Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Just the mere contemplation of such actions sent shivers down their spines.

How utterly immoral!

The devastation of the 100,000-mu mulberry garden would not only inflict colossal losses upon its owner but would also deprive countless families of their income and sustenance, plunging them into hardship.

Moreover, the silk produced within this vast expanse of mulberry fields held significant economic importance. Its destruction would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the markets of Yangzhou and the entire Jiangnan region. The repercussions would be profound, leading to the closure of many small mills and the ruin of numerous livelihoods.

Such actions were an egregious display of immorality.

The official resolved to punish the culprits severely, making an example of them to deter any potential wrongdoers.

The official himself was infuriated by these events. He also recognized that the destruction of the 100,000-mu mulberry fields would inevitably disrupt the silk market, causing prices to soar. In such a scenario, as the magistrate, he would bear the blame, potentially damaging his political career.

It was evident to anyone with common sense that burning mulberry fields was an act that should never be contemplated, no matter how intense the conflict.

This incident stirred the official’s anger further. Even if the mulberry garden manager chose not to file a complaint, he intended to take stern action against the perpetrators.

These 20 or 30 wrongdoers would each receive 30 lashes and serve a six-month imprisonment, while the leaders would be incarcerated for three years. The official was determined to uncover the mastermind behind this malicious act and ensure they faced severe consequences.

Failure to do so would send the message that he was a mere figurehead in his jurisdiction, and such audacious actions would not be tolerated on his watch!

He remained indifferent to the rivalries and personal disputes that often plagued the business world. As long as these conflicts didn’t escalate into large-scale violence, cause harm, or result in loss of life, they simply didn’t register on his radar.

However, his own safety and the preservation of his career were non-negotiable.

The prospect of being the subject of mockery among his peers in the governmental office if he failed to identify the wrongdoer weighed heavily on his mind.

Surprisingly, the investigation proved straightforward, thanks to the fact that the culprit was conspicuously associated with a group of troublemakers.

Old Master Zhao, when summoned to the governmental office, remained bewildered, unsure of the circumstances.

He began to extend a polite greeting to the officer, but before he could complete it, the officer’s tone took a sharp turn, filled with disdain. “Old Master Zhao, your cunning knows no bounds. Are you trying to extort from me? How have I offended you? Old Master Zhao, let’s have some transparency here. No more underhanded tactics, alright?”

Startled, Zhao Mu knelt down, a mixture of shock and confusion on his face. “Officer, what on earth are you talking about? I’m utterly perplexed. Is there some grave misunderstanding? Could someone be scheming against me, framing me in your eyes?”

The thought of Zhao Shu crossed his mind; he couldn’t imagine anyone else orchestrating such a setup against him.

The officer scoffed and instructed his aide to narrate the situation to Old Master Zhao.

As the details unfolded, Zhao Mu’s heart sank, and a chilling realization dawned upon him. He attempted to defend himself, vehemently claiming his innocence, but the officer remained skeptical.

After all, it was clear that Zhao Zhai wasn’t solely responsible for the idea of burning 100,000 mu of mulberry fields; such a drastic act wouldn’t have been carried out without Zhao Mu’s consent. However, Zhao Zhai had dared to take the plunge!