Outside came only the sound of endless crying and shouting. These habitually pampered and corrupt officials had long been beaten into wailing and begging for mercy.
Once the beating was over, the soldiers dragged them into the council hall like dead dogs.
Zhao Lie said with stern majesty, "Today's punishment is merely a mild warning to all of you! Starting tomorrow, City Lord Su will take charge of equally dividing farmland and mountain forests according to the current population! No public officials are allowed to engage in trade; waterways and docks will be brought under public ownership. Those who work here will be paid salaries by Great Chu, and all other private workshops must pay taxes to guarantee government expenses!"
Chapter 116