Xuanzang and his companions left the capital of Chechi Kingdom and followed the main road west.
Chechi Kingdom was no small country.
Beyond the capital lay more prefectures, counties, villages, and towns, with roads and post stations throughout.
Local officials along the way had all received word. Wherever the party went, someone came to welcome and entertain them.
Welcome and entertain them, they said.
But most came with problems, seeking help.
The ruler's edict had arrived.
Work had begun on overturning the wrongful convictions.
But the local regions were in utter chaos.
Once the edict was issued, all that had been suppressed could no longer be held down.
Retribution came faster than expected, and struck harder.
Vengeful ghosts and demons began appearing everywhere.
Arresting monks and forcing them into hard labor.
In the imperial palace, it had been no more than an insignificant order.
But as it passed down the ranks, each level piled on more.
When the King of Wu favored swordsmen, his people bore countless scars; when the King of Chu favored slender waists, many in his palace starved to death.
A single word from above could crush countless people below.
They wanted monks arrested?
Fine.
Arrest the bald ones.
If they weren't bald, shave their heads.
Arrest those who delivered firewood to temples.
Arrest those who had borrowed grain from them, too.
Even anyone who had spoken a single word in a monk's defense was entered in the registers.
Some used this to line their pockets.
Some used it to settle personal grudges.
Others simply followed along.
If others arrested people, so did they.
If others beat people, so did they.
When questioned, they said they were following orders.
Now a single edict had come down, demanding that convictions be overturned, remains returned, and bereaved families compensated.