Execution on the Spot

After Duan Xiuwen finished speaking, dozens of people behind him began calling out and shouting, "Rename the Water Shrine the Locust God Divine Shrine! Rename the Water Shrine the Locust God Divine Shrine!"

Amid the cries, Qi Hongxin did not move. Only his face grew increasingly grim.

"Duan Xiuwen, since you are a Provincial Graduate, you should know the laws of the court and the harm caused by illicit shrines. The foolish men and women behind you have been used by others to pressure the authorities into compromise, and that may be understandable. But as a Provincial Graduate, do you truly not know what harm it would bring if I agreed today to rename the Water Shrine the Locust God Divine Shrine?"

"Not to mention, you are carrying weapons, and your actions border on rebellion." Qi Hongxin advised him in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over several people holding steel pitchforks. "I cherish talent and do not wish for a young Provincial Graduate like you to be convicted over such a matter. Duan Xiuwen, if you turn back now, I will let bygones be bygones..."

This was courtesy before force, but clearly, Duan Xiuwen had already made up his mind. He even felt that the prefect's attempts at persuasion only meant he had run out of other options and could only resort to soft measures.

With a smile that was not quite a smile, he said, "My lord, this student has made up his mind. There is no need for you to persuade me further! As for being convicted over this matter... my lord, rather than worrying for me, you should consider whether, if this affair grows serious, you as prefect will be able to wash your hands of it."

Qi Hongxin looked at him with dark, sunken eyes.