C26

The old Daoist did not want to stay any longer. Although he could not leave the bed alone, his spirit was much better and his wounds had mostly healed. He urgently requested to see the Disciplinary Envoy, Zhou Ru.

Zhou Ru readily agreed to his request, but the way they met was very different from what the old Daoist had imagined.

The old Daoist was placed on a chair and carried to the lobby. When he walked in, it caused the old Daoist to be extremely unhappy. The guard at the entrance actually shouted, "The suspect has arrived!" The old Daoist felt hatred churning in his heart, but he did not dare to flare up, afraid that these people would carry him back. In his heart, he had already made up his mind. Ten years is too long, and the Dao Lord cannot wait. Once we return to the capital, you bastards will not be able to take responsibility. When he thought of that fellow begging for mercy in front of him, his heart felt much better.

The torturers heavily placed their chairs on the ground. Their rude actions caused them pain all over their bodies. This caused the old Daoist to want to curse a few times. However, after thinking about what had happened recently, he still forcefully endured it. But when he looked at the torture chamber, where Zhou Ru was sitting behind the desk with the six classes of torture arranged around him with a solemn and dignified expression, and saw the youth standing at the head of the punishment squad with a sinister smile on his face, he felt a sense of unease in his heart. No matter how stupid the old Daoist was, he had already realized now that this was not a gesture of submission! That sentence wasn't a mistake, but a true suspect. He could not help but feel anger rising and was about to flare up. Zhou Ru said gently, "Leader, how is your recovery going? Has anyone ever neglected you? I have been busy these days and have not been to see you. Please forgive me! "

The old Daoist was stunned. Had he thought wrong? After some thought, Lightning told herself that it was better not to bother with it and that she should leave this place as soon as possible.

"Thank you for your concern, sire. In the past few days, this humble one has …" The old Daoist could not help but glance at Zhang Zhou, gritted his teeth and continued, "Very good, thank you brothers for your meticulous care of me!"

He no longer called himself a Dao Lord. It was clear that he had put on a low front.

"That's good, but I don't think it's convenient for you." I might as well go back and rest for a few more days … "

"No need, no need. This Penniless Priest will be fine!"

"That's good!"

Just as the old Daoist was about to ask him when he could leave, he heard a shocking "pa" sound, interrupting his attempt to open his mouth. Zhou Ru's gentle demeanor instantly disappeared. His face darkened as he sternly said, "Great Daoist Priest, do you know your crime?"

The Daoist priest stared in shock. What? You know your crimes? What crime do I know? I've been beaten, I'm the victim, okay? What did that mean? However, he suppressed his anger and tried his best to sound calm. "Master, are you sure you're not mistaken?" This Penniless Priest is a suffering person, he is not a sinner! "

"Innocent person? Hmph, I still want to lie in front of you! If it wasn't for the fact that the state has always executed the law impartially and diligently, you really might have escaped this crime! "

The Daoist priest was somewhat at a loss. He did not know why, but for a moment, his fury and confusion intertwined. He hurriedly took a few deep breaths to calm his emotions and constantly warned himself: Hold it in! Endure it!

"Master, this must be a huge misunderstanding! "This Penniless Priest …"

Then, he used both hands to pick up a piece of paper from the table and read in a deep voice, "Martial Arts, 13 years from now, on March 13, the Hezhou Sentencing Yamen was ordered to search for the remaining evildoers of their criminal gang. There were a total of 13 Daoists and their disciples who refused to cooperate with the Sentencing Patrol. "The prosecutor is Zhang Zhou, the head of Hezhou Criminal Yamen's criminal arrest!"

Zhou Ru put down the paper and looked at the old Daoist whose face had turned green. "Your name is Qing Lin, correct? Do you have anything to say about this? "

No matter how stupid Qing Lin was, she could tell that the other party was planning to frame her. The anger in her heart was surging, and she could not control it. "To trap this poor Taoist!"

Zhou Ru ignored him. He looked at Zhang Zhou, who nodded. Zhou Ru then ordered, "The case involves secrecy. Apart from those who are necessary, everyone else should stay out of the way!"

The officer on the field replied in unison before turning around and leaving. In the hall, other than Zhou Ru and Zhang Zhou, there were three other people who were left behind.

Zhou Ru glanced at him and said, "Qing Lin, the crime just now was only one. Next up is your second crime, bring your witness!"

The seven of them brought in a servant-looking man, who plopped to his knees in front of the hall.

"Who are you kneeling on?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, I'm from Long Prefecture. I once served as a gatekeeper in the King's Manor of Great North River!"

"Tell me honestly, don't speak nonsense! Have you seen this Taoist before? "

That person turned around and looked at the old Daoist. After carefully examining him a few times, he solemnly swore, "Reporting to Sir, this lowly one greets this Dao Lord!"

