Chapter 263.2
Chapter 263.2
Next, Heshen searched everyone in his mansion from top to bottom.
In the end, he scraped together another 500,000 taels.
Thus, the total value reached 13.8 million taels of silver.
However, after deducting the legal portion, it exactly matched the figure given by the two officials!
Heshen was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat, and his neck turned chilly!
It turned out that every move he made, as well as those of the people in his mansion, had been under the Emperors surveillance all along!
What kind of measures are these? Theyre terrifying!
Someone, come here! Heshen shouted loudly.
Master! A group of guards responded.
Heshen pointed at the crowd below and loudly commanded, Beat these corrupt people 30 times with the rod! The steward, who is the most corrupt, should receive 100 lashes!
The people below were thrown into a panic.
Master, we realize our mistakes. Please give us another chance!
Master, all these years Ive worked hard without complaint, if not for merit then at least give me leniency for the hard work! I wont survive these 100 lashes! Master, please have mercy. Cant you reduce the number?
Master, I beg you!
It has to be done otherwise they wont learn their lesson! Heshen said coldly, his face devoid of emotion.
These people had nearly killed him!
If he didnt get a number and didnt deal with this seriously, it would be his own head that would roll!
Beat them. Do it hard and do it fiercely!
In no time, the agonized wails filled the air.
Then, Heshen immediately sent all the gold, silver, and jewels into the national treasury.
After Yan Song and Qin Hui inspected them, they checked off his name, indicating approval.
Heshen breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, having narrowly escaped disaster.
But from now on, he could not reach out his hand again, to do so would surely lead to his capture.
At this time, the officials under him all came to him, hoping Heshen would put in a good word for them and let them off.
Heshen shook his head helplessly: Everyone, Im in no position to help myself, let alone you! However, I do have a piece of advice for all of you. Dont try to be clever and dont rely on luck, just cooperate honestly. The emperor is watching from above! If you dont listen and lose your position and life, dont blame me!
The officials left, disappointed.
Some heeded Heshens advice and turned in all the money they had embezzled over the years.
But many others took their chances, only surrendering a portion and hoping to bluff their way through.
And there were some officials who, seeing they had embezzled enough, actually thought about fleeing.
These people could not escape the discerning eye of Lin Beifan.
Those who didnt flee and tried to bluff their way through were caught, thrown into prison for strict interrogation, and then sentenced.
Those who attempted to flee met a worse fate.
Lin Beifan personally took action, either setting traps on the road to starve them to death or releasing rats and insects to bite them.
There were various other ingenious methods that were coming one after another without end.
Whatever youve taken from me, you must spit it out, and if the money isnt enough, youll pay with your life! Consider it my loss if I let any of you take even one step out of Great Xia!
Lin Beifan flicked his hands lightly, and a large carp leaped out of the river, landing on the deck of the boat.
Your Majesty, youve caught another fish!
His Majesty is amazing!
The women exclaimed in admiration.
Lin Beifan laughed heartily, My beloved consorts, weve caught so many fish today. Lets just have a full fish feast!
Yes, Your Majesty! Immediately, the royal kitchen staff came over and took all the fish from the deck.
The Dragon Boat continued its journey northward, continuing to enjoy the mountains and waters.
Just at this moment, Lin Beifan received a piece of news.
The Master Painter was about to pass away, and he wanted to find a successor before his time came!
Master Painter is the only Grandmaster in the world who has attained enlightenment through painting!
Yaoyao explained, His paintings can deceive both heaven and earth, so lifelike that they can trap creatures in illusions, even causing people to fall into dreams!
Although he isnt the strongest in terms of martial power among the Grandmasters, his abilities are the most mysterious! It is said that he once trapped a Grandmaster for three days and nights with just a few of his paintings!
Lin Beifan nodded, A Grandmaster who can attain enlightenment through painting is indeed extraordinary, even rarer than a Great Grandmaster!
Thats why he hasnt found a suitable successor yet!
Yaoyao continued, Hes now 180 years old, which is considered a long life among Grandmasters. Knowing that his end is near, he has announced to the world his wish to find a disciple to carry on his legacy before he dies!
How interesting!
Lin Beifan laughed, Its said that he lives on an island three hundred li off the East Sea. Were on our way there anyway, why not take a look and join in the excitement?
Good, good! Yaoyao was very excited.
The other women also nodded in agreement.
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