Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

With evidence of crimes, stolen goods, and witness testimonies, especially the tearful accusations of the rescued "coolies," the evidence against the Shahe Gang and Jishan was irrefutable. This time, Magistrate Zhao Guodong dared not mince words and decided to hold a public trial to appease public anger and earn himself a reputation as an upright official.

Inside the courtroom, beneath the plaque inscribed with "A Clear Mirror Hangs High," Zhao Guodong sat upright, forcing himself to maintain his composure. Below, Zhao Tianba, slung into a prison cart, was brought in, his limbs severed, barely alive. His gruesome appearance both pleased and chilled the onlookers. Beside him stood the dejected core members of the Shahe Gang. Meanwhile, Ji Shan and Jackson, summoned to the scene, were ashen-faced, and under the protection of Indian police officers, they forced themselves to remain calm.

Outside the hall, a sea of ​​people gathered. The rescued villagers, the people of Foshan, representatives of gentry from various places who had rushed to the scene, and reporters from several bold newspapers all focused their attention on this place. Huang Feihong, Wang Huanbo, Aunt Thirteen, and others stood at the front of the crowd, their expressions solemn.

"Bring witnesses!" Zhao Guodong slammed his gavel.

One by one, the rescued "coolies" were brought to the courtroom. Ragged and emaciated, they sobbed as they recounted how they had been lured, imprisoned, and abused, and the tragic fates of their predecessors who had been transported overseas. Some showed their scars, others lamented the loss of loved ones… Every word was written in blood, every cry a tear; all who heard it wept, and the crowd was filled with outrage!

"Kill these beasts!"

"To avenge our fallen fellow villagers!"

The angry roar shook the heavens and the earth.

Ji Shan initially tried to argue, claiming it was a "legal recruitment" and accusing Zhao Tianba of framing him. However, when Wang Huanbo presented his secret ledger of financial transactions with Zhao Tianba, as well as testimonies from the underlings of the Shahe Gang, his lies were completely exposed. Jackson was also ashen-faced and unable to refute.

Finally, Zhao Guodong ordered his men to bring the seized weapons to the courtroom. The long rifles and gleaming pistols piled together were a shocking sight.

"Ji Shan! Jackson! Zhao Tianba! You collude with thugs, smuggle weapons, and traffic people. Your crimes are heinous and the evidence is irrefutable! What else do you have to say?" Zhao Guodong shouted sternly. This time, he had to show enough toughness.

Ji Shan's arrogance vanished completely, replaced by a cold sweat. He argued in broken Chinese, "I...I am a citizen of the British Empire! You have no right to judge me! I want to see the consul!"

"See the consul?" Wang Huanbo sneered, stepped forward, his gaze piercing, and spoke in fluent English (ensuring the reporters and foreigners could understand): "Mr. Jishan, according to the fundamental principles of international law and your country's laws, participating in the slave trade, murder, and armed smuggling are unforgivable crimes in any civilized country! Your actions have not only harmed the Chinese people but also tarnished the reputation of the British Empire! Today, in court, there are witnesses and evidence to prove your innocence. If you have even a shred of conscience, you should plead guilty and accept the punishment! Otherwise, these crimes will surely be reported in the newspapers throughout London and the world! Then, let's see if your consul, and even Her Majesty the Queen, will protect a notorious slave trader and murderer!"

Wang Huanbo's words struck Ji Shan like a hammer blow, and were also relayed to the outside world through the pens of reporters. Ji Shan collapsed to the ground, knowing he was finished. To quell public opinion, the consulate would likely sacrifice him to save the day.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhao Guodong rose and read out the verdict: "Zhao Tianba, leader of the Shahe Gang, is guilty of heinous crimes and is sentenced to immediate execution! All key members of the Shahe Gang shall be severely punished according to the law! British merchants Ji Shan and Jackson, although foreigners, are guilty of irrefutable crimes and are hereby deported immediately and never allowed to re-enter China! Their assets shall be confiscated to offset their crimes! Court adjourned!"

"Your Honor, the Just Magistrate!"

"Zhao Qingtian!"

The people erupted in deafening cheers! Although they were slightly dissatisfied with the fact that Ji Shan and the other man had only been driven away, the execution of Zhao Tianba and the destruction of the Shahe Gang were already a huge victory!

Amidst the jeers of the crowd and the flashing lights of reporters (even Aunt Thirteen picked up her camera to record this historic moment), Ji Shan and Jackson, their faces ashen, fled the courtroom like stray dogs, escorted by Indian police. They knew that their business and reputation in the East were utterly ruined.

Seeing this, Huang Feihong breathed a long sigh of relief and said to Wang Huanbo, "Huanbo, thanks to you! Otherwise, who knows how many more compatriots would have suffered such a terrible fate!" Aunt Thirteen also looked at Wang Huanbo gratefully.

Wang Huanbo showed little joy, and said in a deep voice, "Master, eliminating one Shahe Gang and driving away two evil merchants is only a temporary solution. If this cannibalistic world doesn't change, today there will be a benevolent Zhao Tianba, and tomorrow there will be other tyrannical foreign merchants. Ultimately, it is because China is weak that foreigners treat our people like dirt."

His gaze was fixed on the distance, filled with worry and determination. This experience had strengthened his resolve to use his own power to fundamentally change the fate of this land. But the road ahead might be even more difficult.