Thunderclap Aims to Sweep Away Years of Corruption, Blade Shadows Circle the Body, Killing Intent Soars

Du Heng seemed not to hear the whispers. The smile remained on his face as he strode to the main table in the courtyard and cleared his throat. "Everyone, by order of the Qin court, we are implementing market taxes today and registering new records.

"You are all pillars of Sour Jujube County. Du knows you are busy, so we shall keep today's procedures simple. Simply report your name and registration, goods, annual profit, press a fingerprint, and pay the taxes due, and that will be all..."

He spoke quickly and urgently, as though afraid someone would interrupt if he slowed down, or as though pressed for time and eager to finish this little performance.

He ground the ink himself, laid out the paper himself, and even dipped the brush full of ink before handing it to the first merchant. His manner was so attentive it was nearly servile.

"Come, Shopkeeper Liu, you first..."

Shopkeeper Liu was a fat man who sold pottery. He gave Du Heng a sidelong glance, slowly accepted the brush, scrawled a circle on the paper, then pressed down a crooked fingerprint. Fishing three copper coins from his sleeve, he tossed them onto the table with a ding, as if tipping a beggar.

"That do it?"

"That does it, that does it."

Du Heng nodded repeatedly, his smile undimmed. "Shopkeeper Liu, you have cooperated with the law. Du is most grateful..."

"No need for gratitude."

Shopkeeper Liu flicked his sleeve and turned away, muttering, "You've delayed half an hour of my business. Magistrate Du's taxes are truly precious indeed."

A few muffled snickers rose around them.

Du Heng's expression stiffened, but he promptly forced out another smile and called to the next man. "Shopkeeper Li, it's your turn..."

Beyond the courtyard wall, several peddlers carrying empty