"When? Where? Are there any witnesses? "

Zhou Ru asked three times in a row.

"Just a few days ago, about the beginning of March. This commoner has seen this Dao Lord outside the Residence of Great Northern River King. After the prince was captured, many of the servants were the same as the grass people as they were kicked out of the palace. After that, everyone thought that they could enter the palace and take back their things, but unfortunately, there was someone guarding them and they couldn't enter. After all, they couldn't bear to part with those things, so they lingered outside the mansion. This commoner is at a teahouse near the King's Manor and has seen this Dao Lord.

When Qing Lin heard the words King of the Great Northern River, she knew that they had been extremely vicious. She had gone to the Dragon Continent, but she had only passed by the Dragon Province. She had never been to any King's Manor. He felt like his lungs were about to explode from the anger! Without caring about the pain from his injuries, he stood up and pointed at the man, bellowing: "You, you're lying! Lord, this man is lying! This is slander! Do not believe his side of the story. "

Zhou Ru looked at Qing Lin and waved his hand, telling You Nan and the others to bring him down. He said coolly, "You're right. You can't just listen to his side. Someone, bring the next witness!"

This time it was Lin Jiu who brought up an old man. The old Daoist looked at the old man and found him somewhat familiar, but could not recall where he had seen him before. The old man had already knelt on the ground and began to explain.

"Reporting to sire, a few days ago this Taoist led people to sleep in this commoner's village. This commoner was able to get up easily in the middle of the night and accidentally overheard them speaking, saying that we must not let the people of the imperial court find out about any evidence. This old man is afraid of provoking trouble, so I didn't dare listen too much. Please enlighten me lord!"

The old Daoist recalled that he had indeed stayed over at this old man's manor, but he did not say such a thing! Even a fool would understand what had happened now!

"You, you two, this is framing this poor Taoist!" Qing Lin was hysterical, screaming and baring his fangs. Zhou Ru appeared a little impatient, indicating that the old man should leave as well.

"Qing Lin, have you been to Long Prefecture?"

"This Penniless Priest had gone before, but …"

"No need for nonsense, just admit that you've been there!" Have you ever lived in the old man's house? "

Qing Lin was slightly deranged.

"So what if I did? This Penniless Priest has never broken the law and never said such words. These are all methods you used to frame this Penniless Priest! "

Zhou Ru ignored him and continued to ask, "Are you a Daoist from the Imperial Pill Room?"

"You have seen this Dao's identity token! This is impossible to fake! "

Zhou Ru looked coldly at Qing Lin and asked, "You should know about the King of the Great North River case, right?"

Qing Lin was speechless. Zhou Ru sneered.

"As a Daoist alchemist in the royal pill room, what are you going to do in the Dragon State if you don't have those dirty tricks? Based on the testimony of the witnesses, I inferred that you went to Longzhou to destroy some shameful evidence! "You kept saying that this official had framed you. You must think it through clearly. If it weren't for my care, you would have been seriously injured by now and wouldn't have had the chance to speak nonsense!"

After the King of the Great Northern River had committed the crime, the entire capital was filled with grass and trees, and Qing Lin was aware of this. Many officials had already been implicated, and a few had been convicted on the basis of hearsay evidence. At the end of the day, he was just an ordinary alchemist. The other party could just use these false testimonies to incriminate him. What was the use of defending himself now? After coming to this conclusion, Qing Lin's tone softened.

"My lord, I am truly wronged. I humbly request for my lord's help to notify the Pill Emperor Room of the capital. I believe that everything will be brought to light!" This Penniless Priest will definitely not forget the kindness and benefits of the Lord! "

"The Taoist has a special status, I must be cautious!"

As long as you all fear the Pill Bending Room, I will have a chance. However, he did not expect Zhou Ru to continue speaking, causing his heart to sink to the bottom.

"In the case of the Great North River King, although the bandit leader has committed an act of subjugation, it is difficult to guarantee that there will be some petty villains who will be unwilling to accept this and attempt to find an opportunity to take revenge in the future! Those who had the chance to hide by His Majesty's side, how could they dare to not be cautious? "Daoist Priest?"

Without waiting for Qing Lin to say anything, Zhou Ru stood up and said to Zhang Zhou, "Take him back to his cell. This is a very serious matter, you can't be careless! We have to get to the bottom of this! "

What Qing Lin was feeling right now was not anger, but fear. Without waiting for Zhang Zhou's reply, she hastily shouted, "Master, don't go! This humble Taoist has been wrongly accused!"

