Transmigrated into a female county magistrate during a famine, leading her country to prosperity

Chapter 1075: Punishing the Mei Family

"No more wine?"

Mei Li narrowed his eyes and patted the farmhand's face. "If you don't have it, go buy some! Why are you standing here?"

The farmhand was so frightened that he dared not say anything and could only lower his head and answer "yes".

But he had no money, "Master, I..."

Mei Li had just listened to a line of the song when his interest was disturbed again. He couldn't help but get angry and was about to yell when he heard hurried footsteps outside the yard.

The curtain at the gate was suddenly lifted, and a person who never appeared in Tangliyuan appeared at the gate.

"Unfilial son!" Looking at the scene in the courtyard, Mei Guanshi was shocked and angry. He turned around and repeatedly apologized to Gu Guanshi: "Gu, Gu Guanshi, I will go in and bring that unfilial son out right away. It's dirty in here, please don't dirty your shoes..."

"I've seen a lot, so I don't mind the dirt." Gu Mama's eyes fell on Mei Li, and she stepped over the threshold and walked into the courtyard. "Master Mei Li has a refined taste."

She didn't look at Mei Li, but picked up the wine pot on the stove, sniffed it gently, and looked at Qu Niang again.

"Fine wine goes well with fine music. It's not a disgrace to the name of this courtyard, Tangli."

Mei Li was already frightened out of his wits, clutching his inner garments tightly, his teeth chattering, "Gu, Gu..."

"Master Mei Li, please come with me." Nanny Gu didn't give him a chance to speak. She bent down and picked up his coat that was lying on the side. "Master Mei doesn't like wearing coats, so let's go."

This is a naked humiliation.

In broad daylight, what decent person would walk outside without a coat?

Not to mention that Mei Li claimed to be the eldest master of Xiliu Village, even the tenant farmers in the village would not do such an "extraordinary" thing.

"I'll wear it!" Mei Li raised his hand to grab it, but was dodged by Gu Mama. In a panic, he explained, "Steward Gu, please listen to me. This yard has been abandoned for a long time, so I came here to enjoy the cool air."

As he spoke, he glanced at the furnishings in the courtyard and calmed down a little: "The tables, chairs, doors and windows were all put together casually by the old man. And, the wine in your hand was also bought with my monthly allowance. I feel that what I have done is not enough..."

"Rebel!"

This explanation didn't earn her even a glance from Grandma Gu, but instead earned her a loud slap in the face.

This was the second slap he received today.

Not only did Manager Mei hit hard, but he also hit the same spot twice.

Mei Li covered his cheek, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, "Dad..."

"I don't have a son like you!" Steward Mei pointed at him with a trembling finger. "Every blade of grass, every brick and tile on Xiliu Manor belongs to Lord Shen. How can I allow you to be so presumptuous... You rebellious son, I will send you to the authorities today!"

Send to official?

Mei Li looked over in disbelief.

A father sends his own son to the government?

How can this be possible in the world?

"Dad! It was you who told me not to appear in Qianzhuang, so I..."

"Shut up!" Steward Mei covered his chest and turned his head away. "Your crimes don't end there. Come on, today I'm going to take you to kneel before Lord Shen and confess all the shameful things you've done! Tell me clearly!"

Mei Li was shocked.

He didn't even know what his father was talking about.

scandal?

What other shameful things has he done?

Drinking? Listening to music? Spending a little money from the manor?

Only eight or ten taels!

It's only ten or eight taels. What is it to such a huge Xiliu Manor?

What does it mean to Shen Zheng, who is a wealthy man?

To punish him for just eight or ten taels?

Mei Li couldn't understand.

There must be someone who dislikes him and wants to "make a big deal out of nothing".

......

main hall.

There were soldiers on both sides of the hall door. They were holding weapons and looked very imposing. Just walking past them made Mei Li tremble in his heart.

It was not until this moment that he seemed to understand the gap between himself and Shen Zheng.

It is not between officials and the people, but between clouds and mud.

The atmosphere was so solemn that he didn't even have the courage to look up.

Before he could stand firmly, he was kicked hard in the knee. The person who kicked him was his father.

"Kneel down before the Lord!"

After kicking him, Manager Mei looked at Mei Rui again, his eyes heavy, "...you kneel down too."

With a "thump" sound, his good sister also knelt down, kneeling straight.

He suddenly wasn't so scared anymore.

You know, Mei Rui has always been polite and cowardly. When facing him, he didn't even dare to fart. Since Mei Rui is also going to be punished, it must not be a big deal.

This feeling of having someone accompany you is much better than fighting alone.

Shen Zheng sat in the main seat, her eyes sweeping over everyone in the hall.

She looked at Mei Li, but addressed herself to Nanny Gu: "Butler Gu, you already know the whole story. You will handle today's matter."

"Yes." Nanny Gu accepted the order and knelt before Shen Zheng. When she turned around, her expression was gloomy. "Mei Li, the son of the steward Mei Bing, has been corrupt, neglected his duties, treated the master with disrespect, and ignored the autumn harvest. These are egregious offenses. Therefore, he will be fined, punished with labor, and demoted. He will no longer be allowed to participate in any of the manor's affairs."

"Varied......"

Mei Li was horrified. Before he could even begin to argue, Nanny Gu spoke again, "Mei Rui, daughter of Mei Bing, has privately delayed farm machinery and deceived her master. Therefore, she will be fined, punished with labor, and her authority to assist in the management of Xiliu Manor will be temporarily revoked. She can only assist in the management of the manor again after your Excellency agrees."

This punishment was obviously a bit severe, but it made Mei Rui feel less nervous.

She slowly leaned forward and kowtowed: "Thank you, sir, thank you, Steward Gu, I accept the punishment."

Nanny Gu nodded and her eyes fell on Manager Mei again.

"Mei Bing, the steward of Xiliu Manor, failed to supervise, protected his children, and condoned their mistakes. He failed to protect Xiliu Manor for the master. This is a serious mistake. Even if the mansion took away your management rights, it would not be wrong."

"But my Lord is merciful, and considering you have guarded the manor for many years, I will give you a lighter punishment this time. First, confiscate the Mei family's share of rent for one year; second, all future matters within the manor must be reported to the palace every five days; third, any major decisions within the manor must be approved by the palace before they can be implemented."

As soon as the words fell, the hall fell into silence.

Mei Li still had that look of disbelief on his face.

Manager Mei gritted his teeth, wiped his tears, and kowtowed: "Thank you, sir, thank you, Manager Gu, I accept the punishment..."

Nanny Gu returned to Shen Zheng's side and said solemnly, "Since you have accepted the punishment, go down and reflect on your mistakes. Don't disturb the master's mood again today."

"Yes, yes... I'll take my leave." Manager Mei propped himself up and dragged the pale-faced Mei Li out.

After they left, Nanny Gu softly asked Shen Zheng, "Sir, do you think my treatment of this old servant is appropriate?"

Shen Zheng took a sip of tea and nodded, "Madam, I'm very confident in your work."

As expected of someone from the palace, Nanny Gu recited those words one after another as if she had memorized them long ago, not giving the person being punished any chance to react.

Seeing Shen Zheng's satisfaction, Gu Mama breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "I originally wanted to confiscate the Mei family's management rights, but..."