At the same time, Yan Shu was sitting in the main seat in the back hall of the county government office. The back hall was only separated from the lobby by a wall, and the quarrel in the lobby could be heard clearly.

The carved screen cannot completely block the noisy sound, but it adds a mysterious atmosphere to the slightly dim space.

Yan Shu was wearing a dark brocade robe with delicate cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, which was faintly visible in the candlelight.

He looked calm, his fair face glowing softly in the candlelight, like a carefully carved jade statue, without a trace of panic.

The cup of tea in my hand was steaming up, and the fragrance of tea slowly spread in the air.

He took a sip, his movements elegant and leisurely, the tea flowing in his mouth. After a moment, he slowly swallowed it, as if savoring every flavor of the tea.

In the lobby, the cries of the victims' families, Zhang Yi's defense, and the quarrels of the crowd were intertwined, like a chaotic farce.

But Yan Shu remained unmoved, and looked calm and composed, as if everything happening before him was just a play for his entertainment.

His eyes were as calm as water and as deep as a black hole in the night sky, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

He just sat there quietly, like a bystander, indifferent to the chaos in the lobby and the suffering of the people.

The county magistrate returned to the back hall with heavy steps, exhausted.

His official uniform was a little messy, his hair was slightly disheveled, and his face was full of frustration and helplessness at the fruitless trial of the case.

As soon as he stepped into the back hall, he saw Yan Shu sitting there calmly sipping tea. Yan Shu's leisurely and contented look seemed out of place in this slightly depressing atmosphere.

The moment the county magistrate saw Yan Shu, his scalp went numb, as if being pricked by countless needles.

He secretly groaned in his heart, his legs felt like they were nailed down, and for a moment he could not move.

He knew very well that the Yan family was extremely powerful. In Youzhou City, if the Yan family stomped their feet, the ground would tremble three times.

When Yan Shu saw the county magistrate coming back, he raised his eyes slightly. His eyes were as deep as a dark pool, making it impossible to see the emotions in them.

He asked with a half-smile, "In your opinion, is Zhang Yi really innocent?"

The voice was neither loud nor low, but it struck the county magistrate's heart like a heavy hammer.

When the county magistrate heard this, a flattering smile immediately appeared on his face, a smile uglier than crying.

He bent down slightly, rubbing his hands together unconsciously, and said in a firm tone, "Master Yan, you don't know this. Although Zhang Yi loves money and acts a bit recklessly, causing a lot of trouble in the city, he would never do such a cruel thing as dismembering a body. He is a cowardly person. He would usually avoid any small thugs he sees. Even if he had ten times the courage, he would not dare to do such a heinous thing!"

As the county magistrate spoke, he observed Yan Shu's expression, fearing that he might have said something wrong.

After hearing this, Yan Shu smiled gently, but there was something elusive in that smile.

He slowly put down the teacup in his hand, stood up and straightened his clothes.

His movements were neither hurried nor slow, as if time had stopped for him.

"It seems you have a close relationship with Zhang Yi, as you are so quick to exonerate him." Yan Shu narrowed his eyes slightly, a barely perceptible coldness flashing in his eyes. "However, don't forget, if you can't find evidence to prove his innocence soon, you, as the county magistrate, may not be able to convince the people in Youzhou City in the future."

His tone seemed calm, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.

When the county magistrate heard what Yan Shu said, his heart skipped a beat and beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.

He nodded hurriedly and said, "Master Yan is right. I was not thoughtful enough. I will do my utmost to find evidence as soon as possible to clear Zhang Yi's name and give an explanation to the people of Youzhou City."

As he spoke, he trotted forward, wanting to help Yan Shu straighten his clothes, but he didn't dare to actually touch Yan Shu.

Yan Shu didn't even look at the county magistrate and walked straight towards the door.

Upon seeing this, the county magistrate hurriedly followed behind, bowing and nodding all the way.

When they arrived at the door, Yan Shu's servant brought a horse, and Yan Shu jumped on it nimbly.

The county magistrate said flatteringly, "Master Yan, please take care on your journey. If you have any instructions, please send someone to tell me at any time. I will be happy to help you."

Yan Shu nodded slightly, flicked his whip, and rode away in a cloud of dust.

The county magistrate looked at Yan Shu's departing back, and the flattering smile on his face disappeared instantly, replaced by a look of anger and helplessness.

He glared fiercely in the direction where Yan Shu left, muttering softly, "Yan Shu, ah Yan Shu, you rely on the power of the Yan family to bully others in Youzhou City. One day..."

Yan Shu's warning was like a sword of Damocles hanging high in the sky, which could fall at any time, and his nephew Zhang Yi was undoubtedly a huge rock hanging on his heart, so heavy that it made him breathless.

As soon as he returned to the back hall, the county magistrate could no longer suppress his long-suppressed anger.

He suddenly swept the teacup on the table to the ground. With a "clang", the teacup shattered into pieces in an instant.

Then he picked up a plate beside him and smashed it against the wall. The sound of the plate breaking echoed in the empty back hall, just like his broken and restless heart at the moment.

"He Er!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with uncontrollable anger. "Hurry and call that kid Zhang Yi over here!"

When He Er heard the order, he trembled with fear. He did not dare to delay for a moment and ran all the way to tell Zhang Yi.

Not long after, Zhang Yi was taken to the back hall.

As soon as he stepped over the threshold, he saw the county magistrate sitting there with a gloomy face. His heart skipped a beat and he couldn't help but get nervous.

When the county magistrate saw Zhang Yi, the anger in his eyes suddenly rose again.

He slammed his hand on the table, shaking the pens and ink on it, and demanded, "What were you doing last night, kid? Tell me the truth! There's a huge commotion going on outside now. Do you know how serious this is?"

The county magistrate's eyes were as big as copper bells, staring at Zhang Yi intently, as if he wanted to eat him alive.

Zhang Yi was frightened by the momentum and shrank his neck slightly, but when he remembered that he had not done it, he straightened his back again.

He quickly said, "Uncle, I really didn't lie. I just went to their house to borrow something. I didn't do anything bad. They were all fine when I left. I really don't know what happened afterwards."

As Zhang Yi spoke, he observed the county magistrate's expression, and his hands unconsciously tugged at the corners of his clothes, showing his inner nervousness.