Chapter 29 - Your Wife Is Amazing
Chapter 29: Your Wife Is Amazing
[So, this is what corrupt officers were like in ancient times? They’re ruthless! Wang Zhi’s character feels so vivid.].
[Exactly, he’s incredibly vivid, so lifelike.].
[This is amazing! I never thought Xuan could persevere for so long in this situation.].
One of Wang Zhi’s calming expressions had a soothing effect on Liu Sui’s previously agitated mind. This was the charisma of Wang Zhi, who could steady people’s hearts with just a few words or actions.
Shortly thereafter, Liu Sui was directly transferred to the Ministry of Justice. Since Liu Sui already held specific responsibilities and there was an opening for the position of “Principal” at the Ministry of Justice, he was reassigned there, which savvy individuals recognized as a promotion.
Could a local officer and an imperial officer be compared?
[I finally understand why I can’t get promoted. It’s because I haven’t mastered calligraphy and painting.].
[Exactly, mastering calligraphy and painting is the key.].
[If I had a leader like Mr. Wang, I think I could make it too!].
Online users continued to express their opinions. As for Qin Xuan, he began to mentor Liu Sui. This young man had demonstrated his competence at the local level and now grasped the workings of the imperial bureaucracy. In this context, capable individuals like Liu Sui played a significant role.
Of course, everything Liu Sui did was legitimate, and he fully utilized his abilities. Qin Xuan understood that as long as Liu Sui proved his competence, it wouldn’t be long before he could join the Transport Division of the Ministry of Revenue. After all, the position of head of the Transport Division had recently become vacant.
Time passed quickly on the stage, and nothing significant happened during this period. The scene shifted to Qin Xuan and Wang Zhi in a study, discussing various matters. At that moment, Wang Zhi’s nephew rushed in and exclaimed, “Uncle, Brother Qin, there’s trouble! A group of bandits has stolen the tea leaves we recently acquired!”
The nephew appeared frantic in his report. Initially, things were progressing smoothly, but suddenly, a gang of bandits appeared and made off with their goods.
These audacious bandits had the nerve to rob the Ministry of Justice.
“Conduct a thorough investigation. Find out if anything unusual has occurred in recent days,” Wang Zhi calmly instructed, as if this incident had been within his expectations.
“But we’re dealing with tea leaves, which isn’t a prestigious business!” The nephew scratched his head, somewhat puzzled.
Their involvement in the tea trade was not something they could openly discuss.
“Who told you to investigate this matter? My mentor just said to check if anything significant has happened recently,” Qin Xuan explained, somewhat helpless.
According to his speculation, ordinary bandits wouldn’t have had the courage to rob them. This time, it was likely the work of Wang Zhi’s arch-nemesis, the Chief Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.
The Chief Minister of the Ministry of Revenue had come under the Emperor’s suspicion due to the Japanese pirate incident. However, the evidence was somewhat circumstantial, and only a department head had been penalized, leaving the Chief Minister’s position relatively secure.
“So, Brother Qin, are you suggesting that someone intentionally targeted us to cause trouble?” The nephew suddenly realized.
If that was the case, then his uncle intended to continue oppressing the Chief Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.
“Go and investigate if anything significant has occurred recently, especially anything related to the Ministry of Revenue,” Wang Zhi nodded, making his point more explicit.
“Uncle, I just remembered. When I arrived this morning, I overheard the common folk talking about a remarkable figure named Sang Chong!” The nephew had a sudden revelation.
“Oh? Tell me more. What makes this figure so remarkable?” Wang Zhi showed great interest, sensing that this matter was more complex than it seemed.
“He’s a woman who disguises herself as a man and enters other people’s chambers for… um, well, you know, illicit activities,” the nephew described vividly.
People in ancient times were also fond of gossip, and Sang Chong’s scandalous activities were a hot topic.
[Oh, I’ve heard of this. Sang Chong was a figure from the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, a very skilled woman who could disguise herself as a man and enter other people’s chambers for intimate activities.].
[That’s right, he was quite an extraordinary person. In the end, I believe he was arrested and executed by dismemberment.].
[This case had a massive impact.].
[I’ve encountered something similar in my wild history readings.].
People had some familiarity with Sang Chong, but they hadn’t expected to hear his story this time.
“Oh, there’s more to this? Investigate the types of households he usually enters, and look into it carefully!” Wang Zhi’s eyes brightened as everyone sensed he was planning to scheme against someone.
“He usually prefers the women of wealthy households. This Sang Chong is quite a character!” The nephew hastily replied.
“Alright, Zheng Cong, Qin Xuan, the two of you, investigate this matter. Do it promptly and find a way to apprehend Sang Chong!” Wang Zhi urged his grand plans in motion, with the capture of Sang Chong being a crucial step.
The case had been entrusted to the nephew and Qin Xuan.
“Brother Qin, how are we supposed to catch this Sang Chong? I have no idea!” The nephew complained to Qin Xuan as they left the room.
Sang Chong, a notorious womanizer, was nearly impossible to catch.
“Get a map of the western part of the city and a list of nearby residents. We’ll figure out a plan,” Qin Xuan decided after reflection.
He had some information about Sang Chong from the system, including records of Sang Chong’s activities before he was apprehended. While these details weren’t recorded in official history, they were available in the Ministry of Justice’s interrogation records, which Qin Xuan possessed.
The nephew nodded and quickly retrieved the requested documents.
“Brother Qin, the materials are here,” the nephew reported, presenting the files.
Qin Xuan opened the map and began to study the layout of the western part of the city. Then, he turned to the nephew and said, “Investigate how many households with officers bearing the surname Zheng reside in the western part of the city, especially those with attractive female family members.”
Based on information from the system, Sang Chong had been active in the western part of the city during this period and had targeted a wealthy family with the surname Zheng. These details were from interrogation records since no historical records of such activities existed.
“Alright, the western part of the city. My home is in the western part; I’m quite familiar with this area!” The nephew said.
“Wait a minute, with the surname Zheng… Brother Qin, don’t tell me you’re teasing me!” The nephew suddenly realized the situation.
“Brother Qin, you’re not pulling my leg, are you?” The nephew raised an eyebrow. While Qin Xuan was generally serious, he occasionally enjoyed a playful jest.