More than a dozen people, maybe from the middle class or from the township class, gathered in the office room and were exchanging pleasantries.

The weather was getting hot and the office room was a bit stuffy, so these people were not willing to sit. They stood in groups of twos and threes by the door, and there was still a hint of wind.

"Luo Er was just forked out by the adults in the hall, did you see him?"

A middle-aged man with a rich appearance and a round face shook his fan and shared it with everyone with a smile, as if he was telling a joke.

"Hahaha, Luo Er is used to cheating and cheating. I heard from the handyman in the hall that that guy wanted to buy a thousand catties for five hundred taels. He was greedy and deserved it!" Someone immediately responded, thinking about Luo Er's reputation. not good.

"I heard that this year's judge has a family member who used to be a secretary of Lai Shang Shu (shielded). I'm afraid he is very familiar with the inside story." A man with arms folded seemed to be quite well-informed. He actually even made friends with Li Xizhu and Hong Jing. I have heard all the news.

"It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if I earn two less. I heard that this Lord Judge is highly appreciated by Hanyang. He may be the next envoy. If you suffer a little loss now, how much difference can you bear in the future?"

The wealthy man was obviously the most prestigious and popular among the group. After he finished speaking, everyone nodded.

"Even if you don't make any money, you can still go on this trip, do a nice job for him, and leave a lasting impression."

After saying that, someone else came in from the outside, wrapped in more than a dozen pieces of embroidered silk. At first glance, it was clear that it was domestically produced high-quality goods. I'm afraid such a small amount would cost two or three hundred taels.

"I'm the one who made the decision. I'll take care of the things for everyone first. We can all give them to the adult in the hall together."

"How can I make you spend money on all these things? We all should come here and spend some money." We are all on the same stage, and no one knows anyone.

Since we are giving gifts, we should give them together so that no one is left behind. It is only two or three hundred taels, and it is not much money to spread it among a dozen people.

"Everyone, my lord is here to tell you!" Han Wushi walked into the official room.

A group of people immediately stopped talking and looked at Han Wushi with a slightly flattering expression. When they heard that Hong Jing was coming, they felt even more at ease.

What I'm most afraid of is refusing to meet. As long as we can meet and use silver bullet tactics, are there still officials who are as clear as water and as bright as a mirror these days?

Everyone adjusted their clothes and hats one after another, and two people consciously picked up more than a dozen pieces of brocade and followed behind.

"Greetings to the judge!" More than a dozen people knelt down.

"Everyone, get up and talk."

"Thank you, sir."

"You are also here to take on a mission? Choose someone who is smart enough to answer, so I can ask questions." Hong Jinglai actually didn't like these bugs when he saw them, but he always had to deal with them.

"Replying to your lord, you guys are willing to take on the responsibility and share your worries for your lord!" Sure enough, it was the rich man who answered the question.

After he finished speaking, the last two people brought up all the silk clothes, "The weather is getting hotter, adults always need to buy two more summer sweaters."

"You are thoughtful." Hong Jinglai nodded, and Han Wushi put the things away when he saw this.

"Thank you, Sir!" Seeing that Hong Jinglai was willing to accept it, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was a good companion.

"This year's difference, you..."

"Young men know that the Yamen is facing a difficult financial situation. We just discussed it and are willing to pay the Yamen 6,000 taels of salary and paper."

"..." Hong Jinglai couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Four thousand kilograms of pear paste candy, these dozen people are actually willing to use six thousand taels to run errands. Even if this is the price they pay to please and bribe Hong Jinglai, they make less. But the money that can be saved on this line may not always be necessary. Thousands.

Seeing that Hong Jing didn't reply, the rich man was not in a hurry. He was not afraid of not replying, but was afraid of your rejection!

"I heard that some of the Yamen's post horses also need to be replaced. I can also take care of this!"

In one sentence, it is equivalent to an extra thousand taels!

"Okay, I have written down your words. Just wait a few days. We are in Toyama. I will pass it on at any time!"

"I understand, I understand." Everyone left the official hall respectfully, feeling happy that the matter seemed settled.

After everyone had left, Li Xi looked at Hong Jinglai. Just now he was lamenting the suffering of the people, but now he seemed to agree to the police.

"I still need to think about this matter. If you also want to do this errand, don't leave in a hurry. Wait here with me."

"Gelang, are you just starting to plan the charter now? It should be faster. The pears on the tree wait for no one."

"I know, I know." Hong Jinglai was a little bored and waved his hand, indicating to Li Xi that he should be quiet.

Objectively speaking, Hong Jinglai is not an upright official, or even a good person. He just does things based on his heart and does not violate his own conscience.

It is impossible for Hong Jinglai to do such a thing against all stakeholders in the entire line of interests by himself. When choosing between the suffering of the people and his own suffering, Hong Jinglai is very likely to close his eyes and let himself live. Better.

It is true that serving as an official will benefit one party. However, Hong Jinglai must be allowed to continue serving as an official so that he can alleviate the hardships of the people within a limited scope.

Now it is obvious that the whole Donglai is waiting to enjoy this feast!

Failure to do so would be tantamount to overturning the table!

After accepting this miscellaneous money, you don’t have to honor the envoy of Dongnae Prefecture? You don’t have to honor the envoy of Gyeongsang Province? You don’t have to honor Kim XX and Park XX in Beijing?

They were willing to give Hong Jing six thousand, and Hong Jing would pay three thousand or even four thousand to his superiors.

Hong Jinglai could restore the old system and run errands without charging money, but Hong Jinglai would pay for his filial piety to the officials who were used to receiving money?

He is not noble enough yet!

Four thousand kilograms of pear candy must be levied, the poor must also be levied for their labor, and the rich must pay all their money, so no one can escape.

Wearing white clothes through the mire, no matter how clean you are, you will still get a bit of mud!

What Hong Jinglai could do was to try to reduce the suffering of the people, relax the ropes hanging around their necks, and give them a few more breaths.

I've never eaten pork, and I've seen pigs running away, so that's for sure. It's impossible to make this thing perfect, and it's hard to get the best of both worlds, so I can only make do with it.

Make the cake in front of you bigger!

Hong Jinglai's solution given by his predecessors was just a copycat. But how to make the cake bigger is another problem.

On the one hand, we want the people to pay less, and on the other hand, we want people in the entire interest line to get the same benefits as before, or even get more.

"Gelang, have you thought about what to do with this tribute?" He sat here for two or three hours. When Han Wushi saw that the sky was getting dark, he came in to hold the lamp.

"Tribute? Yes! This is a tribute! Isn't it just a tribute!" Hong Jinglai had a flash of inspiration.

"Hahahahahaha, Wu Shi, you reminded me!"

After speaking, Hong Jinglai immediately started writing, facing the candlelight, and immediately wrote a draft. He read it over and felt very satisfied.
Chapter completed!