Chapter 1039: Chapter 875: Taken into Custody

Min Feng had been in office for three years and, seeing others enjoying a luxurious life every day, he could no longer resist the greed in his heart.

The Hanlin Academy is a clean government office; without any power in your hands, who would go out of their way to bribe or flatter you? 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Moreover, Gu Chengyu owned a three-entry mansion in the south, while he was still staying at his teacher’s house. This made him feel rather uncomfortable.

If he had known earlier, he would have waited a little longer. Once the three-year term was up and he left the academy, he would ask his teacher to transfer him to a more lucrative government office, making it much easier to amass Silver than it was now.

"Are you suggesting that I falsely accuse you? Then who was the woman you brought with you when you came to Hangtian City? Wasn’t she sent to you by Mr. Li? As for the one hundred taels of Gold, since you sent someone to the Money Shop to exchange it for a silver note, there must be a clear record. As for the leak in the river embankment, it’s even better; I’ve already prepared witnesses."

Gu Chengyu sneered, knowing that Min Feng wouldn’t admit defeat until the last moment. Despite holding the Imperial Sword bestowed by the Emperor, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t execute Min Feng without evidence; otherwise, he would face criticism from courtiers later.

After all, how many government officials aren’t corrupt? The only difference is the amount and source of the Silver!

Even though Min Feng only embezzled a thousand taels of Silver, which wasn’t insignificant, it wasn’t considered much.

However, since this matter involved disaster victims, the Emperor’s punishment would be harsher. Yet, Min Feng’s crime wasn’t so severe that it warranted death or having his family assets confiscated.

Therefore, Gu Chengyu planned to present the evidence against Min Feng and Li Taixing to the Emperor, allowing the Emperor to decide the punishment personally.

Min Feng suddenly remembered that Hua Rong had also come to Hangtian City with him. This was undeniable. However, this had nothing to do with the bribery accusations. He was fond of Hua Rong, and it was quite normal for Li Taixing to offer her to him, as she was merely an actor in the household.

It was common for officials to exchange actors, so this couldn’t be considered evidence of a crime.

"Mr. Hu..." Min Feng wanted to argue further, but Hu Maoshen interrupted him with a raised hand.

Hu Maoshen knew well that Min Feng was trying to argue forcibly. Anyway, Gu Chengyu had already gathered the evidence, and Hu Maoshen would simply follow to take some easy benefits.

As for Li Taixing, since this person disregarded their relationship, he couldn’t blame others for standing by.

"The Emperor has already appointed Gu Shaoqing as the chief imperial envoy for this disaster relief. I shouldn’t interfere too much in this matter. Since each of you insists on your story, and Gu Shaoqing claims he has witnesses and evidence, why not wait for the Emperor to decide?"

Hu Maoshen said to Min Feng with a hint of impatience, then closed his eyes to rest.

Gu Chengyu squinted slightly and then said, "Min Feng, even though you were appointed by the Emperor as the River Patrol Imperial Censor, your embezzlement of Silver delayed Mr. Hu’s best efforts to settle the disaster victims, leading to riots among the disaster victims outside Hangtian City. This put Lord Yang in danger, almost resulting in his death at the hands of the disaster victims. And yet, you fled from the scene."

At this point, Gu Chengyu suddenly stood up and pointed at Min Feng, shouting, "Your selfishness almost led to Lord Yang’s death by the disaster victims, and they had nowhere to hide. Because of your delay, the Changtian Prefecture had another embankment breach, causing many citizens to die in the flood. Your crime is unforgivable."

Gu Chengyu’s accusations made Min Feng’s heart race wildly. He couldn’t bear such a charge!

"Mr. Gu! I can’t agree with your accusations. You cannot judge based on your subjective assumptions..."

Gu Chengyu was impatient to listen to Min Feng’s quibbling. He had many things to do and no time to argue with him here.

"Today’s decision is to temporarily detain you until we return to the Capital, where the Emperor will pass judgment!"

Having said this, Gu Chengyu turned to Yang Chaoying, who was watching idly by the side, and said, "Lord Yang, temporarily detain Min Feng in your government office. When we return to the Capital, escort him back there."

Hearing this, Hu Maoshen couldn’t help but nod. Even the idling officials would find nothing wrong with such conduct.

Gu Chengyu didn’t abuse his power with the Imperial Sword; he handled matters reasonably. In contrast, Min Feng, eager to grab Silver upon arriving in Jiangnan, was no comparison!

Yang Chaoying was somewhat embarrassed, worried this might be inappropriate. After all, Min Feng was Chief Minister Xia’s disciple; if he really got arrested, would Chief Minister Xia take revenge in the future?

Of course, Gu Chengyu wasn’t afraid, having the Emperor’s support, but he didn’t. How could the Emperor remember who he was?

Seeing Yang Chaoying’s hesitant expression, Gu Chengyu understood his concerns.

"I will report everything that happened in Jiangnan to the Emperor at the time!"

These words brought great joy to Yang Chaoying; it was a promise, needing no further explanation.

Yang Chaoying hadn’t been in officialdom for just a year or two; how could he not understand Gu Chengyu’s meaning?

"Someone!"

The officials of the Ministry of Industry were all dumbfounded at this moment; they couldn’t believe Gu Chengyu was actually going to detain Min Feng; it was unbelievable.

Wasn’t Gu Chengyu afraid of Chief Minister Xia’s retaliation? Did the Emperor give him this courage?

Seeing the steward enter, Min Feng immediately shouted angrily, "Mr. Gu, I am the River Patrol Imperial Censor appointed by the Emperor; you have no authority to detain me."

All gazes in the room focused on Gu Chengyu, who remained calm, instructing Ming Yan, "Go and call a few Government Officials to take custody of Min Feng. And remember! No mistakes can be made!"

Ming Yan took the order, signaling the steward to call the Government Officials, then stepped forward, twisting Min Feng’s arms behind his back and subduing him with a single move.

Min Feng cried out in pain, shouting loudly. Ming Yan tore a piece from Min Feng’s robe and rudely stuffed it in his mouth.

Once Min Feng was taken out by Ming Yan, everyone else in the room exchanged glances. Gu Chengyu really meant it, showing no leniency.

The Ministry of Industry officials were terrified; Min Feng had Chief Minister Xia behind him, yet Gu Chengyu detained him without hesitation. What about them?

They, officials without deep roots, weren’t they to be executed without trial? With this thought, they all couldn’t help but gasp.

They then knelt down one after another, "Mr. Gu! We gave false testimony before because we were threatened by Min Feng, forced and helpless. We beg Mr. Gu to have mercy and spare us!"

Ministry of Industry Chief Yin Yue, with a pained expression, pleaded.

"Yes! Yes! Please, Mr. Gu, be discerning!"

Gu Chengyu sat down, casting an amused glance over them.

These officials, regardless of whether they were willing followers or complicit by choice, had not refrained from taking undue benefits.

Now with Min Feng in trouble, these people, seeking self-preservation, unanimously chose to betray Min Feng.

What a pity, Min Feng should have stayed a bit longer to witness their true colors.