The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 641

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.

After all, someone like Chu Yunhe would surely be flustered if he really did something like this. He shouldn’t be looking confused right now.

This incident, with no manipulation from Chu Yunhe from behind, must have encountered a problem somewhere…

However, before Mr. Wei could think more about it, he suddenly felt a cold and gloomy gaze sweeping over him.

Mr. Wei was taken aback. He stole a glance, noticing that Chu Shengrui’s gaze had lingered on him for a while. The pressure was intense, almost stifling, his back breaking out in a cold sweat.

Fortunately, Chu Shengrui’s gaze moved away.

Mr. Wei heaved a sigh of relief. He hastily glanced at Chu Shengrui’s gaze, but his heart thumped when he saw that Chu Shengrui’s gaze had fallen on Chu Yunhe.

He had frequent dealings with Chu Yunhe, and sometimes such matters couldn’t be kept secret. Chu Shengrui must have sensed something.

But sensing something is just that, as there is no evidence. As long as Chu Yunhe did not make any major mistakes in this matter, his identity as the eldest legitimate son would still be revered.

Then he, will continue to have a chance.

At this moment, Chu Shengrui, who was sitting on the Dragon Throne, almost saw all the small movements of Mr. Wei and Chu Yunhe in his gaze. When he thought about some of the things he had found out recently, his face darkened layer by layer.

However, this darkness dissipated a great deal when he looked at Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian, who were sitting on one side.

“With the days growing colder, the occurrence of fires in the imperial city, or any city for that matter, is common during autumn and winter. The Fourth Prince proposed to me a few days ago about preparing a squad of Submarine Fire Soldiers in the capital city specifically to deal with such incidents.”

“After carefully inquiring into it, I find this proposal highly feasible. Also, the water guns, water cannons, and ladders proposed by the Fourth Prince are very practical. I will now put the Fourth Prince in charge of this matter. The Minister of Works and the Yulin Army are required to assist.”

“Yes, I will obey Your Majesty’s orders.”

“This servant obeys.”

People like Chu Yunzhao replied loudly.

At the side, Chu Yunhe and Mr. Wei’s faces subtly changed.

Regardless of whether the Submarine Fire Soldiers would be of great use in the future, the fact that they were prepared under Chu Yunzhao’s suggestion undoubtedly added a significant merit to his name, enough to increase his favorability in front of Chu Shengrui.

Other officials then reported on various matters, to which Chu Shengrui responded one by one.

Court was soon adjourned and the officials dispersed.

Everyone orderly exited the main hall.

Chu Shengrui glanced around and said loudly, “First Prince, Fourth Prince, Chu Jinnian, Mr. Wei, stay.”

“Yes.” The four of them stopped in their tracks, each returning to their original positions.

When all the other officials had left and the palace doors were closed by the eunuchs, he said, “I asked you four to stay because there is something I want to discuss with you.” Chu Shengrui looked at them and said, “I am aware that I am getting older and my strength isn’t what it used to be. To ensure the stability of the state, it is time to appoint a Crown Prince.”

Appoint a Crown Prince?

Everyone was taken aback by Chu Shengrui’s words.

The matter of appointing a Crown Prince had never been brought up by Chu Shengrui. The entire court had assumed that this matter would probably have to wait another three to five years.

“As for the First Prince…” Chu Shengrui glanced at Chu Yunhe.