...And she also knew, from what she had heard in her past life, about the habits and preferences of foreigners.She even drew up diagrams of firearms, cannons, and some important plants and supplies.No..."As to why, perhaps Master Wu would care to explain!" Wen Yishi retorted with a face full of icy sarcasm. "Could it be that Master Wu is guilty as charged and upon encountering the aggrieved party outside, thinks this is an opportunity to turn the tables and accuse them falsely"

"Impudent! You're the thief!" Master Wu glared angrily, his face flushed red as he retorted.

The emperor, sitting on his dragon throne, also guessed that there was some entanglement between the Wu family and the Wen family.

But Wen Yu Shi inherited Cui University Scholar's style of conduct, fearless of power, upright and impartial. If there were no solid evidence, he would not have brought it up in court today.

Obviously, this father-in-law of his is definitely not as honest as he appears on the surface. Behind closed doors, he probably takes advantage of his name to bully the common people.

As he thought this, his face grew even worse.

Just as he was about to speak, another thin official stood up and shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, I also have a memorial to present."

Everyone subconsciously looked over, their hearts filled with surprise and curiosity.

Today is really a special day, an ordinary court session is so lively!

This skinny official didn't keep anyone waiting, and directly stated: "Honglu Temple Wen Junyan used his power to bully the common people, forcefully buying the ink workshop from the people of Anyang, which led to the owner of the ink workshop hanging himself."

An Yang County Magistrate Hu Dongsheng and Wen Qinglin, the Imperial Historiographer, were classmates. The county magistrate favored his friend and suppressed this matter, leaving Mo Fangzhu's family with no place to seek redress.

“This matter is widely known among the people, damaging the prestige of the government. It is truly a heinous crime. Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly the crimes committed by Wen Junyan for oppressing the commoners and by Wen Qinglin and Hu Dongsheng for covering up his actions.”

The officials listened from beginning to end, their mouths agape in astonishment.

This is truly a case of "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the hawk behind".

As soon as Wen Yushi took action against the Wu family, someone jumped out and sued the Wen family...

The winter hasn't even come yet, and this chain of accusations at court... are they planning to dip them in candied fruit!

The Emperor instinctively straightened his spine and turned cold.

Wen Junyan was still watching the play when suddenly, the flames of war reached him.

Remembering the study, those boxes of freshly delivered ink sticks, he broke out in a cold sweat.

Over the past few years, my younger brother has flourished in court, but as a Fourth Rank official at the Honglu Temple, he's been more like a ghost, barely noticeable.

He was feeling quite down, so he occasionally took a long vacation to go for a stroll.

Six months ago, he arrived in Anyang County in the south and took a liking to an ink studio. He tried to buy it, but the owner refused, saying it was a family heirloom and wouldn't sell for any price.

In a fit of anger, he used some underhanded tactics to kill the head of the ink workshop. Then, the orphans and widows of that family went to report him to the county magistrate.

He went to the Anyang County government office to make some connections, only to find that the county magistrate was a classmate of his younger brother and had often visited their home in the past.

Then, things immediately went much smoother.

The county magistrate came forward, he offered silver, and in the end, the ink studio fell into his hands.

The original ink shop's wife and children swallowed their anger and went back home...

Everything was arranged perfectly, not a single flaw.

And this kind of thing, almost every household in Xindu has done it!

Most of the shops and farms in and around the city, their original owners would hardly have willingly sold their property to "outsiders"!

He only took over a small ink workshop. After so long, how was it dug up again!

Wen Junyan softened his legs and almost crawled out of the line, falling to his knees and crying out, "Your Majesty, I'm innocent!

"I did indeed buy an ink shop before, but the transaction was legitimate and there was absolutely no forcing anyone to their death! That kind of thing didn't happen!"

Before the emperor could speak, the thin and wiry censor opened his mouth again.

"Master Wen, are you saying that I framed you I have no grievances with Master Wen, why would I falsely accuse you"

This sounds familiar!

Just now Wen Yi Shi asked Mr. Wu like that.

Less than half a cup of tea, and it was returned to me!