Zhou Ru shook his head and sighed, "You're anxious to see me, and yet you refuse to tell me the truth! It was obviously playing with this official! "Therefore, in my opinion, it's better if you think about it clearly before saying anything!"

Then he urged Zhang Zhou, "Try not to commit suicide by avoiding crimes! Do you understand? "

"Yes, milord!"

Zhou Ru ignored Qing Lin and left. On the other hand, Zhang Zhou walked over to Qing Lin with a grin and looked at her with a playful expression. Qing Lin's eyes were spitting fire. Everything was the despicable scheme of this despicable person in front of her, how could she not hate him?

"You, you bastard! You must be the one who fabricated the evidence to frame this poor Taoist! "

Zhang Zhou smiled and nodded, then squatted down and whispered in his ear, "These testimonies are indeed forged! But you should be thanking me! "

"You want to make this Penniless Priest feel grateful that you have fallen?"

"Shouldn't you thank me for saving your life?"

"Your perjury is not enough to convict me to death!"

Zhang Zhou nodded and smiled: "I know, I can't convict you to death, but the evidence is enough!"

Zhang Zhou took out a confession letter from his pocket and waved it in front of Qing Lin's eyes. "I have a few more confessions here that were written by your disciple. This one is to inform you that you went to Dragon State to sell some things that you shouldn't have!"

Qing Lin's expression distorted. Zhang Zhou ignored his reaction and asked You Nan and Lin Jiu to set up the old Taoist. Don't even think about dragging the chair back. Qing Lin is infuriated... Fear, even more fear. It was only when he saw the pitch black prison entrance that his heart turned to ashes. He used all his strength and shouted to Zhang Zhou who was behind him, "Lord, can I talk to you alone?!"

… ….

Zhang Zhou smiled as he watched. Qing Lin was lying paralyzed on a pile of grass, her face pale. This time, she took out several pieces of evidence from her bosom, and then opened them one by one as she spoke in a calm and collected manner.

"This is the testimony of your disciple when he reports that you are a greedy ink pill refiner!"

"This is evidence of you secretly selling the Royal Pellets!"

"Dao leader Qing Lin, I believe you know better than I whether or not these charges were forged. If you hand it over, I wonder if your fellow disciples in the Pill Emperor Hall will save you?" Or would he step on you while you were down? I think that in order to not get implicated, they should have thought of all sorts of ways to kill you as soon as possible! "

At this moment, Qing Lin's face was ashen! All the fake evidence in the hall had fallen out of the dregs, but these evidence really made him smoke. Among them, the illegitimate child and the private sale of the pill was enough to make him lose his head! Furthermore, what Zhang Zhou said was not wrong. The Pill Emperor Hall could not possibly save him! He knew that he no longer had the ability to turn the situation around! It was as if he had fallen into an icehouse!

Zhang Zhou had told You Jiu to find two young Daoists for coercing and tempting, to see if he could get any information on Qing Lin. In the end, the two young Daoists were so scared that they actually provided information on Qing Lin's corruption. Qing Lin's black history began to fall out with a crackling sound!

Previously, Zhang Zhou had been thinking of how to make the other party surrender and end this matter without any future troubles. However, the various pieces of evidence in his hands now not only made the other party abstain from firing at a rat, but also truly pinched onto his life, enough to put him to death. However, killing the other party in this way was not in his interest. Furthermore, he felt that he had suffered a loss. Zhang Zhou wanted to obtain more benefits from the old Daoist.

Instead, he came in the name of collecting alchemy materials, so that he could make a transaction in the Dragon Continent. The Royal Pellet wasn't just valued by the Emperor, it was also something legendary among the people, and was highly respected, but no one dared to sell it without permission. That was a capital offense that no one could doubt. In the past few years, he had privately sold quite a few Imperial Pill via an underground market in the Dragon Continent. Even if something were to happen, he wouldn't be able to find out about it. This matter was kept a secret and there had been no news of it for the past few years. Thus, he let his guard down and let one of his trusted disciples follow him to complete the transaction. He had overestimated the loyalty of his disciples, and had even more severely underestimated the darkness of the local grassroots management. In the current situation, as long as Zhang Zhou frowned, he would die without a doubt! Zhang Zhou said, "Currently, I'm the only one who knows about this, but tomorrow, it will be made public!"

Qing Lin no longer had the courage to clamor. While enduring the pain, he crawled down and begged with tears streaming down his face, "This humble Taoist begs for mercy, my lord!"

Zhang Zhou picked him up, and laughed: "If I want your life, I only need to hand over the evidence, and I can also get quite a bit of credit! Don't you think so? "

Qing Lin nodded and begged while sobbing, "Whatever sire needs, this humble Taoist will do as you say!"

