Last Dance - 5: The Prefecture and Yangminmun's Joint Public Opinion Campaign
The joint trial between the prefecture and Yangminmun succeeded brilliantly in elevating their prestige and trustworthiness. On the surface, Yangminmun had simply resolved a land dispute with masterful judgment. In this era, where agriculture is the foundation of the world, land disputes are tantamount to matters of life and death. So, from the perspective of the common folk unaware of the truth, it was only natural to be impressed: the winners showered Yangminmun with praise, while even the losers voiced no complaints. It painted Yangminmun as a judge of unparalleled virtue, one who could console even those who lost their land. And as this perception spreads, more people will inevitably turn to Yangminmun for mediation.
'Which benefits the prefecture too.' Delegating judicial authority to civilians might seem like a loss of official prestige—but only if it were genuine delegation. The prefecture was merely using Yangminmun as a figurehead while retaining full control. Besides, resolving disputes through private channels without official trials isn't uncommon. Expecting 14th-century literacy rates and courteous government service like in the 21st century is unrealistic. When faced with endless headaches, it's far easier to let civilians handle it. The officials quietly hoped for exactly that. After all, bureaucrats already swamped with administration and public order can't afford to micromanage every trial. And for smooth local stability, judgments can't rigidly follow the letter of the law—they must account for public sentiment and the human relationships of the parties involved. That's why the prefecture propped up Yangminmun, and they nailed a stellar start.
"Those who avoid requesting trials from the prefecture generally fall into two categories. One is the ordinary folk too busy scraping by to waste time on official procedures. The other is those who wouldn't accept the prefecture's ruling no matter what."
"Well said, indeed."
As I poured drinks for Prefect Chu and Kang Yang to celebrate that successful debut, Prefect Chu accepted the cup with a polite nod and responded to my words. Right—anyone seeking Yangminmun's judgment would indeed be one of those two types. The first: everyday commoners too preoccupied with survival to navigate the prefecture's bureaucracy. They'll approach Yangminmun thinking, 'They say Yangminmun is impeccably fair.' Whether it's the officials or Yangminmun, the side that delivers swift justice wins out. The second: those who've lost faith in the government and are obsessed with protecting their interests, the type who'd froth at the mouth even if Judge Bao himself ruled against them. For them, if the prefecture rules against them, they'll explode—so reining them in with the authority of Guangxi's idol, Yangminmun, is the smart play.
"The former will trust Yangminmun's judgments forever, as long as you don't defy public sentiment."
"We shall hold the people's will in highest regard and never betray that trust."
Kang Yang bowed deeply in response. A fine attitude—I nodded in satisfaction. The more the people revere and admire Yangminmun, the more Yangminmun must respect and soothe them in return. That mutual trust will never crumble. After all, the legacy Yangminmun built decades ago is immense.
"But the latter will harbor resentment the moment they lose, no matter what Yangminmun does. Some might even voice it outright."
"A risk we must bear, surely? Better we shoulder their anger and discontent than stand by while the brazen challenge official authority."
Prefect Chu smiled warmly at Kang Yang's reply. A righteous mindset, but that wasn't the reassurance I sought. This was preparation to empower Yangminmun further.
"An excellent stance. But wouldn't it be best if such discontent never erupted in the first place?"
"We await your wisdom, Vice Censor-in-Chief."
I smirked faintly as Kang Yang bowed again. Fortunately, I had a method only I could employ. Before leaving the estate, I'd instructed Kang Yang to stroll around Yuju starting tomorrow, assuring him I'd handle the rest. The sudden request puzzled both him and Prefect Chu, but it was just a casual walk in his own backyard—nothing arduous. Kang Yang obliged without fuss, and—
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong!
The method only I could use. To elevate Yangminmun's already skyrocketing fame and trust among the people even further.
"Wha-what? White deer?"
"Those white deer—the ones the Vice Censor-in-Chief rides, right?"
"Strange. I heard they never leave his side."
