Chapter 010: Successfully Combating Corruption

Haha, I see. In that case, I must thank Captain Hu. Tang Feng smiled upon hearing this and noticed Hu Lie looking at him with some confusion, so he explained: "At that time, I only regarded you as part of the group with Gao Ming, which is why I paid attention. This led me to conduct a thorough investigation for evidence, and I finally uncovered their embezzlement activities."

Hu Lie awkwardly scratched his head before saying, "My lord, do you still remember how my expression was not right when you first took office?" With this reminder, Tang Feng recalled that Hu Lie indeed had an unfriendly look when he first saw him, and he nodded. Hu Lie chuckled and said, "If I had known you were such a good official, I wouldn't have dared to act that way towards you even if I had ten times the courage. I thought you were just like the previous officials, appearing upright on the surface but being excessively corrupt behind the scenes. I am a rough person and cannot hide my thoughts, which is why I was so disrespectful to you. I hope you can forgive me."

Ah? Hu Lie was somewhat surprised and opened his mouth wide, only closing it after a while. He then said: "Your Excellency's judgment at that time was indeed correct. Although I have always disapproved of the actions of these people, I could only compromise with them to avoid losing my position as the head of the catchers. Moreover, every time they divided the money, I received my share as well. Each time I held this silver, I felt quite distressed. If it were not for my elderly father needing my support, I would have resigned from this position long ago. However, over the years, I have not spent a single penny of that illicit income; I have saved it all." As he spoke, Hu Lie pushed the box he had brought in front of Tang Feng: "Today, in addition to offering my apologies, I have come to present these silver coins to Your Excellency. There are more than three hundred taels of silver here, which are my illicit earnings over the past few years."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the crowd improved somewhat. Their greatest concern was that Tang and Tu Shufeng would not allow them to use even reasonable means, making it difficult for them to support their families. The salaries set by the Ming Dynasty were actually quite low, insufficient for their livelihoods. Since Tang Feng stated that he would not take the proceeds from the fire expenses, it indicated that they still had some off-the-books income. Thus, the crowd relaxed, expressed their gratitude to Tang Feng, and then departed. Since Tang Feng stated that he would not take the proceeds from the fire expenses, it indicated that they still had some off-the-books income. Thus, the crowd relaxed, expressed their gratitude to Tang Feng, and then departed.

At this time, the servants had already prepared the meal, and Tang Feng called Hu Lie to dine together. Hu Lie could not decline, so he had no choice but to agree

Tang Feng looked at the box in front of him and at the man before him, feeling a surge of excitement in his heart. Who said that those who associate with the corrupt become corrupt themselves? This man before him had not lost his conscience despite being among a group of embezzlers! After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Captain Hu, your actions truly earn my respect, but I cannot accept this silver. As I mentioned earlier, all previous matters have been settled, and I will not allow them to retrieve the embezzled silver again, so you need not return the silver to the authorities. Moreover, I am aware that your salary is not high, and you have to take care of your elderly father; this silver is indeed useful to you." As I mentioned earlier, all previous matters have been settled, and I will not allow them to retrieve the embezzled silver again, so you need not return the silver to the authorities. Moreover, I am aware that your salary is not high, and you have to take care of your elderly father; this silver is indeed useful to you.

Only after everyone had left did Tang Feng completely relax. Looking back now, he still felt a bit worried. If he hadn't taken the initiative, those people wouldn't have been united, and he feared he might have been rebutted to the point of being unable to speak. It was also possible that they might collectively resign, leaving him at a loss. However, everything had been settled now; with these documents in hand, he should be able to fully control the conflict between Gao Ming and Tian Jing.

Tang Feng looked at the crowd below, who were displaying all sorts of disgraceful behavior, and could no longer bear it. He said, "You are all officials from the county office, how can you behave like this? Get up at once!" Upon hearing this, the crowd finally stood up from the ground, then looked at Tang Feng, waiting for him to decide their fate.

Tian Jing now finds himself in a situation where he has much to say but cannot express it. Observing the angry gazes of those around him, he can only manage a wry smile and remain silent. He has discerned Tang Feng's methods and understands that this young county magistrate, barely in his twenties, is not as easy to deal with as he appears. However, he cannot voice this realization. From this moment on, he has resolved to assist Tang Feng diligently, ensuring that he does not fall victim to the hostility of those who have turned against him. After all, he has navigated the political arena for decades and possesses the skill to adapt to changing circumstances. From this moment on, he has resolved to assist Tang Feng diligently, ensuring that he does not fall victim to the hostility of those who have turned against him. After all, he has navigated the political arena for decades and possesses the skill to adapt to changing circumstances.

Tang Feng understood that after this incident, these individuals no longer harbored the intention to confront him as they once did. He also recognized that the matters within the county office could not do without the support of these people. Thus, he maintained a stern expression and said, "Although your previous actions were inappropriate, they are now in the past. If I were to pursue this matter now, it would be somewhat unreasonable. I am aware that most of you acted out of compulsion due to others accepting bribes, and while it was wrong, it is not entirely unforgivable. However, while we can overlook past transgressions, I will not tolerate any corruption or misconduct under my administration in the future." At this point, Tang Feng glanced over the crowd again and noticed that the vast majority of them breathed a sigh of relief. This further confirmed his belief that among them, only a minority genuinely wished to engage in corruption, while the majority merely followed suit.

