"Whether it's right or wrong, you know it yourself!" Zhang Xiu snapped. She had thought her family had made a mistake, but it was clearly those fishermen who had acted unjustly first!

“We didn’t double-cross you. You need to provide evidence for your words. Where is your evidence?” The man in brocade sneered and opened his folding fan.

He had already planned his strategy before coming, so he wasn't afraid that Zhang Xiu would do that.

Besides, it's just something without evidence, so it won't cause any big fuss.

Zhang Xiu stared at the group of people. Wan Suizhou, who was sitting, didn't understand what was going on. He looked around for a long time but didn't speak rashly.

Both sides had their own version of events, resulting in a stalemate where no solution could be found.

Just as they were facing off, a series of hurried footsteps approached, drawing the attention of both sides.

"Everyone, please be quiet. Magistrate Cao is here."

Lin Lan spoke loudly and strode into the hall.

When Wan Suizhou heard that Magistrate Cao was coming, he also stood up and offered his seat to Magistrate Cao, saying, "Magistrate, please sit down and let's talk slowly."

Zhang Xiu, disregarding the argument, picked up the teacup and teapot, poured a cup of tea, and placed it on the table next to Magistrate Cao.

Upon seeing the county magistrate arrive, the men in brocade robes and their ilk lessened their earlier arrogance and kept their mouths shut, waiting for the magistrate to speak.

"I am here today because many fishermen have reported that they are not catching any fish these days. I feel that something is amiss, so I have come to investigate."

Magistrate Cao sat down, obediently took a sip of tea, then stood up again, looking anxious. "I just heard you arguing. Was it about fishing?"