Chapter 326
Magistrate Zhou, thinking of Bai Qingyan’s threat to accuse him in front of the Crown Prince, hurriedly held the dossier high above his head.
“Princess, your criticism is correct. It’s not that I don’t want to stand up for the people, but every time the Bai Clan prepares thoroughly, and I can only act according to Jin’s laws.”
“Over the years, I have worked tirelessly. Finally, the heavens did not disappoint me. I found evidence in some cases of the Bai Clan bribing witnesses and hiring murderers. I request the Princess to see this clearly.”
Magistrate Zhou truly was someone who could accurately gauge the wind, making sure to clear his name in the process.
“Uncle Zhou, you are my father’s close friend!” Bai Qingjie widened his eyes.
Magistrate Zhou turned his head and sneered coldly, “I am the parental officer of the people. Who would be friends with a person like your father, who abuses authority? Over the years, I have endured humiliation and disgrace just to find the Bai Clan’s evidence and seek justice for the people.”
“You!” Bai Qingjie was furious beyond words.
Bai Qingyan’s indifferent and scornful gaze fell on Bai Qingjie. She said to Magistrate Zhou, “In that case, I trust Magistrate Zhou will handle everything impartially. Investigate thoroughly who hired murderers in Shuoyang City, who engaged in forced buying and selling, who abducted women, and who committed murder. Every single case must be examined meticulously, with no favoritism.”
“Today, I, Bai Qingyan, declare this here. If it is found that any member of the Shuoyang Bai Clan has used the titles of King of Zhen or Princess of Zhen to oppress the people, once verified, I will ask the Clan Leader to expel them from the clan and compensate the wronged people.” Bai Qingyan pointed at Bai Qingjie and his group, “If the Clan Leader does not agree to expel those unworthy of being Bai family descendants, then the Bai family in Dadu will sever all ties with the Shuoyang Bai Clan from now on!”
Magistrate Zhou broke into a cold sweat. He understood that the Princess intended to sever ties with the Shuoyang Bai Clan. He was relieved that he had reacted quickly and came up with an explanation of enduring humiliation.
Bai Qingjie thought he had misheard. His father, Bai Qiyun, had clearly said that in the future, Bai Qingyan would rely on the clan for support and would never dare to fall out with them.
In Bai Qingyan’s view, the members of the Shuoyang Bai Clan had been living too smoothly in recent years. They had become so greedy, selfish, and overconfident that they thought the orphaned and widowed members of the Dadu Bai family must rely on the clan and bow to their whims.
It was so foolish that Bai Qingyan didn’t even bother with any schemes. Even getting Steward Liu to gather the other branches of the clan was a waste of talent.
Upon reflection, it seemed that Grandfather had placed the position of Clan Leader too high, making them think they were truly important.
But Bai Qingyan was not Grandfather.
Bai Qingyan didn’t want to waste her effort correcting or guiding such a clan. She didn’t have the energy for it.
To prevent the Bai family’s reputation from being tarnished, Bai Qingyan could decisively discard the Shuoyang Bai Clan.
She wanted to see who in Shuoyang would have a harder time in the future.
Facing the onlooking crowd, Bai Qingyan clasped her hands and said, “Everyone, please inform your friends and neighbors. Any commoner who has been wronged by the Shuoyang Bai Clan can come to Magistrate Zhou to seek justice.”
After saying this, Bai Qingyan looked at Magistrate Zhou, “Magistrate Zhou, I have only one rule: debts must be repaid, and murderers must face justice! Punish according to the law, without leniency!”
“Yes!” Magistrate Zhou turned and ordered his men, “What are you waiting for? Arrest those who have kidnapped children and forcibly taken over the inn!”
Amid Bai Qingjie’s cursing, all the troublemakers from the Bai Clan, both masters and servants, were detained by the officers.
“Bai Qingyan, you’ll need the clan for your old age, yet you dare treat me like this! My grandfather is the Clan Leader. He won’t expel me for your sake! Just wait, I’ll make your life miserable!”
“You don’t have to wait! I’ll make your life miserable right now!”
Bai Jinzhi cracked a whip, and with a loud snap, one of Bai Qingjie’s teeth flew out with blood.
“Magistrate Zhou and the Bai Clan are in cahoots!” a bold commoner shouted to Bai Qingyan.
“Exactly! Princess, if you let him handle the case, he’ll surely cover for the Bai family!” said a man, then realized Bai Qingyan was also from the Bai family and shrank back.
Bai Qingyan nodded and looked at Magistrate Zhou, “I have visited many households and noted down the outrageous deeds of the Shuoyang Bai Clan over the years. On the first of May, the Bai family in Dadu will return to Shuoyang, and the first thing I will do is check how the case is being handled. Magistrate Zhou, don’t disappoint the people or me! When the Crown Prince inquires about your responsibility, the shallower your investigation, the heavier your punishment. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand!” Magistrate Zhou’s back was drenched with sweat. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
“The Bai family took our good land; can we get it back?” a voice in the crowd asked.
“And the rouge shop they seized a few days ago, can we get it back?” a girl asked indignantly, “The prices there have tripled!”
“Everyone, rest assured. As long as it is verified that the Bai Clan took anything by illegitimate means, I, Bai Qingyan, will ensure it is returned in full. If the clan refuses, I will compensate you all, even if it means losing everything. After all, the suffering you all endured is because my family in Dadu failed to notice the Bai Clan’s bullying. Here, I apologize on behalf of the Bai family.”
Bai Qingyan bowed deeply to the ground, showing utmost humility.
For the Bai family, reputation in Shuoyang was extremely important. Bai Qingyan needed public support to train troops under the pretense of fighting bandits.
That’s why Bai Qingyan returned to Shuoyang specifically to deal with the arrogant and ignorant descendants of the Bai Clan, putting on such a dramatic display.
The people, looking at the high stairway where the stern and poised woman stood, inexplicably felt a sense of authority.
Just before leaving, Bai Qingyan sat tall on her horse, gripping a black-gold whip in one hand and the reins in the other. From her elevated position, she spoke to Magistrate Zhou, “Magistrate Zhou, an official must care for the people as if they are his children. A mere sinecure cannot protect your position. Do you understand?”
“Yes! I understand! I understand!”
The people watched in silence as Bai Qingyan and her party rode away. After a moment, someone said,
“Is that the Princess of Zhen? Different from what I imagined!”
“The Princess of Zhen said she arrived in Shuoyang last night and visited the people this morning. Did she return just because of the Bai Clan’s bullying?”