ATPnovel Chapter 45 Hu Weiyong Comes to the Door
Chapter 45 Hu Weiyong Comes to the Door
The so-called "skinning and stuffing with straw" involved peeling off the prisoner's skin completely, removing the flesh and blood, drying it with lime, stuffing the inside of the skin with straw to maintain its human shape, and finally hanging it in a conspicuous place as a warning to the world. This method was extremely cruel and was specifically designed by Zhu Yuanzhang to punish corrupt officials.
The two tigers responded in unison, "Your Majesty, we obey!"
Having said that, he led several guards forward, grabbed the prefect who was still kowtowing and begging for mercy, dragged him to an open space to the side, took out the knives that had been prepared, and prepared to carry out the execution.
Upon hearing the words "skinned and stuffed with straw," Zhao Wude was instantly terrified, his face turning ashen and his body going limp. He couldn't utter a single word, and his vision went black as he fainted. But the guards did not stop; they continued the execution according to procedure. Sharp blades slashed through his skin, and screams of agony gradually rose, piercing and deafening, echoing throughout the entire official road.
Hu Weiyong knelt on the ground, his head lowered even further, his whole body trembling. Hearing the wailing of the prefect, he was so frightened that he dared not even breathe loudly, and did not even have the courage to look up.
Before long, the wailing subsided. Erhu, holding a complete human skin stuffed with straw to maintain its human shape, quickly walked to Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed, and reported: "Your Majesty, the execution is complete. Please inspect it."
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the human skin, his tone completely calm, and waved his hand: "Hang it in front of the prefect's office and display it to the public as ordered."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Erhu responded and withdrew, arranging for the guards to hang the human skin up for public display.
Only then did Hu Weiyong dare to raise his head slightly and hurriedly say, "Your Majesty, I am guilty!"
"I came to Chenzhou this time entirely because I was deceived by this cunning prefect. He distorted the truth and framed others. I was confused for a moment and believed him, which almost led to a grave mistake. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced down at Hu Weiyong, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes, but he did not criticize him too much. He said in a calm tone, "That's enough. We already know about this matter. Considering that you were not the mastermind, we will spare you this time. In the future, you must be careful in your words and deeds, and you must not trust others easily again, let alone kill innocent people indiscriminately."
Hu Weiyong felt as if he had been granted a pardon and hurriedly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you for sparing my life! I will certainly remember Your Majesty's teachings and never dare to commit this offense again!"
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling him to stand up, and slowly said, "Get up. Zhu Yao is my newly adopted son. He is exceptionally intelligent and capable. Since you are here, come with me to the Liu residence to meet him."
Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong was startled, never expecting that Zhu Yao was actually His Majesty's adopted son. He secretly rejoiced that he hadn't acted rashly, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable. He quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, yes, yes! Your subject obeys! Your subject is willing to accompany His Majesty to pay respects to Young Master Zhu!"
After saying this, he carefully stood up, bowed his head and stood respectfully beside Zhu Yuanzhang. His previous arrogance and domineering attitude were gone, replaced by awe and fear.
......
The sunlight was just right in the courtyard of the Liu residence.
Zhu Yao and Liu Bowen remained seated opposite each other at the stone table, the game of Go drawing to a close.
Just then, the steward Chen Zhong strode into the courtyard, a look of satisfaction on his face. He bowed and walked to Zhu Yao's side, whispering, "Young master, news has come from outside that the newly appointed prefect, Zhao Wude, has been skinned alive and stuffed with straw by order of His Majesty the Emperor. He is now being displayed in front of the prefectural government office."
As soon as Zhu Yao put down the chess piece, a knowing smile appeared on his face. He turned to look at Liu Bowen, his tone smug: "Mr. Liu, you see, I told you, filing a complaint in Jinling would definitely be effective. This Zhao Wude has committed many evils, and he deserves his punishment."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bowen paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before slowly nodding, already understanding.
Such ruthless methods could only have been employed by Zhu Yuanzhang.
He sighed inwardly, thinking that His Majesty was always swift and decisive in his actions, never hesitant to punish corrupt officials. Zhao Wude had reaped what he sowed.
It seems that His Majesty the Emperor values his adopted son Zhu Yao quite highly.
No sooner had he finished speaking than another servant rushed over, his face beaming with joy, and announced loudly, "Young Master! Master is back! Master is right outside the gate!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yao's eyes lit up, and his smile deepened instantly. He quickly stood up, dusted himself off, and hurried towards the gate, his voice urgent, "Father's back? Quick, I'll go greet him!"
"What a wonderful day!"
Liu Bowen sat there, his body stiffening slightly. He was greatly alarmed and muttered to himself:
Did His Majesty come to Chenzhou personally to handle this matter?!
Without a second thought, Liu Bowen quickly got up and followed.
Outside the mansion gate, Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in plain clothes, had a gentle expression. When he saw Zhu Yao running over, a loving smile appeared on his face, and he reached out and patted his shoulder: "Yao'er, your father is back. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Zhu Yao took Zhu Yuanzhang's hand, looked him up and down, and said with concern, "Father, you've had a long journey. How are you feeling? Have you been resting on time? Don't worry about trivial matters."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and nodded, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Don't worry, I'm in very good health. But you, during the time I was away, did anyone bully you? Did you suffer any injustice?"
Zhu Yao waved his hand and said with a smile, "Father, I'm fine. Who would dare to bully me? Even if they did, I've already taken care of them. Don't worry."
As they spoke, Zhu Yao's gaze fell on Hu Weiyong beside Zhu Yuanzhang, a hint of doubt on his face. He tugged at Zhu Yuanzhang's sleeve and asked softly, "Father, who is this?"
Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Hu Weiyong, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and said with a smile, "Oh, Yao'er, this is Gu Yue, the new head manager under my command, responsible for handling some trivial matters in the court. He has come to Chenzhou with me this time to broaden his horizons."
"Let me introduce you to them!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong's heart tightened. He quickly stepped forward, bowed to Zhu Yao, and forced a respectful smile on his face: "I am Gu Yue. I greet you, Young Master Zhu. Your demeanor is extraordinary, truly living up to your reputation."
Zhu Yao smiled and cupped his hands in a casual tone, "Manager Gu, you're too kind. Please come in. We've prepared tea in our residence. Let's talk inside."
The group entered the courtyard, sat down according to their status as host and guest, and maids served tea, the aroma filling the air and creating a relaxed atmosphere in the courtyard.
Zhu Yuanzhang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and suddenly changed the subject. His gaze swept over Liu Bowen and Hu Weiyong, and he asked with a smile, "Gentlemen, you've all heard of the newly appointed Chancellor, Hu Weiyong, haven't you? What do you think of him?"
Hu Weiyong was overjoyed, knowing that his chance to shine had come. He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Hu Weiyong is loyal, diligent, and dedicated to the country and its people. He is efficient and capable, and has earned His Majesty's deep trust. He is a rare and virtuous prime minister, and everyone in the court admires him."
"....."