Criminal investigation in ancient times

After Zhang Qingyun brought his son back home, he walked back and forth in the study several times anxiously with tongue sores, "What should I do, I'm afraid Zhang Rui has made friends with some great people, and we can't afford to mess with them. "

Zhang He didn't wake up until he returned to the house, clutching his chest and said, "Father, do we really want to move out?"

Zhang Qingyun nodded heavily and said, "Move! If we don't move, I'm afraid he will attack us."

Zhang He thought of the person who kicked him, and his heart shuddered. He kicked himself flying before he had used five cents of strength in that kick. If he really kicked himself, he might be able to kick him to death.

Zhang Qingyun sighed that he didn't know Taishan with his eyes, and he didn't realize that the man who came back with Zhang Rui was a big shot, and now he had offended them and could only hide away.Fortunately, I have already prepared a way out, and many shops have already been converted into silver, so I just take them to other courtyards, so that there is no fear of running out of firewood if the green hills are left.As long as you have money, you can talk about anything!

The boys were busy packing up all the things in the house, and many valuable things were taken away.Twelve carriages were transported back and forth three times before they were cleared.

Zhang Qingyun sent someone to deliver the title deed to Zhang Rui to the inn.

Uncle Han took the land deed and read it: "Hmph, this old fox Qingyun, he sold all the shops that made money, and the rest are worthless shops!"

Zhang Rui: "Forget it, we don't live by these shops, as long as the ancestral house comes back."

Uncle Han nodded and said, "Since they have moved out, we don't need to live in the inn, we can go back to the mansion tomorrow."

Zhang Ruidao: "Well, I still have to invite my mother's tablet back to the ancestral hall."

To say that this piece of He is more than successful than failure, I am used to living in this big house, but now I suddenly moved to the small courtyard with three entrances, and I couldn't let go of my hands and feet.The more I think about it, the more angry I become, and the more angry I get, the more painful my chest becomes.I really can't wait to swallow Zhang Rui alive, which is hard to get rid of.

During the meal, the maid serving the dishes was in a hurry and accidentally spilled the vegetable soup on her lap. The hot oil and water scalded Zhang He, screaming, and stretched out his hand to grab the maid and beat her head and face until she lost all her teeth. Gone.The little maid was so frightened that she knelt down and begged for mercy, Zhang He kicked her to the corner of the wall and said, "Get lost!"

When people are really unlucky, everything goes wrong!Zhang He lifted his chopsticks and said viciously: "Zhang Rui! Since you want this house, I will let you get nothing!" After speaking, he asked his entourage to call some street hooligans.

At night, three or four sneaky people sneaked into Zhang's mansion carrying a bucket of kerosene and a fire bag. The kerosene was poured on the house, and the fire bag was thrown to ignite. "Coax!" Suddenly the fire ignited!

The fire was so big that the whole county was a sensation!That mansion was originally the mansion of a rank-[-] military general, with six courtyards in front and back, plus a courtyard as large as the front and back of the garden pavilion, suddenly caught fire in an instant, if it wasn't man-made, ghosts would believe it!

Several people in the inn didn't know that Zhang's house was on fire at first.When Uncle Han got up at night, he suddenly smelled a strong burnt smell. He thought it was a fire somewhere, but when he looked around, the half of the sky in the direction of Zhang's house was burning red!

Uncle Han yelled "Ah!" in fright, everyone in the inn woke up, Zhang Rui rubbed his eyes and said, "It seems to be Uncle Han's voice, what happened?!"

As soon as I put on my clothes and went out, I was coughed by the thick smoke. Where did the fire start?Walking into the courtyard, seeing Uncle Han pointing at the monstrous flames with tears all over his face, he said, "Master... our home is gone!"

Zhang Rui was stunned, looked at where Uncle Han pointed, and ran out of the inn in a hurry, and everyone followed him to Zhang's mansion.

I saw that the entire Zhang family was engulfed in the fire, and the waves of fire were so scorching that even standing in the distance, one could feel the scorching heat on one's body.But Uncle Han and Zhang Rui's hearts were cold.This place with the memories of the original owner just like that... turned into a pool of ashes.

