Governor Li inquired once more, "Who were the individuals initially spreading falsehoods and later altering their confessions? Assist me in identifying them."
"Certainly," Su Bin agreed, nodding.
He retrieved several documents from the stack of confessions and handed them to Governor Li.
"These individuals hold significant positions, with one appearing to be the chief. Nearly everyone in the bandit nest defers to him."
Governor Li expedited the trial that night.
The following day, Governor Li solemnly informed Su Bin that he had been dispatched in advance by the emperor. He identified certain individuals as problematic and insisted on secretly bringing them back to the capital without divulging his early arrival to the imperial envoy trailing him.
After conveying this information, Governor Li scrutinized Su Bin. "Do you comprehend my reasons for doing this?"
Su Bin shook his head. "I don't fully understand."
