Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

On the seventh day of the eighth lunar month, in Suzhou, at the Governor's Mansion.

"The Governor-General of Suzhou, Zheng Bisheng, together with officials from various departments of Suzhou, pays his respects to Your Excellency the Inspector."

Zheng Bisheng made a grand show of welcoming Shen Lang, giving him ample face while also subtly demonstrating his connections and influence.

Shen Lang sneered inwardly, but outwardly he warmly helped Zheng Bisheng up.

"Oh my, I've long heard that Minister Zheng, though over fifty, is still full of energy. Seeing him today, I know the rumors are true. Excellent."

That's true. Zheng Bisheng is over fifty years old, but he is still very energetic and looks like a young man in his thirties.

Among these practices are methods for cultivating one's inner energy.

Although it is a fantasy era of declining Dharma, it must be said that the effects of these Qi-cultivation methods are still quite amazing.

Not to mention those far away, Wu Li, the Empress Dowager, and Mu Qingqiu, who is almost forty years old, all look like young girls, which is naturally due to their cultivation techniques.

Zheng Bisheng replied with a smile, "You flatter me, Duke Zhenguo. Compared to you, I have nowhere to put my old face."

"Minister Zheng is quite the joker. I have been ordered by the Emperor to thoroughly investigate the local areas. There are many places where Minister Zheng is needed, so please cooperate fully."

"That's for sure, Duke Zhenguo, please come in."

"Yes, please."

Shen Lang and Zheng Bisheng were as familiar as two longtime friends, entering the Governor's Mansion hall one after the other.

The other officials immediately followed.

In the crowd, Zheng Xiaoru's eyes never left Mu Qingqiu beside Shen Lang.

"This woman is hot, I'm determined to get my hands on her."

Little did Mu Qingqiu know that she had already noticed this lecherous man.

"Hmph, you dare to lay a finger on me? I'll castrate you when I get the chance!"

The group followed Zheng Bisheng into the hall, where expensive dishes had already been prepared, all of which looked very appetizing.

The meal included local dishes such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, Biluo shrimp, braised eel in hot oil, braised duck, cherry meat, and barley lung soup, along with more than thirty other side dishes, making it an extremely luxurious meal.

Zheng Bisheng gestured for Shen Lang to take a seat, saying, "Duke Zhenguo, please take a seat."

Shen Lang did not refuse: "Since Minister Zheng is so hospitable, then I will respectfully accept his invitation."

After speaking, he sat down in the head seat.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Bisheng gave a slight smirk and then said, "Please sit down as well."

After everyone was seated, they exchanged pleasantries.

After a few rounds of drinks, Shen Lang, burping from the alcohol, cut to the chase: "By the way, Minister Zheng, I heard that Liu Wu has been imprisoned for his involvement in this matter. It was because of this that I was ordered by the Emperor to come to Suzhou."

Could you please tell me why he was imprisoned? Once I understand the facts, I can submit a memorial to His Majesty for a further decision.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Bisheng quickly began to ponder the meaning behind Shen Lang's words.

"When asked why, they didn't mention escorting him back to the capital, only that they would submit another memorial to the Empress? It seems the court has already taken care of everything."

Shen Lang's presence here is merely a formality; once he's appeased, the matter will likely be over.

He immediately replied, "Please don't be offended, Duke Zhenguo. It was not that the Suzhou Prefecture intended to make things difficult for the imperial envoy."

Rather, it was because Liu Wu's actions were far too unorthodox that I had no choice but to resort to this drastic measure. I hope the Duke of Zhenguo will understand.

An official immediately replied, "Yes, Duke Zhenguo, it is not that we intentionally oppose the imperial envoys."

But everything Liu Wu did was a provocation against the bottom line of Suzhou's officialdom.

To achieve his goals, he even resorted to torture against officials in Suzhou, forcing them to confess under duress.

We had no other choice but to detain him to await the court's decision.

Another official on the left added, "That's fine, but the Duke of Zhenguo probably doesn't know that Liu Wu, in order to investigate the case..."

They even went so far as to incite troublemakers to storm government offices, causing extremely serious consequences. If they aren't arrested, it will be difficult to regain public support.

Shen Lang nodded: "What you gentlemen have said, I have also learned about in the memorials submitted to the court."

Your actions of arresting people first and then submitting a memorial to the court have greatly displeased His Majesty.

This matter still needs to be investigated carefully, lest it discourage scholars from pursuing their ideals.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Bisheng immediately stood up and bowed to Shen Lang.

"Duke Zhenguo, all of this has nothing to do with the other colleagues. It was all my doing that led to Liu Wu's detention."

If Your Majesty wishes to punish someone, please only punish me, and do not implicate the other colleagues!

As soon as he stood up, the other officials present also immediately stood up to apologize to Shen Lang.

"Duke Zhenguo, although the memorial was submitted to the court by a high-ranking official..."

But this is also the unanimous opinion of all officials in Suzhou: if you wish to punish Your Excellency, please punish us all as well!

"We are willing to join the Minister in punishing this crime!"

Looking at the united front at the table, Shen Lang couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Zheng Bisheng's actions were a warning to himself: if he were to harm him, it would be tantamount to offending the entire Suzhou officialdom, and he could not bear the consequences!

Thinking of this, Shen Lang quickly raised his hand and said, "Gentlemen, what are you doing? I didn't say I was going to punish you."

His Majesty only wants to find out why Liu Wu was arrested, not to punish you. Please sit down, everyone. Everything will be fine.”

Seeing that everyone was still bowing like statues, Shen Lang instantly understood the reason and turned his gaze to Zheng Bisheng: "Minister Zheng, this makes me very embarrassed."

Zheng Bisheng sensed a hint of dissatisfaction in Shen Lang's tone, which actually made him feel a little more at ease.

This was, of course, just a test.

If Shen Lang's tone remains unchanged and the same as before, it means that this person is very shrewd.

But this tone of voice just shows that Shen Lang is a person who values ​​his reputation.

Dealing with this kind of person is much easier.

Zheng Bisheng immediately straightened up: "Since the Duke of Zhenguo has spoken, everyone please take your seats."

After Zheng Bisheng spoke, everyone took their seats one after another.

Shen Lang's next words made everyone's hearts jump again: "By the way, Minister Zheng, may I ask if the Suzhou salt tax is paid on time every year?"

Zheng Bisheng replied, "Duke Zhenguo, as the Governor-General of Suzhou, I have carefully reviewed all the taxes collected under my jurisdiction. I dare not claim that they are submitted to the court on time every year."

In times of favorable weather, whether it be salt tax, agricultural tax, or commercial tax, it would all be delivered to the Ministry of Revenue on time.

Shen Lang closed his eyes briefly: "So, under Minister Zheng's rule, there must be no one picking up lost items on the road, and no cases of embezzlement or bribery have occurred?"

Zheng Bisheng swallowed hard, cupped his hands in greeting, and replied, "I dare not say for sure that there was no embezzlement or bribery, but I can guarantee that..."

Every year, Zheng would deliver the taxes due to the national treasury to the Ministry of Revenue on time, without missing a single penny.

After all, the imperial court's money was a matter of national importance, and no one dared to embezzle a single penny.

If so, even if the imperial court does not pursue the matter, I, as the local governor, will certainly investigate thoroughly without delay!

The way he said that would make anyone who didn't know better think that Zheng Bisheng was an incorruptible and impartial official.

His upright and dignified appearance could be included in the Beijing Film Academy's teaching materials.

The other officials also assured Shen Lang that their departments were clean and honest and had not embezzled a single penny of the court's taxes.

Zheng Xiaoru further stated, "Duke Zhenguo, my family, father and son, have always adhered to the proper relationship between ruler and subject, and have long been devoted to the people of Suzhou."

Now, to be subjected to this unfounded suspicion has truly chilled the hearts of many loyal officials, and even more so, it has chilled the hearts of all the honest and upright officials in Suzhou!

Looking at their righteous and righteous expressions, if Shen Lang hadn't absorbed the intelligence system's functions, he probably would have been moved to tears.

"Alright, I was just asking casually, why are you all taking it so seriously?"

Shen Lang picked up his wine glass and said with a smile.

"My lords, as I said before, I am not familiar with the affairs of Suzhou."

I hope everyone will continue to look out for me and help me get this over with as soon as possible so I can finally have some peace.

After saying that, he drank the wine in one gulp.

Zheng Bisheng immediately stood up: "I believe that the Duke of Zhenguo will definitely give justice to our Suzhou Prefecture. Come, everyone, let's toast the Duke of Zhenguo together."

"Duke Zhenguo, please!"

All the officials stood up and toasted Shen Lang.

The atmosphere at the table quickly became warm and harmonious.