Chapter 114
Wei Xun explained the entire sequence of events to Emperor Wu in detail. In reality, he was explaining it not only to the emperor but also to the civil and military officials present.
Wei Xun placed a particular emphasis on how the four prominent families of Baihe County had been tyrannical, leaving the common people bitterly resentful. He subtly suggested that Xu Ming and Xu Pangda’s actions were entirely out of necessity.
Otherwise, most of the minor officials in Baihe County had been bribed by these four families. Finding witnesses and evidence was nearly impossible. Solving any case under such circumstances was practically a fantasy.
After Wei Xun finished speaking, the voices in the court gradually quieted. Initially, many officials had assumed that Xu Ming, in his youthful impulsiveness, had clashed with the four powerful families and killed them all in a moment of anger.
But they hadn’t expected that Xu Ming and Xu Pangda’s actions were not for themselves but for the suffering people of Baihe County.
“Minister Wang,” Emperor Wu turned to Wang Can, “Xu Ming acted for the people. Moreover, before Xu Ming left, I personally granted him the Water Dragon Token, giving him the authority to act first and report later. How does this violate the laws of Wu Kingdom?”
Cold sweat broke out on Wang Can’s forehead, but he had no choice but to press on. “Even with the Water Dragon Token, there must still be justification for Xu Ming’s actions.”
“Justification? Hmph.” Emperor Wu let out a cold laugh. “The cries of the people in Baihe County are the justification! Furthermore, Xu Ming and County Magistrate Xu were already in the process of gathering evidence and were planning to report the matter to the capital. How can you assume they had no justification?”
“If they fail to provide evidence, they will be punished accordingly. But if they do, what will you have to say for yourself, Minister Wang?”