Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 196 Lin Bo Confesses

Just as Lin Bo was about to deny it, the bailiff's board struck his buttocks hard again, making him scream in pain and beg for mercy: "Sir, I confess, I originally wanted to have Liu the blacksmith forge a sharp dagger to assassinate a wealthy merchant and steal his money."

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanxia angrily shouted, "You audacious madman, how dare you commit murder in broad daylight! What is your punishment!"

Lin Bo was so frightened that his face turned pale and his whole body trembled. He kept kowtowing and begging for mercy: "My lord, spare my life! I was blinded by evil spirits and committed such a terrible mistake. Please, my lord, be lenient with me."

Shi Wanxia demanded that Lin Bo reveal what weapon he used to kill Liu the blacksmith. Seeing he couldn't hide it any longer, Lin Bo confessed. He hadn't expected Liu the blacksmith to refuse to forge a dagger at a low price. In a fit of rage, he grabbed a nearby hammer and smashed it into Liu the blacksmith's head. Liu the blacksmith died instantly, and Lin Bo collapsed to the ground in shock.

Hearing Lin Bo's words, Shi Wanxia was filled with anger and sorrow. She never imagined that Lin Bo would kill someone over such a trivial matter. She decided to bring Lin Bo to justice and seek justice for Liu the blacksmith.

"Where is the hammer now?"

Shi Wanxia sat in the courtroom, staring at Lin Bo below with displeasure. Lin Yu and the others had already investigated this man's background; he was an idle loafer who spent his days doing petty theft.

It's unbelievable that they would commit such a heinous crime during the Spring Festival. It is truly unforgivable.

During the trial, Lin Bo confessed to his crimes. He expressed deep remorse and willingness to accept legal punishment. Ultimately, Lin Bo was sentenced to death, paying the price for his crimes.

Shi Wanxia pondered for a moment and said, "Although you have a repentant heart, the law of the land will not tolerate it. Guards, take him to the jail to await his fate." Lin Bo was dragged away by the yamen runners, crying and wailing all the way, full of regret.

Shi Wanxia then instructed Shuyao to organize today's cases, which she would then report to Cui Zhihao. She gestured for Lin Yu to take out his money pouch and distribute rewards to the county yamen runners. These runners had worked hard, especially during the holiday.

Looking at the case in her hands, Shi Wanxia couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. Although the case seemed simple, it touched upon the complexities of human nature and the darker side of society. She knew that as an official, one needed not only impartial judgment but also a kind heart.

She decided to personally visit the victim's family to express her apology and condolences. She brought some gifts and arrived at the victim's home. The victim's family members were filled with gratitude and respect when they saw Shi Wanxia.

Shi Wanxia talked for a long time with the victim's family to learn about their living conditions and difficulties. She decided to help them solve some practical problems so that they could feel the warmth and care of society.

After leaving the victim's home, Shi Wanxia felt exceptionally relieved. She knew that as an official, one must not only have fair judgment but also a kind heart. Only in this way can one truly serve the people and contribute to the working class of this era.

Shi Wanxia dragged her tired body home, with Lin Yu and the others following closely behind. This trip had truly taken a toll on her mental and physical energy, but fortunately, everything was completed smoothly.

As soon as she stepped into the house, Shu Yunqinxin came to greet her and handed her a well-organized list of family members, with each person's strengths and personality clearly marked on the list.

Shi Wanxia took the list, quickly scanning it with her eyes, her heart filled with relief. She knew that this seemingly simple piece of paper had taken Shu Yunqin a lot of effort to complete.

Now that the trivial matters before the New Year are settled, the arrangements for the New Year are urgent. She knows that once the government offices reopen after the New Year, all sorts of matters will come flooding in, and at that time, she will have even less energy to plan.

"Qinglan," Shi Wanxia called to Qinglan beside her, "Go and call Shuying, Qinxin, Shuyao, Shuqin, Chen Pingan, and Shiqing over. We need to have a meeting to discuss our work after the New Year."

Qinglan accepted the order and left, her figure light and graceful, like a nimble butterfly flitting through the courtyard.

Soon, the crowd arrived one after another. Shuying remained as elegant as ever, as if nothing in the world could stir her heart; Qinxin, on the other hand, wore a gentle smile, her eyes revealing intelligence.

Sisters Shuyao and Shuqin walked hand in hand, chattering away, their youthful energy shining through; Chen Ping'an remained calm and composed, his steps firm; while Shiqing's eyes sparkled with a touch of liveliness and playfulness.

Everyone sat around in the hall. Shi Wanxia coughed lightly and began to speak: "As everyone knows, after the New Year, we will face even more challenges. This year, we worked together to overcome many difficulties, but we will need to plan more carefully next year."

Shuying nodded slightly and said softly, "Sister Shi, just say what you're thinking. We'll listen to you."

Looking at everyone, Shi Wanxia slowly said, "After the yamen opens, there will be many complicated matters, and we need to prepare in advance. The first thing is to help the elderly living alone and children in the city. Although there were measures such as porridge distribution this winter, it is far from enough. Next year, we will establish a long-term assistance mechanism."

Qin Xin frowned: "That's a good thing, but it will require a lot of money and manpower. We need to think about it carefully."

Shuyao quickly said, "We can organize some fundraising events and get the wealthy merchants and ordinary people in the city to participate."

Lin Yu disagreed, saying, "Don't overthink it. Why would a merchant donate money and grain? I think Miss Shi, this matter should be handled by the government."

Shi Wanxia nodded in agreement. Lin Yu's words made sense, but the method still needed to be carefully considered.

Shuqin chimed in, "Yes, and we can also encourage people with free time to volunteer to help take care of the elderly and children, which will solve some of the manpower problem."

Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment and said, "However, this involves the management of money, which must be done fairly and transparently, otherwise problems are likely to arise."

Shi Wanxia gave him an approving look: "Ping An is right. This part needs to be handled by a specific person, and the accounts should be made public regularly. Also, some parts of the city's water conservancy facilities need to be repaired. This matter cannot be delayed, as it concerns people's livelihoods."

Shi Qing blinked: "Then we can communicate with the government to try to get some funding, and then mobilize the people to contribute their labor. This will greatly reduce the burden."

Everyone chatted animatedly, their voices rising in conversation. Throughout this, Lin Yu sat quietly beside Shi Wanxia, ​​watching her earnest expression with eyes full of love. He knew that Shi Wanxia possessed a deep love for her people and always devoted herself wholeheartedly to their welfare.

During the breaks in the discussion, Shi Wanxia occasionally exchanged glances with Lin Yu. They were both inexperienced and knew things weren't as simple as they seemed. However, now that she was a government official, she could appropriately use some of her power to do practical things for the people.

Before they knew it, dusk was falling, but the hall remained brightly lit. This meeting was not only about planning for the work after the New Year, but also about their hopes for the future.

For the city and its people, they were willing to give everything. In the process of fighting together, love was also quietly growing, like a flower blooming in the corner of the wall, inconspicuous but fragrant.