Regarding the words of these individuals, Tang Feng only believed less than fifty percent. Currently, they are compelled by circumstances to make such oaths; once silver truly passes through their hands, these individuals are likely to succumb to temptation. At that time, he would have a headache again. However, he did not want to expose this directly, as the matter still relied on them to handle it. After a brief contemplation, Tang Feng said: "I believe that what you are saying now is sincere, but the future is uncertain for anyone. You embezzling these silver coins not only exploits the common people of the county but also subjects me to criticism behind my back. If this matter is reported to the higher authorities, I fear I will also be implicated alongside you. To ensure your credibility, you shall today establish a written agreement, detailing the silver you have embezzled over the years, and write a confession that I will keep on your behalf. If, after my appointment, you have not engaged in any embezzlement, I will naturally burn this document. However, if you continue your wrongdoing, these documents can serve as a defense for me. Do you agree to proceed in this manner?" He then only looked at Tian Jing.

After helping the person up, Tang Feng then asked, "What kind of gift are you compensating, Captain Hu? I don't quite understand."

Tian Jing had already sensed Gao Ming's doubts about him from the words he had just spoken. He also understood that Tang Feng's continuous conversations with him over the past few days were intended to make them suspect that he had betrayed them. Now, he found himself at a loss for words and had no choice but to stand with Tang Feng. Therefore, upon meeting Tang Feng's gaze, he immediately stepped forward and said, "I am willing to sign the document as proof!" After saying this, he realized that in the eyes of others, he had completely become a traitor. A bitter smile filled his heart, for he knew that if he wanted to remain in the county office, he had to do so. Now, he was at a loss for words and had no choice but to stand with Tang Feng. Therefore, upon meeting Tang Feng's gaze, he immediately stepped forward and said, "I am willing to sign the document as proof!" After saying this, he realized that in the eyes of others, he had completely become a traitor. A bitter smile filled his heart, for he knew that if he wanted to remain in the county office, he had to do so.

Jie Huo had long received instructions from Tang Feng, and upon hearing his call, he promptly brought over the paper, brush, ink, and inkstone. Seeing Jie Huo immediately bring the items over, everyone was even more astonished by Tang Feng's arrangements. After Tian Jing took the lead in writing down the document, others also stepped forward to take paper and brush to record the silver they had embezzled and their confessions. In the end, Gao Ming realized he could not escape either, so he reluctantly wrote it down as well. With Tian Jing leading the way in writing the document, others followed suit, taking paper and brush to note down the silver they had embezzled and their confessions. Ultimately, Gao Ming understood he could not evade responsibility, so he helplessly wrote it down. By this point, the confessions of more than ten people from the yamen had been completed and were submitted to Tang Feng.

When they reached the entrance of the yamen, Gao Ming suddenly stopped, clasped his hands towards Tian Jing behind him, and said: "Master Tian indeed possesses remarkable skills. In just a month, you have already become the trusted confidant of the county magistrate. No wonder you have been able to serve in this county office for thirty years. I truly admire you!" With that, he snorted and turned to leave.

The reason Tang Feng chose Tian Jing over Gao Ming lies in this, as he is older and no longer has the possibility of seeking work elsewhere. The only option left for him is to collaborate with himself. Upon hearing Tian Jing's words, a satisfied smile appeared on Tang Feng's face: "Bring me paper and pen"

Returning to the inner courtyard, Tang Feng carefully stored the document and, under the guidance of Jie Huo, began practicing martial arts again. His interest in martial arts had grown even stronger, as he believed that practicing not only strengthened his body but also helped him handle certain matters. After practicing for half an hour, just as Tang Feng was about to call someone to prepare the meal, a servant entered and said, "My lord, Captain Hu is outside seeking an audience"

"Hu Lie? What does he want with me?" Tang Feng thought to himself, puzzled, but still had someone bring him to the back hall to meet. Before long, Hu Lie arrived in front of Tang Feng, and seeing the box he was holding, Tang Feng became even more confused: "What brings you here, Captain Hu?"

Tang Feng could tell that Hu Lie was an upright person. He understood that getting him to fully accept this sum of silver was not an easy task; otherwise, he would not have held onto the more than 300 taels until now. After a brief contemplation, he said: "Currently, these silver coins cannot be submitted. If you give them to me, it would be considered embezzlement on my part. How about this: let these silver coins remain with you, and when the office requires any expenditures, I will ask you for them. What do you think?" Hu Lie could only nod, feeling even more admiration for Tang Feng.

For the first time, Tang Feng felt that everything was under his control. He knew that everyone in the county office had to obey his orders now. The thought of improving the lives of the people in She County under his governance brought a smile to Tang Feng's face

After casually flipping through several documents, Tang Feng tucked them into his sleeves and then spoke with a slightly softened expression: "Since you have written this statement, I shall not hold past matters against you. You need not return the silver you previously received, as it is not easy for you to make a living. However, I hope that you will maintain your integrity in the future. The court will not withhold a single penny of your salaries. As for the matter of extorting from the people, do not engage in it any longer. Of course, I will not prohibit the customary expenses such as fire costs that have always existed in the county, but I will not take any of this wealth."

But sir, all of this is stolen silver, I truly...

After Hu Lie gently placed the box on the table, he suddenly knelt down in front of Tang Feng and said, "Lord Tang, Hu Lie has come to offer his apologies." This unexpected gesture left Tang Feng utterly bewildered, as if he were a statue of a golden warrior, staring at him in confusion. It took him a while to remember to help him up.

Gao Ming noticed that Tang Feng's tone had softened, so he immediately said, "What you say is indeed true, my lord. From now on, we will certainly no longer engage in corruption or misconduct, tarnishing the reputation of the government." As soon as he said this, the others also chimed in, stating that they too would no longer engage in embezzlement.