Wen Junyan's eyes widened like bull's, glaring fiercely at his younger brother, wishing he could devour him alive.

Over the years, he hasn't lent us a hand at home, and now he's even been retaliated against at lightning speed because he offended someone!

Master Wu looked at the officials with bewilderment, unsure who had come to their aid at such a crucial moment. Nevertheless, his heart was filled with immense joy and pride.

He sneered and asked Wen Yushi, "Wen sir, as an imperial censor, you have received the emperor's grace, yet your family has committed such a grave error. What face do you have to stand here and accuse me of unfounded charges"

Unfortunately, Wen Yushi's face didn't change at all.

He strode directly up to the emperor on his throne and declared plainly, “Your Majesty, I am Tianwu’s Imperial Historiographer. My duty is to uphold the majesty of Tianwu’s laws and ensure fairness and justice in court.”

"I impeached the Wu family because they truly committed wrongdoing and should be punished, not because of personal grudges. "

Furthermore, several years ago, I severed ties with my birth family. Besides my genealogy records, I entered the Cui family through marriage. Now, I am the son-in-law of the Cui family. As for what happens to the Wen family, I have no say in it and no right to interfere.

If Master Wen really strong-armed the people's ink shop, causing someone to die unjustly, a thorough investigation should be conducted and punishment meted out according to the law.

"As the saying goes, 'Princes who break the law are treated the same as commoners.' The Wen family is no exception, nor is the Wu family!"

His words were forceful and resolute, and upon hearing them, the Emperor and some senior officials nodded in agreement.

A censor should be like this!

Watch over all things, always speak up for the unfair, without fear!

The thin scholar felt a little guilty and instinctively ducked his head.

Mr. Wu was also anxious and fearful.

Could it be Even if reinforcements intervene and bring down the Wen family, wouldn't it still stop Wen Yushi from attacking the Wu family

It was Wen Junyan who hated so much that he almost spat out a mouthful of old blood!

He suddenly had an impulse to scold his younger brother, but unexpectedly an official from the Ministry of Civil Appointments stood up.

"Your Majesty, the other day I received a letter from the magistrate of Anyang County. The county magistrate reported that Wen Junyan, an official at the Ministry of Rites, had forcibly bought a printing shop in Anyang County, leading to the death of an innocent citizen. The county magistrate has been investigating for several months and now has both human and material evidence. "

"But my old ailment has flared up again, delaying me for two days. I failed to write a memorial, and unexpectedly today this matter arose..."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was all my fault. I almost caused the upright and honorable magistrate of Anyang County to be falsely accused of harboring criminals..."

Upon saying this, he knelt down, his face filled with shame.

The entire court fell silent after the few words spoken by these officials from the Ministry of Personnel.

The lords and ministers, a hundred strong together, were like a boat tossed about on the waves, only to be thrown ashore one day.

To be honest, people who aren't as sharp might not have figured this out yet!

Wen Yu Shi sued the Wu family.

Another imperial censor impeached the Wen family.

The Wu family cries foul!

The Wen family cries foul!

The Ministry of Civil Affairs pulled out the magistrate of Anyang County who had been rolled up with the documents...

But the Empress Dowager's father can't be pulled out!

Wen Yu Shi's older brother can't take it off!

"Bang!"

The emperor couldn't bear it any longer. With a cold and stern expression, he slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Outrageous! This imperial court, where important matters are discussed, has been turned into such a mess by you all!"

All the officials, regardless of their thoughts, quickly knelt down in the utmost humility.

The Emperor took a deep breath and commanded in a decisive tone, "The Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple are to jointly investigate the cases of Wu Jiaqiang robbing women, seizing land from civilians, and Wen Junyan forcing the purchase of an ink shop. Submit your findings as soon as possible."

"I demand to know the truth. Anyone who conceals the facts or shows favoritism will be punished equally!"

In addition, all involved personnel have been suspended pending investigation and will await the outcome. Appropriate action will be taken accordingly!able for our family. However, spring planting is just around the corner now. If we could spare some good seeds, the villagers would be delighted, and we'd have plenty more grain at harvest time.Jia Yi...