mtl008 Chapter 449 Acting Prefect
Chapter 449 Acting Prefect
Seeing the repeated acts of stubborn resistance, Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou was so angry that he let out a cold laugh. The chill in his laughter seemed to lower the temperature of the entire prison cell.
"Very good! Very good indeed! Even on the verge of death, they are still full of wicked intentions and cunning schemes!"
"Do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you right now?!"
His gaze finally settled on the direction where Yuan Xiaomiao had been dragged away, his eyes revealing a murderous intent.
"Zhao Hu!"
"The general is here!"
Zhao Hu held Wang Wan'er, who was convulsing in excruciating pain, tightly and replied in a deep voice.
"Immediately send a message back to the capital by carrier pigeon, informing the Emperor that the Yuan family of Runan has committed numerous crimes, including condoning their sons and brothers, colluding with rebels, plotting against court officials, and causing chaos among the people!"
"We request the imperial decree to confiscate the property of the Yuan family of Runan! Anyone who resists shall be killed without exception!"
The crown prince's tone was stern, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Yes!"
Zhao Hu felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that His Highness was truly enraged this time, and the century-old foundation of the Yuan family of Runan was likely to be destroyed.
"besides,"
The Crown Prince turned his gaze to Zhao Hu, "The Wang family is your responsibility. You will personally lead the investigation! Investigate them thoroughly!"
"Anyone involved in the treasonous case of Wang Qinian and Wang Wan'er must not be let off! But innocent people must not be wronged, understand?"
"Understood! I will not fail in my mission!"
Zhao Hu answered firmly and forcefully.
He was also burning with rage. These traitors dared to assassinate Lord Shi right in front of him. Did they really think he, the commander of the Imperial Guard, was just a figurehead?
The Crown Prince nodded slightly, the fierce look in his eyes softening. He looked at Shi Wanxia, who was being protected by Cui Zhihao, her face pale but her eyes still firm, and his tone softened: "Sister Wanxia, you've been frightened."
Shi Wanxia shook her head and took a deep breath: "Thank you, Your Highness and Lord Cui, for your timely rescue. I am unharmed."
Cui Zhihao was finally relieved after confirming that she was really alright, but his eyes remained icy cold as he looked in the direction where Wang Qinian had been dragged away.
He turned to the Crown Prince and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, this place is not a safe place to stay."
"Furthermore, the remnants of the Prince of Rongyang have not yet been eliminated, and arrangements need to be made as soon as possible."
The Crown Prince nodded: "What Minister Cui said is absolutely right. Let's go outside and talk in detail."
A thrilling trial and turmoil have temporarily come to an end, but an even bigger storm is brewing.
The iron fist of imperial power will smash down on these corrupt and rampant forces with overwhelming force.
The group left the cold and oppressive prison and returned to the surface.
The sky outside was already bright, but the prefectural government office, illuminated by the light, still exuded a heavy, gloomy atmosphere.
Upon entering the main hall of the yamen, one sees dust everywhere, documents scattered about, and several clerks left behind looking terrified and timid. When they see His Highness the Crown Prince arrive, they are so frightened that they kneel on the ground and do not dare to raise their heads.
Clearly, under the control of the parasites Yuan Xiaomiao and Wang Qinian, the entire Chuzhou prefectural government office had long been in disarray, corrupt and chaotic, and had completely lost the dignity and efficiency of an imperial government office.
Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou's face was ashen as he walked straight to the main seat and sat down.
His gaze swept over the desolate and chaotic scene, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with a mixture of anger and worry.
They were furious at the likes of Yuan Xiaomiao and Wang Qinian who were bringing disaster to the country and its people, worried about the paralysis of Chuzhou's government affairs, the need to rebuild everything, and the remnants of the Rongyang King hiding in the shadows, who were like venomous snakes that needed to be eliminated.
He pondered for a moment, then spoke first, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable determination: "Yuan Xiaomiao and Wang Qinian have been brought to justice, and the positions of Prefect and Vice Prefect of Chuzhou are now vacant. The administration of the prefecture cannot be left unattended for even a day."
