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"I, uh..." Zhang Xiaoqing glanced at the townspeople, whose defiance had flared and whose eyes were now fierce. He quickly straightened his back and said:

"Of course that is not what I meant. But anyone who commits a crime must be sentenced by the authorities before punishment is carried out. Otherwise, what becomes of the authorities' dignity? The imperial court's dignity? If everyone takes the law into their own hands, what will become of the world?"

"Then what does Your Lordship propose?"

Stroking his beard, Zhang Xiaoqing said, "Hand the criminals over to me. I will punish them."

"Is that so? Well said, Lord Zhang. Unfortunately, I don't trust you."

"You—"

Xie Jin gave a contemptuous smile and casually kicked Lin Ziru, who lay on the ground.

"Everyone knows you're all in league with each other. If we hand them over to you, I expect they'll be strolling the streets tomorrow as if nothing happened. Zhang Xiaoqing, do you think we'll ever trust you again?"

"I'm taking him to the capital for a Three Tribunal Joint Trial by the Ministry of Punishments, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate. Let's see if your claws can reach all the way to the capital!"

Zhang Xiaoqing's expression changed. However powerful the prefect was, his influence extended only through his jurisdiction. Once the case reached the capital, it might be over for him.

Zhang Xiaoqing barked, "Do you intend to defy an official order?"

Xie Jin stared at him coldly. The neighbors beside him showed no fear either.

This is bad, Zhang Xiaoqing thought. The worst possible situation had come to pass.

"Let's see who dares take him away today!"

At that angry shout, a middle-aged man in a vermilion robe rode up, followed by a contingent of men.

Lin Ziru cried