He held the fifth rank, yet pointed his blade at the fourth.
Borrowing the might of the Nine Heavens, he called for the Sword from Above, formally declaring his request for authority to execute!
Here was a true Just Judge!
Once Zhang Zai's bold words rang out, every trace of color drained from He Yanming's lips.
"The Emperor Arrives"-those words outweighed a thousand arguments.
The official wished to argue. But how could he?
[As an official appointed by the court, you have no authority to establish a private tribunal.]
Now the imperial plaque stood on the desk, the Son of Heaven's majesty suspended overhead. What tribunal could he not establish?
[The Various Temples failed in their oversight; this official did not condone their actions.]
Now, after six years of failed oversight, witnessed by ten thousand people, observed by all the common folk, how could anyone distinguish condoning from not condoning?
[For six years I governed Suzhou, building bridges, paving roads, and founding schools. The people are grateful.]
Now the old woman's sobs still lingered, the people's names were inscribed upon the umbrella, blazing across its canopy. Where was that gratitude?
To advance was guilt, to retreat was guilt, to stand still was guilt.
To argue was to deceive the people.
Not to argue was to admit guilt.
But with life and death hanging on a single thought, no one could remain calm.
"Zhang Zai!!"
He Yanming suddenly struggled upright, his voice hoarse and trembling:
"For six years this official governed Suzhou, building forty-three bridges and paving more than two hundred li of roads.
Founding twelve schools and providing relief to more than thirty-seven thousand disaster victims!!!
"Every deed is recorded in the Ministry of Revenue's archives, every undertaking in the Prefectural Office's registers. The people of Suzhou saw