Chapter 1102

First Volume, Chapter 1102: The Bright Moon Shines Over Ming County

The entire county of Ming echoed with the people's cheers.

But the case in Ming County was far from over.

In front of the people, Qin Feng called Ma Fangyuan forward and said solemnly: "Ma county magistrate, don't think that because you were coerced by the Wang Family, I'll let you off."

"Even if you didn't actively commit evil, the crime of aiding Zhu Zhou Wei E can never be washed away."

"But if I simply killed you or crippled you, even if the court appointed a new county magistrate, unfamiliar with the land and people, it would only lead to more chaos."

"At least you, old man, understand the situation in Ming County, and you once contributed to promoting rock tea here."

"I'll give you a chance—continue as county magistrate, strive to benefit the local people, and make up for your past mistakes."

"From now on, I'll send someone every year to secretly inspect Ming County. If I find you've returned to your old ways and harmed the people, I won't waste another word—I'll take your life!"

Ma Fangyuan knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

His body trembled violently; his gaze at Qin Feng held not a trace of hostility, only overwhelming gratitude.

"Your Grace isn't just the people's righteous judge—you're the pillar of us officials."

"If I had even the slightest chance, I would never have submitted to the Wang Family."

"But… sigh! Since Your Grace has already dealt with the Wang Family, I won't mention it again."

"Please rest assured, Your Grace—I will never betray your kindness. I will spare no effort to benefit the people."

As he spoke, Ma Fangyuan bowed deeply to Qin Feng once more.

If Qin Feng had come to Ming County and simply slaughtered indiscriminately, it might have satisfied the people's anger, but the consequence would have been even greater chaos than before.

For the sake of the people, Qin Feng used Chen Huo Yi Zhi Sha—and Ma Fangyuan was utterly awed.

Qin Feng ignored Ma Fangyuan's words of gratitude and said bluntly: "All detained Yamen Runners shall be punished according to Shedynasty law; how long they're imprisoned is your decision."

"The remaining Yamen Runners shall be dismissed."

Saying this, Qin Feng gave Zhao Yuxiong a glance; Zhao Yuxiong immediately pulled out five hundred taels in Silver Notes and placed them on the table.

Qin Feng said gravely: "These five hundred taels in Silver Notes are my personal gift to you—to hire new recruits."

"Only with money in hand can you avoid being manipulated."

"If you run short of funds later, write to Jingdu to apply. If Jingdu ignores you, write to Beixi County Magistrate Lin Quqi."

"For any reasonable expenditure, Lin Quqi will lend you a hand."

Hearing this, had it not been for his official status, Ma Fangyuan would have kowtowed repeatedly to Qin Feng in thanks.

Local Officials, especially county magistrates like Ma Fangyuan, cooperate with local Great Clans—after all, isn't it because they lack money?

Even if Ma Fangyuan had lofty ambitions, faced with poverty, he could only sink into moral decay.

It's not that the court doesn't fund them—it's that the funds are insufficient or delayed too long.

Now, with Qin Feng as his patron, Ma Fangyuan was filled with confidence; he vowed to restore Ming County to order.

Qin Feng stood up directly and looked at everyone present, speaking gravely: "Listen well!"

"The county magistrate hires Yamen Runners to assist in governing Ming County—not to serve as your tools for oppressing the people."

"Human nature is inherently evil. You may hate Yamen Runners now, but when you become one, you'll follow the same path."

"Whoever dares to form factions, sideline the county magistrate, and seek personal gain—"

"If the county magistrate reports you, I will purge the County Yamen in blood!"

"Don't think silencing the county magistrate is enough—I have plenty of people and plenty of money. Every county I remember will be inspected annually."

"Whoever doubts this and dares to test the law—come forward!"

Qin Feng's words carried immense weight, yet to the people present, they sounded sweet as music.

Their eyes shone brighter than ever; they knelt down en masse, weeping with joy, shouting aloud.

"Qin Houye's arrival in Ming County is the people's blessing."

No one had expected that Qin Feng, upon arriving in Ming County, had already thought so far ahead—cutting off the growth of Local Snakes at the root.

Ultimately, all of Qin Feng's actions aimed to eradicate local power structures and strengthen the county magistrate's authority.

Only when the county magistrate's power is strong enough can he benefit the people.

Of course, if the county magistrate himself becomes corrupt, Qin Feng will show no mercy—he will eliminate him outright.

Help a man all the way; carry the Buddha to the western shore.

Seeing nightfall approaching, Qin Feng decided to return to Jingdu the next morning, spending the night helping Ma Fangyuan recruit new Yamen Runners.

Only when Nightfall arrived did the core figure of this case, Liu Yunxia, finally reach the County City.

The Yamen Runners sent to fetch her, upon learning what had happened at the County Yamen, first felt terror, then relief.

They hadn't expected to have escaped death.

Ma Fangyuan didn't mince words—he ordered the newly recruited Yamen Runners to bring the four elders before him.

Three of the Yamen Runners were immediately thrown into the Prison.

The lone remaining "elder" was simply a fool; he'd gotten his post through family connections, only to scrape by, the kind of man who couldn't even bully others if he tried.

Ma Fangyuan shed his former meekness, radiating unprecedented authority.

"Why did it take you so long to return? Do you know how long Qin Houye waited?"

Facing Ma Fangyuan's accusation, the simple-minded Yamen Runner looked aggrieved.

"Your Honor, it wasn't our fault—we delayed. It's just… Liu Yunxia is too hard to handle."

"We explained everything to her, but she still didn't believe us. Every chance she got, she ran. We chased her for ages before bringing her back."

Hearing this, Ma Fangyuan glared at Liu Yunxia, bound and gagged, and barked: "What are you waiting for? Free her at once!"

The simple-minded Yamen Runner didn't dare hesitate—he quickly untied the Sheng Mao around Liu Yunxia.

The moment Liu Yunxia regained her freedom, without a moment's pause, she turned and fled.

Ma Fangyuan shouted in desperation: "Liu Ernu, stop running—you're no longer a fugitive, your Sisters are waiting for you at the County Yamen."

Hearing this, Liu Yunxia finally stopped in her tracks.

But her eyes still brimmed with suspicion; she clenched her fists and cried out in a trembling voice: "I did it alone—I'll take the blame alone. Let my sister and younger sister go."

Ma Fangyuan sighed and patiently explained: "Your Sisters are already at the County Yamen waiting for you—no one is arresting them."

"You probably don't know yet—the Wang Family father and son have both been slain by Lord Qin, and even the Prefect's kin have been stripped of power—the Wang Family is utterly finished."

"From now on, no one will ever bully you Sisters again."