I deployed Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i—unmistakably spirit beasts—to Kang Yang's side. An unforgettable tactic: attaching heaven-sent spirit beasts to the famed judge.
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong~
Kang Yang startled as the two white deer appeared out of nowhere during his carefree stroll. But when they showed interest in him rather than causing chaos, he regained his composure. Perhaps hearing they were my mounts put him at ease. My white deer show up the very day I tell him to wander Yuju? Even the densest person would know I'd arranged it. And Kang Yang was anything but dense—quick on the uptake.
'Perfect.'
Watching from afar, I signaled Kki-ing-i. She'd been glancing my way, so she caught it instantly and moved to the next phase.
- Kki-ing.
Kki-ing-i gently licked Kang Yang's cheek. The locals nearby erupted in gasps and cheers at the spirit beast's touch.
'By tomorrow, everyone will know.'
The day after Yangminmun's masterful verdict, spirit beasts appeared and showed affection to the judge himself. To the people, it was as if heaven approved of Yangminmun. A loose interpretation, but not wrong. The Emperor bears Heaven's Mandate, officials act on his behalf, and Yangminmun enjoys official support and favor. Trace it upward, and you reach Heaven.
'Yuju Prefecture is sorted.'
I turned away amid the swelling cheers. Lingering risked suspicions of manipulation—which, truth be told, it was. But occasionally, for the greater good, truths must be veiled. Only with Yangminmun's standing solidified in Yuju could their fame echo across all Guangxi, easing the prefecture's path. Even if this made Yangminmun arrogant enough to scorn the officials, no issue—I'd just send Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i to wreak havoc at their estate. Chaos is one of my kids' specialties; it'd work like a charm.
Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i returned two days later.
"Just how much did you two stuff yourselves?"
- Kki-ing~
- Kki-oong~
Their bellies were swollen like balloons. Stroking them, I could guess what happened. Ashamed, they licked my face and acted cute.
Good—they knew they'd overdone it.
'Kind-hearted, aren't they?'
Imagining Kang Yang and Yangminmun treating them lavishly, I couldn't help but chuckle. Yangminmun clearly understood I'd dispatched spirit beasts on their behalf. Proud creatures like them obeyed my command. So instead of sending them back empty-handed, they'd feasted them for two full days. Intangible prestige repaid with tangible meals.
"You'll have to hustle to work that off."
Their apologetic licks intensified at my words. Alright, alright—no more teasing. It was just a little ribbing; don't sulk.
'They pack it on fast but shed it just as quick anyway.'
Whether beast nature or spirit beast trait, Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i showed weight gain instantly but slimmed down with a bit of activity. Kki-ing-i's recovery after losing her antlers at Jiayu Pass was proof: bulked up from rest, but back to sleek health after resuming our Central Plains tour.
"Still, restrain yourselves once we're back in Kaepyeong. You won't walk much there anyway."
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-oong!
They nodded as if to say, Don't worry. Fair enough—they weren't gluttons who binged without restraint. They inhaled knowing they could burn it off.
- Buooong?
"Oh, you're up?"
As I sat after petting them awhile, Buong-i clomped down the stairs from where he'd been sleeping in the room. Odd, come to think of it. Adult Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i bloated and slimmed visibly with intake and exercise, but growing Buong-i ate voraciously without much change.
'Not that he grows fast either.'
Compared to when we first met in Nanju, Buong-i hadn't changed much. As honorary parents, we saw the steady progress, but to outsiders, he was still tiny and cute.
'Cute's what matters.'
Small suited him perfectly—any bigger, and traveling the Central Plains would've been tougher. Hug-sized was ideal.
"Buong-i, dumplings or noodles today?"
- Buooo!
Buong-i, rubbing sleepy eyes, snorted excitedly at my suggestion. What a champ, devouring whatever we offered.
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong!
"You two already ate."
At least pretend to hold back. Even if it melts off quick, habits form. If I weren't Giwangga's heir, the spirit beasts' food bill would've bankrupted me.