Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1689: Kindness and Might

Shao Yunduan’s voice cut through the air with cold precision, “These 20 strokes are for you novices. If there’s a next transgression, you’ll face 30 strokes and three months of imprisonment. Subsequent offenses will warrant 40 strokes and a year behind bars. If you doubt whether I keep my word, feel free to test it!”

The eight battered individuals were unceremoniously ejected from the government office, limping away and supporting each other in their hasty retreat.

The others were paralyzed with fear, initially hesitant to entertain any thoughts.

However, unable to part with the stability of the job and occasional small perks, some gathered in groups of three to five, seeking mercy from Lord Shao at the state office.

Shao Yunduan kept them waiting for three hours. Once they finally met, and after they had kowtowed and pleaded for mercy, he sneered, “Regretting it now? What were you thinking earlier?”

Ashamed and nervous, they lowered their heads, hesitant to utter a word.

After a while, Shao Yunduan spoke calmly, “You are all familiar with this place, and not all the spots have been filled yet. There are still 30 openings, first come, first served. Since you acknowledge your wrongdoing, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. Go back, write a confession letter, sign it, and submit it!”

“Yes, yes, thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!”

“Thank you for your kindness, Lord!”

Shao Yunduan sneered again, “I’m not finished. When you return, regardless of your current position, you will be reassigned and start from the bottom. No objections are allowed. Additionally, I will cease the board game. It will affect the province, but your salaries will be fined. Each of you will face a two-month penalty. Are you satisfied? If not, you don’t have to come back.”

This time, many of those incited by Deputy Prefect Guan to cause trouble held minor leadership roles. They had bet on the wrong outcome, ensuring that even if they returned, they could kiss their leadership positions goodbye.

Furthermore, a salary penalty awaited them. Two months was neither lenient nor severe—it struck a balanced chord.

The directive to start from the bottom left all of them dumbfounded.

Shao Yunduan’s sneer accompanied his cold words as he lowered his eyes and declared, “You underestimated me, thinking that a simple apology and kowtowing would erase the trouble you attempted to stir up. Were it not for your past contributions to the state office, I wouldn’t have afforded you this chance.”

“Reflect on it. If, upon careful consideration, you decide to return, do so. If not, pretend this never happened. I won’t coerce you. There’s only one condition: be obedient henceforth. Otherwise, I won’t be lenient!”

“Yes, yes, Lord…”

Their hearts quivered as they kowtowed, rose, and retreated.

Once outside the state office, they exchanged uneasy glances.

News of the incident swiftly circulated. Urged by anxiety, one individual spent a few copper coins to enlist the help of Cultivated Talent Luodi, who wrote a letter of repentance and signed it. Hastily, the individual sought mercy at the government office, expressing a desire to return.

With a trailblazer in tow, others grew increasingly anxious.

A collective rush ensued towards the state office.

Shao Yunduan issued an order, closing the acceptance of further confessions after reaching the count of 30.

Ultimately, only 30 individuals returned to the government office, leaving the remaining 30 to find alternative means of livelihood.

In less than five days, the entire narrative of the situation underwent a complete reversal.