Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 151

Chapter 151 Tough to the End (3)
Facing Lu Zhen’s cold mockery, Lu Tu’s lungs were about to explode with anger. But in the end, he still endured it, because the current situation was in the hands of the other party, but he was completely passive: “Xiaoguan also heard that Ying Ding and the others were causing trouble in the county government, afraid that they would cause more trouble, so he came here sick.” As he spoke, he deliberately coughed twice.

Lu Zhen glanced at him and casually asked, “Then Lu Xiancheng, do you mean to say that this official has taken him down inappropriately?”

‘”I dare not, but Ying Ding and the others have always been working in the county government. They have always been diligent and hard-working. However, Lord, you reformed all of them as soon as you took office. This is truly unreasonable. They can’t understand why they came to the county government for a moment. I hope Lord can understand their difficulties!” Lu Tu hurriedly explained.

However, even though he didn’t dare to say it, he still pointed out that Ying Ding and the others had been forced by Lu Zhen to do all of this. Lu Zhen, who could sense the meaning behind it, sneered, “Lu Xiancheng, you really are a good eloquent person. I’m sorry to say that this official is disrespectful. That’s right, if that’s the case, this official won’t be completely disrespectful. I have to spare others and spare them.”

Just as Lu Tu was delighted, he changed the topic, “But this matter is probably not as simple as you said, right? Ying Ding and the other county government servants will have the guts to make trouble in front of the door? I’m afraid that there is something else hidden in this. They are just being instigated by someone, right?”

When Lu Zhen said this and stared at him again, Lu Tu’s heart suddenly turned cold, but he still forcefully supported himself, “My lord, this lowly official doesn’t understand you.”

“You don’t understand? Then what are you panicking about?” Lu Zhen suddenly stood up and slowly walked over to Lu Tu. He looked him in the eyes, “If I remember correctly, they have always followed Lu Xiancheng’s lead. Even if they leave the county government now, they will probably follow your orders. Lu Xiancheng, did you order them to come to the county government to cause trouble?”

Being glared at by his eyes, Lu Tu felt a chill all over his body and subconsciously took a step back. When he regained his senses, he forcefully shouted, “My lord, you have wronged Xiaoguan. Xiaoguan has always obeyed the rules. How dare you do such a thing? If you insist on framing him, Xiaoguan is truly unconvinced.”

Lu Zhen laughed, “Looks like you won’t admit it obediently unless I give you evidence?” As he spoke, he reached out his hand and patted it twice.

As soon as the applause rang out, the door that had just been closed was pushed into the room. Lin Lie and another servant stood there with one of them. “My lord, he is willing to confess. Sure enough, he was ordered by Lu Xiancheng to cause chaos in the county government so that you can be kicked out of the yamen.”

Hearing this, Lu Tu’s entire face twisted. He then raised his head and stared fiercely at Lu Zhen, “County Magistrate Lu, you are indeed a good method. In just a short moment, you actually pry open their mouths?”

“Even if your heart is like iron, it’s hard to endure official laws. Isn’t it easy for the county government to interrogate a few people? What do you think? Are you still planning to argue?” Lu Zhen looked straight into the other party’s eyes and looked very calm at this moment.

Lu Tu only felt that his anger was like a stone thrown into the lake, completely unable to affect the young county magistrate in front of him. He only felt a wave of powerlessness assaulting his heart. Only at this time did he finally understand that Lu Zhen was indeed not an ordinary person. In terms of temperament and methods, he was much better than him. It was ridiculous that he actually wanted to control such a strong command, but he had lost without a doubt.

After a moment of confusion, Lu Tu suddenly raised his head and said, “That’s right, I did arrange them. It was because you wanted to harm us and revolutionize these brothers who contributed to the county government that they made such a move. So, it really must be you, County Magistrate Lu, who brought them to this point!”

“Lyu county cheng you are indeed a good debater, this can let you find a reason. They were kicked out of the county government by this official with the Great Ming Law because of their improper bodies. Could it be that maintaining the dignity of our county government still give way to the so-called hard work of these people? Besides, they didn’t work for nothing here. They had monthly salaries and even more rewards. The county government would never owe them anything! “Lu Zhen coldly replied, but Lu Tu didn’t know what to say for a moment.

After a while, he snorted and said, “Isn’t it because you want to deal with a county magistrate like me? That’s why you attacked them.”

“That’s right, don’t you, Lu Xiancheng, also want to harm me?” Since he had spoken, Lu Zhen didn’t have any worries. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Can’t I fight back against you? Since they are people who obey your orders, I naturally can’t stay. Not only them, but even Lu Xiancheng, I’m afraid that the county government doesn’t have your place anymore!”

