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"The officials who commit crimes deserve their punishment... But I implore you, my lord, to spare the people of Changping Village. Do not let them suffer further in the search for minerals. What regret could there be in my death!"
Xu Yan sighed, "The so-called Peach Blossom Spring exists only in the heart, and each person's vision of it is different. As long as there is a pure heart, one can find peace and contentment no matter where they are. I know of a kind of insect that lives only a day; how do you know they are not happy in their short lives?"
"The livelihood of the people depends on education and law, nurturing their lives and enlightening their minds. This is the foundation of a strong nation. If all officials in our court were like you, hiding the common folk in your so-called Peach Blossom Spring, how would the court manage its troops or defend against foreign enemies? Once the country falls, what chance would those people have to survive... You may act out of small righteousness but lose sight of the greater principle; you cannot escape responsibility! If I were wearing an official's cap, I would punish you severely to set an example!"
As soon as Xu Yan finished speaking, Wang Tiesheng shouted, "The murder is mine; it has nothing to do with you!"
He drew his knife and committed suicide, collapsing to the ground.
Seeing this, the common folk crawled forward, bowing repeatedly, all willing to sacrifice themselves for Chen Maoliang's redemption.
Xu Yan was furious again: "I only regret that I am currently without an official position and cannot uphold justice. Though this is true, everything must still be decided by Magistrate Liu!"
Liu Fengling pondered for a long time as the pleas from the villagers of Changping grew louder, with some even bleeding from their foreheads as they bowed.
With a long sigh, Liu Fengling said, "The murderer is already dead. In light of your integrity as an official and your lack of malice towards the people, along with the villagers pleading for you, your death penalty can be waived. However, you will not escape punishment entirely. I hereby remove you from your position as a seventh-rank county magistrate and sentence you to fifty strokes of the rod. Return home and reflect on your actions! Xiawa Village's the Tian did not uphold her duties as a wife and committed adultery; however, if her husband had not died young, she would not have been left alone at such a young age. All this arose from the mineral veins found in Golden Buddha Ridge... As a woman alone and destitute, I will no longer pursue her case of adultery; let her remarry."
Chen Maoliang wept uncontrollably as he removed his official cap. After bowing to Liu Fengling, he turned around to bow to the villagers, who were all moved to tears.
Xu Yan addressed Liu Fengling: "This matter is settled; I take my leave..."
Unexpectedly, Chen Maoliang crawled a few steps forward and bowed before Xu Yan again, saying, "Your words just now have enlightened me completely. After resigning from my position, I wish to follow you closely and listen to your teachings every day. I earnestly request that you do not mind my guilty status and accept me as your student..." Seeing this scene, Mu Zuo also bowed in agreement.
Xu Yan laughed heartily, helping Chen Maoliang to his feet as he said, “You go with Mu Zuo to receive your punishment; we’ll talk when we return.”
Liu Fengling frowned and advised Xu Yan, “I can submit a formal request to the court, pleading for the exemption of Changping Village and Xiawa from the mining expedition. However, the people of these two villages are not skilled in farming; what will they do in the future?”
Xu Yan replied with a smile, “This place is picturesque, resembling the idyllic scenes from books. With a little embellishment, it could be mistaken for paradise. I see this valley is quite spacious and could accommodate a thousand households. Why not relocate the people of Xiawa Village here and spread the news of this Peach Blossom Source? Those scholars and cultured individuals will surely flock here. At that time, every household in the village can open shops and offer lodging, earning silver without needing to farm, while still paying taxes. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Liu Fengling laughed heartily, “This plan is excellent! Truly excellent!”
Immediately, orders were issued to merge Changping Village and Xiawa into one entity, naming it “Peach Blossom Village,” exempting it from taxes for three years. People were sent out to spread the news… The villagers welcomed Xu Yan and his companions as guests, lingering for several days before departing.
Yet Xu Yan chuckled, “I too must return to my own Peach Blossom Source.”
As they left the mountains, Mu Zuo inquired beside him, “Sir, you spoke so sternly earlier; did you truly intend to put Chen Maoliang to death?”
Xu Yan answered, “I know master Liu cannot bear to kill him. However, if I were to excuse his crimes right away, the people would think we are protecting one another and that the law is lax. Liu Fengling has been in office long enough to understand this; he can pardon Chen Maoliang’s death penalty while also gaining the support of the people. Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?”
Under the slanting sun, laughter echoed along the road.
A few days later, Mu Zuo took Chen Maoliang to Shaoxing Prefectural Yamen to receive fifty lashes and then carried him back to Xu Yan’s home.
A month later, Chen Maoliang paid his respects to Xu Yan as his master.
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