Chapter 81

Listening to the people's cries for justice, Qin Feng, following the representatives of the people, three elderly men, gradually learned what had happened.

The matter was as follows: In the sweltering heat of June, the refugees who had managed to enter Ye City had no place to stay and were seeking cool spots outside. There was a wealthy household whose courtyard walls were shaded by many large, century-old trees.

Some peach blossoms and branches extended beyond the walls, and the people rested under these shades. Someone from the wealthy household came out and accused the people of using the shade without permission, demanding payment.

The refugees, having fled here, begged for food and had no money to pay.

At this point, the wealthy household revealed its true nature and said, "If you have no money, it's not a problem; you can sell yourselves to pay the debt."

Thus, many vicious servants from the wealthy household rushed out, seizing young women and girls, and not even sparing the strong men, leaving only the "useless" elderly behind.

Qin Feng was shocked, "What, you just rested under the shade of the trees by the Cui family's wall, and they wanted you to sell yourselves to pay the debt?"

The elderly Wang, the oldest, said sadly, "The steward of the Cui family said that if we had no money, we could use my daughter Xi'er to pay the debt! Wailing..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Feng's face twitched, "Eastern Han's Zhou Bapi, Huang Shiren!"

Another elderly man, Zhao, cried, "General, the steward is named Cui Shiren. We fled here, only hoping to return home one day. Who would have thought we would encounter such a thing in a foreign land."

The last elderly man, Zhang, said mournfully, "If we really used the Cui family's things, we would have no complaints, but how can such things happen in this world!"

Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Bei were also shocked. Although the exploitation of the people by the gentry was a daily occurrence, the Cui family's methods were too despicable, openly seizing people.

Cao Cao's face turned particularly dark, and he said angrily, "The Cui family is too despicable, using such vile methods against the people!"

Yuan Shao turned his head and said, word by word, "Is there still law and order? Is there still the law?"

Liu Bei exclaimed, "The Cui family is truly devoid of conscience! Did you report it to the authorities?"

The elderly men cried, "There was no way to report it. Today, upon hearing that General Qin Feng has come, we dared to come and seek help..."

It turned out that Qin Feng's benevolent actions since he raised his army had deeply touched the hearts of the people, especially his act of sharing his food with the refugees.

Qin Feng, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Bei, with stern faces, looked at Ma Richeng.

Ma Richeng was flustered. He knew about this matter but was unsure about some details, so he hurriedly reminded them, "Generals, this matter needs careful consideration. The Cui family is the residence of the current Tingwei, Cui Lie. Whether such an incident occurred and the details of the incident need further investigation..."

Tingwei! The Tingwei is one of the Nine Ministers, in charge of the law, equivalent to a minister in modern times. Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's face was not as dark, Yuan Shao's head was not as large, and Liu Bei did not bang the table.

Ma Richeng, not expecting the people to be talking about this matter, felt he could not stay here any longer, so he stood up and said, "Generals, since such an incident has occurred, I will go and investigate... investigate... farewell."

Ma Richeng left.

The scene became somewhat cold...

The three elderly men, though uneducated, understood human nature. Upon hearing Ma Richeng mention the Tingwei and seeing the changes in Cao Cao and the others, they knew the situation was turning for the worse. They could only place their hopes on Qin Feng, crying and bowing together, "Everyone says General Qin is the most righteous. We do not ask for anything else, only that our families be spared."

The elderly men kowtowed, "If you can spare us, from now on, we will never seek shade under the nobles' trees again."

Qin Feng, looking at the trembling elderly men, his forehead veins bulging, clenched his fists, making a creaking sound. He knew about Cui Lie, who was now the Tingwei. Later, he used his relationship with Emperor Ling's stepmother, the favorite concubine of Emperor Ling's father, to donate five million coins and become one of the Three Excellencies, the Grand Commandant.

Emperor Ling's sale of offices was despicable, and anyone who bought an office was also despicable.

Cao Cao quickly winked at Qin Feng, signaling him not to make any promises to the people.

Yuan Shao remained calm, while Liu Bei was very willing to see Qin Feng confront the Cui family. "Cui Lie is one of the Nine Ministers, from a prominent family. Qin Zijin, from a humble background, only gained his position through good fortune. If he angers Cui Lie, he will surely be stripped of his position."

But Liu Bei thought again, "Given Qin Zijin's cunning, he will not oppose the Tingwei. However, it doesn't matter; if this matter becomes public, his reputation among the people will be ruined."

A loud bang startled everyone, and Qin Feng slammed the table, rising angrily, "I will not stand idly by in this matter!"

The people were overjoyed, and Cao Cao, surprised, stood up, waving his hand and urgently advising, "Brother Zijin, you must think carefully. The Cui family is a prominent family in the land..."

Yuan Shao could not help but say, "Brother Zijin, we only hold military positions and have no authority to interfere in local matters. Since these elderly men have come to seek justice, informing Lord Ma Richeng is already doing our best."

Qin Feng knew that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were doing this for his own good. He said earnestly, "Brother Mengde, Brother Benchu, why did you enter public service?"

The two were taken aback, understanding Qin Feng's meaning.

Qin Feng continued, "We entered public service to support the state and save the people. If we remain indifferent to such matters today..." His voice became passionate, "What is the point of supporting the state? What is the point of saving the people? What is the point of holding office?"

"Brother Mengde, where is the spirit of the Northern Wei when you punished the nobles with the five-colored rods?"

"A single Tingwei, are you afraid?"

Cao Cao's face suddenly darkened, and his resolve burst forth, "Who is afraid? I am willing to work with Zijin to rid the court of these corrupt officials! Benchu, what about you?"

Yuan Shao hesitated.

Cao Cao's face turned black, and he scolded, "So the words you spoke before were just hot air!"

"Nonsense!" Yuan Shao's head swelled with anger, "I, Yuan Benchu, entered public service to support the state. How can I stand idly by in such matters?"

Thus, the two decided to seek justice for the people in this matter.

Liu Bei was greatly surprised, unable to understand the stark contrast in Yuan Shao and Cao Cao's attitudes.

But Qin Feng knew that from the beginning, people like Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had wanted to accomplish something. However, with the Han dynasty in disarray, they had to start anew, and after much hardship, many things had changed.

But from beginning to end, their ideals were the same as Qin Feng's: to bring peace to the world and usher in a new era of prosperity!

Qin Feng descended the hall, followed by Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, each supporting an elderly man.

Qin Feng said, "The people know me, Qin Feng! How can I ignore this? I will go to the Cui family and seek justice for you!"

The elderly men were moved to tears, wiping their eyes, and followed Qin Feng and the others.

Liu Bei, his eyes darting, followed as well.

In the hall, only Zhen Yi remained, pacing anxiously, his fists clenching and unclenching, "This is bad, this is very bad. My son-in-law has no foundation and has provoked the Tingwei, his future is ruined..."

(Thank you: Chichen's early light, Wu Yun Heikong, Jidian your beauty, and other brothers for your support.) Mobile users, please visit http://m.piaotia.net

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