A letter arrived from the courthouse.
They want me to come for a trial. They say it’s important that I attend.
Hmm, a trial. And it concerns ‘me’.
– Son-in-law, have you done something to catch the courthouse’s attention?
‘You know I haven’t done anything.’
– Hmm, didn’t you destroy a country?
‘When are you talking about? Not this time around.’
It seems Woo-yong Jin is also at a loss, judging by such nonsensical questions.
…Ah, Woo-yong Jin has always been like this, hasn’t he?
– A trial out of nowhere, this is highly suspicious. Up until now, I’ve pretty much ignored them.
‘There doesn’t seem to be any clear reason why they’d involve me in this.’
– The subject of the trial is strange too. It’s about determining guilt… Even though the charges against you are practically set in stone, why would they bother to determine anything? It seems like they know you’ve been falsely accused and are trying to lure you in with sweet words?
‘It does seem that way to me as well.’
Even if I go, I don’t think they’ll understand my grievances, so should I attend?
I haven’t established connections within the courthouse, nor have I bribed them. There might be someone who respects me, like Gayoung Jin or Hong Ryun, but it’s troubling that they’ve overlooked my situation up until now.
‘Hmph, I originally planned to take the Miss straight to the Taewon Jin Clan and then head to the Namgung family.’
– But?
‘The nation has called for me, so I suppose I must go.’
– You’re going without knowing their intentions?
‘Isn’t it against the law to disobey?’
– Honestly, if you break the law, it’s no big deal for someone like you, right? You always win fights. Who would dare punish our son-in-law?
‘…Laws are meant to be followed, not out of fear of punishment, but because they should be upheld.’
By stating the obvious, Jin Woo-yong looks at me with pity.
Why? I don’t understand. Isn’t it natural as a citizen to abide by the national laws?
– Nonetheless, I also agree with you going.
‘Really?’
– Wasn’t your original goal to reach Namgung Bin? To take over the leadership of the Namgung family.
‘That’s right.’
– The courthouse is unlikely to summon you with good intentions. It’s probably Namgung Bin, disguised as the courthouse, calling you. And the reason? As expected, it’s mischief. Judging from the way you talk now… It seems you’d accept any punishment under national law. That kid Namgung Bin is quite clever.
Surely not, that’s going too far. Why would I be imprisoned for crimes I didn’t commit?
That’s a different issue from simply abiding by the law.
‘Aren’t you saying that Namgung Bin will be there?’
‘Perhaps.’
‘If so, I should go. My next destination was Namgung Bin anyway.’
– Aren’t you going to prepare for the trial? From what I saw in that letter… there are quite a lot of charges against you?
‘We’ll see as we go.’
Still, if this trial was prepared by Namgung Bin, what can I actually do about it? That guy’s preparation is too thorough…
For now, it’s best to show up. If not, I can always handle it with martial arts.
There are only three people in the Song dynasty who hold such influence over the empire.
The Emperor, who can sway a million people with a single word.
The Prime Minister, who controls a hundred thousand with a single document.
The Chief Magistrate, who commands the vast imperial army and oversees the law, order, and military of the nation.
However, there are two others apart from these, who can also sway the people’s hearts.
The venerated Buddha Monk, respected by all regardless of age or gender, who knows even the slightest about martial arts.
And a certain incorruptible official who is meticulous, upright, honest, and righteous.
Bao Zheng.
His courtesy name is Xi Ren, also known as Bao Xi Ren.
His most famous sobriquet is “Qing Tian,” or “Blue Heaven,” more commonly known as Brother Bao Qing Tian.
Famous for being the most incorruptible official in the land, he is strict and will mercilessly behead even high-ranking officials who break the law.
He is so stern that even his acquaintances do not visit him for personal matters, knowing they cannot benefit from his influence.
Additionally, he is well-known for never smiling and always maintaining a fierce, tiger-like expression. The world jokes that the day Brother Bao Qing Tian smiles will be the day the Yangtze River runs clear.
“Hmm… This guy has done quite some preparation in such a short time.”
One of the Five Superiors and the Chief Magistrate, renowned as one of the Eight Supreme Martial Arts Masters, was seen flipping through some documents with a faint smile.
It was a cunning smile, filled with satisfaction.
“Complaining about lack of witnesses in previous letters, but now preparing this thoroughly… Why didn’t you mention such capabilities before?”
The content of these documents detailed the rough outline of the trial’s content that had been arranged through correspondence with Nangung Bin, the head of Namgung family.
The documents also contained the scripted false testimonies of the witnesses to be used during the trial. Of course, the only people aware these were falsehoods were Namgong Bin, Chief Magistrate, and the witnesses themselves.
All of them were bound by the same source of ‘money.’
“Although the number of witnesses is a bit lacking… but what can be done when all the previous ones were killed. This meticulousness of his is somewhat admirable as well.”