Uncle Han wiped away his tears and said, "Master Zhang must have done it! I'm going to find them!"

Zhang Rui hurriedly stopped him and said, "What can you do to them?"

Uncle Han said angrily: "Young Master! This is our home. Can we sit idly by while watching it being burned? If you don't dare to kill him, this old servant will go!"

Zhang Ruidao: "Uncle Han! Listen to me. Since Mr. Qingyun has the guts to burn my house down, don't blame me for being cruel!" After speaking, he knelt down and kowtowed three times to the mansion and said, "Father and mother, the child is incompetent, can't Keep our mansion, if I don't get rid of those dogs, I will be a son of man in vain!" After saying that, he hurried back to the inn, "Depart for Xuzhou immediately!"

Duan Xiaobai nodded, followed Zhanqing to go downstairs to pack up the carriage, took all the salutes, woke up the two sleeping children, and hurried to Xuzhou.

The prefect of Xuzhou is called Xu Maogong. He has long heard that Zhang Rui and his party dealt with the prefect of Duanzhou in Duanzhou. I don’t know if these people will pass by Xuzhou. It's hard to protect the black hat.

Early in the morning, the servant came to spread the word: "My lord, there are some people outside the mansion who claim to be princes and inspectors."

When Xu Maogong heard this, his calf twisted, he was stunned for a moment and hurriedly said: "Go and invite them in! No! I will meet them in person!" After speaking, he ran out without putting on his shoes.

"But the Twelve Princes and Lord Inspector?"

Zhou Yin said: "Exactly! Are you the prefect of Xuzhou?"

Xu Maogong bowed and said: "It is Xu Maogong, the next official."

Zhang Rui: "Master Xu, I have something I want to leave to you to handle."

Xu Maogong looked up, this... this is a half-grown child, could this be the fourth-rank inspector?

Seeing his suspicious expression, Zhang Rui raised his hand, and Duan Xiaobai took out the official seal from his arms.

When Xu Maogong saw it, he knelt down and said, "I don't know what my lord wants to tell the lower officials to do."

Zhang Ruidao: "I am also a Xuzhou family who lives in Shui County in autumn."

Zhang Maogong's eyes widened when he heard that, Qiushui County unexpectedly produced a fourth-rank official, why hadn't he heard of it? !Since you are from the same town, will you say something nice for yourself?At this point, he said more respectfully: "My lord, please speak."

Zhang Rui: "Yesterday my ancestral home was burned down by a group of gangsters. The Qiushui county magistrate did nothing. I didn't bring many people with me when I went out. Now you can handle this case for me."

Zhang Maogong broke out in a cold sweat when he heard it, and the mansion was burned... Who did it... This person must have chicken feathers in his head!How dare you burn down the house of a high official, I'm tired of working!And the county magistrate... wish for luck.

Uncle Han understood when Zhang Rui said this. If Zhang Rui directly sent someone to kill the father and son of the Zhang family, he would not be able to speak clearly in the future, and he would be able to smear him in any way. After all, the dead can't open their mouths. .But now it is much easier to let the prefect of Xuzhou do it.Not to mention that the prefect of Xuzhou will definitely punish the father and son severely in order to please him. If someone makes a point of this in the future, it has nothing to do with Zhang Rui. After all, he is just a victim.

After listening to what Zhang Rui said, the prefect of Xuzhou was very efficient, and immediately ordered that Mr. Zhang and Qiushui county magistrate were brought back to Xuzhou.

In Qiuhe County, Zhang He is still very happy that he burned Zhang Rui's house, and he has avenged his revenge!I heard early this morning that they actually left the inn.Zhang He curled his lips and said: "I must be afraid that the young master will take them out and scare them away."

When Zhang Qingyun learned that the mansion was burned, he was so distressed that he almost slapped Zhang He to death: "We spent a lot of money to restore that mansion, and it burned down as soon as you said it!"

Zhang He: "Father! Is it possible that you want to make this repaired mansion cheaper for that mourner star?"