‘”You” I didn’t expect the other party to be so reckless and directly tear his face apart. This made Lu Tu both angry and helpless, because he was clearly at a disadvantage at this moment.

Then, he laughed again, “County magistrate Lu, although you are my superior, I am also the official of the Imperial Court. I’m afraid it won’t be so easy for you to drive me away! You don’t have the authority to do this!”

This is the rules of the game in the Great Ming officialdom. As long as you are not allowed by the Imperial Court to do so cheaply, it will be very difficult to depose an official. Even if you are a feudal official with authority, it is normal for you to target your direct subordinates. The only thing he could do was to go to Shangshu Imperial Court and ask the Imperial Court to make a decision.

Seeing that he still wanted to fight against him to such an extent, Lu Zhen smiled instead of being angry, “Looks like you are determined to be my enemy?” But have you thought about it, what qualifications do you have to fight me now? Even though there are still some of your people in the county government, I can still reform them all. They were just ordinary officials or servants, so there was no need to consult the Imperial Court. And if these people are smart enough, they will choose to leave you for their own benefit. ”

These words were heartbreaking, but they were also truthful. This made Lu Tu want to refute, but he didn’t know what to say. However, his face was already pale, and his body started to tremble. It was unknown whether he was angry or fearful.

Before Lu Zhen could finish his sentence, he continued, “Of course, you can also continue to force yourself to stay in the county government with the intention of harming others but not yourself. You can even think of ways to ruin my good deeds behind my back. However, do you think that I, Lu Zhen, will leave you here to cause trouble at this point?”

“How … how are you staying?” Lu Tu’s heart sank, and when he looked at Lu Zhen, he subconsciously retreated.

“Instigating the servants who were dismissed from the county government to come to the yamen to cause trouble. Just this charge alone is enough for you to suffer.” Lu Zhen turned around and returned to his chair. After sitting down, he continued, “And if what I expected wasn’t bad, you, a county magistrate, usually do a lot of shameful things, don’t you?” As long as I want to investigate, there are plenty of people in the county government who report your crimes. If you think this is not enough, I can even put out a list and let the people of Daxing County also complain about their grievances. I wonder how many wronged people will come here because of you? I wonder if these counts are enough for the Imperial Court to completely forget about your officials? “I think it should be enough, even enough to send you to the border, right?”

Lu Zhen’s words were like spears and knives, hacking down on Lu Tu’s body, causing his face to turn pale and he almost collapsed to the ground. Since he knew about his own affairs, he naturally knew how guilty he was. Once it was revealed, it would be considered light, and it would even be difficult to preserve one’s life.

Originally, most of the people in the county government were his people, and many of them had to look up to their noses and live without fear, but now the situation was clearly completely different. Thinking about that terrible result, he no longer had the courage to make an enemy of Lu Zhen.

However, his inherent pride still prevented him from admitting defeat. He summoned up his final courage and said, “County Magistrate Lu, aren’t you afraid that doing this will cause the hearts of the people in the county government to freeze? Although the county government is small, there are countless things that need to be done. If these people hadn’t done their job with all their heart, I’m afraid that you, County Magistrate, wouldn’t have been able to do it for a long time!”

To be honest, Lu Zhen, the county magistrate, could give orders and make decisions, but it was still the servants below that did the work. If they had any ulterior motives, things would be difficult to handle.

‘”Since I dare to do this, I naturally have my own confidence. If Ying Ding and the others commit a crime, I will overhaul them. If the others commit a crime, it is also normal. As for worrying that others will be injured and refuse to work hard, I can change people.” Lu Zhen said calmly.

“Ah” Not only Lu Tu, but also Lin Lie and the other servant were stunned when they heard this.

Lu Zhen quickly gave his own explanation, “There are many more refugees in this flood in the capital. For the sake of the people, this official intends to choose some strong and honest people from among them to serve in the county government. Do you think they will accept this job?”

When Lin Lie heard this, a trace of excitement flashed through his eyes. The answer to this question is without a doubt. Of course, those victims who have the chance to enter the county government will not refuse. Not only would he not refuse, he was afraid that once the news spread out, the threshold of the county government would be broken.

After hearing this, Lu Tu’s gaze completely dimmed and he lowered his head. He knew that his last chance had completely disappeared. He was truly, completely defeated by this young county magistrate.

“Lu Xiancheng,” Lu Zhen looked down at the other party and smiled, “I don’t want to drive you out, so I’ll give you a chance to leave. As long as you hand in your resignation and resign as county magistrate in these two days, I can guarantee that you won’t be prosecuted for your past behavior, and even I can let Ying Ding and the others go. What do you think?” After saying those last words, his gaze fell deeply on the other party’s face.