Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Chief Historian

That young man is actually someone by Prince Cheng’s Heir’s side? Furthermore, he firmly asserts that Prince Cheng’s Heir was framed by Wang Qianshan? This matter is probably true.

Though Prince Cheng resides in the distant Yunzhou as a Vassal King, his heir’s status may not hold much sway in the Capital City, but here, in Jiazhou, in Yuqing County, an Imperial Grandson is still an Imperial Grandson!

Especially now, during the Emperor’s grand birthday celebration, where all the Imperial Grandsons have been summoned to the capital for a short stay. Although they have mostly returned, some have lingered along the way, unable to return. If something were to happen on the way back after celebrating the Emperor’s birthday, it would be far more severe than if a vassal king’s son encountered trouble while leaving his Vassal Land!

Qin silently cursed Wang Qianshan as foolish as a pig, then quietly stepped back.

The young man stepped forward and spoke loudly, “My princely heir is wise and decisive. Although Governor Wang plots harm, he certainly can’t succeed. The reason we invited both of you here today is because my princely heir has stated that Governor Wang exploits the common people, constructs recklessly, and imposes heavy taxes and miscellaneous levies! He exploits the people, takes their lives without regard, causing untold suffering in Yuqing County. Beyond that, Governor Wang not only kidnaps local women himself but also indulges his daughter to forcibly take local men, keeping them as favorites, harming and killing at will. Such a wicked official cannot be tolerated!”

Qin’s expression truly changed at this point.

How could he not know what the young man was talking about?

Even some of the kidnapped women were turned into tools for Wang Qianshan’s pleasure after his influence. Many of the exploited resources ended up in his own pockets.

Wang Qianshan conducted his affairs carefully, with considerable means, and was rumored to have connections with some high-ranking individuals in the Capital, which was why Qin was willing to accept benefits from Wang Qianshan.

Now, with someone suddenly digging up Wang Qianshan’s dirt, Qin was a bit panicked.

Would he also be implicated?

But he quickly regained his composure.

His wife may be a daughter of a concubine from Duchess Zhao’s family, but Grand Tutor Zhao was also his uncle by marriage. With Grand Tutor Zhao’s backing, who wouldn’t show some respect? He was very safe!

At this moment, the young man took out a stack of papers from his sleeve. The papers were extremely thin, filled with densely packed writing, forming a thick stack. He handed the stack over!

“Mr. Yue, Mr. Su, we rely on you for this matter!”

Yue Zhengrong laughed, “I, old Yue, am a rough man, only responsible for assistance. Such meticulous work is for Mr. Su!”

Su Shijie also smiled and took it.

Wang Qianshan hurriedly said, “Gentlemen, this must be a misunderstanding. I could never do such things. As for my young daughter, she may be mischievous and enjoys joking with people but wouldn’t act so lawlessly. There must be some misunderstanding; I ask you both to investigate thoroughly!”

Yue Zhengrong and Su Shijie exchanged a glance; Yue Zhengrong didn’t mind much. He was a Military Officer, usually responsible for training troops, and had no dealings with a local official like Wang Qianshan.

Su Shijie was a Civil Servant, the Chief Historian under the Governor, and Wang Qianshan had dealt with him frequently.

Once, Wang Qianshan had even sent him a gift on his birthday.

If it were a small matter, he would certainly have helped Wang Qianshan cover it up a bit, but this time…

They vividly recalled how they had been summoned by Lord Governor, who showed considerable courtesy to that young man.

The young man was merely a follower of Prince Cheng’s Heir, and even Lord Governor treated him with courtesy. What about Prince Cheng’s Heir himself?

Now, with Prince Cheng’s Heir as the accuser, both of them, dispatched by Lord Governor to handle this matter, could not entertain any thoughts of covering it up or being lenient.

Unless they no longer wanted their official hats.

However, Su Shijie still spoke diplomatically, “Lord Wang, don’t rush. We are here on Lord Governor’s orders to investigate this matter thoroughly, seeking the truth and ensuring no one is wrongly accused, nor spared!”

Seeing the politeness and detachment behind those gentle eyes, a trembling feeling of impending doom arose in the heart.

Wang Qianshan initially thought Su Shijie would give him some face, and as for Yue Zhengrong, lacking prior connections, once he came, he planned on getting Qin to mediate, surely being able to establish connections. Besides, he never offended Prince Cheng’s Heir, it must have been some subordinate speaking carelessly. Once he got them into his residence, and sent someone to find Prince Cheng’s Heir, and offer heavy gifts to appease him, the matter would pass.

But Su Shijie seemed to be comforting on the surface, while actually distancing himself. Could it be that one of those detained in his prison was that very princely heir?

Su Shijie opened the stack of papers to see, a thick collection of complaints, with half of them even being written in blood, each a tearful accusation. Some were driven to the destruction of their families, others had their lands seized, or suffered unjust imprisonments with no place to appeal, or had their children kidnapped…

Moreover, the young man took out another stack.

This stack consisted of testimonies from those involved, either due to receiving benefits or being coerced into complicity, among which the most shocking one was from Military Commander Ding Yichuan.

Ding Yichuan confessed in his testimony that he coveted a treasured sword passed down for generations within the Zhang martial arts school, which led him to commit misconduct, utilizing his powers to kill the head of the Zhang family and disperse their martial arts school after they refused his greed. When Wang Qianshan learned of this, he used it for blackmail, forcing Ding Yichuan to obey him completely.

For years, whenever Wang Qianshan encountered trouble that demanded force, Ding Yichuan became his enforcer. Even the City Defense Army and stationed troops under his command were requisitioned by Wang Qianshan as private soldiers for his household protection.

He laid bare all the misdeeds he committed for Wang Qianshan, with recorded times, places, and events, all detailed clearly.

Both Su Shijie and even Yue Zhengrong widened their eyes upon reading this part.

In unison, they shot a glance at the young man.

With a Military Commander and a Prefectural Governor both being Fourth Rank, the Military Commander being a martial officer, had to come from a military background and possess outstanding skills.

This matter concerned Ding Yichuan’s future and life, yet this young man managed to compel him to confess his crimes?

After all, with a murder charge, even if he turned himself in, the crime would still be severe. He would not only lose his position but also face exile three thousand miles away.

It seemed unlikely they’d believe it was merely a matter of conscience.

Therefore, extraordinary measures must have been employed.

Perhaps even a formidable force that instilled deeper fear in Ding Yichuan. This power could involve authority or martial might. Still, the exact method the young man used remained unknown.

Holding the thick stack of papers, the sheets were thin, thus not heavy. However, Su Shijie felt they weighed too much.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep