Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Interrogation (Thanks for the extra monthly tickets from you guys)_l (1/2)

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Interrogation (Thanks for the extra monthly tickets from you guys)_l

Translator: 549690339

Liao Qilin stepped outside of the public hall, loudly questioning, “Who is it that bangs the drum here?”

“It is a commoner beating the drum to declare injustice.” Jiang Sanlang stepped forward to bow.

Liao Qilin sized up the man standing in front of him, “Why would you beat the drum instead of submitting a written statement of grievance first?”

Jiang Sanlang, “I’ve prepared and submitted a written petition, but I’ve heard nothing back for several days. Concerned for the safety of my daughter, I am in desperate angst. Fortunately, I have caught one of the kidnappers, so I brought him to the government office today.”

Liao Qilin, “To whom did you submit the petition?”

“The document was submitted through our village’s Sun Licheng. The office also provided a receipt.” Jiang Sanlang handed over the receipt for the petition.

Upon his inspection, Liao Qilin couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

The receipt bore the signature of Lin Huaisheng, the chief registration officer of the office.

After Liao Qilin contemplated it, he was about to take the receipt back into the hall when Jiang Sanlang stepped forward to block him, “Please, sir, return the receipt to me.”

This item was proof that he had submitted the complaint; it was impossible to let someone who looked like a scholar take it away.

Indeed, this Liao Qilin was a scholar who, having lost hope in examination success, had sought to serve as a staff member under the county magistrate, offering strategies and dealing with some less important public affairs. Liao Qilin frowned, “Why? Do you think I would keep your receipt?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Even though Jiang Sanlang said he didn’t dare, he still insisted, “If I don’t have the receipt, the officers won’t handle my case. Please return the receipt to me.”

Liao Qilin, displeased, glanced around to see dozens of eyes watching him. He had no choice but to return the receipt to Jiang Sanlang.

Back in the hall, Liao Qilin said to the county magistrate, “The person who was beating the drum outside had in fact submitted a petition. It was received by the chief registration officer, Lin Huaisheng, who also signed the receipt on which he even stamped the government’s seal.”

The county magistrate was furious as soon as he heard this, slamming the table, “Damn it! If he accepted the petition, why didn’t he let me see it? Call Lin Huaisheng in!”

The cases officially accepted would belong to the cases under his jurisdiction. If he allowed them to be transferred to his successor without authorization, his performance examination would inevitably be flawed. How could the county magistrate not be angry?

In a short while, Lin Huaisheng walked in, neck shrunken.

The county magistrate sat behind his desk, asking coldly, “Did you accept that man’s petition outside?”

Knowing that he couldn’t deny it, Lin Huaisheng confessed directly, “Yes, I accepted it, but didn’t you mention that such matters should be postponed…”

“Enough! Don’t blame your failure on me!”

Infuriated, the county magistrate asked, “Where’s the document?”

The county magistrate was to leave his position soon, but this miserable man had caused him such trouble. If the superior officials found out, wouldn’t all his hard work over the years be negated due to such a trivial matter?

It should be noted that local officials have to go to the provincial governments to continue their duties after demitting office, waiting for the Supervisory History to assess their performance. The assessment results would decide whether they should be promoted or demoted.

The assessment mainly covers four virtues and three tops.

The four virtues are morality, caution, fairness, and diligence; the three tops refer to handling affairs, encouraging diligence and fostering social security.

If any serious flaw is found in these aspects, then the official’s career is likely over.

Without a word, Lin Huaisheng took a petition out of his sleeve and handed it in.

The staff member received it and handed it to the county magistrate.

The more the county magistrate read, the angrier he grew.

“Who are these Han sisters? Hurry up and bring them here! And as for this Chen Ergou, if you can’t catch him, call other members of his family for questioning!”

The county magistrate threw down two green orders.

The arrest officer nearby had been waiting all along. He quickly took the orders and saluted, “Yes! We’ll do it immediately!”

Arresting people is sure a good task; once in the villages, not only could they be fed and received, but there might be some gains as well.