Not far from the prefectural yamen stood Gaohua County.
A stretch of white-plastered walls in the northern district of the city was a gathering place for the families of officials and gentry. It was normally extremely bustling, and with key protection from patrolling constables, it had always been peaceful.
Yet right at that moment, cries of weeping rang out.
Though the local commoners knew such matters had nothing to do with ordinary folk like them, none dared to draw close to watch. Even those with bold hearts stood far off, stretching their necks to peer toward the scene of the incident.
It seemed the spirit wall before the county magistrate's residence was already densely packed with people. Some were clearly runners sent by the yamen, standing at attention with hands dropped by their sides before the main gates.
Even troops stood in two ranks, holding spears and resting hands on sabers, reeking of a murderous aura.
Within the grand courtyard where gazes converged, armored soldiers surged inside. A newcomer waved a hand and barked sternly, "Submit to capture immediately and kneel in the open ground!"
An old man was first startled, then roared furiously, "I am a Provincial Graduate, and my son is a dignified Eighth Rank official of the imperial court! Without an imperial decree, you have no right to arrest me!"
The estate's family servants instinctively blocked the way.
"Stab!"
Spears thrust straight forward. With only a few wet ripping sounds, intense pain instantly spread through their entire bodies. Those who had resisted at the front stared at the bloody, mangled holes in their bodies, screaming in piercing agony as they rolled back and forth on the ground.
Ah!
Seeing this miserable state, the people who had initially pressed in instantly scattered in panic, a large crowd fleeing