by Luo Guanzhong
13They had not yet been in the county for four months, when the court issued an edict; civil officials with military experience were to be removed from their posts. Xuande suspected that he might also be relieved of his duties. Around that time, the county inspector was making his rounds to each county. When he arrived, Xuande went outside of the outer city walls to greet him. When he spotted the inspector, he gave him a salute. However, the inspector merely responded with a slight wave of his riding crop while still on his horse. Guan and Zhang were both incensed by the slight. After they all arrived at the inn, the inspector took his place on the raised platform on the south side of the room, with Xuande standing in attendance at the foot of the platform. After a while, the inspector asked, "County magistrate Liu, what is your family background?" Xuande replied, "I am the descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan; I came from Zhuo Commandery to fight against the Yellow Turbans. I have probably been involved in more than thirty battles. I was moderately successful, so I was given my current post." The inspector shouted back, "You're lying about being related to the imperial family, and you have made a false report about your exploits! The court has now issued an edict; we want to get rid of corrupt officials like you!" Xuande could only to blurt out a steady stream of "yes sirs" as he was leaving; he then returned to the county seat to consult the county clerk. The clerk said, "If the inspector is throwing about his weight, it can only be because he wants a bribe." Xuande replied, "I have not committed even the slightest infraction against the people, where would I get the money to give to him?" The following day, the inspector went to the county clerk, and forced him to testify that the county magistrate had caused harm to the people. Xuande personally went on multiple occasions to plead for leniency, but was intercepted by the gate guards on each occasion. The inspector was unwilling to grant him an audience.
Continued next week. Tomorrow's installment from Lays of Ancient Rome by Macaulay.
This is one of four great novels from China, published when it was the most highly civilization in the world. Map shows China at the time of this story.
Chapter Summary: Zhang Yide gets angry and whips the County Inspector; Royal uncle He plots the murder of the wretched eunuchs.
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This translation from Wikipedia. See license CC-BY-SA.
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