The people of Le'an were utterly stunned.
If matters proceeded according to Zhang Xin's plan, he could simply walk away once it was over—but the consequences would fall squarely on Le'an itself. By then, he would have offended one of the most powerful families in the region, and resignation would likely be his only way out.
Yet if he refused to act, judging by Zhang Xin's current ruthlessness, he might not even live to resign.
What kind of situation was this?
Caught between two dangers, there was no safe path forward.
…
If only he had known earlier—he would have stepped down the moment Zhang Xin ordered the land inspection.
After a long hesitation, the Chancellor of Le'an resolved to try one last time to persuade him.
"My lord, in my humble opinion… perhaps we should let this matter go."
"The Liu family are members of the imperial clan. If they go to the capital and accuse you of oppressing imperial relatives, what then?"
The meaning was clear: no matter how high Zhang Xin's rank, crossing the imperial clan could bring serious consequences.
"It's fine," Zhang Xin replied with a casual wave. "To be honest, my wife's surname is Liu."
The Chancellor froze.
"From Hejian," Zhang Xin added.
Understanding dawned instantly.
No wonder Zhang Xin, at such a young age, had risen to become Governor of Qingzhou and General Who Calms the East.
No wonder he dared confront the Liu family of Le'an without hesitation.
The Liu family of Le'an descended from Liu Yan, elder brother of Emperor Guangwu. But compared to the prestigious Liu lineage of Hejian—
They were insignificant.
The difference in status was obvious.
Zhang Xin glanced at the Chancellor's troubled expression.
After the stick came the carrot.
"Handle this matter well," Zhang Xin said with a faint smile. "Once Qingzhou is pacified, I will memorialize the court and request a fine post for you elsewhere."
"I'll go at once!"
That was all the Chancellor needed to hear.
For him, being transferred away safely was the best possible outcome.
…
Meanwhile, Xu Huang had temporarily withdrawn after disturbances stirred up by local factions.
Privately, the great families sneered, eager to see how Zhang Xin would handle the situation.
"Zhang Xin is just a novice governor—does he really think he's someone important?"
"With a small trick, we've already forced him into a corner. Hahaha…"
"He must realize now how dangerous this is."
"Exactly. Just because he defeated a few Yellow Turbans, he thinks we're easy to bully?"
"Surveying land? Over my dead body!"
Inside a manor outside the city, the heads of powerful families gathered—sometimes cursing, sometimes laughing.
At that moment, a servant rushed in and whispered urgently to the Liu clan head.
"Master, Liu Gao has been arrested by the Chancellor's office."
The Liu patriarch frowned. "On what charge?"
"It seems to be related to abducting a woman before the New Year."
"Zhang Xin has gone too far!"
The Liu patriarch slammed the table and stood.
"Come with me—we'll demand his release!"
It was obvious: without Zhang Xin's backing, the Chancellor would never dare act like this.
—
The Liu patriarch stormed into the Chancellor's residence, expecting that negotiation—or perhaps a bribe—would resolve the matter.
Instead, the Chancellor stood firm.
Everything was handled strictly according to law.
The statute was clear: those guilty of abduction, trafficking, rape, or forging seals were to be executed publicly. Each offender bore responsibility for their own crime.
The man was returned—but as a corpse.
His head had already been severed.
The Liu patriarch was furious—but he also understood.
Zhang Xin's goal was simple: force the Liu family into submission through blood.
Once they yielded, the other families would follow.
"My Liu clan are imperial kin," he sneered inwardly. "Let's see how many of us you dare kill."
—
Two days later, more members of the Liu family were arrested.
Having governed for years, the Chancellor of Le'an knew every crime committed by the major families—who did what, and when.
In the past, he had turned a blind eye in exchange for their cooperation.
Now, under pressure from Zhang Xin—and tempted by the promise of promotion—he acted swiftly and decisively.
There was no need for investigation.
The evidence had long been in his hands.
Those arrested were swiftly tried and executed the same day.
The speed was shocking.
Soon, all of Linji was gripped by fear.
Members of the Liu clan hid indoors, afraid to even walk the streets lest they be seized.
—
After five days, the Liu patriarch could endure no more.
More than ten members of his clan had already been killed.
At first, only peripheral figures had been targeted—losses he could tolerate.
But in the last two days, even core members had been taken.
If this continued, even he might not be spared.
"This Zhang Xin is insane!"
Cursing his misfortune, he hurriedly contacted the other great families.
Together, they went to the Chancellor's residence to request an audience with Zhang Xin.
—
"Oh? Only a dozen deaths and they've already lost their nerve?"
Zhang Xin smiled faintly upon hearing the report.
"Let them in."
Soon, the group entered and offered formal greetings.
"No need for ceremony. Sit."
They obeyed.
Zhang Xin said nothing, waiting.
At last, the Liu patriarch spoke.
"My lord…"
After a pause, he continued, "I wish to accuse the Chancellor of Le'an of violating the law."
"Do you have a written complaint?" Zhang Xin asked.
The Liu patriarch choked.
They had come to pressure him—not file paperwork.
Zhang Xin looked at the others. "And you?"
"We… also wish to accuse him," they replied.
"Then where are your complaints?"
"…We have none."
"Without formal complaints, I cannot accept the case. Return and prepare them first."
Zhang Xin rose to leave.
"See them out."
"Wait!"
The Liu patriarch hurriedly called out.
"If the people suffer injustice, why does Your Excellency refuse to hear it?"
"Oh?" Zhang Xin turned back. "What injustice?"
The Liu patriarch seized the moment.
"The law permits redemption with payment. Is this not so?"
"It is," Zhang Xin nodded.
"In that case," the Liu patriarch pressed on, "members of my family were arrested days ago. I went to redeem them, yet the Chancellor refused—and executed them before the proper time. Is this not a violation of the law?"
He raised his voice.
"I beg Your Excellency to uphold justice and dismiss the Chancellor!"
The other clan heads echoed him loudly.
"Dismiss the Chancellor!"
Their goal was obvious: remove the Chancellor, stall the investigation, and buy time.
"You're referring to that matter?" Zhang Xin said calmly.
"I ordered it."
Silence fell.
Everyone knew the truth—but none expected him to admit it so openly.
"Qingzhou is in chaos," Zhang Xin continued. "At such a time, extraordinary measures are required. Evil cannot be tolerated. Is there a problem?"
The Liu patriarch's eyes lit up.
This was exactly what he wanted.
"So the law means nothing to you?" he shouted. "Do you even respect it?"
"Is there no justice left?"
The others joined in, their voices rising in unison.
Now that Zhang Xin had spoken plainly, they turned their attack toward him.
"The law?" Zhang Xin repeated.
Slowly, he removed the seal of the Governor of Qingzhou from his waist—
And slammed it heavily onto the table.
"How many laws do you want?" he said coldly. "I can write them for you right now."