Chapter 247: Assassination of the Crown PrinceChapter 177: Those Who Offend Shall Be Slain
The moment Liu Sichun saw Chen Tong, half her heart returned to its place.
She knew Chen Tong's identity and that he was Li Chen's trusted subordinate. Therefore, his arrival here couldn't possibly be to harm her.
"Deputy Commander Chen."
Liu Sichun gave a slight bow.
Chen Tong quickly stepped aside upon seeing this, he even dared not accept the greeting.
"Master Liu, you're too polite. Please don't be so formal with me. You shouldn't."
Chen Tong estimated that the Crown Prince was probably interested in Liu Sichun.
If this were true, Liu Sichun would be at least a princess consort in the future, and even after the prince ascended the throne, she would be a concubine.
He wouldn't even dare to accept Liu Sichun's gift if he were to die.
Chen Tong's courtesy left Liu Sichun a little confused, but she didn't think too much about it. She just thought it was all for Li Chen's face, so she replied: "I don't know why Deputy Commander Chen came here at night, is there anything the little woman can help with"
Chen Tong smiled and said, "There is indeed a small matter that needs your help, Liu."
Saying that, Chen Tong waved his hand and said sternly, "Bring the person up."
Immediately, a middle-aged man with disheveled hair and clothes, still wearing the official robe of a fourth-rank official from the imperial court, was escorted up by two guards in embroidered uniforms.
Under the light, the Liu family stared intently. One by one, they were filled with astonishment. It couldn't be anyone other than Zhou, the magistrate of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, could it
Chen Tong grabbed the man's hair and pulled his head up, smiling at Liu Sichun: "Does Master Liu recognize this person"
Liu Sichun suppressed the shock in his heart and nodded, "I know him. He is Zhou Tongzhi, the salt commissioner of the Salt Transport Commission, Mr. Zhou."
"Nice to meet you."
Chen Tong said, "The Dongchang has investigated and found that this man was corrupt and unjust during his term in office, forcibly taking women from the people, incurring the wrath of heaven and man. He has been taken down by the Dongchang. This time, we are here to inform you, Liu shopkeeper, that if this person has wronged you in any way, please speak up and the Dongchang will handle it together."
"Mr. Zhou, in a semi-conscious state, barely opened his eyelids and saw Liu Sichun. He spoke with difficulty: 'Liu... Miss Liu, please spare me, help me say a good word... Please...' "
Seeing Zhou, who usually flaunts his power and makes their lives miserable, now begging for mercy, the Liu family was deeply shaken.
Especially Liu Sichun, the feeling is particularly profound.
She knew this wasn't a coincidence, but rather that the Crown Prince was silently watching over her, clearing the path for her.
"Deputy Commander Chen, this man... has repeatedly used his power to oppress us, and on several occasions he has brazenly extorted bribes. We have all the account books and evidence. Please, Deputy Commander Chen, do justice for us."
Liu Sichun's words sent Zhou into the abyss with a single kick.
This made Chen Tong very satisfied.
On their side, they went to great lengths. If Liu Sichun didn't appreciate it or was too soft-hearted, things would become difficult for them. Going back, they would surely be reprimanded by the prince.
"Rest assured, Liu shopkeeper, this person will never cause you trouble again."
Chen Tong waved his hand, signaling the Jinyiwei to take him away. He then glanced at Liu's family behind Liu Sichun with a calm expression, lingering for a moment on Liu Sidar, who still had half his face swollen. Then he said: "There is one more thing. Before we left, His Highness asked me to convey a decree to the Liu family."
After Chen finished speaking, Liu Sichun immediately led his family to bow respectfully, indicating their attentive listening.
Chen Tong cleared his throat and said, "If there is no decree from the East Palace, Liu's women are not allowed to marry or be betrothed. This order is known to all members of the Liu clan, both inside and outside the family. Anyone who coerces, threatens, or tempts them will be beheaded."Chapter 915: Xu Changqing's Officialdom Philosophy