The Gan Tao case initially attracted some attention, but only because it involved matters between men and women, so people found it unusual.
However, since that court hearing, Gan Tao Niang's testimony has taken the case to another level—a woman who not only acted lewd and shameless, but was also considered unfilial and unrighteous, possessing almost all the flaws in the eyes of the world.
As a result, Gan Tao became the target of public criticism, with everyone condemning her in writing and in public. Some scholars even joined together to put pressure on the government, hoping to expedite the trial of the case.
Normally, the yamen (government office) wouldn't bother with the gossip circulating in the streets. But since even the scholars were making a fuss, Magistrate Lu couldn't simply ignore it anymore.
He was just a little worried; he didn't know if Gan Li was ready yet...
Magistrate Lu was no novice in officialdom, and he naturally knew that the public outcry was so great that there must be someone behind it, and the only person behind it was the Wu family.
They were rushing to reopen the trial, and the reason was simple: they didn't want to give Gan Li time to figure out a way and find evidence.
If Gan Li fails to produce evidence favorable to Gan Tao in this court hearing, then Gan Tao will be undeniably accused of being lewd and shameless, plotting a vicious scheme to escape her sick mother and weak brother, and causing someone's death.
Even though Magistrate Lu knew in his heart that the facts of the case were not as they seemed, the people outside did not believe it. Moreover, since Gan Tao's side had no favorable evidence, his refusal to make a judgment was somewhat suspected of being a cover-up.
After much deliberation, Magistrate Lu sent someone out to secretly contact Gan Li and inquire about the current situation.
If he's not ready yet, he can only delay for another two days at most!
Unexpectedly, the messenger returned quickly with a message from Gan Li, telling him not to worry and to proceed with the court proceedings.
Magistrate Lu was somewhat surprised: "Could it be that you've found evidence so quickly?"
The subordinate shook his head. How would he know that?
"Anyway, Manager Gan doesn't seem flustered at all."
Although Magistrate Lu did not know the situation inside, since Gan Li said so, he was probably confident that the matter was settled.
He had originally planned to grit his teeth and help out for two more days, but now it's perfect!
"In that case, post a notice and hold court the day after tomorrow morning!"
The people in the county quickly learned of this from the newly posted notice, and they immediately became excited, discussing the matter animatedly.
"Court will be held the day after tomorrow morning? Surely they'll be able to deliver a verdict this time?"
"Yes, it should be. In my opinion, this case is already very clear: a life for a life, so Gan Tao should be sentenced to death!"
"I think it's risky. There's a rumor that our magistrate has a close relationship with that Gan Li. What if he's determined to protect him..."
"Hey, if that's really the case, then let's go to the provincial government together and file a complaint. If necessary, we can even appeal to the emperor! Otherwise, with officials like this, how can people like us without connections possibly have a good life?"
Upon hearing this, the people around him echoed his words. It wasn't that they were truly righteous, but rather, as the person had said, they were worried that this might happen to them in the future.
The county town became lively because of this announcement. Everyone spread the news that Gan Tao's case would be retried soon.
Amidst the commotion, the day after tomorrow arrived quickly.
Before dawn, people had already run to the entrance of the county government office and secured the best spots to watch the spectacle.
By the time it was fully light, the outside was already packed with people.
When Magistrate Lu arrived at the county office, he saw the crowd gathered outside and felt a little worried—hoping that Gan Li was really ready.
Otherwise... sigh!
Some were happy while others were sad. Chen Danian was very pleased to see this scene. Now that was good. Even if Magistrate Lu wanted to favor Gan Li, he wouldn't dare to do so in front of so many people!
Why hasn't the Wu family arrived yet? Don't they know what day it is today?
He looked at the empty intersection in the distance, a vague unease creeping into his heart.
Since the last court hearing, the Wu family took Gan Tao Niang back first, while Chen Danian stayed in town to arrange for people to spread rumors.
When the yamen's announcement was issued the day before yesterday, he had already sent someone back to tell the Wu family to bring Gan Tao Niang to the county as soon as possible.
It's already this late, and the court session is supposed to start in half an hour. Why haven't the Wu family members arrived yet?
Just as Chen Danian was lost in thought, a horse-drawn carriage suddenly turned into the intersection.
"You've finally arrived..." He greeted them with a smile.
The carriage also sped towards them, arriving in no time. Upon seeing the driver, Chen Danian's smile froze.
"Hey, isn't this our talented Chen? Why are you standing here in the cold wind so early in the morning? Why don't you sit in the car and wait?"
Oh! I almost forgot, you're not Zhao's son-in-law anymore. On your own, where would you find a carriage to ride in?
His boisterous laughter was unrestrained, as if it could shake the heavens. Gan Mingyi ignored the stares directed at him and was determined to embarrass Chen Danian.
How could Chen Danian not see through his intentions? Hearing Gan Mingyi openly mocking him for being a kept man, Chen Danian was so angry that his face turned red instantly. He stammered for a long time but couldn't find a way to refute him.
Finally, he decided to give up entirely and snorted coldly:
"Did Gan Li send you to humiliate me? I was thinking of our past friendship and wanted to persuade the Wu family to let you off the hook. But now it seems... haha! Just you wait, I'll make you beg me for mercy in a moment!"
"Please?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a sneer came from inside the carriage.
Gan Li gently lifted the curtain a crack, her eyes filled with mockery as she slowly scrutinized Chen Danian from head to toe, a disdainful smile on her face.
"Let's not even talk about whether Gan Tao is guilty or not. Even if he is guilty, it is the county magistrate who will determine it according to the laws of our dynasty. You are just a scholar who can only act as a lawyer. How dare you interfere with the criminal judgment of our dynasty?"
"Please, even the Jade Emperor doesn't have as much face as you! With this bragging energy, you should go back and study hard; you wouldn't be a mere scholar after more than ten years of passing the imperial examinations!"
She cursed without using any vulgar language, but her voice was quite loud. As soon as she said this, the onlookers burst into laughter, their eyes filled with mockery as they looked at Chen Xiucai.
Although they now dislike Gan Tao, they also find this boastful scholar quite laughable.
Listening to Gan Li's words and feeling the disdainful looks from those around him, Chen Danian was so angry he wanted to grind his teeth to dust. Just as he was about to retort, Gan Li flung the curtain aside, telling Gan Mingyi to drive the carriage away.
Damn it... he wasn't even given a chance to talk back!
As Chen Danian watched the carriage slowly drive away, his chest was filled with hatred. He silently vowed that he would make Gan Li pay in court later!
Unfortunately, this ambition did not last long. The news brought by the Wu family was like a bucket of cold water, chilling him to the bone.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