Zhang Qingyun thought so too, so let’s burn it down, and build another one if we have a chance in the future.On the contrary, Zhang Rui and the others left Qiushui County without making a sound, which really surprised him.Could it be that he was really afraid of him as He Er said?

At noon, the officers and soldiers rushed to Qiushui County, rushed into Zhang's house and put Zhang's father and son in shackles.

Zhang He hurriedly said: "What are you going to do, why arrest my father and son?"

The leading officer said impatiently: "I don't know why, we just obeyed your lord's order to take the two of you to Xuzhou." With a wave of his hand, the officers and soldiers behind pushed the two of them into the prison car.

The father and son of the Zhang family felt chills when they got into the prison car. Could it be... that the person next to Zhang Rui is really a powerful official?This time it was a big disaster!The two wanted to ask the county magistrate Huang for help, but the county magistrate was also put in a prison car. When the three met, the county magistrate Huang scolded angrily: "Zhang He, it's in vain for me to trust you. With such a big basket, it seems that I can't keep my black hat! You are not as good as a pig or a dog! You were really blind to help you deal with this matter..."

Zhang He was furious at being scolded, thinking that since he was a prisoner, he would not be afraid to tear his skin apart, and shouted loudly: "You pig-headed county magistrate, you have stolen so much money from my family, and you are pushing back and forth when you are asked to do something. You deserve to be kicked out of the official position!" The two scolded each other all the way outside Xuzhou City, and their tongues were full of smoke.

Zhang Qingyun, the old fox, cast a glance at the two of them, and thought to himself: No matter how bad he is, he is also Zhang Rui's uncle. If he dares to kill himself, he will be labeled as unfilial.If you beg him for a while, maybe the big thing will be turned into a small one.

Thinking of this, he felt relieved, but the county magistrate sneered, he didn't know when his death was imminent, and let him quarrel, he didn't know how to cry after a while.

The three of them were taken to Xuzhou Prison, Zhang Qingyun took out a small piece of broken silver from his bosom and said, "Brother Prisoner, come here."

The cell boss went over impatiently and said: "Speak quickly if you have something to say, and let the fart go quickly!"

Zhang Qingyun stuffed the money into his hand and said, "Brother, please help me to find a kid named Zhang Rui from this house."

The cell boss threw the silver at him and said with a sneer, "My lord has specially instructed those who are too young not to make any mistakes. You guys can stay in the cell with peace of mind."

When Zhang Qingyun heard this, his face turned ugly, and the prison chief didn't go out to answer, so how many more days will he be locked up in this prison?Thinking that there are insects, ants and mice in this prison, I can't help itching all over my body.

Zhang He, who was locked next door, heard a voice saying: "Father, why are you looking for that Zhang Rui? We were not arrested because of him."

Zhang Qingyun roared: "Don't blame you all! We must burn down Zhang's mansion! Can Zhang Rui let it go?"

Zhang He said tremblingly: "How did I know that he is so powerful that he can even invite the magistrate?"

Zhang Qingyun: "You just play it dead! I can't protect you now as a father. When you see Zhang Rui, you should kneel and kowtow immediately. If you don't do this, don't blame your father for not giving you advice when you die in the future."

When Zhang He heard that this time, he was really scared...to die?He never thought of dying, at most he thought he would be hit with the board a few times, but Zhang Rui could be fine if he could get hit with the board a few times?Zhang He couldn't help but fight a cold war, no way... At least the two families are still related, so they can't be so decisive... But the bottom of his heart is already contradicting himself, this time there is no escape.

"Father..." Zhang He cried, "What should I do?"

Zhang Qingyun couldn't bear to see him like this, and sighed heavily, "Listen, if you see Zhang Rui, don't contradict him again, kowtow to him... If he can forgive you, it's your fate, if he can't Forgive... Sigh, besides, father is also in danger of protecting himself now.

County magistrate Huang in another cell was so frightened that he peed his pants and passed out.

At this moment, Zhang Rui and the others were eating in the restaurant.Xu Maogong smiled and sat beside Zhou Yin, pouring wine for the two of them.

Zhang Rui: "Master Xu, don't be too busy. There is still a trial in the afternoon. Eat more."

