"Zhou is not a country that forbids its people from discussing politics. It is emphasized repeatedly in the new laws to promote open discourse... You know the law but break it; you enforce the law but act unfairly, indulge your subordinates... You forcibly detained civilians, leading to wrongful deaths in prison. Do you acknowledge your cris?"
"I beg Your Majesty to discern clearly. At present, the coastal area is in a state of panic. I... I was just afraid that these people, after drinking too much wine, might speak recklessly and cause public panic or unrest. Therefore, I sent people to apprehend those who spoke nonsense! I originally intended just to detain them for one night, wait for them to sober up, and then admonish them a bit before releasing them. I didn’t resort to corporal punishnt! I really didn’t expect it to cause a fatal incident!" The County Magistrate of Jinguan kept kowtowing, "I beg Your Majesty to discern clearly!"
"Zhou promotes open discourse. As the local official, you should know the grievances of the people and address them tily, rather than arrest people and threaten to silence them, forbidding them from speaking! This is your first cri!" Bai Qingyan coldly watched the anxious County Magistrate of Jinguan kneeling on the ground, "During the arrest, chaos erupted, and afterward, you failed to properly manage the detainees. Whether by private coercion or accident, people died in your prison — this is your dereliction of duty, your second cri! When the people gathered before the Governnt Office to beat the drum for justice, you hid in the back hall and ordered the officials to arrest people, ignoring new laws, showing great disrespect and negligence — this is your third cri!"
The magistrate kneeling on the ground kept trembling, knowing his career was over: "I am guilty unto death, dare not plead for forgiveness, please punish , Your Majesty!"
Bai Qingyan understood clearly that even if the magistrate’s cri wasn’t as severe, it had to be treated seriously; otherwise, it would be difficult to quell public grievances and anger, especially before defeating the Dongyi Kingdom. It was crucial to win the hearts of the coastal people. She had to seize this opportunity to let the people know that she, the Emperor, truly understood the new laws and valued the people!
Wei Zhong turned his head to instruct the accompanying imperial guards, who imdiately stepped forward and removed the magistrate’s official cap in front of the people.
"King Zhong..." Bai Qingyan called softly.
"Minister present!" Bai Qingjue stepped forward and responded.
"I order you to stay here and by tomorrow, investigate this matter thoroughly. Those who need to be dismissed should be dismissed; imprisoned should be imprisoned; punished should be punished, must provide an explanation for the civilians... for this dear lady!"
"I accept the order!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" The woman cried as she knelt down again.
"The Emperor is wise!"
"The Emperor is wise!"
The people collectively kowtowed, feeling a newfound understanding and view toward this Emperor they’ve never seen before, who had always been high above.
Bai Qingyan handed the blood-written letter to Bai Qingjue: "The words in this blood letter are fervent, showing the writer’s heartfelt passion. Investigate thoroughly!"
Neither the handwriting nor the content of the blood letter could have co from this woman. Bai Qingyan praised the blood letter and instructed Bai Qingjue to investigate, seemingly emphasizing examining the case, but more deeply... to investigate the person behind the blood letter or the people behind the woman.
This person... whether genuinely passionate or aiming to disrupt the tranquility of Zhou’s coastal regions is yet to be determined.
"Yes! Rest assured, Your Majesty!" Bai Qingjue understood.
·
Bai Qingyan galloped directly to Jinguan without respite and went to the Governnt Office. Over at the military camp, they were unaware that Bai Qingyan had already arrived. Both the naval camp and Bai family military camp were covered with gloom, speculating what orders would co from Dadu City.
Bai family military officer Cheng Yuanzhi was full of confidence in Bai Qingyan, believing that Young General Bai would never let their soldiers suffer such a grievance and would surely fight against Dongyi.
However, sotis hearing Mr. Cai ntion that if Zhou were to start a war now, once they begin gathering provisions to send to the coast, naturally, for fairness, they would also collect provisions from the Yan Kingdom territory together, fearing a gamble might result in loss. Cheng Yuanzhi felt uncertain, as the gamble had only been going for a short three years.
Cheng Yuanzhi was unwilling for Zhou to lose the gamble, yet also didn’t want Hancheng King’s remains to be disgraced by Dongyi Kingdom, feeling restless and disturbed.
Over at the navy, they had already concluded that Bai Qingyan wouldn’t demand Hancheng King’s remains back following Dongyi Kingdom’s provocations, nor would they go to war with Dongyi for the brothers sacrificed from the navy. Even if willing... they would probably send soone to convince them to wait until the gamble was won decisively before seeking revenge.
The naval commanders calculated the ti from the military report sent back to Dadu City until a decision was made. At the latest, the latest... seven more days, the latest orders from the Emperor should arrive.
At this mont, six naval commanders gathered, discussing what they should do if the Emperor of Zhou ultimately prioritized the gamble.
"What else can we do! No matter what, we can’t let Hancheng King’s remains stay in Dongyi Kingdom!" A naval commander rubbed off the red skin from a peanut, tossed the nut into his mouth, "If the Emperor of Zhou ultimately doesn’t go to war or leaves Hancheng King’s remains unattended, I’ll sneak over even if secretly, to bring Hancheng King back!"
"If that’s indeed the case..." Another commander glanced outside to ensure no one was present, then said, "Why go alone secretly? Let’s lead the troops over, snatch back Hancheng King! Rebel against Zhou!"
The six then glanced outside to confirm no one was there, only then did a commander lower his voice and say, "Don’t say that lightly! We may not care, but our soldiers have families here. If we issue a command... without them knowing anything, following the order would make them rebels, would the rebels’ families have good fate?"
"Indeed, don’t just think about ourselves; consider the brothers under us! We only want to save Hancheng King, without rebellious intentions!" Another commander added.
"With no news from Dadu City, all our speculations remain just speculations!" The oldest naval commander said, snapping open a peanut, "Moreover, when Hancheng King was around, we all knew he was loyal to Zhou’s Emperor, hopefully... Zhou’s Emperor lives up to the loyalty Hancheng King showed!"
Just as the oldest naval commander’s words fell, a young officer rushed in breathlessly, saying, "Commander... Commander, many forr comrades who had left the navy returned to the camp outside, claiming... the Emperor ordered their return to conquer Dongyi Kingdom!"
The six commanders stared at each other in surprise. The elderly commander thought he heard wrong, stood up, and asked again: "What did you say?"
Before the young officer could reply, another young officer from the navy rushed in, shouting as he ran, "General Huaisheng is back! General Huaisheng is back!"
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