The morning arrived with a sense of unease hanging in the air, and the city buzzed with whispers. The officials of Zurith had been summoned by the young Lord, and rumors of his intentions spread like wildfire. Word had it that he might choose a right-hand man to handle all the city-state's affairs—a position that would grant enormous power.
The thought of wielding such authority, a chance to become an overlord of the island, was tempting. However, there were doubts. Was this just a trap?
Despite their suspicions, none of the officials dared to ignore the summons. They knew that the opportunity to gain the Lord's favor could change their fortunes forever.
Quickly, they donned their finest attire and made their way to the plaza, where the summons was to take place. Every official, whether civil or military, arrived by noon, none daring to arrive late.
Upon seeing the location—an open plaza in the heart of the city—the officials exchanged confused glances. Why here? The plaza was public, and there was no sign of the usual formality associated with the Lord's chambers. Still, they had already made the journey. With a sense of unease settling over them, they took their assigned seats.
A crowd had gathered around the plaza, curious to witness the Lord's summons. Whispers filled the air as the officials fidgeted, trying to make sense of the situation.
Minutes passed, and then it happened. The crowd parted, creating a wide path. At the front of the procession was the young Lord himself, Yin Zhi. Flanked by fifty armored soldiers, two of whom carried the city-state's banners, he strode toward the officials.
The soldiers, standing as statues in their gleaming armor, sent a ripple of tension through the ranks of the officials. Several of them stood, ready to leave, their instincts telling them that this might be a trap. But before they could move, the soldiers swiftly intervened, their presence commanding.
"Sit down," one of them ordered. "The Lord has not spoken. Remain in your seats unless told otherwise."
The officials hesitated but obeyed, their minds racing. They knew now that this wasn't going to be an ordinary meeting. The power in the air was palpable, and it was clear that Yin Zhi was not to be underestimated.
Yin Zhi reached the raised platform at the center of the plaza and climbed the steps with deliberate calm. As he ascended, the noise of the crowd dwindled to a hush. The soldiers positioned themselves around the perimeter, silent and unyielding. The people in the plaza, sensing a change in the atmosphere, fell into an expectant silence. Even the wind seemed to still, as though holding its breath in anticipation.
Yin Zhi raised a hand, signaling for quiet. The murmurs ceased. A heavy silence settled over the gathering, and all eyes were drawn to the young Lord. He was no longer the uncertain heir of a failing city-state. He stood tall, his expression resolute, ready to make his mark on the world.
"I am Yin Zhi, Lord of Zurith," he began, his voice strong, carrying across the plaza.
"People of Zurith, listen well. For too long, you have been exploited, oppressed, and abandoned by those in power."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. The crowd waited, hanging on his every syllable.
"I will not stand by while this continues. Today, those who betrayed you will face the consequences of their greed and corruption. Their crimes will be answered."
His gaze turned to the gathered officials, and a chill ran through them. The truth was undeniable—Yin Zhi is not like the meek, weak previous Lord. He was a man of power, and he would not tolerate corruption.
"I will rule with strength, and with justice," He continued, his voice rising in conviction. "From now on, no one will dare to exploit this land or its people. Not even the highest in the land is safe."
Turning toward the crowd, Yin Zhi's voice grew even louder, reverberating off the stone buildings.
"The time of weakness is over. This is the dawn of a new order—one where the people are protected, and those who betray them will be crushed."
"Begin with the trial."
The moment he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation. But for the officials, the mood was anything but celebratory. Their faces turned ashen, the realization settling in—today, they would be judged.
A spokesperson stepped forward and, with a solemn tone, began to announce the first of the officials, listing their crimes for all to hear. The weight of the accusations echoed through the plaza. With every name called, heads began to roll.
The remaining officials were frozen in fear, their bodies trembling as they realized the full extent of what was happening.
There was no escape. Soldiers, standing ready with spears, prevented anyone from fleeing. Any attempt to move was met with a sharp warning, a soldier's spear pointed directly at them, ensuring that none of them dared to leave their seats.
The officials' eyes darted nervously between each other and Yin Zhi, whose face remained cold, unblinking. They could see the resolve in his gaze, the iron determination to cleanse the city of its rot. Their past lives—lives of greed and unchecked power—were crumbling before their eyes.
A few of the older officials, their minds dulled by years of complacency, began to weep, some even soiling themselves with the pressure of the moment. But it was too late. The tide had turned, and Yin Zhi would not show mercy.
One by one, the officials were called forward, each facing their trial. The accusations rang loud, and with each death, the weight of Yin Zhi's justice was felt more keenly.
It was a brutal, public spectacle. And for the officials, there was no escaping the fact that their reign was over.