He looked down at Shi Wanxia, who was standing below, his eyes filled with trust and expectation: "Sister Wanxia."
"The minister is here."
Shi Wanxia stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
"I hereby appoint you to temporarily assume the position of Prefect of Chuzhou, and to oversee all government affairs in Chuzhou!"
Shen Yanzhou said solemnly, "Starting immediately, rectify official corruption, inventory the treasury, appease the displaced people, and restore people's livelihoods!"
"Anyone who dares to outwardly comply but inwardly defy orders and take advantage of the situation to cause trouble, regardless of their official rank, may be executed first and reported later! I will immediately write to my father, the Emperor, to explain the reasons and request that a new prefect be appointed as soon as possible. Until then, I entrust Chuzhou to you."
Shi Wanxia felt a jolt in her heart, knowing full well the weight of her responsibility.
The Chu Prefecture has suffered a severe blow from this upheaval, and restoring order will be no easy task.
But when she met the Crown Prince's trusting gaze and felt the silent support of Cui Zhihao beside her, she immediately suppressed all her doubts, straightened her back, and solemnly accepted the order: "Your subject obeys! I will do my utmost to live up to Your Highness's trust!"
"it is good!"
The crown prince nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. He knew...
Although Shi Wanxia is a woman, her abilities and courage are no less than those of men, and she is upright and incorruptible, making her the most suitable candidate at present.
After arranging the government affairs, the crown prince's expression became even more solemn.
He turned to Choi Ji-ho, who had been standing quietly to the side with a calm expression:
"Huai'an,"
He addressed Cui Zhihao by his courtesy name, his tone heavy, “Although the two traitors Yuan and Wang have been captured, the remnants of the Rongyang King behind them are the real threat.”
"These remnants of the previous dynasty have been lurking for many years. This time, they dared to collude with officials of the court to amass wealth and gather followers, and even attempted to assassinate officials of the court. Their intentions are despicable, and the harm they will cause is not small! If they are not completely eradicated, they will surely cause great chaos again!"
Cui Zhihao bowed slightly: "Your Highness is absolutely right. If this villain is not eliminated, Chuzhou will not be at peace."
Shen Yanzhou looked at him with absolute trust in his eyes: "I entrust you with full responsibility for finding and eliminating the remnants of the Rongyang King within the territory of Chuzhou."
"You are meticulous and decisive; this task is best left to you."
He paused and glanced at Cui Yu'an (Wen Zhu).
"Let Wenzhu assist you. He is young and quick-witted, and this can also be a good opportunity for him to gain experience."
Without any hesitation, Cui Zhihao readily agreed: "Your subject obeys the decree."
Cui Yu'an immediately stepped forward, his handsome face showing both seriousness and eagerness: "Wenzhu will definitely do her best to assist Third Uncle and will never fail Your Highness's expectations!"
"it is good!"
Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou stood up and glanced at his capable ministers and his younger brother (Cui Yu'an was the young master of the Qinghe Cui clan and had close ties with the royal family).
"Government affairs and bandit suppression, we'll do it all at once! I'll be here to see which evil spirits dare to cause trouble again!"
The order was given, and everyone obeyed and left.
Shi Wanxia immediately took swift and decisive action, summoning the remaining officials of the yamen, issuing a series of orders, checking accounts, and inspecting granaries, in an attempt to get this paralyzed machine running again as soon as possible.
After a brief discussion with Cui Yu'an, Cui Zhihao, carrying the Crown Prince's warrant and guards, prepared to secretly investigate the whereabouts of the remnants of the Rongyang Prince's faction.
A contest, both overt and covert, quietly unfolds in this state capital that has just experienced turmoil.
Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou sat alone in the hall, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his gaze fixed intently on the doorway. It was time for a change in the political climate of Chuzhou.
This scandal, triggered by corruption, is gradually bringing a deeper conspiracy and a more powerful enemy to the forefront.