Whatever Belongs to Caesar Must Be Returned to Caesar, Part 5 of 5

“What is going on?” “Your Honor, it’s lady Ngọc Sương. She beats the drum to voice her complaint.” “Hold it! I will be the judge over this case.” “This is not a joke, Chu Thiên! This is His Excellency, the Chancellor of the Royal Court. Everyone, kneel down!” “Soldiers, bring in Ngọc Sương!” “Chu Thiên! How are you related to Ngọc Sương?” “Your Excellency, she’s my mistress.” “Then how did she get to your palace?” “Your Excellency, I rescued her from the robbers.”

“Bring in the newly graduated official.” “Respectful greeting to you, Your Excellency. Ngọc Sương!” “Trần Địa! It was such an injustice. One day, my father finished ferrying very late at night. Worried, I went to the ferry to wait for my father. Unexpectedly, when he came up from the boat, some men rushed out of nowhere and killed him!”

“He was your benefactor who provided for you during your study until you achieved success. Yet, you stole Ngọc Sương from your sworn brother and attempted to kill him. Diệp Anh told me that you attempted to murder Trần Địa, but mistakenly killed Mr. Lành, Ngọc Sương’s father. Diệp Anh, was it true?” “Yes, Your Excellency, I saw the assassination with my own eyes and heard it with my own ear.” “Yes, Your Excellency, I know to my sin now. Please spare my life.”

“Soldiers! Have Chu Thiên put in prison to wait for his execution. I order the wealth of these two offenders to be confiscated and awarded to Trần Địa. Take them away! Listen citizens, in this life, what you sow, so shall you reap. Indeed, 'whatever belongs to Caesar must be returned to Caesar.' Trần Địa! I now appoint you as the new County Chief. Select virtuous and talented helpers to continue the task of punishing the wicked and deceitful.” “Diệp Anh! I will let you keep a portion of your father’s wealth that came from your honest work so that you can fulfill your pious duty and thus gain merits for the future.” “Ngọc Sương! I already asked someone and they found your father’s tomb. After the bereavement period, you can join Trần Địa in matrimony.”