dognovel Chapter 231 Going to the Capital to Ask Questions
Chapter 231 Going to the Capital to Ask Questions
With tears welling in her eyes, Ye Wenshu reluctantly turned to leave the county government office. At that moment, large, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, as if it were about to rain.
As if a storm was brewing, Tao'er, supporting her mistress, turned away reluctantly and took only a few steps when a tall, imposing man in a dark brown official robe approached.
Ye Wenshu's gaze froze. Wasn't this Pei Xuan, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and a member of the Pei family of Hedong? Wasn't he in the capital? How could he be here?
Pei Xuan was followed by a large number of imperial guards and several eunuchs.
At this moment, the eunuch announcing the imperial decree shouted loudly, "The imperial decree has arrived! Shi Wanxia, receive the decree!"
In an instant, everyone present knelt down, some with joy and some with sorrow.
Many people believe that Shi was a girl with outstanding abilities who was appreciated by the emperor.
Some people, however, worry that a sudden imperial edict might not be good news!
Shi Wanxia responded calmly, quickly stepped forward to receive the imperial decree, deftly lifted her skirt, and knelt down sincerely.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: It has come to our attention that Shi Wanxia, the magistrate of Xinyang County in Youzhou Prefecture, has audaciously entered the officialdom as a woman."
"This is utterly audacious and reckless, disrupting the order of the court. However, considering his minor contributions to Xinyang County, he is hereby stripped of his post as county magistrate and ordered to return to the capital immediately to await trial. This is the imperial decree!"
The imperial edict shocked everyone. Shi Wanxia felt a chill in her heart, but she still forced herself to remain calm and express her gratitude.
She slowly stood up, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. She saw that her colleagues had different expressions: some were sympathetic, some were secretly relieved, and some were watching coldly.
Ye Wenshu stood aside, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She knew all too well the hardships and difficulties Shi Wanxia had faced since becoming an official. Although she was a woman, she was more upright, incorruptible, diligent and responsible than many men.
Pei Xuan stepped forward and said expressionlessly, "Magistrate Shi, please don't make things difficult for me. Please pack your things quickly and come back to the capital with us."
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly, "Young Master Pei, please wait a moment, I will do my best as soon as possible."
After saying that, she turned and walked into the inner hall of the county government office.
Tao'er said anxiously from the side, "Miss, what should we do? How could the Emperor issue such an edict? Someone must be framing us behind this!"
Ye Wenshu gently shook her head, "Don't panic right now. Let's assess the situation first. Sister Shi is exceptionally intelligent; she'll surely come up with a solution."
Inside the county government office, Shi Wanxia stood quietly, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
She recalled her ambitions when she first entered officialdom: to seek the well-being of the people and change the status of women in this world.
But now, she has been plunged into despair by an imperial edict. She knows that the path of officialdom is fraught with difficulties, and it is even more difficult for a woman to become an official.
Those conservative forces in the court have always coveted her, and now they have probably found an opportunity to bring her down.
She took a deep breath and began to pack her belongings.
She carefully organized all the official documents she had reviewed and the thank-you letters from the people.
She told herself that she could not be defeated like this. Even if she faced the emperor's interrogation, she would argue her case and fight for justice for herself and for all women in the world.
Pei Xuan waited outside the county government office. Looking at the small county government office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Shi Wanxia.
He knew that Shi Wanxia had indeed done a lot of practical things in Xinyang County, but how could the rules of officialdom be easily broken?
As the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he was bound by duty and could only act according to orders.
A short while later, Shi Wanxia came out carrying a simple bag.
Her gaze was firm and composed, as if she were ready to face anything.
"Pei Shaoqing, let's go."
She spoke softly. Pei Xuan nodded slightly and led her and the Imperial Guards on their journey back to the capital.
Ye Wenshu and Tao'er stood at the entrance of the county government office, watching their departing figures.
Ye Wenshu silently prayed that Shi Wanxia would be able to get through this ordeal safely.
At that moment, a light drizzle began to fall from the sky, as if it too was sighing over this unexpected turn of events.
As soon as the group left the county government office, they were surrounded by people who had rushed over after hearing the news, all expressing their reluctance to part with them.
"Lord Shi, why does His Majesty want to arrest you! All the people of Xinyang respect you as a local official."
"I can't believe it," said the restaurant manager indignantly.
"Yes, sir, they say they want to escort you to the capital."
"That's right. Although you are a woman, your abilities are evident to all the people in our county."
"Your Majesty must have been deceived by villains; you must not go with them."
“That’s right. It’s too dangerous for a weak woman like you to go to the capital alone. You can’t go with them.”
"Fellow villagers of Xinyang, Lord Shi has been kind to Xinyang. Even if it costs us our lives, we will not allow the soldiers to take Lord Shi away!"
"Yes, everyone, let's go!"
The people were immediately enraged and began to fight with the Imperial Guards.
Pei Xuan's gaze was deep, and he said coldly, "Miss Shi, you're quite the schemer. To incite these innocent people, you've added another charge to your list!"
Shi Wanxia ignored him and anxiously called out to stop them.
"Fellow villagers, please stop! Do not act impulsively, otherwise you will be disobeying the imperial decree, which is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family!"
Shi Wanxia's voice trembled slightly, yet it exuded an undeniable authority.
Hearing her shout, the people gradually slowed down, but the anger and reluctance in their eyes remained intense.
Shi Wanxia stepped forward and bowed deeply to the crowd, saying, "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of all my fellow villagers."
"But I believe in His Majesty's wisdom. This trip to the capital is merely to clarify matters, and there will certainly be no injustice. If everyone truly cares for me, then please do not make things difficult for the Imperial Guards here. Let's all go home."
An elderly man, leaning on his cane, said with tears streaming down his face, "Sir, are you sure you'll be alright going? We're so worried about you."
Shi Wanxia stepped forward and gently took the old man's hand. "Grandpa, I will take good care of myself. Everyone's trust and support are my greatest source of confidence. I cannot let my own selfishness drag down the people of Xinyang."
Pei Xuan watched this scene from the side, and was also somewhat moved.
Although he was ordered to escort Shi Wanxia, seeing how much the people supported her, he couldn't help but feel curious and admiring about her way of being an official.
However, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd: "No, we can't just let the lord leave like this! What if those treacherous officials in the court harm him?"
This statement reignited the anger of the people, and it seemed that conflict was about to break out again.
Shi Wanxia was extremely anxious. She scanned the crowd and said loudly, "Fellow villagers, during my time in Xinyang, I have always upheld fairness, all so as not to disappoint your expectations."
"Now, I hope everyone can trust me and the court's impartiality. If you truly wish me to be safe and sound, please leave quietly."
At this moment, several respected local gentry stepped forward to help persuade the people.
Thanks to their efforts, the people gradually calmed down. Although they were still reluctant, they obediently made way for the road.
Shi Wanxia breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Pei Xuan, saying, "Young Master Pei, please forgive my rudeness. The people were just agitated and meant no harm."
Pei Xuan nodded slightly, "Miss Shi, your people are indeed loyal to you. I hope that after you go to the capital, you can truly clear your name as you said."