章 19: Internal Affairs Bureau

Zhang Wei, following Zenki's orders, apprehended Wei Ming, the vice-head of finance, and brought him to court to face judgement for his crimes of corruption and kidnapping.

"I have not failed you, your majesty," Zhang Wei exclaimed as he knelt before Zenki.

"Good job, Zhang Wei. It looks like you have some injuries. Have you visited the infirmary yet?" asked Zenki, his voice conveying both approval and concern.

"Yes, your majesty. Thank you for your concern," Zhang Wei replied, his voice brimming with energy and gratitude for the king's favor.

In the presence of the nobles and representatives of the commoners, Zenki presided over the trial, where Wei Ming was given a fair chance to defend himself.

However, the evidence presented against him was overwhelming, and it became clear that he had abused his position of power for personal gain. After careful deliberation, Zenki and the council unanimously found Wei Ming guilty of his crimes and sentenced him to execution.

As Wei Ming heard the verdict, he fell to his knees, pleading for mercy. "Your Majesty, please have mercy on me! I swear to make amends for my mistakes and serve the kingdom with all my heart," he cried.

Zenki looked at Wei Ming with a cold expression. "Your words come too late, Wei Ming. You had your chance to serve the kingdom with honor, but you chose to betray us instead. Your actions have caused harm and suffering to our people, and for that, you must pay the price," he said.

Zhang Wei stepped forward, ready to carry out the execution. "Your Majesty, I will carry out the sentence as ordered," he said with a firm tone.

Zenki nodded in agreement. "Very well, Zhang Wei. May justice be served," he said, closing his eyes briefly in solemn reflection.

As the guards led Wei Ming away, he continued to plead for mercy. Zenki could see the desperation in his eyes, but he remained firm in his decision. However, something caught his attention. Wei Ming kept looking at his uncle Zhanwang as he was being led away, and it seemed like he was pleading to him, not Zenki.

Zenki's expression grew somber as he pondered, "Could my uncle Zhanwang be involved in Wei Ming's crimes?"

The people in the court were silent, watching as justice was being carried out. It was a solemn reminder that no one was above the law, and that those who chose to betray their duty would face the consequences of their actions.

"Before we conclude this trial and move towards the execution, I would like to address the issue of corruption in our kingdom," Zenki said to the court. "The actions of Wei Ming have brought to light the need for concrete measures to be taken to ensure that such practices do not occur in the future."

He paused for a moment, scanning the faces of the nobles and commoners in the court before continuing. "We must strengthen our systems of checks and balances to prevent any one individual from abusing their position of power. We need to create more transparency in our financial transactions and hold our officials accountable for any misdeeds."

Zenki took a deep breath before continuing, "To that end, I propose the establishment of a new committee that will oversee all financial transactions and ensure that they are in line with our laws and regulations. This committee will be made up of a diverse group of experts and will have the power to investigate any instances of corruption and bring the perpetrators to justice."

"We will name this department the Internal Affairs Bureau," Zenki declared with conviction. "It will consist of highly qualified members who will undergo rigorous testing, with the final interview conducted by me personally. Their primary responsibility will be to double-check and investigate any reports of corruption or misconduct within other departments."

Zenki paused for a moment, surveying the room to ensure that everyone understood the importance of this new bureau. "We cannot tolerate corruption within our government, and it is our duty to ensure that every department is operating with the utmost integrity. With the establishment of the Internal Affairs Bureau, we will hold ourselves to the highest standards and protect the well-being of our people."

The nobles and commoners nodded in agreement as Zenki spoke, clearly pleased with his plan. "I believe that this is a necessary step towards creating a fair and just society for all our citizens. We must hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of governance, and I am committed to ensuring that we do just that."

With those final words, Zenki concluded the trial and ordered the execution of Wei Ming, bringing the court to a close.

The morning of Wei Ming's execution was hot and humid, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air. Citizens gathered in the public square, eager to witness the final punishment of the corrupt official. Guards stood at every corner, ready to quell any disturbances.

At the center of the square stood a wooden platform, elevated a few feet off the ground. A rope hung from a beam, swaying in the breeze. Wei Ming stood on the platform, his hands tied behind his back, sweat pouring down his face.

