kvmb Chapter 867 Keep your word
Chapter 867 Keep your word
Soon, they arrived at the prefectural government office.
Logically speaking, the prefectural office should have been dismissed by this time, and the prefect had returned to the rear residence, preparing to have dinner.
But when he heard that the Salt Inspector had arrived outside, the prefect hurriedly greeted him and came out.
In terms of rank alone, the Yangzhou prefect was an official of the fifth rank, while the Salt Inspector was only of the seventh rank.
However, the position of Salt Inspector was one of low rank but great power, and even the prefect of Yangzhou had to give him face.
The importance of the salt industry to a country in this era is self-evident. It can be said to be an important economic pillar and key lifeline of the country.
Those who were able to serve as the Salt Inspector were all the emperor's most trusted confidants.
Moreover, the Imperial Salt Inspector had the duty of supervision and had the right to submit petitions directly to the emperor. If an official made a mistake and was caught by the Imperial Salt Inspector, a petition would be sent to the emperor, and even a prefect could fall from power.
"Imperial Censor Lin, how come you have time to come to my place today? It just so happens that my wife has just prepared a table of wine and food. Shall we have a drink together?"
"You are too polite, sir. I am here for an important matter. I hope you will do me justice."
When the Yangzhou prefect heard this, he was also shocked, thinking that something big had happened. Then he saw Censor Lin had the children behind him brought out, briefly explained what had happened, and asked Lu Cheng to add to it.
Upon hearing that it was not a major event in the Yangzhou officialdom, the prefect was relieved immediately. He then called the head of the yamen runners and asked them to go to the south of the city immediately to check the house that Lu Cheng mentioned.
Afterwards, everyone entered the government office, and the prefect asked some detailed questions and got the whole story from Lu Cheng.
Not long after, a dozen yamen runners returned from the south of the city and brought back the bodies of the human traffickers. They sent them to the coroner's room and asked the coroner to begin the autopsy.
One of the captains recounted what happened: "Your Excellency, the throats of the four kidnappers were all crushed to death, and they showed no signs of resistance. The attacker must have been a master. According to my subordinates' speculation, it must have been a passing hero who saw injustice and eliminated these kidnappers. Because they didn't want to cause trouble, they let the kidnapped children come to the government office to report the case themselves."
After listening to this, the prefect nodded and looked at the salt inspector: "Imperial Censor Lin, what do you think about this?"
Censor Lin shook his head: "I don't know how to judge the case. These still need to be decided by the prefect. However, I think the most important thing right now is to send these children back to their hometowns as soon as possible, find their parents, and let them reunite with their families.
I also have a young daughter at home, who is about the same age as the other girl, so I can best understand the feelings of being a parent. The parents of these children should be struggling to find their children right now, and I wonder how anxious they must be. "
"Your words, Censor Lin, make sense. I have children at home too, and I hate these kidnappers the most. But I don't know where these children live. Young man, tell me, where do you live? Who else is in your family?"
"My family lives in Jinling. My father was a scholar, but unfortunately passed away years ago. I have no relatives at home. As for these three sisters, I have asked them before. This one..."
After listening to Lu Cheng's explanation, the prefect was relieved. As long as he had a clear address and name, it would be easy to handle.
After thinking for a moment, the prefect spoke again: "These children are in different places. If we send people to escort them back home, at least seven or eight yamen runners will be needed, and there may be accidents along the way. I think it would be better for me to write a letter to notify the various yamen, contact their parents and families, and let their families come to pick them up in person. This would be more appropriate."
Censor Lin also nodded: "The prefect is very thoughtful."
In fact, the reason why the prefect did this was not because he was worried about the children, but because he had other ideas.
If we send people to send these children home directly, all the expenses along the way will be paid by the government. If we let the children's families pick them up, we can not only save some expenses, but also reap some unexpected benefits.
The Yangzhou government helped them find their child. They couldn't just come here empty-handed and take the child away, right?
Let’s not talk about the boy for now. The three girls are obviously children from wealthy families, so they will definitely give some benefits to thank the government.
Moreover, when the time comes, you can spread the news privately, and it would be best if everyone knows about it, which can also be considered a political achievement.
Being able to sit in the position of Yangzhou prefect, this prefect is definitely not an ordinary person.
Censor Lin looked back at the children and the prefect, and his mind turned. He understood the key point, but did not say much.
"In this case, I'll leave these children to the care of the prefect."
"You are too polite, Censor Lin. This is what I should do."
Just as Censor Lin stood up and prepared to leave, he turned around and saw Lu Cheng, and suddenly remembered what the young man had just said, that he had no relatives at home.
If this is the case, then wouldn't there be anyone to take this young man back home?
Moreover, even if some neighbors or fellow villagers were kind enough to take this young man back home, wouldn't he still be helpless at home?
Thinking of the young man's performance today, he was obviously very smart and courageous, and his words and deeds were reasonable and measured. Censor Lin couldn't help but feel that he loved his talent.
After hesitating for a moment, Imperial Censor Lin spoke again: "Your Excellency the Prefect, this young man has no relatives or friends at home, and I don't know if anyone will come to take him back home. Why don't I take him back to the prefecture first and settle him down. If someone comes to take him, I will send him back. If no one comes to take him, I will accept him as my disciple."
"It is naturally a blessing for Censor Lin that he has taken a liking to this child. Young man, why don't you thank Censor Lin? He is the third place in the imperial examination. If he can accept you, it will definitely be a blessing for you."
Hearing the words "Tanhua Lang", Lu Cheng became more certain of his previous guess.
His surname is Lin, he is a top scholar in the imperial examination, and he is also the Imperial Censor of Yangzhou Salt. These three pieces of information put together point to one person, and that is Lin Daiyu's father, Lin Ruhai.
Lu Cheng immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Prefect, and Lord Censor. However, I promised my three sisters that I would ensure that they are reunited with their families. Please let me stay with my three sisters first. After they are reunited with their families, I will follow the arrangements of the two adults."
Upon hearing this, the prefect and Imperial Censor Lin could not help but nod their heads repeatedly: "You are so responsible at such a young age, and you keep your word. Not bad, not bad."
At this moment, even the prefect began to appreciate this talented person.
In this era, a disciple is the successor of a master, which is equivalent to half a son. If the master has no son, the disciple will have to take care of the master in his old age and see him to the end of his life.
Moreover, if one can teach a promising disciple, he will not only be able to repay the teacher in the future, but also benefit future generations.
The most important thing when accepting a disciple is character. Knowing how to repay kindness and keeping one's word are the most important qualities when accepting a disciple.
As a kidnapped child, Lu Cheng was able to remain calm, take the other three children to stop a sedan to report the case, and take good care of them. This is something that ordinary children cannot do.
Moreover, Lu Cheng's appearance, temperament, speech and behavior are all extraordinary.
If one wanted to become an official in ancient times, appearance, speech and temperament were extremely important factors.
No matter from which perspective, the young man Lu Cheng is an excellent candidate.
However, accepting a disciple is a very cautious matter, and one must clearly understand whether the other party's family background is clean.
Therefore, after Lin Ruhai left the prefectural government, he immediately sent someone to Jinling to inquire about Lu Cheng's family background according to Lu Cheng's home address. If everything was true, he would further consider whether to accept this disciple.
Moreover, this also requires Lu Cheng’s consent...