Crown Prince Qin Yu of the Great Xuan Kingdom quelled the disaster in Jiangnan within half a month. On his journey back to the capital, he passed Wannian County. There he witnessed Magistrate Zhao Mingyuan brutally driving disaster victims away. Qin Yu stepped forward to stop the atrocity, only to be framed with false charges and thrown into prison by Zhao Mingyuan.
Zhao Mingyuan tortured Qin Yu cruelly. He also attempted to assault Shen Chuning, who accompanied the Crown Prince. The imperial dragon-pattern jade pendant on Shen Chuning’s body briefly startled Zhao Mingyuan. Yet to cover up his crimes, he resolved to kill them both and erase all witnesses.
When Emperor Qin Zhen received the secret report, he flew into a towering rage. He personally led the Golden Guards to surround the county yamen. Following clues, the Emperor discovered a hidden chamber deep inside the compound and rescued the gravely injured Qin Yu and Shen Chuning.
Magistrate Zhao Mingyuan and his accomplices were arrested. All their crimes were laid bare before the court. Every corrupt official involved in this case faced severe punishment. Justice was finally served for the wronged Crown Prince and the suffering refugees. The incident also sent a stark warning to other local officials, that tyranny and corruption would never escape the Emperor’s wrath.
