It was only because Mr. Tian She was specially permitted by the Crown Prince at that time, with the Prefect acting as guarantor, that he obtained the title of Scholar.
If we really discuss it, this title was given as charity.
Chen Guangrui couldn’t help but feel curious, a Scholar not doing proper work, spending all day managing his own family’s mourning business under his jurisdiction, one who repeatedly failed in the exams, gaining the title of Scholar only at an ancient age; then what about these two Scholars of the Xujike exams standing before him?
Being able to strike the drum of grievances, regardless of the severity of the matter, these two had already been put by Chen Guangrui on the same level as Xu Qing and Mr. Tian She.
"What grievances do you have? Speak in detail."
"My lord, I am the second son-in-law of the Zhang Family of Baisha County. The Zhang Family has two daughters. Because sister-in-law Zhang Yao and brother-in-law Yang Hong wanted to seize the family property, they conspired to frame my father-in-law into prison, and later instructed the officials of Jinmen Prefecture Government Office to collude with water bandits Zhang Da and Yuan Hu, throwing my brother and me into the river..."
Again, thrown into the river.
At this, not only did Chen Guangrui’s gaze reveal a look of astonishment, but even the Imperial Inspector and the always meditative Liao Jinzhong looked over.
Let’s say, besides drowning as a method of murder, can’t you guys come up with some other new tricks?
It’s really not to blame others; it’s just that the water transport in the Jinmen area is developed, known as a famous commercial port. The troublesome matter of murder, if placed elsewhere, would require painstaking efforts to handle the traces afterward, but throwing into the water makes it much simpler.
The turbulent waters of the Baisha River and Jinmen’s Baishui Dock, one more rapid than the other; as long as the person is bound tightly and thrown into the water, even if there are traces, they should be gone.
Wu Zhiyuan recounted how brother-in-law Yang Hong bribed Heaven-Reaching Heart Sect thieves to frame Wu Yaohua, and the incidents in Jinmen Prefecture afterwards, including how his wife Zhang Wan almost committed suicide.
Yet he did not mention the ordeal the brothers faced escaping peril.
Upon hearing the case, the Imperial Inspector frowned and said, "This case does have grievances, but you came away unharmed without injury to life, so why strike the drum of grievances, causing such a big commotion?"
The drum of grievances had become a mere decoration since the previous dynasty, used only for ascending or descending court sessions, with no one daring to strike it otherwise.
The reason is nothing else but that shortly after the establishment of the drum, many commoners would come to the Government Office to strike it over quarrels or lost items, causing such annoyance over time that a rule was established: unless there is manifest, grave injustice, you can strike the drum of grievances; otherwise, you’ll be lightly punished with battering or heavily sent for labor duties.
Since this regulation was introduced, over two dynasties, the times the drum has been struck can be counted on one’s fingers.
People would rather submit their complaints honestly on paper than take an unnecessary step to test the temperament of the chief official.
Thankfully, Wu Wencai was well prepared. When the inspector questioned, he astonishingly replied, "My lord is not aware, but that Zhang Family is no ordinary Zhang Family. It is the family of County Magistrate Zhang Yong of Baisha County, and Yang Hong is now not a common person, but the County Magistrate of Wanshou County."
To accuse officials of the Imperial Court, if you don’t strike the drum of grievances, then what can you strike?
Upon hearing this, the faces of Advisor Tang and County Magistrate He went numb. The two, having just heard the case, did not think much of it. But now, upon hearing the identity of the defendants, they couldn’t even complain despite their bitterness.
Too many lice, no worries. Since the matter has already been blown up, let it continue.
Anyway, they have the County Magistrate above them to shoulder the responsibility.
Instead, upon hearing this, the Imperial Inspector’s eyes lit up.
What is the purpose of his inspection? Isn’t it to investigate local political situations, assess official conduct, and impeach officials violating laws and discipline?
Below the hall, Wu Wencai had just finished verbally presenting his grievances when Wu Zhiyuan later handed over the prepared complaint paper, placing it at the front of the case.
Chen Guangrui glanced at it, indeed what a beautiful handwriting!
It is said that writing reflects the person. Now, seeing this writing, and looking at the demeanor of the Wu brothers below.
With neither arrogance nor submission, truly an outstanding appearance! Like a pine towering over grass, a piece of white jade against dusty sand.
If not for both claiming to be Scholars of the Xujike exams earlier, he would have thought these two brothers, like himself, were also officials.