"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Who are you!?"
"...My family has no money..."
In the still of the night, a group of powerful men burst into his home and seized the White-Faced Scholar.
"Mmph, mmph, mmph~"
With his mouth covered, the White-Faced Scholar felt as though they were about to crush his arms and legs.
The next instant, he could no longer see anything.
A black sack had been pulled over his head.
Then, he seemed to be riding in a carriage.
After who knew how long, the White-Faced Scholar was hauled out again.
The black sack was removed, and the White-Faced Scholar gulped down fresh air.
"Kneel!"
An authoritative voice rang out.
A scholar could be killed, but never humiliated!!
The White-Faced Scholar was about to protest, but then he glanced at the saber at the man's waist.
And at that murderous expression. He had no doubt that killing him would be easier for the man than killing a chicken.
With a thud, the White-Faced Scholar dropped straight to his knees.
"Do you know where you are?"
Someone seated above him was questioning him. Having had a sack over his head all this time, he was suddenly exposed to light.
The White-Faced Scholar had trouble adjusting. He shook his head, indicating that he knew nothing.
"This is the Imperial City Bureau!!"
At the voice from above, the White-Faced Scholar gave a frightened jolt.
The Imperial City Bureau!?
This special institution had been founded by the Empress of the new dynasty.
It was intended to strengthen imperial rule, and was later also used to monitor the officials and public sentiment.
Originally, the Imperial City Bureau had existed only in Capital City, but as its influence spread, it gradually expanded throughout the country.
It held the power of life and death,