"Hmm, this was probably a misunderstanding, but it will be difficult to handle. If we punish those men severely, we will dampen the constables' enthusiasm, and the promising situation in Xiang Prefecture may vanish like smoke. If we don't punish them severely, people will certainly gossip and turn their spears toward Xiang Prefecture's officials. Can you distinguish which carries more weight?"
After speaking, Fang Yun looked at Dong Wencong expressionlessly.
Dong Wencong studied Fang Yun intently for more than thirty breaths before saying solemnly, "You are right, my lord. Nothing in this world is perfect. This campaign against the spirit beast traffickers is a righteous undertaking. Even if a few discordant notes arise, they will not mar the whole. Rest assured, my lord. I will handle this matter properly and prevent it from stirring up a greater storm."
"Hmm. You may go," Fang Yun said.
Dong Wencong bowed with utmost solemnity, then took his leave.
Dong Wencong slowly walked out of the Governor-General's Office, pondering as he went. Only after walking for quite some time did he hurriedly take out his official seal and send written messages issuing orders. Afterward, he read through the messages that had just arrived.
Fang Shouye, Xiang Prefecture's military governor, was the first to send a message.
"Old Dong, what's going on? I sent Fang Yun a message asking how he planned to handle this, and he actually said it was a minor matter and left it to you. That isn't like him! More importantly, the campaign against the spirit beast traffickers is blazing like a roaring fire, and we're about to celebrate our success. An incident like this will deal a serious blow to his prestige! This campaign has been so sweeping that some people were bound to borrow the tiger's might like foxes