The Double
Chapter 294 - 114: Reinforcements_2

Chapter 294: Chapter 114: Reinforcements_2

Dealing with smart people just makes things easier, Jiang Li said, "Indeed. At first, I was worried that it might be difficult for you to identify Feng Yutang, since there could be cover-ups, and it would be just your word against his. But letting you go to the East Mountain Mine Path was like him digging his own grave. He’s heading down the road to his own death, and no one can stop him."

"What do you mean?" Ye Mingyu interjected, "Not accuse Feng Yutang of his brutality, then what are we accusing him of?"

"Accusing him of mining gold without reporting to the imperial court. Although East Mountain is an abandoned mine, and everyone knows it’s impossible to extract gold from it, that was the situation over a decade ago. Many have forgotten about that. Once rumors spread that there is still gold to be mined at East Mountain, and Feng Yutang kept it a secret from the court, secretly sending people to mine for gold, his crime would be significantly escalated."

He Jun murmured, "Digging wells in secret is a capital offense that can lead to the extermination of one’s entire family..."

"Everything under heaven belongs to the emperor. Stealing from others is bad enough, let alone from the emperor himself. Such a death would not be unjust," Jiang Li said with a slight smile. "Besides, it seems that Lord Feng has someone highly skilled advising him from behind. The waters are muddy in Yanjing; who knows what Feng Yutang is mining gold for? Mining gold is mostly for the pursuit of wealth. If such a large fortune were to be used to raise troops and bribe allegiances, wouldn’t that be tantamount to suspicion of collusion and treason? Collusion and treason are major concerns. How can such matters be settled in a small place like Tongxiang? Even lodging an imperial complaint wouldn’t be excessive."

Ye Mingyu was stunned, and both He Jun and Peng Xiao were left speechless.

With just a few words, Jiang Li escalated the charges against Feng Yutang to the level of collusion and treason. And indeed, everything she said could stand up. How words could kill without shedding blood, they now fully realized.

"Exactly," He Jun said through gritted teeth with a hint of satisfied hatred in his voice, "They have committed innumerable offenses. To say they are colluding with the enemy and committing treason is letting them off lightly. Second Miss Jiang, your reasoning is impeccable! When Feng Yutang had our group of fifteen dig for gold, we can serve as witnesses to his wild ambitions at the right time! He wanted to mine for gold and was worried others might discover his plans, so he employed the men under Lord Xue to work for him. And by having us mine continuously day and night, if we died, no one would claim our bodies, keeping the secret perfectly safe!"

Jiang Li smiled. He Jun had indeed grown up; he knew that not all aboveboard methods were effective against an enemy, but this maturity and understanding were somewhat heartbreaking to see.

Peng Xiao said in a serious tone, "It’s not just us, but also the ten brothers who have died. Initially, our lord sympathized with us—we fifteen brothers are all orphans—but after all, we have families. Now they have been tortured to death by Feng Yutang, their corpses thrown to the wilderness of East Mountain to be devoured by wild dogs. It’s pitiful to think about those who had just gotten married, or had just welcomed a child. Now, their wives and children don’t know how to survive... Even if it costs me my life, I, Peng Xiao, must avenge those dead brothers!"

The burly man did not shed tears, but his words were soaked in blood and tears, stirring Ye Mingyu’s heart to its core. He said, "Count me in too! Feng Yutang committed too many vile acts, it’s long overdue for him to face retribution. Since heaven won’t take the lead on this, I bloody well will!"

Perhaps when the hearts of people unite, many things that initially seem difficult turn out not to be so unimaginable in the end.

"But..." He Jun paused, collecting his emotions before looking at Jiang Li, "if we’re speaking of Feng Yutang’s crimes, what about our lord?" He was still very concerned about Xue Huaiyuan.

"The charges against County Magistrate Xue are completely groundless. He is falsely accused of embezzling the disaster relief funds, but the people of Tongxiang can testify on his behalf. When the natural disaster occurred, the silver was distributed directly to the people, and Xue Huaiyuan did not embezzle a single silver tael," said Jiang Li.

"We all know that," Peng Xiao said, lowering his head, "but the problem is, there are no people in Tongxiang willing to stand up."

"You can’t blame them," He Jun cut in, "Disasters should not reach wives and children. Feng Yutang threatens them with their families, making everyone too fearful to testify for our lord. Second Miss Jiang, after Feng Yutang became the county magistrate of Tongxiang, he’s been tyrannizing men and women, committing every conceivable crime. The people might be angry, but they dare not speak out. It’s not just that; they act with a complete disregard for human life. If it weren’t for this, the public would have revolted long ago. But Feng Yutang was originally a ruffian and a thug, his methods are extremely vile, and no one dares to take the risk."