Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1452

Chapter 1452: Chapter 1447: Speculation

"Zhou is not a country that forbids its people from discussing politics. It is emphasized repeatedly in the new laws to promote open discourse... You know the law but break it; you enforce the law but act unfairly, indulge your subordinates... You forcibly detained civilians, leading to wrongful deaths in prison. Do you acknowledge your crimes?"

"I beg Your Majesty to discern clearly. At present, the coastal area is in a state of panic. I... I was just afraid that these people, after drinking too much wine, might speak recklessly and cause public panic or unrest. Therefore, I sent people to apprehend those who spoke nonsense! I originally intended just to detain them for one night, wait for them to sober up, and then admonish them a bit before releasing them. I didn’t resort to corporal punishment! I really didn’t expect it to cause a fatal incident!" The County Magistrate of Jinguan kept kowtowing, "I beg Your Majesty to discern clearly!"

"Zhou promotes open discourse. As the local official, you should know the grievances of the people and address them timely, rather than arrest people and threaten to silence them, forbidding them from speaking! This is your first crime!" Bai Qingyan coldly watched the anxious County Magistrate of Jinguan kneeling on the ground, "During the arrest, chaos erupted, and afterward, you failed to properly manage the detainees. Whether by private coercion or accident, people died in your prison — this is your dereliction of duty, your second crime! When the people gathered before the Government Office to beat the drum for justice, you hid in the back hall and ordered the officials to arrest people, ignoring new laws, showing great disrespect and negligence — this is your third crime!"

The magistrate kneeling on the ground kept trembling, knowing his career was over: "I am guilty unto death, dare not plead for forgiveness, please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Bai Qingyan understood clearly that even if the magistrate’s crime wasn’t as severe, it had to be treated seriously; otherwise, it would be difficult to quell public grievances and anger, especially before defeating the Dongyi Kingdom. It was crucial to win the hearts of the coastal people. She had to seize this opportunity to let the people know that she, the Emperor, truly understood the new laws and valued the people!

Wei Zhong turned his head to instruct the accompanying imperial guards, who immediately stepped forward and removed the magistrate’s official cap in front of the people.

"King Zhong..." Bai Qingyan called softly.

"Minister present!" Bai Qingjue stepped forward and responded.

"I order you to stay here and by tomorrow, investigate this matter thoroughly. Those who need to be dismissed should be dismissed; imprisoned should be imprisoned; punished should be punished, must provide an explanation for the civilians... for this dear lady!"

"I accept the order!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" The woman cried as she knelt down again.

"The Emperor is wise!"

"The Emperor is wise!"

The people collectively kowtowed, feeling a newfound understanding and view toward this Emperor they’ve never seen before, who had always been high above.

Bai Qingyan handed the blood-written letter to Bai Qingjue: "The words in this blood letter are fervent, showing the writer’s heartfelt passion. Investigate thoroughly!"

Neither the handwriting nor the content of the blood letter could have come from this woman. Bai Qingyan praised the blood letter and instructed Bai Qingjue to investigate, seemingly emphasizing examining the case, but more deeply... to investigate the person behind the blood letter or the people behind the woman.

This person... whether genuinely passionate or aiming to disrupt the tranquility of Zhou’s coastal regions is yet to be determined.

Over at the navy, they had already concluded that Bai Qingyan wouldn’t demand Hancheng King’s remains back following Dongyi Kingdom’s provocations, nor would they go to war with Dongyi for the brothers sacrificed from the navy. Even if willing... they would probably send someone to convince them to wait until the gamble was won decisively before seeking revenge. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

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