Xu Maogong was flattered and nodded hurriedly: "It's not a problem, it's not a problem. You should eat more, my lord. It's been a long time since I came back to my hometown, but I have to eat our Xuzhou's delicacies before leaving."

Zhang Ruidao: "I don't have that much time. Now the court is urging me to go to Jiangzhou as soon as possible. Once this case is settled, we have to go on the road."

Xu Maogong nodded and said: "Then I wish the Lord and Your Excellency the best of luck in finding out about Jiangzhou's salt merchants in one fell swoop."

Zhou Yin and Zhang Rui held up their wine glasses and said, "I owe you a good word." After that, the three of them finished their work.

After eating and drinking enough, everyone returned to the government office. Xu Maogong changed his official service and ordered the three of them to be brought to the hall for trial.

Both Zhang Rui and Zhou Yin didn't show up, and a few people sat in the back hall drinking tea.

After the three of them were brought to the hall, Zhang Qingyun knelt down and kowtowed and said, "My lord, I know I was wrong, please let us go."

Zhang He was no weaker than his father and wailed loudly: "My lord, we know we are wrong, please forgive me, my lord."

Xu Maogong said: "But you sent someone to burn Master Zhang's old house?"

Zhang He choked... Now, the magistrate calls Zhang Rui Master Zhang?Or the people around Zhang Rui... No matter who looks like an official, they are bigger than the magistrate.Zhang He swallowed his saliva and hurriedly kowtowed: "This matter has nothing to do with the little one, did you start the fire yourself?"

Zhang Qingyun's heart skipped a beat, Zhang Rui's kid was really close to a powerful person, why is his stupid son still stubborn now!Since they have directly tied the two of them here, it means that they know the reason, but if they don't admit it now, do they really wait until the knife is on the neck to admit it? !

"My lord! My lord, it is the young dog who committed a great crime, and I implore my lord to spare his life!"

Zhang He looked at his father in disbelief, how could he sell himself like that?

Zhang Qingyun kowtowed and said: "I don't know where Mr. Zhang is. I will personally apologize to him, and the original members of the Zhang family who have small family backgrounds will also be refunded. I beg the magistrate to inform him and ask him to avoid the younger son."

Only then did Zhang He realize that his father was saving him.Hastily kowtowed and said: "I know I was wrong, I beg my lord to spare my life."

Prefect Xu slapped the gavel hard, making the three of them jump in fright.

"You three are so daring! You actually did such an outrageous thing, I will not let you off lightly! Come on, suppress this Huang Fuqing and give him a hard [-] slap! How dare the little county magistrate disrespect the prince? Sentencing your lord? Do you know that you are going to hit the fourth-rank inspector!"

When County Magistrate Huang heard this, his heart went cold, he rolled his eyes, and fainted from fright.

"And you two..."

Zhang He and his son lowered their heads, cold sweat dripped all over their faces, thinking that the two hundred boards were intended to beat people to death? !Let alone two hundred for the crimes they committed, it would be light to behead them directly.

"Zhang Qingyun, you and the patrol envoy were originally uncles and nephews, but you usurped his family's ancestral property. After you forced it back, you went so far as to burn down your lord's house in a frenzy. This officer will not let you go lightly. Someone will take the father and son away. Go out, Qiuhou asks to beheaded!"

Zhang Qingyun's eyes darkened when he heard it, and he said in his heart: You can't faint, if you faint, they will die for sure.

"My lord! Please let me see my nephew!" Two yamen servants dragged them away.Zhang Qingyun hugged the pillar next to him and shouted: "Zhang Rui! I know you are here, come out! Don't you want to know who killed your mother?!"

Zhang Rui, who was sitting in the back hall, got up after hearing him say "Teng" and ran into the hall, "Let him go!"

Zhang Qingyun hurriedly crawled to Zhang Rui's feet, tugged at the hem of his clothes, and said, "Nephew, nephew, please let me and your cousin go, we are both obsessed with money, and we do things like pigs and dogs." , Uncle realizes his mistake." He kowtowed as he spoke.

