A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1182: Shackled and Imprisoned

The trio of venerable elders found themselves ensnared by Imperial Censor Zhou's machinations.

Their alleged transgressions? A dubious charge of collusion between officials and merchants, coupled with indulgence in dissolute pleasures. (A rather peculiar accusation, wasn't it?)

Disguised, Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing assumed the roles of the other two imperial envoys.

Within the hallowed halls of the courtroom.

A row of portly, venerable figures, adorned in opulent attire, knelt, securely bound. On either flank, court officials brandished imposing rods, their synchronized shouts amplifying the decree: "Mighty... Vigorous...!"

Prefect Yu Qingbo of Jiangnan presided over the proceedings in the courtroom, maintaining a posture of unwavering composure.

To his left were Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing, their male disguises firmly in place as the two imperial envoys. To his right sat the notorious Lord Zhou Yu, infamous for his dissolute ways.

While the two on the left maintained expressions of stern solemnity, Envoy Zhou appeared quite uncomfortable, as if he had misplaced something significant.

Yu Qingbo had been personally selected by Zhao Junyao, following the removal of the former magistrate, Hou Yaozong.

This individual had dedicated many years to diligent study, achieving the esteemed status of a graduate from two comprehensive examinations. His character was unblemished, devoid of any inclination towards grand ambitions or the pursuit of wealth and fame.

Admittedly, he possessed a degree of scholarly rigidity and lacked a certain adaptability.

However, despite these minor shortcomings, a region as prosperous as Jiangnan would be best governed by someone of his caliber to ensure stability and reassurance.

Consequently.

Zhao Junyao had maintained his position as the Prefect of Jiangnan for an extended period.

Regrettably, he had ultimately fallen short of expectations.

The premier city of Jiangnan, Jinling City, lay under his jurisdiction, yet he had allowed it to degrade to such a state.

Years had passed without any discernible progress; the Prefect had truly burdened him.

It appeared... it was indeed time for a change in leadership!

Zhao Junyao absently rubbed his forehead, a mild headache blooming as he contemplated his next appointment.

Xia Ruqing discreetly nudged his arm.

"My Lord... Commence the trial!"

Zhao Junyao swiftly recomposed himself, directing his attention towards Yu Qingbo presiding over the courtroom.

He observed Yu Qingbo forcefully suppressing the tremor in his hands before bringing the gavel down with a resounding crack.

"Audacious miscreants! How dare you collude with imperial officials, misappropriating public funds to squander on pleasures in taverns! Do you admit your guilt?"

Old Master Song, swelling with indignation and resentment, was the first to surge forward.

"Sir, we have been wronged!"

"It was at the behest of Lord Zhou Yu; an invitation from an imperial envoy, how could we possibly refuse!"

"As for the squandering of public funds, we are truly unaware of any such actions!"

"Had we known the funds were public, we certainly would not have participated!"

"We implore you, my Lord, to discern the truth!"

Old Master Rong also stepped forth, adding his plea.

"We are genuinely wronged!"

"My Lord, please stand up for us!"

Unable to contain himself, Old Master Lian stepped forward, his tone tinged with sarcasm as he pleaded his case.

"My Lord, we are merely humble merchants; how could we possibly be privy to matters of public funds!"

"Furthermore, to level such accusations against us for this matter seems exceptionally one-sided, does it not?"

Upon finishing his statement, he cast a pointed glare towards Zhou Yu seated nearby.

It was abundantly clear that this individual was the true instigator, was he not?

Yu Qingbo found himself speechless, his complexion darkening considerably.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Zhao Junyao's eyes.

He immediately arched his brows and declared with a frigid tone.

"The mistakes made by an imperial envoy will naturally be judged by the court, and as for your own transgressions..."

The three elderly merchants secretly wiped away beads of sweat.

Yu Qingbo was easily deceived; this imperial envoy, however, was not.

Just as they were contemplating their next defense, Zhao Junyao coolly interrupted.

"Ordinary merchants? According to my extensive investigations!"

"Your actions far exceed those of simple merchants!"

"The Lian, Song, and Rong families, do you confess your sins?" His voice dripped with chill, his tone utterly icy.

Meeting his gaze, their eyes reflected a pair of exceptionally sharp blades capable of instantly dissecting a person.