The essence of the trial was to determine the authenticity of the charges against the Sword Sage. Specifically, whether the evidences uncovered by the authorities in the past truly belonged to the Sword Sage.
But the Chief Magistrate knew. This trial was not about determining guilt or innocence, but instead about establishing grounds for punishing the Sword Sage.
“Hmph, this is intriguing.”
It was a scripted trial. The verdict was decided in advance. No matter what measures the Sword Sage had prepared, the trial’s conclusion was set in stone as long as the Chief Magistrate was presiding over it.
If the Sword Sage refused the outcome and resisted with force, that act itself would be illegal and constitute a current offense.
And if the Sword Sage accepted the legally determined outcome, the very nature of the charges, especially the severe crime of ‘treasury invasion,’ would likely result in capital punishment.
Though simple, it was a Catch-22 situation devised to capture the Sword Sage.
The Chief Magistrate began imagining the soon-to-be-complete control of the Anhui commerce sector at his fingertips, along with the enormous wealth and illicit gains that would flow from it. It was an astronomical sum that could rival even the emperor’s riches.
“Even if he’s about to die, I’ll give him the dignity to die by beheading on a chopping block, as he was once a hero who saved the martial world.”
Just imagining it brought a rare smile to his lips. Suddenly, the Chief Magistrate grew curious as to why Namgong Bin was going to such great lengths to eliminate the Sword Sage.
It was information that was neither necessary to know nor entirely unknowable, but still, the curiosity persisted.
The Sword Sage had not directly caused trouble for Namgong Bin, and in fact, had offered to willingly hand over his power and fortune.
There wasn’t much Namgong Bin would benefit from the Sword Sage’s death, at least according to the information gathered by the authorities.
Upon gaining control of the Namgong family, Namgong Bin’s influence diminished along with the fall of the Sword Sage, a natural consequence that the new family head couldn’t easily control.
“Hmm, what exactly does Namgong Bin desire…? To even cultivate hidden forces within the martial world while not pursuing wealth itself…”
Money was both a means and a tool for living in this era. However, observing many people, it was apparent that quite a few made money their life’s purpose.
But not Namgong Bin. He viewed money purely as a ‘tool,’ and perhaps, even regarded others as mere ‘tools’ rather than human beings, as Chief Magistrate had sensed upon conversing with him multiple times.
Thud.
Right at that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard from a distance.
A sound that an ordinary person could not detect, but for Chief Magistrate, whose martial arts had reached the pinnacle, was perfectly clear.
Thud.
Each step was coming straight towards where Chief Magistrate was, without a single deviation.
The footfalls were resolute and firm. There was absolutely no hesitation or hesitation shown towards visiting the highest dignity of the judicial bureau.
There was a distinct ‘difference’ in these steps compared to countless other steps.
Thud.
Chief Magistrate was inwardly offended by it, but immediately recognized the overwhelming aura emitted by the visitor and resigned himself with a sigh.
Because it was clear. The presence approaching would never bow down to anyone, even the highest authority of the judiciary.
“Whatever could bring this person here… I suppose I should go welcome the guest.”
With slow movements, the Chief Magistrate opened the door and proceeded slowly to the entrance.
Although with reluctance, there were several reasons including the unsettling nature of the conversation ahead with a tiresome visitor.
“Ah, Governor Bao. What brings you to personally grace this humble dwelling?”
With wide open arms, the Chief Magistrate welcomed the visitor whose silhouette was gradually coming into view.
Despite the ‘unprecedented’ hospitality shown by the Chief Magistrate, the visitor did not smile and maintained a stern expression.
A guest with neatly trimmed beard and eyebrows arching upward like a tiger’s. Adorned with an official headdress commonly worn by administrators.
He was not a martial artist or an internal energy cultivator, yet, there was something about him that stood firm with great confidence. His posture was straight and his head held high.
Even a martial artist at the pinnacle of their craft would feel intimidated in front of Chief Magistrate, yet this man remained completely unyielding.
“Governor, it’s been a while.”
“Governor Bao, I did not inquire first. Visitors must answer questions before stepping onto my land.”
“I’m here to handle business. That is all.”
“Handling business? Is there any business our office has with you?”
Governor Bao, without responding to the inquiry, ignored the Chief Magistrate and tried to walk directly in.
“Hmph.”
Although it pricked his pride, the Chief Magistrate did not hinder the guest. He knew it would be futile, plus the guest was someone who led the largest mass of public opinion in the current world.
‘The Iron-faced Judge Bao Qing Tian… living up to the name. Though not a martial artist, his momentum is extraordinary.’
With a bruised ego, the Chief Magistrate followed behind Bao Qing Tian as they entered his residence. Along the way, he deftly used Empty-Air Retrieval to tidy the documents related to Namgong Bin that were lying on the desk.
