Reincarnation in the Three Kingdoms Era with a System

Putting everything else aside, let's set off first. We can figure things out on the road later.

We'll be traveling by boat anyway, now's not the time to waste.

Being able to meet the Emperor and personally apologize is the best outcome.

Regardless of whether they're right or wrong, if the leader says you're wrong, then you're wrong.

Admitting fault first, then proposing solutions—that's the way of officials in the Qin Dynasty.

If you shirk responsibility, you'll be replaced!

After all, admitting fault doesn't incur punishment; it's simply giving the Emperor a chance to vent his anger, which is what a subject should and must bear.

Isn't it just being a punching bag?

Being vented on has its benefits.

But if we confront him head-on, we'll really get burned, which is extremely unwise.

Both Zhuge Liang and Zhang Zhao knew this, which is why they set off in such a hurry.

Furthermore, they even informed Bao Zheng, the Minister of Justice, a figure nicknamed "Black-faced Thunder God."

If he went, he'd definitely lose his head!

Shortly after Zhuge Liang received the letter, he confirmed he was patrolling the Taishan area.

There are many bandits here; eliminating them is key.

The real solution is to dismantle the problem at its source, preventing the people from becoming outlaws. Having no reason to steal is the only way.

As for the stubborn ones, they should be wiped out.

Zhan Zhao hurriedly delivered the letter from Zhan Ying to Bao Zheng. Bao Zheng was currently berating the county magistrate of Linzi. He wouldn't have gone to such lengths over minor inconveniences.

However, if basic work wasn't done properly, he was bound to be furious.

Upon receiving the letter from Zhan Zhao, Bao Zheng's already dark face turned even redder.

"Hmph, go back and reflect on your actions. I'm giving you two months. If you still can't rectify the situation, you're going home!"

Bao Zheng waved the magistrate away, giving him no chance to explain.

Then, turning to Zhan Zhao, he said, "We must travel to Jianye tonight!"

"Yes, sir."

Zhan Zhao, though somewhat puzzled, didn't ask further.

Jianye, the magistrate's residence.

The residence was adorned with red silk and lanterns, and a theatrical troupe had been hired to perform.

A mere magistrate had set up thirty tables, extending into the street.

Passersby couldn't pass and had to detour.

And every merchant had to bring gifts; if, later, when the dowry was tallied, no name was found, it wouldn't be as simple as just giving gifts.

Lu Ming, observing the bustling magistrate's mansion, smirked coldly. "Xu Sheng, it seems our magistrate is quite busy.

Others are busy inspecting the villages, apprehending wanted criminals, or quelling bandits.

But he's busy taking concubines and collecting gifts."

"Indeed," Xu Sheng chimed in indignation.

"After all, the magistrate's sister is a concubine in the palace, so no one here dares to mess with him!

Having connections in court makes things easier, and Governor Zhang Zhao is a kind-hearted man.

If it weren't for him, the people of Jianye would be living in dire straits, forced to sell their children."

Xu Sheng, indignant, secretly wished to kill Sun Yi, because today Sun Yi's concubine was none other than his sister!

"Justice resides in the hearts of the people; Heaven sees what man does.

Let's see his rise and fall!"

Lu Ming remained calm and composed. Sun Yi's lack of resistance was fine, but if he resisted, his brothers would likely be affected as well. "What do you mean by that?"

Xu Sheng was somewhat bewildered. The other party's conversation was too profound for him to understand.

"Hehe, no need to understand, just observe and see."

Lu Ming finished speaking and looked at Xu Sheng. "Brother Xu, you seem to be a martial artist?"

"I know a few moves."

Although Xu Sheng was modest, he was actually somewhat proud.

He had originally intended to join the army, but his sister had encountered this predicament, and all he could think about was how to rescue her.

A few days ago, when he spoke with his sister, she simply told him to wait on the street.

If he encountered someone who seemed to possess an imposing air of nobility, he would approach them and use their help to resolve Sun Yi's situation.

Xu Sheng didn't know who this person was. In Qin, there were both old and young people in high positions, so it was perfectly normal not to be able to identify them.

Lu Ming glanced at him, then suddenly had a bold idea.

That was to steal the bride!

Since Shi Qian said the bride was beautiful, she couldn't be too ugly.

He wouldn't let Sun Yi succeed; it would be better for him to do it himself, to thoroughly seduce Sun Yi's woman—a form of punishment!

Thinking it through, Lu Ming left Xu Sheng to observe while he went to find Shi Qian.

"Send someone to find Sun Yi, stall him, and prevent him from returning to the county office tonight, from going back to the bridal chamber.

Do what you think is best!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Qian wondered what trick His Majesty was planning.

Although he had a vague suspicion, he dared not say much, and instead readily agreed.

Serving the Emperor was a great opportunity. His Majesty was young and vigorous, in his prime, and could easily serve for decades to come. His appointment as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard indicated loyalty, reliability, and competence—both indispensable.

"Yes, my lord, please rest assured, I will handle things perfectly."

"Go."

Lu Ming dismissed him after speaking. He was comfortable using the Embroidered Uniform Guard and didn't intend to let them intervene.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had the authority to thoroughly investigate all officials, including the Prime Minister.

Moreover, they only obeyed the orders of the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager.

The Empress and Empress Dowager, needless to say, were exemplary wives and mothers who would not touch power.

With the Emperor still alive, they naturally wouldn't interfere.

This was a force loyal to the royal family, and it was also something displayed openly for others to see.

He wasn't afraid at all, nor was he worried about anything happening.

A deterrent was necessary; otherwise, without respect for imperial authority, it was easier for serious disrespect to occur.

While the guests outside were conversing, Lu Ming directly scaled the wall to steal someone else's bride!

At this moment, Shi Qian personally intervened.

He went straight to the residence, displaying his token. "Shi Qian, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, summon your magistrate, Sun Yi!"

Sun Yi, initially elated, paused upon hearing the name "Embroidered Uniform Guard," unable to recall who it was.

But filled with doubt, he still came. "Greetings, Commander. May I ask what official business brings you to Jianye?"

"Sun Yi, your corruption has been exposed.

This involves many deep matters. There's an order from the palace for you to stay with us to avoid being implicated.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard only obeys His Majesty's name. Magistrate Sun, don't ruin your future!"

Shi Qian directly implied that the other party was involved in something wrong and that he had come to rescue him, but without clearly stating it, a statement that could easily be misunderstood.