremely ridiculous.

He laughed until tears came out, and then gradually stopped.

While laughing, he said intermittently: "Handle it according to the law?"

"Birds are woven on the robes of civil officials, and beasts are embroidered on the robes of military officials. After putting on these robes, which of the civil and military officials in the court is not a beast in official robes!?"

"Up and down in Nanzhili, how many of the super-grade old ministers, powerful officials, and powerful meritorious nobles are clean?"

"Why didn't I see you, Hai Qingtian, go straight to Nanzhili and catch them all in one pot."

"Not to mention Nanzhili, even in the capital, if you close your eyes and catch them at the court meeting, I guarantee you won't catch the wrong one."

"Why didn't I see you being the master for the people?"

"Hai Rui! Don't think that you, a mere Hai Yushi-in-Chief, can clarify the universe and sweep away all injustices! You think you are pleading for the people, but in fact, you are just a knife in someone else's hand! Sooner or later, you will be thrown away by the Grand Secretariat after being used!"

Hai Rui watched him vent and listened with interest.

These words of Wang Ruyan didn't sound like they were said for himself.

It was time to confess everything and fight for his life.

But now he was here talking nonsense.

So... is this the words those people wanted to pass to him, Hai Rui?

It was the same talk about deep involvement and tangled roots, no different from when he went to investigate Xu Jie, and they wanted to use his previous end to make him retreat in the face of difficulties and protect himself.

It really had no new ideas.

Hai Rui sneered in his heart, his neck turned around, observing this cell.

This cell looked no different, but with his many years of experience in handling cases, he always felt something was wrong.

The prison was close to the prefectural office, especially this cell, which was too close to the inner room.

Hai Rui ignored Wang Ruyan, sometimes looking up to observe, sometimes squatting down to fiddle.

After a while, Hai Rui finally found something wrong. He stared at the straw pile under Wang Ruyan, his hands behind his back, bent down and leaned close to look carefully.

He turned his head and signaled Luo Sigong with his eyes.

Luo Sigong understood, stepped forward, pulled Wang Ruyan, who looked a little panicked, away, and pushed away the straw pile under him.

I saw that in the straw pile, a small hole, a metal thin rod-like object stretched out.

The little lotus just showed its sharp corner.

Hai Rui glanced at Wang Ruyan, who was tightly covered by Gu Chengguang.

This person was no longer manic, but his face was gray, and he was humming to say something.

Luo Sigong leaned into Hai Rui's ear and said in a mosquito-like voice: "Patrol Commissioner, this is for listening to the corner, the Inner Guard is specially equipped with this."

It had been there since the founding of the country, and Luo Sigong's ancestors had produced a Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so naturally he had seen it.

A smile appeared on Hai Rui's stern face.

He squatted down, looking at the metal small rod stretching out from the other side of the wall.

Hai Rui covered the metal small rod and asked: "Is the next door the prefectural office?"

Gu Chengguang nodded.

Hai Rui pondered for a moment and ordered: "Trouble Commander Gu to go there."

Gu Chengguang arched his hands and walked out of the cell.

Waited for a while.

Hai Rui thought about it, let go of the object he was covering, and stood up slowly.

He turned his back to Wang Ruyan, looked at the corner, and said: "Wang Ruyan, clarifying the universe is what the Emperor wants to do, I, Hai Rui, naturally cannot do it."

"Precisely because the Emperor wants to clarify the universe, I, Hai Rui, started from you, Wang Ruyan, and from the salt administration of the two Huai regions."

"You don't have to look like the world is unfair. I'll tell you clearly."

"Before I came, the Emperor explicitly explained that starting next year, the salt tax cannot be reduced by even a cent!"

"If you cooperate, a small character like you might not be able to find a way out."

"Conversely, if you disregard the Great Ming Law and resist to the death, embezzling tax money..."

"Don't talk about you, Wang Ruyan! The royal relatives, hereditary meritorious nobles, and super-grade old ministers you mentioned will all bring about death!"

"Do not say that I did not warn you!"

In the last sentence, Hai Rui's tone was already cold, and his murderous intent was chilling!

The prison where Wang Ruyan was held was between the main hall of the Huai'an Prefecture Office and the Canal Transport Office.

The Canal Transport Office was cleaned up by Wang Zongmu, and idlers were not allowed to enter.

But in the Huai'an Prefecture Office, many uninvited guests came today.

The Prefect hid away, leaving only a few people of unknown origin gathered in the main hall.

Several people looked at each other with ugly faces.

The handlebar mustache middle-aged man was furious: "Rebellious! A mere fourth-rank official! Daring to speak so wildly!"

Except for this handlebar mustache, another man was dressed in cloth, and his behavior was clearly an official, and his face was livid at this time.

The man with the cloth official appearance gritted his teeth: "Good, good, good! I want to see how he brings us death!"

A young man didn't say a word, arched his hands and was about to leave: "Everyone, I will go back to report to my master first."

The handlebar mustache turned to stare at the young man and said seriously: "Heir, this person is heartless and looks like he cannot communicate. Let's be prepared."

The young man nodded silently: "I will tell my master."

After speaking, he got up and walked out.

Just at this time, a small official outside the prefectural office suddenly stumbled in!

Several people's faces changed, and they turned to stare at the small official.

The handlebar mustache was even more upset and kicked him: "Speak if you have something to say!"

The small official was already panting, and was kicked again, rolling and crawling to the side of the man with the cloth official appearance: "Supervising Secretary Zhang! Just now..."

He gasped: "Just now, Governor Wang and Commander Chen sent people to Huaiyin Ferry to meet that Dali Temple Junior Minister, and Deputy Commander Jiao."

Zhang Huan frowned impatiently and scolded: "What's wrong?"

The small official continued: "As a result, the ship didn't dock at all!"

Zhang Huan's face changed greatly!

Not just him, everyone present reacted and stood up.

The handlebar mustache exclaimed: "Not good! This is going straight to the salt warehouse and salt well!"

As soon as he finished speaking.

Only heard a clamor outside the prefectural office.

Several people looked back at the same time.

With a bang.

The gate of the prefectural office was smashed open.

Gu Chengguang led the Embroidered Uniform Guard and poured in, surrounding everyone.

He walked forward slowly and looked at several people.

With an unkind expression: "Everyone, come with me." ===== CHAPTER 70 =====