Zhang Rui reached out and grabbed his collar and said, "You just said that you knew how my mother died?"

Zhang Qingyun nodded in surprise, "I'll tell you as long as you spare our lives!"

Zhang Ruidao: "Tell me! If you dare to lie to me, I will make your life worse than death!"

Only then did Zhang Qingyun speak slowly... "Do you still remember Zhang Baofeng, the chief housekeeper of your house?"

Zhang Rui was taken aback, and Uncle Han hurried over and said, "You said he did it?!" Zhang Qingyun nodded.

It is no wonder that Zhang Rui has no impression of Zhang Baofeng, because after his grandfather and father died in battle, there was only one widow of the Lin family left in the family. Mother-in-law and girl.

Zhang Baofeng is the son of the Zhang family, and his father was a slave in the Zhang family. In his life, because he did a good job on weekdays, he was appreciated by the old man and promoted him to be the chief housekeeper.Later, after something like that happened to the Zhang family, he basically handed over all the affairs of the front yard to him. Although Uncle Han also helped, most of the money was in his charge.

Zhang Baofeng had a lot of money in his hands, and no one was in charge of him, so he naturally became greedy, and made fake accounts to transfer the money from the shop to his own hands.After a long time, he felt that he was the master of the Zhang family, and he also became obscene towards the Lin family.

Lin was originally a smart woman, and gradually realized the difference in this Baofeng, so she found an excuse to fire him, and handed over all the affairs of the front yard to Uncle Han.Zhang Baofeng suddenly fell from master to slave, and the gap in his heart was too great, so he felt hatred.

What happened later was that he bribed a group of gangsters, inquired about Lin's going out to offer incense, and wanted to take this opportunity to tie up Zhang Rui to steal some silver flowers, but the gang of desperadoes attacked too hard and hacked Lin to death... …

After hearing this, Zhang Rui said angrily: "Where is this Baofeng now!"

Zhang Qingyun hesitated and said: "Zhang Baofeng... this man likes to gamble like his life. A while ago, he was beaten to death outside Qiushui County because he owed others gambling money."

Zhang Rui sneered: "Since there is no proof of death, how can I believe that he did it."

Zhang Qingyun wiped the cold sweat off his face with his sleeve and said: "I... I also know that one of the gangsters has an accomplice who is now in Xuzhou and opened a gambling house. The gambling house is in the alley behind Guixiang Building. Very easy to find..."

Zhang Rui said: "Send someone to bring this man back to me immediately!" After saying that, he got up and wanted to leave.

Zhang Qingyun hurriedly grabbed his leg and said, "Nephew, then the two of us..."

Zhang Rui kicked him away in disgust and said, "Don't call me nephew, I don't dare to have an uncle like you. Since I promised to save your two lives, I won't break my promise. I will beat them up a hundred times and tattoo them Exile at the frontier." After speaking, he returned to the back hall.

Zhang Qingyun lay paralyzed on the ground and gave up completely. After hitting the board, he was exiled to the border. He didn't know if he was still alive. At least he didn't need to beheaded...

Zhang Rui went back to the back hall and sat on the chair in silence, Zhou Yin walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder: "Don't be sad, since you know the murderer who killed Lingtang, it's worth coming back once.

Thinking of Madam's tragic death, Uncle Han wiped his eyes with his hand and said, "It's all because of my incompetence. If I had brought more followers that day, Madam would not have suffered such a disaster."

Zhang Rui shook his head and said: "It's hard to guard against a family thief, not to mention that Zhang Baofeng was originally the housekeeper of our mansion, and he is very familiar with the mansion, so he will have a chance at any time if he wants to kill him. It's a pity that he died first, otherwise I would definitely smash him to pieces Wan Duan!"

Zhou Yin: "Do you still remember the looks of those murderers back then?"

Zhang Rui shook his head and said, "They all wear face scarves, there are six of them in total."

Uncle Han sighed and said, "Young master, you remember clearly. I was in a panic at that time. I only took you away but didn't count how many people there were."

Zhang Rui: "Since I know one of them, the other five people probably won't be able to run away either. I want them to pay with their blood!"