It was utterly terrifying.

They exchanged glances, witnessing a depth of mortal fear mirrored in each other's eyes.

Cold sweat erupted simultaneously across their backs and foreheads.

"We..."

"We... What sins have we committed?"

Old Master Rong stammered uncontrollably.

He could barely muster the courage to utter his own words.

Old Master Song, demonstrating slightly more fortitude, immediately prostrated himself with a kowtow.

"Imperial Envoy, what transgression have we committed? Pray, enlighten us clearly, so that we may rectify it posthaste!"

Old Master Lian, the eldest and most experienced of the three, also spoke with haste.

"If we have indeed utilized public funds, you may as well impose a fine of silver upon us!"

"If necessary, let it be doubled, even tripled! Imperial Envoy, I am truly being wronged!"

One does not contend with officials.

No matter how adept a merchant might be at navigating affairs, they could never truly stand against the might of the imperial court.

Thus, Old Master Lian promptly surrendered, grasping the gravity of the situation.

"This display of righteous robbery merely seeks our silver!"'If you desire it, I shall grant it to you!' 'Any matter resolvable with wealth poses no difficulty!' Through the passage of years, similar predicaments have surfaced repeatedly. There hasn't been a single imperial envoy who couldn't be placated with mere silver. With this thought, a sneer of arrogance flickered within his heart towards the impostor envoy standing before them. 'Hmph! These officials have truly been driven to destitution!' 'They venture into Jinling City seeking easy riches, each more avaricious and deceitful than the last!' 'Curses! They demand exorbitant sums, showing no fear of overindulging!' While inwardly spewing such venom, his outward countenance remained one of utmost respect. Zhao Junyao observed their practiced charade, a cold smile gracing his lips. 'Very well!' 'Since you're amenable to settling this with silver, state the sum!' Old Lian scoffed inwardly. 'Bah, such a minor issue bungled by you, may you forever remain a pauper official!' Elder Master Song and Elder Master Rong also regarded him with profound admiration. Their gazes conveyed praise: 'Old Lian, you've resolved yet another predicament; truly formidable, we are most impressed!' Elder Master Lian allowed a secret smile to bloom before lifting his head. 'Triple the amount!' 'Whatever the sum of silver expended, we are prepared to pay thrice that!' Zhao Junyao, with a look of disdain, turned to Zhou Yu and inquired. 'Pray tell! How much silver did you expend?' Zhou Yu cowered nervously, responding with measured caution. 'Three thousand taels!' Zhao Junyao inhaled sharply through his teeth, a sound of disbelief. 'What manner of feast necessitates three thousand taels?!' Following this, he joined Xia Ruqing in berating Zhou Yu, their laments steeped in genuine woe. Expressions like 'I have failed my father's dying wish' and 'Alas, I am truly powerless concerning you' were delivered with flawless authenticity. Zhou Yu, subjected to the reprimand, shrank back in palpable fear. 'I was unaware that the prices here would be six times that of the Capital City!' This single declaration brought all the underlying issues to light. 'Sixfold?' 'Why such an exorbitant increase?' 'These prices are simply outrageous!' 'An investigation is warranted! A thorough inquiry must be conducted!' 'Indeed! The Emperor entrusted us with this mission!' 'We owe the Emperor an explanation!' 'Precisely!' Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing executed their coordinated act with flawless precision, leading to the apprehension of the three commercial magnates. Once incarcerated, managing the situation became considerably simpler. The ensuing legal proceedings were personally steered by Zhao Junyao, with Xia Ruqing providing valuable assistance. As for Prefect Yu, he had long been sidelined by Zhao Junyao. This individual, lacking both talent and fortitude, offered no utility in their company and would more likely prove to be a liability. ... Within the confines of the prison. The trio of seasoned strategists found themselves utterly bewildered by the stark reality of their pitch-black cell. Never in their lives had they imagined they would face imprisonment. 'A miscalculation? Could these imperial envoys not have merely come to extort silver this time?' Elder Master Lian mused aloud. Elder Master Rong and Elder Master Song, men who had navigated the complexities of the world, also felt a sense of unease. Witnessing Old Lian's outward composure, they too found a measure of reassurance.