Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Compensation Payment

The hatred in Rong Haotian’s heart was extremely intense, but over the years he had learned to endure, so after hearing Rong Ling’s words, he didn’t immediately change his expression. Instead, he spoke with a face full of sorrow, "I fear, dear brother, that you do not know about the Qinghe County Iron Mine matter, of which I am unaware, which is why I did not report it to the court."

After Rong Haotian finished speaking, he suddenly glared angrily at Zhang Shiwen, who had just woken up not far away: "It must be this damned scoundrel, who privately ordered people to mine the iron without my knowledge. I will never let him off lightly."

After speaking, Rong Haotian sternly ordered the guard behind him: "Take the County Magistrate Zhang Shiwen away and imprison him. I will thoroughly investigate the truth of this matter and give the Emperor an explanation."

The Prince Mansion Guards swiftly advanced towards Zhang Shiwen, soon taking him away.

Rong Ling did not stop Prince Su’s actions. Even if he were to seize Zhang Shiwen, this person would not work for him, as he was clearly Prince Su’s man. Since Prince Su took action, he let him go ahead.

Zhang Shiwen hadn’t expected Prince Su to appear, and he was directly captured, causing him to faint again. This time, he felt he was in danger.

Rong Ling ignored Zhang Shiwen, but he could not disregard the family members of the deceased behind him. All one hundred and eighteen deceased were men, the labor force of their families. Now they were dead, what about the remaining women? Compensation was a big issue.

Rong Ling turned and asked Prince Su Rong Haotian, "Brother, Qinghe County is your dominion. Regardless of whether the iron mining was Zhang Shiwen’s idea or if someone else is involved, addressing these deceased first is urgent. How does Brother plan to compensate the families of the deceased?"

After Rong Ling finished speaking, the surrounding weeping citizens momentarily fell silent.

Though losing their loved ones made them mournful, they still had to carry on living.

They were initially worried about how the matter would be handled. If Prince Su executed Zhang Shiwen, placing the blame on him, they would not receive a single cent.

But now that Prince Yong had mentioned compensation, surely they could receive some compensation money from Prince Su.

Many people in the crowd stopped crying and lifted their swollen eyes, looking at Prince Su Rong Haotian.

Rong Haotian’s face instantly darkened. Qinghe County was his territory, and paying compensation would be his responsibility.

Now that Rong Ling brought it up, it was clearly to build his own reputation. Even if he paid the compensation, the gratitude of these people would be given to this Prince Dayan instead.

The more Rong Haotian thought about it, the less pleasant he felt. Naturally, he hadn’t previously considered compensation. He only thought of pushing Zhang Shiwen out to take the blame.

Seeing Rong Haotian’s displeasure, Rong Ling didn’t fall silent but rather spoke seriously, "What if Brother compensates each family with ten thousand taels?"

As Rong Ling finished speaking, Rong Haotian finally couldn’t hold back his outburst.

"Ten thousand taels in compensation, are you crazy?"

The surrounding people gasped. Ten thousand taels in compensation! With that amount, they could support an entire family without worrying about food and clothing.

The crowd immediately seemed hopeful, kowtowing to Rong Ling: "We beg the Prince to stand up for us."

"Thank you, Prince, for seeking justice for us. You are a wise magistrate, Prince."

Rong Ling ignored the people and looked at Rong Haotian, "Brother, are those words fair? Is ten thousand taels a lot? A human life is only worth ten thousand taels— I think it’s cheap."

"Of course, if you don’t have enough money, Brother, you can borrow from me and pay back later. If you don’t want to borrow, you can also exchange your land for silver to transfer to them."

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