"I want to know the method to concoct the pill. Don't worry, it isn't the secret method to refine a pill. I only need the method to concoct the pill!" Secondly, I want to know why you are so resistant to beating up! "

Zhang Zhou passed the letter from Daoist Master Qing Lin to the King of Great North River to Zhou Ru, who finally felt relieved. The problem had been solved! Such a letter could completely be discovered by 'later on without anyone noticing'. Zhou Ru was very satisfied that there would not be any hidden dangers.

"With this letter, we can let him go back peacefully. He won't dare to go back on his words and take revenge in the future!"

"Rest assured, the future of that Daoist Priest is more valuable than us. There is no need to do something like mutual destruction!"

Zhou Ru smiled and nodded as he looked at Zhang Zhou in admiration.

"You brat, you really do have some cultivation experience, you passed just like that!"

"It is not the ability of a lowly official, but the reasonable and appropriate words of the lord in the court. That is why the old Daoist was willing to bow his head and bow!"

The fawning Zhou Ru laughed out loud.

"Enough, enough. If you keep talking, this old man won't even know his surname!" It was luck this time, but in the future, remember not to be reckless, being too complacent is easy to capsize! "We still need to be careful!"

Zhang Zhou replied respectfully.

As for the statement made in front of everyone during the interrogation, it was like stabbing the heavens, not enough to cause any big ruckus. It was all for the sake of settling the dispute between the two parties in the future. After discussing with Zhou Ru in advance, after disbanding the crowd, he used the method of formation to pull Qing Lin and the Great North River King together and finally obtained this letter. The main purpose of this letter was to make Zhou Ru feel at ease and not worry about any future troubles that might arise because if both sides were to clash in the future, just this evidence of the crime would ruin the future of Qing Lin. As for the real evidence of the crimes that Zhang Zhou had grasped, Zhou Ru did not know about it because he wanted to use these evidence that could put him to death to secretly coerce Qing Lin to do something shady for him.

The final result was, first, most people believed that this conflict had been settled through private negotiations between the two sides. As for whether they spent the money or used other methods to make a guess, if word of it got out, they wouldn't be able to escape. Second, once Zhou Ru obtains the protective talisman, he would not have to worry about troubles in the future! Thirdly, Zhang Zhou obtained the benefits he wanted!

Zhang Zhou only got a few prescriptions to cure the common ailments and injuries, and was guided by Qing Lin to make the pills. Zhang Zhou had this idea a long time ago, but he had no reliable method of making the pills and was forced to run aground. The appearance of Qing Lin, the Minister of Medicine, had easily solved the problem!), and he promised to keep the pills for half a year as long as it was stored as required.

As for Dao Elder Qing Lin, Zhang Zhou had also given him enough benefits to ease his heart! A bonus from the drug proceeds. He even informed Daoist Master Qing Lin that if the illegitimate child stayed in the capital, it would be easier for him to cause trouble. He could bring it to Hezhou, and he would be in charge of taking care of it, which would be better than living in the capital in fear. Furthermore, he warned him not to sell the Imperial Pill because the risk was too great. As for the disciples who betrayed him, Zhang Zhou promised that he would not let them appear again.

Qing Lin could not help but sigh. He already had no choice but to board Zhang Zhou's boat. He could either sit down or dive into the water to die.

In the midst of his depression, Zhang Zhou gave him a profit of 20,000 taels of silver in advance, which finally made Qing Lin smile a little. Twenty thousand taels was enough to buy too many people's dignity, honor, freedom, and even their lives. Naturally, that would be enough to settle a grudge that had no intention or purpose!

There were a total of 12 disciples, and Qing Lin had only taken away 6 of them, the other 6 were people Qing Lin did not want to see again. There were a total of 12 disciples, and Qing Lin had only taken away 6 of them, and the other 6 were people Qing Lin did not want to see again.

Zhang Zhou even found some valuable information from Qing Lin's mouth.

The current situation of the Son of Heaven wasn't good; the battle between the Jing King and the crown prince was very intense; the Jing King didn't like the art of pills, so the Pill Emperor's attitude towards him was very ordinary …

The thing that caught Zhang Zhou's attention the most was that the Queen was not only the sole ruler of the harem, but also the Ping Wang's mother. The other concubines all came from families without officials, but the Empress' father was an assistant minister in the imperial court, the second civil servant to be handed over the chair by Lu Dai Wen. Zhang Zhou thought to himself, in the end, it would be hard to say who would succeed the throne, but at the moment, these weren't things he needed to worry about. What he was concerned about was that apart from King Jing and King Ning, another force had entered his field of vision — the empress's clan was inferior in age to the equal king, but the empress and Lu Daiwen had the ability and strength to do all of this for the equal king in advance.