After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 926 - 911: Cursing

The legal dispute between Liu Kun and Shi Le ultimately arrived at Zhao Hanzhang’s desk.

This wasn’t Liu Kun’s issue at first, but Shi Le couldn’t let it go. After committing murders and looting, he simply shrugged it off and walked away.

Leaving a mess behind, Fan Ying, the acting County Magistrate, was naturally unwilling to take over, so he tried to excuse himself to Liu Kun: "The Excellency only tasked me with managing the refugees; I shouldn’t be over-involved in other county affairs."

Despite Shi Le only beheading over fifty people, he actually captured more than a hundred. He dragged them all into the Shi Army, tattooed them to become military slaves, and even sent troops to raid their homes, not caring whether the possessions were personal or illicit. He took everything, akin to marauding bandits passing through.

The families had heard of Shi Le’s notorious reputation and dared not confront him, thus they could only turn to Liu Kun, crying for help.

Now the outer precinct of the Inspector Mansion was filled with the sound of weeping, and Liu Kun could hardly listen to music, let alone speak without hindrance.

He could handle this, but the prerequisite was for Shi Le to return the people and property to him. Unfortunately, Shi Le refused and seized everything, leaving Liu Kun unable to find a point of entry for intervention.

With no solution in sight, he sought Zhao Hanzhang.

Shi Le also approached Zhao Hanzhang, resigning from the Jinyang County Captain position.

Upon hearing their statements, Zhao Hanzhang first asked Liu Kun, "How does Yue Shi intend to handle this matter?"

Liu Kun replied, "General Shi must first return the people and property to the county government, and then I will handle each case individually."

Zhao Hanzhang persisted, "How will you handle it?"

Liu Kun was taken aback by the question, and Zhao Hanzhang continued, "These are traffickers of kidnapped people, who should, according to the law, be executed and whose property should be confiscated. How does Yue Shi plan to handle this matter after taking charge?"

Liu Kun’s expression darkened slightly, as he responded, "General Shi lacks concrete evidence. Once I take over, I will uncover the truth and restore their innocence."

Shi Le, angered, exclaimed, "Are you accusing me of framing them? Governor Liu, I have no grievances with them, why would I do this?"

Liu Kun retorted, "General Shi, you did seize quite a lot from their homes."

Clarifying that Shi Le was targeting their property.

Although Shi Le was indeed interested in their possessions, his primary interest wasn’t financial; it was in human resources, with property serving as a secondary motivation. Liu Kun’s implication was that he was a petty villain planting evidence for profit.

Shi Le detested such individuals profoundly, so he couldn’t accept this accusation and immediately declared, "Governor Liu, if you doubt me, I will bring them forth one by one for questioning before you."

Liu Kun retorted, "The Shi Army applied torture, leaving over a hundred individuals utterly battered and bruised; isn’t it just extracting confessions through coercion?"

After allowing them to argue, Zhao Hanzhang resumed her query, "Governor Liu, what if they truly are traffickers and General Shi has not wrongfully accused them?"

Seeing that Zhao Hanzhang believed him, Shi Le’s face looked slightly better.

Liu Kun shot a thoughtful glance at Zhao Hanzhang before saying, "Governor Zhao oversees three provinces and now presides over state affairs; you should know that rulers must weigh pros and cons, considering everything..."

"I will rule by law," Zhao Hanzhang sternly replied. "The interests lie with the nation, not personal gains and losses. In troubled times, the people’s hearts are naturally unsettled, and they harbor much resentment against the state and the sovereign. With traffickers apprehended, if not strictly punished, and instead focusing only on weighing pros and cons to give an illusion of peace."

"You presume the people to be ignorant, but they are well aware of everything. Even if they remain silent, inside they are lambasting you as fools," Zhao Hanzhang’s accumulated anger of recent days exploded as she condemned Liu Kun, "Comprehensive? What constitutes comprehensive? Addressing evil by law is comprehensive! Valuing humanity and returning to human decency is comprehensive! For traffickers who kidnap people and trade children, shattering numerous families—who talks comprehensive with them? Who talks comprehensive with families whose children were abducted?"

"Above your head are deities; traffickers, even those as noble as royal kin, will face grave consequences. Consider Sima Yue’s family; is anyone alive now?" Zhao Hanzhang declared, "He treated people like grass; so certain individuals treat him like livestock! Governor Liu, past lessons should serve as warnings."

Liu Kun’s face flushed red, and standing beside him, Shi Le felt his heart pound heavily. On looking up, he met Zhao Hanzhang’s gaze. Liu Kun felt less embarrassed and turned his head towards Shi Le.

Shi Le: ...

Zhao Hanzhang’s words not only reprimanded Liu Kun but also pointed out Shi Le.

He was once treated like grass (Sima Yue’s soldiers sold him), but he retaliated. Sima Yue’s entire family perished by his hands, and he even burned Sima Yue’s body;

Hence, his retribution was Sima Yue, and Sima Yue’s comeuppance was him.

Then what would be his karma?

Shi Le thought nervously; he had once been liberated but also partook in banditry and human trafficking. Throughout his journey, he committed numerous abominations. What would be his retribution?

Didn’t Zhao Hanzhang say previously that his entire clan was exterminated?

By his convenient nephew, Shi Hu.

At this moment, Shi Le had forgotten that Zhao Hanzhang never explicitly stated Shi Hu was responsible. Nevertheless, he believed it to be so.

Zhao Hanzhang’s speech addressed both individuals, and as Liu Kun was a believer in Buddhism, naturally he trusted in karma. Thus, he remained silent, pondering over whether his decisions were erroneous.

Shi Le ignored him, seeking an opportunity for a discreet conversation with Zhao Hanzhang, "Your Excellency, if one has committed wrongs in the past, is there an opportunity for redemption?"

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes mirrored compassion as she serenely replied, "Recognizing and correcting mistakes is a great virtue. If you sincerely regret it, then atone for your sins."

Listening to these words while holding the drawn schematics, Fu Tinghan couldn’t help but pause, devoid of speech.

Zhao Hanzhang barely glanced at him, her expression unchanged, and continued speaking with Shi Le, "Previously, you were excessively brutal. In the subsequent years, love and save the people more. I believe in reincarnation; perhaps those you assist later might have been harmed by you before, or they could be their family members. I think that’s redemption."

Shi Le pondered deeply.

Once they finished speaking, Fu Tinghan approached, "These are the maps I’ve been drawing these days."

Zhao Hanzhang received them.

Shi Le glanced casually, finding it incomprehensible, thus averting his gaze.

This was recorded in local chronicles, depicting various mineral resources around Jinyang. A few places marked iron, copper, and sulfur deposits; yet they were followed by question marks.

Zhao Hanzhang inquired, "Is it uncertain?"

Fu Tinghan nodded, "Descriptions are not explicit; some bizarre events or travel logs make me suspect so, but specifics require further investigation."

Zhao Hanzhang declared, "I will dispatch someone to investigate."

Shi Le casually inquired, "Investigate what?"

Zhao Hanzhang lifted her gaze towards him, smiling faintly, "Investigate the iron mines near Jinyang."

Shi Le’s heart pounded; he knew Zhao Hanzhang was ambitious and couldn’t possibly tolerate Liu Kun’s growing influence here, perhaps.

Her bringing him here was likely to seize Jinyang?