"There were bandits in Fuyang Mountain, robbing travelers again and again, murdering and plundering goods. They were brazen and lawless, guilty of every evil. Lord Fan, Magistrate Wang, I believe this matter cannot be ignored. We must deploy troops and commanders and strike with thunderous force. Only then can we intimidate the remaining bandits, uphold the majesty of our dynasty, and safeguard the peace of Hangzhou's people."
Zhang Xianjue spoke with utter certainty, righteous and impassioned, even faintly indignant.
This was understandable. Wang Yan had specifically arranged for the family's merchant caravan to be targeted. They had lost a shipment of refined cane sugar, as well as medicinal herbs and furs—a considerable loss.
"Judge Zhang is right." Wang Yan readily lent his support. "These bandits truly must be eliminated. I hear they robbed the wealthy Qian, Liu, and Zhang families, all pillars of Hangzhou. The prosperity of our Qiantang River rests precisely on such great households conducting trade, moving goods between north and south, buying and selling merchandise.
"Lord Fan, I believe we should dispatch elite garrison troops to suppress the bandits. Such an important task ought to have a state official personally oversee the battle, so the people may know that we officials truly care for their safety."
"Magistrate Wang speaks reasonably. When I first took office, I cleared out the bandit scourge within the prefecture. I never expected it to flare up again after only a few months." Fan Zhongyan shook his head as though deeply disappointed. "But who can shoulder such a responsibility?"
The assistant magistrate immediately said, "Lord Fan, why not send Magistrate Wang? I have heard that Magistrate Wang excels in both civil and military matters and is well versed in martial affairs. He will surely crush the bandits with a wave of his hand