The brazen Bao Qing Tian headed straight for the study where the Chief Magistrate was just moments ago.
Bao Qing Tian quickly scanned the room, looking for something. However, what he sought was not there—likely because it had “been cleared away.”
“What are you looking for? Was there something you needed?”
“Chief Magistrate.”
“You never visited before with gifts in hand, so has the old man’s presence here sparked any interest now? You with your high-and-mighty attitude?”
“I see no reason to have private meetings with public officials.”
In response to the Chief Magistrate’s jeering question, Bao Qing Tian coolly replied, diving straight into the main topic without pretentious smiles, wearing a thoroughly shameless expression.
“I heard you are preparing a trial for the Swordsage of the martial world.”
“Ah, I heard you were so occupied that you barely had time to sleep. How did you hear of this news so quickly?”
“No matter how occupied one is, there must be no injustice.”
“Let me be direct. I will serve as the judge in this trial.”
Governor Bao Qing Tian spoke without batting an eyelid. In contrast, Chief Magistrate’s calm was slightly shaken.
“Ahahaha.”
“I am not joking.”
“Requesting to serve as a judge in a trial that’s already prepared? Even if you, esteemed sir, are favored by His Majesty, this is clearly overstepping authority.”
“Overstepping authority? The judge is merely asking to serve as the judge. Where’s the overstepping?”
“To ask for a judge arbitrarily in a trial already set is not overstepping, what else? Governor Bao, know your place. As great as you may be… I am the Chief Magistrate.”
The Chief Magistrate lowered his voice, growling menacingly.
Bao Qing Tian sensed a threat that could not be ignored in his voice.
However, there was no intention of cowering. Rather, his determination to serve as the judge solidified.
“You seem particularly anxious to take the judge’s seat, Chief Magistrate. Could there be a hidden reason for you to judge this trial?”
“No, I only wish to establish justice and punish the criminal. It bothers me to reverse what is already decided.”
“Decided out of the blue to suddenly push for a trial against the Swordsage, a matter buried for years… doesn’t this smell strange? The stench is so strong it’s making my nose itch!”
Bang!
Governor Bao slammed his palm on the table. The items atop it momentarily rose into the air before returning to their original positions.
“Personal emotions must not interfere with the law. Even if it’s His Majesty, the Emperor!”
“Governor Bao! That’s treasonous talk!”
“Treasonous? You intend to arbitrarily open a trial and directly intervene for personal reasons, Governor, making you the true rebel! The ones undermining and corrupting the nation!”
“…”
The Chief Magistrate, at a loss for words, unleashed his full killing intent. Bao Qing Tian was enveloped by an intense, suffocating pressure.
Swoosh!
It was an invisible attack. It felt as if hundreds of blades were piercing and tearing his body apart.
Governor Bao clenched his teeth, eyes wide open, resisting the assault. It was a feat unimaginable even for most high-level martial artists. Yet, the man with the strongest moral fiber in the land, who did not need martial arts, could withstand the Chief Magistrate’s pressure.
‘Such madness… At this level, even a top grandmaster might spout blood from seven apertures while going insane…!’
Psychological pressure seemed ineffective. Governor Bao realized this early on. The Chief Magistrate promptly retracted his energy, dispelling the killing intent that had permeated the room.
“Hmph!”
A martial artist would have at least shed tears, runny noses, or sighed deeply in relief, but Governor Bao let out a strong, defiant snort. The Chief Magistrate sighed again.
“Did you just emit killing intent against me?”
“Proof?”
“…”
Killing him right on the spot would be ideal if possible, but Governor Bao Qing Tian was beloved by the entire population. There’s no way such an incident could remain hidden.
And if it angered the Emperor, even the powerful Chief Magistrate would be reduced to a dead fly.
“Hmph, why exactly is Governor Bao participating in the trial, given how busy you already are with countless affairs?”
“As I’ve already said, there must be no injustice. Also, private interests must not interfere with the court’s verdict.”
“I swear to heaven, it wasn’t with such intentions that I planned this trial. I merely wish to place the criminal Swordsage on trial.”
“Then there should be no problem if I balance the scales of justice. Swearing to heaven, I will preside over the trial strictly according to the law.”
“…”
‘Wrong. There’s no way to defeat this stubborn leech with logic.’
Bribes might have worked, but Governor Bao’s incorruptibility is second to none in the land. The Chief Magistrate didn’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble.
In the end, all he could do was…
“Ah, since Governor Bao insists so adamantly… I can’t refuse your request.”
“What does that mean?”
“You will serve as the judge. I humbly request you to preside most fairly. Ah, and remember this favor, please repay it in the future.”
Merely putting on a show while creating a sense of debt, that’s all.
