Night lay deep.
In Dutian Prefecture, the City Lord's residence blazed with lights, as bright as day.
Inside the council hall, sandalwood incense curled through the air, and the atmosphere was solemn.
City Lord Yang Shijing sat upright in the seat of honor, dressed in loose casual robes. He looked calm and composed, as though he already held a fully formed plan.
Below him on the right, his adviser Bai Ji sat quietly with a smile, refined and unhurried.
A saber-bearing guard entered with a bow and reported loudly:
"My lord! The Qian Residence sent men overnight with two chests of silver, totaling one million taels!"
At this, the corners of Yang Shijing's lips lifted slightly. He asked mildly:
"Did Qian Sanqi leave a message?"
"The messenger said he begs your lordship's indulgence in adding three more places to the Prison Visit three days from now."
"Ha ha ha, good!"
Yang Shijing chuckled and clapped his hands, a keen gleam flickering in his eyes:
"Granted. Send a reply accepting his request."
The guard withdrew, leaving only City Lord Yang Shijing and Bai Ji in the council hall.
City Lord Yang Shijing looked at the two large silver chests on the floor, then turned to Bai Ji and praised him:
"Mr. Bai, you truly conceal a wealth of wisdom, and your ingenious schemes are without equal! With this chain of stratagems in place, we reap rewards at every step."
"Under the banner of the Autumn Execution, we use the authorities to build momentum, control public opinion throughout the city, and print the Criminal Register to draw the people's attention, gathering fame and fortune. Then we use the condemned prisoners as bait to lure out those harboring ill intentions."
"We execute the villains, rake in gold and silver, and even entice those