TGCFNM -Chapter 318 Handing Over to the Ministry of Works

Outside the prefecture office, the crowd immediately cleared a path.

Ahead, eight strong men, paired two by two, carried a large wooden box inside, then opened it and set it aside.

Soon after, another group brought in a man who looked like a supervisor. Following him were several raggedly dressed commoners, their hands and faces blackened—clearly iron mine workers.

Chu Ling first went down to inspect the boxes, then turned her gaze to the supervisor, giving Hong Shiyuan’s men a subtle look.

At her signal, one of them pressed the supervisor to the ground, forcing him to kneel.

Chu Ling stood with her hands behind her back, her voice cold and commanding: “So you are the supervisor of this iron mine?”

“Yes,” the supervisor admitted nervously.

Chu Ling asked sharply, “Who authorized you to extract ore from this mine?”

The supervisor glanced anxiously at Prefect Xue, but received no response. Left with no choice, he closed his eyes and confessed, “It’s my family’s land. I mined it without permission, hoping… hoping to make a big profit.”

“Your family’s land?” Chu Ling sneered. “Do you think I arrest people at random without investigating thoroughly?”

The supervisor clenched his teeth, refusing to speak another word—clearly planning to tough it out.

“Even if it’s just a small iron mine, extracting ore without permission is a matter serious enough to destroy your entire family. You, a mere supervisor, really intend to take all the blame yourself?” Chu Ling asked, lowering her gaze to him.

The supervisor’s face went pale, visibly nervous.

Chu Ling continued, “Normally, in cases like this, the higher-ups escape unscathed. It’s always the lower-level people who suffer—or rather, the scapegoats.”

Prefect Xue ground his teeth in anger: “Lord Chu! You’d better not speak recklessly. This iron mine matter involves too many people; Lord, don’t drag yourself into trouble!”

Chu Ling raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Are you… threatening me?”

Seriously?

Prefect Xue ignored the crowd outside, glaring at Chu Ling and speaking through gritted teeth: “If this matter escalates, Young Lord Xiao will never let it go. Do you really want to oppose him? The Young Lord’s future is extraordinary; you’d better think carefully!”

Chu Ling arched her brow: “Extraordinary, indeed—so extraordinary, I’m scared too.”

A flicker of delight appeared on Prefect Xue’s face. “Lord Chu…”

“So I’ve decided to hand over the iron mine case to the Minister of Works. After all, iron mines fall under their jurisdiction,” Chu Ling said, looking at Prefect Xue’s sullen face with obvious satisfaction. “I’ve decided that today we will examine why this large iron mine was secretly restricted, only extracting a small portion of it.”

“Concealing the mine is a serious offense. No need for the Ministry of Works to re-investigate—this alone is enough to sentence you to death!”

After speaking coldly, Chu Ling returned to her desk, then struck the gavel:

“Prefect Xue has served as the Prefect of Nìngzhou for several years, amassing wealth, oppressing the people, handling over a hundred unjust cases, and even concealing the iron mine under the name of Young Lord Xiao. These are grave crimes!”

“This court hereby orders that Prefect Xue be immediately imprisoned, executed tomorrow, and that the Xue family estate be confiscated!”

“Guards! Seize him!”

Hong Shiyuan’s men immediately rushed in, dragging Prefect Xue and the struggling officers away.

At this moment, Chu Ling turned to the citizens outside and pronounced again: “Regarding the unauthorized extraction of iron ore, this case will be handed over to the Ministry of Works. The involved supervisor will be secretly escorted to the capital for judgment by the Ministry.”

“Court dismissed!”

Chu Ling turned and walked to the back, taking off her official hat and handing it to Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua beamed: “Master, it’s done!”

Chu Ling let out a light breath and looked at Zhang Dong. “Let’s go. Prepare to return to the inn. Tonight, under cover of darkness, we’ll take the boat to Yuanzhou.”

“Yes, Master.”

After leaving the government office, Chu Ling and the others secretly boarded the carriage. They picked up Hong Shiyuan and Elder Lin at the crossroads and headed to the Fulai Inn.

Elder Lin looked at Chu Ling and said, “Master Chu Ling, this case… it was handled in a ‘shady’ way. Though it was for a good cause, it’s hard to avoid criticism. I suggest you write a letter to someone.”

Chu Ling nodded. “Although I’ve handed over the iron mine matter to the Ministry of Works, I will certainly write to Prince Rui to explain the situation.”

Elder Lin shook his head. “Not just Prince Rui. I mean you should write to the former Grand Tutor, Elder Fu.”

“Ah?” Wan Sanjin was stunned. “Qingyu’s grandfather?”

Elder Lin suddenly recalled: “Right, you’re familiar with his grandson. You write the letter, explaining the matter… or have someone help you draft it. Once it’s ready, give it to Shiyuan to send as soon as possible.”

Chu Ling looked puzzled. “Elder Lin, why write to Grand Tutor Fu?”

“You’re heading to the capital, so it’s best to start using the proper form of address now—call him Elder Fu or Master Fu, either is fine.” Elder Lin furrowed his brows seriously.

Chu Ling and the others nodded, indicating they understood.

Elder Lin took a deep breath. “Even though there is Grand Tutor Sun now, and naturally he has disciples all over, scholars still respect Elder Fu the most. His grandson is the top young noble of the realm and even praised by the Emperor; his future is limitless.”

“Also, remember this: the court has several incorruptible officials who were trained under Elder Fu. They all share one trait—they detest evil. So if this matter ever becomes public, they will surely speak in your favor…”

“Are these officials censors?” Chu Ling asked curiously.

Elder Lin shook his head. “No, but they are upright and unyielding. Even the Emperor cannot easily sway them. There was even an incident of them clashing with the palace columns… Yet despite this, their positions are secure, and they owe loyalty only to the Emperor, never forming close ties with anyone else.”

Chu Ling understood. Such people have smooth careers because their loyalty is constant—they serve whoever sits on the Dragon Throne. So in the future, no matter who rises to high office, their positions remain unchanged.

Upon hearing this, Wan Sanjin immediately said, “I’ll go prepare right away. Su He can write it, and it can be sent to the capital along with the other letters. We’ll still need Uncle Hong’s help.”

Hong Shiyuan solemnly said, “Don’t worry. I will deliver them all.”

Wan Sanjin breathed a sigh of relief. “That should do it.”

Elder Lin looked at them and snorted, “You few… you’re still young, but reckless in your actions. I’ve never seen people like you—not because you’re not afraid of death, but because you don’t even think you can die.”

Wan Sanjin felt a bit proud. “That’s because we act by rules and are careful in what we do.”

Elder Lin frowned. “…How could you think that?”

Hong Shiyuan whispered, “Elder Lin, that’s just how they are…”

Elder Lin’s brows tightened. “I came this time to take away what you exchanged and also to bring the Young Master’s reply.”

At the mention of the exchanged items, Wan Sanjin’s eyes lit up. “Elder Lin, tonight the juniors will host a welcome dinner for you. Our government office finally has some money now.”

Elder Lin smiled faintly, his eyes carrying a subtle meaning. “Is that so?”