hotmtlnovel Chapter 578 - 422: The Death of Old Deer
Chapter 578 - 422: The Death of Old Deer
Chapter 578: Chapter 422: The Death of Old Deer
Zhou Residence.
The main gate was tightly closed, and the silence was profound.
A head popped out from the wall, but it quickly retreated at the sight of the Eastern Depot’s patrols outside, frightened.
Exclamations, cries, and harsh scolding emanated continuously from within the courtyard; the Zhou family members shouted for an audience with the emperor at the palace, while the servants eyed the family’s gold, silver, and antiques, sneaking a few items whenever possible.
At noon.
The sound of footsteps approached; dozens of black-clothed patrols arrived at the entrance of the Zhou Residence.
...
As the large sedan with a silver roof and carried by eight came to a stop, a junior officer, through the curtains, bowed and said, “Godfather, we have arrived at the Zhou Residence.”
Zhou Yi put down the history book in his hand, lifted the curtain, and took a look around.
“Is everything prepared?”
The junior officer replied, “Rest assured, Godfather, the dragon robe and Jade Seal, along with the weapons, have all been planted. Once dug up, they will be evidence of treason!”
“Foolish.”
Zhou Yi said, “His Majesty ordered us to investigate the selling of official positions. We must handle this properly and borrow two million taels of silver from Wantong Bank and the Rising Sun, to be placed in the rear residence of the Zhou family.”
Both banks were renowned in the Great Qing Dynasty; their silver notes were accepted everywhere, and their vaults contained plenty of ready silver.
Backed by substantial power, yet they paled before the Eastern Depot. When the supervisor asked to borrow money, they had to provide regardless of their ability.
The junior officer asked, “Do we need to return this silver?”
“Why should we return silver I borrowed with my own skills?”
Zhou Yi snorted coldly and ordered, “A few days ago, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua captured a spy from the north, with two letters found on him. Send them over when borrowing the money.”
“Paying a million taels for the lives of the Nine Clans, I truly am a great benefactor!”
Zhou Yi walked in and saw Lin Zhengben leisurely sipping tea under a tree, completely unfazed by fear.
“Inspector Lin truly lives up to being a Heavenly Official, indulging in such refined pleasure even in the face of death. I shall send word to the King of Hell to treat you well upon your arrival, ensuring you can still enjoy tea every day!”
Lin Zhengben’s hair and beard were immaculate in their whiteness, groomed to perfection.
“The Eastern Depot exerts great authority. Do you also command the King of Hell?”
“As long as it exists, I can control it!”
Zhou Yi sat opposite Lin Zhengben, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and spat it out: “What kind of taste is this tea? Could it be fried peach leaves?”
Lin Zhengben retorted sarcastically, “Having grown accustomed to imperial tea, ordinary leaves naturally don’t suit the supervisor’s taste.”
“Inspector Lin’s words remain as unpleasant to the ear as ever.”
Zhou Yi said, “I know Inspector Lin isn’t afraid of death, so I have prepared the ill-gotten silver. History books will record that you amassed millions by selling official posts, branding you one of the most corrupt officials of the National Dynasty!”
Lin Zhengben’s face flushed with anger as he shouted, “I have lived a life of integrity, serving the country and the people. Who in the National Dynasty doesn’t know this? What right do you, a eunuch, have to pass judgment on me?”
“History is written by the victors!”
Zhou Yi spoke somberly, “Inspector Lin, my search has uncovered a million taels as ironclad evidence. The three departments will adjudicate the crime, the historians will record it on parchment, and future generations will only speak of you as a great corrupt official.”
Lin Zhengben was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply.
“If I am to die and my clan to be extinguished, what does my posthumous reputation matter? Whether they call me a corrupt official or an honest one, living with a clear conscience is all that matters!”
“A clear conscience...”
Zhou Yi raised an eyebrow, waved away those around him, and said in a low voice, “Inspector Lin might die cleanly, but what of your family? As long as you answer one question for me, I can ensure they are well looked after.”
“Nobody’s tending to the Bureau of Music; life there is worse than death!”
As he spoke, he pointed at the weeping and distraught female members of the Lin family, seeking death to escape their fate.
Lin Zhengben asked, “What does the supervisor wish to inquire?”
“Inspector Lin is known for his integrity and righteousness, so thorough that even the three departments found no evidence of wrongdoing; one might say you are a paragon of officials in the National Dynasty.”