Zenki, the noble and commoner's representatives, and the Internal Affairs Bureau stood to the side of the platform, watching intently. Zhang Wei, who had apprehended Wei Ming, stood stoically among the guards.

Zenki addressed the crowd, his voice booming. "We gather here today to witness the final punishment of Wei Ming, who has been found guilty of corruption and kidnapping. He has abused his position of power for personal gain, and his actions have caused great harm to the people of Ardenia."

The crowd murmured in agreement, some shouting insults at Wei Ming.

Zenki turned to Wei Ming. "Do you have any last words?"

Wei Ming looked around the crowd, his eyes falling on his uncle Zhanwang, who stood among the spectators. "I am not the only one who is corrupt," he shouted. "There are many others like me, in positions of power, who have taken advantage of the people. They must be brought to justice!"

Zenki's expression hardened. "Your words do not absolve you of your crimes. You have been given a fair trial, and you have been found guilty. Your punishment must be carried out."

The guards placed a noose around Wei Ming's neck, and a hush fell over the crowd. Zenki nodded to the executioner, who pulled the lever, and Wei Ming fell through the platform with a sickening thud.

The crowd gasped, some turning away in horror. Zhang Wei and the guards quickly cut down Wei Ming's body and carried it away.

Zenki addressed the crowd once more. "Let this serve as a warning to all who would abuse their power for personal gain. The Internal Affairs Bureau will be established to root out corruption within our government. We will not tolerate such actions in Ardenia, and those who commit them will face the same fate as Wei Ming."

With that, Zenki and the others departed, leaving the crowd to disperse, murmuring among themselves about the execution and about the Internal Affairs Bureau that will be established in the future.

Zenki sat in his chambers, deep in thought about the establishment of the Internal Affairs Bureau. He knew that it was crucial to have a reliable and trustworthy department that could root out corruption within the government. He had discussed the matter with his trusted advisors, but he was still uncertain about how to proceed.

As he pondered, his wife Zhenyue entered the room, carrying a tray of tea. She noticed his troubled expression and approached him.

"What's on your mind, my dear?" she asked, handing him a cup of tea.

"It's the Internal Affairs Bureau," Zenki replied, taking a sip of the tea. "I'm not sure how to establish it properly. It needs to be a department that is independent, trustworthy, and effective."

Zhenyue listened intently as Zenki continued to share his thoughts about the matter. Together, they brainstormed different ideas on how to create the most effective department.

"What if we select candidates from different backgrounds, and ensuring that they have no family or connection with anyone currently in the government?" Zhenyue suggested. "And perhaps have a shadow guard trail them for a bit after their admission to the Internal Affairs Bureau to ensure that they are truly qualified and trustworthy."

"Interesting ideas, Zhenyue," Zenki replied with a thoughtful nod. "We definitely need to have a diverse pool of candidates to avoid any biases or conflicts of interest. And having a shadow guard to monitor their actions is a good way to ensure their integrity."

Zenki paused for a moment, deep in thought. "But we also need to make sure that this bureau is not seen as a tool for political gain or used to settle personal vendettas. It has to be completely transparent and independent from any political influences. And perhaps we can also provide some incentives or rewards for those who report corruption cases, to encourage more people to come forward."

Zhenyue listened intently, nodding in agreement. "Yes, transparency is crucial. And incentives could be a good way to motivate people to participate in the fight against corruption."

Zenki smiled at his wife's astute observations. "You have a good head on your shoulders, Zhenyue. I think we can definitely incorporate these ideas into our plan for the Internal Affairs Bureau."

After discussing the details of the Internal Affairs Bureau, Zenki turned to Zhenyue and asked with a smile, "By the way, Zhenyue, how would you like to go on a date with me to Castletown? I think a change of pace would do us both good."

Zhenyue's face lit up with excitement as she replied, "I would love to, your majesty! When would you like to go?"

"We can go this weekend if that works for you," Zenki suggested.

Zhenyue nodded eagerly, "That sounds perfect! I'll make sure to clear my schedule."

Zenki smiled, happy to see Zhenyue's enthusiasm. "Great, it's a date then."