Chapter 109: Redeeming Oneself Through Deeds

Magistrate Hu had long been aware of the bandits at Flying Cloud Stronghold, but due to the limited military strength of Luoxia County, he had been unable to spare troops to eradicate them. He had previously consulted with the county’s military commander and even dispatched a captain with soldiers to suppress them; however, the bandits relied on the stronghold’s treacherous terrain, and since the captain was no match for Shi Jiansheng and Sun Dasheng, he returned in defeat. Since then, the county had sent no further troops.

Today, when Magistrate Hu heard that Xiao Ding was colluding with the bandits of Flying Cloud Stronghold, he was skeptical and decided to summon Xiao Ding to question him personally.

Once Xiao Ding and his companions were brought into the courtroom, they were made to kneel. Xue the Beast was also kneeling there; he cast a sidelong glance at Xiao Ding and snorted coldly, saying nothing. He thought to himself, "That will teach you to be a meddler. Let's see if you dare to be so arrogant in the future!"

Magistrate Hu then spoke: "Tian Xiaoding, I ask you: someone has accused you of harboring criminals and colluding with bandits. Is this true?"

"Reporting to your honor, that is indeed the case," Xiao Ding replied, cupping his hands.

Magistrate Hu had expected Xiao Ding to argue vehemently to clear his name, but to his surprise, Xiao Ding admitted it outright.

Clerk Cai, hearing this, also let out a cold snort. He thought, "I heard this Tian Xiaoding was a fool, and it seems his brain really is muddled!"

"Then why would you harbor bandits? What is your purpose in colluding with them?" Magistrate Hu continued, frowning.

"Reporting to your honor, the reason I took them in is that they have decided to turn over a new leaf and wash their hands of banditry. Furthermore, I have no ulterior motives; I simply hired them as laborers for my household, and we have already signed a labor contract," Xiao Ding answered truthfully.

"Turn over a new leaf? Do you think being a bandit is something you can just pick up and put down as you please? Do you have no regard for the laws of our Great Song Dynasty?" Clerk Cai jumped in, shouting.

"Your honor, please look into this clearly. As the saying goes, 'a prodigal who returns is worth more than gold.' Even a sage may make mistakes. Since Zhao Hu and his men have decided to reform and start anew, I beg your honor to grant them a chance to repent," Xiao Ding said, cupping his hands again.

"Your honor, we cannot let them go just like that! When they were bandits, they blocked roads, robbed travelers, and wreaked havoc on the local populace; their crimes are monstrous. Can a mere word of repentance make it all go away? They must pay for the evils they have committed!" Clerk Cai shouted again.

Magistrate Hu felt Clerk Cai’s words carried weight. Unable to make a decision on the spot, he said, "Then take them into custody for now. That is all; court adjourned!"

Xiao Ding and his companions were then locked away in the county jail.

Once inside, Xiao Ding realized that the prison was truly no place for a human. As soon as he entered the corridor, he was met with a pungent, nauseating stench. Each cell contained a chamber pot, and since the prisoners relieved themselves inside, the smell was naturally unbearable.

A bailiff led Xiao Ding into a single cell, which was only about ten feet square. There was no bed, only a bit of straw spread on the floor and an empty chamber pot in the corner. Zhao Hu and Fan Sanpang were taken to separate cells.

After the bailiff locked the door and left, Xiao Ding grew bored. The stench in the cell made him dizzy. He sighed to himself, lamenting his misfortune—never had he imagined that he would one day end up behind bars.

Unable to endure the smell, he sat cross-legged on the straw and began to circulate his internal energy, hoping to distract himself.

By evening, the bailiff brought dinner. Xiao Ding saw a hard steamed bun and a small dish of salted vegetables on the tray. He took the bowl and dish but did not eat; he feared that in such a foul-smelling environment, he would vomit before he could even take a bite.

When the lamps were lit, Xiao Ding heard footsteps in the prison corridor again. As the sound drew nearer, he saw who had arrived. Escorted by the jailer, Magistrate Hu approached with measured strides.

"Brother Xiaoding, how are you faring in this prison?" the magistrate asked, still wearing a harmless expression.

"This place stinks like a latrine. When do you intend to let me out?" Xiao Ding retorted, glaring at him.

"Releasing you is easy enough. If you agree to serve in my county office, I will let you out immediately," Magistrate Hu proposed. It seemed his desire to recruit Xiao Ding remained unchanged.

"I will not serve in the office. However, I have committed no major crime, and you cannot convict me without regard for right and wrong. When I took them in, they were no longer bandits. This hardly constitutes the crime of harboring fugitives or colluding with bandits, does it?"

"Your own crimes may not be great, but those bandits committed heinous acts. If they are not punished, I fear it will be difficult to satisfy the public," Magistrate Hu said.

"If that is your logic, then even if bandits wish to turn toward the light, they would never dare to do so. If you punish those who have already reformed, who would ever dare to repent again?" Xiao Ding argued.

"What you say is not without reason. That is why I have thought of a good idea and wanted to discuss it with you. I can release them and waive their punishment, provided you agree to my terms," Magistrate Hu said, looking calculated. It was clear he had planned this all along.

Xiao Ding thought to himself that this old fox was as cunning as ever, wondering what new trap he was laying. He asked, "What terms?"

"I can give you all a chance to perform meritorious service to atone for your sins," Magistrate Hu said, pausing for effect.

"Meritorious service? How so?" Xiao Ding asked suspiciously, unable to guess what the magistrate was planning.

"Exactly. If you and your men help me eradicate the bandits at Flying Cloud Stronghold, I will grant you a full pardon," the magistrate revealed his scheme.

"Eradicate Flying Cloud Stronghold?" Xiao Ding was stunned by the proposal. "Do you truly think the few of us can wipe them out?"

"I believe you have the capability," Magistrate Hu said calmly. "Of course, I will have the commander send some regular soldiers to assist you."

"Why not just send the regular soldiers to suppress them directly?" Xiao Ding asked, voicing his doubt.

"Because our Luoxia County only has a few hundred soldiers. Once you account for those guarding the city and maintaining order within, there are no troops to spare for a campaign," Magistrate Hu replied with a look of helpless resignation.

Xiao Ding mused privately that, judging by the magistrate’s tone, this plan had been settled long ago. If he refused, Zhao Hu and the others would likely be punished by this old fox. What a crafty scheme—he would have them do the dangerous work of clearing out the bandits, while he took the credit to advance his career and win a reputation for purging evil. It was a masterstroke that achieved multiple goals at once.

It seemed he had no choice but to agree; he could not watch Zhao Hu and the others be punished. If convicted, the charges for being bandits were severe—ranging from imprisonment and exile to execution or the total destruction of their families.

"Very well, I agree. However, we cannot act until three days from now." In three days, the crossbows he had ordered from the Mo family smithy would be ready, which would significantly increase their chances of success.

"Agreed. How you conduct the operation is entirely up to you. I will instruct the officers I send to follow your lead," Magistrate Hu promised.

"Then can you release us now?" Xiao Ding did not want to spend another moment in this cell.