No one within the procuratorate really wants Zhang Fei to appeal this case. Their idea is very simple: the point of adultery in this case is an indisputable and ironclad fact.
Then the judgment of the Xiangfu County Imperial Court is absolutely not excessive. Unless you can overturn it, otherwise, the political risks you bring if you continue to appeal will not be proportional to the judicial justice you will get.
Not to mention, there is a possibility that you will lose.
However, the Procuratorate has its own rules and regulations, which means that when subordinates present strong evidence, superiors are not allowed to hinder them. Otherwise, it is a violation of the system. This is similar to the Censorate. The difference is that the Procuratorate must provide evidence.
Zhang Fei's reason was very simple, which was that he did not abide by the principle of arresting the husband for adultery. This doubt was sufficient to file an appeal.
After all, Qi Hui is not like him. He still holds the power of precedent. He cannot create or interpret principles.
Xu Zun approved it directly.
According to the procedure, the prosecutor must then go to the Royal Court to formally appeal.
This was also the first time Zhang Fei visited the imperial court in the capital after an absence of three years.
"Saburo!"
...
...
As soon as Zhang Fei arrived at the imperial court, he saw a man coming out to greet him excitedly.
It was the old acquaintance Lu Jia who asked.
"Judge Lu!"
Zhang Fei bowed and said with a smile: "It's been a few years since we last met. I hope you are doing well."
Lu Jiawen said excitedly: "I have finally waited for you, Zhang Sanlang, to come."
Zhang Fei was stunned. "Does Judge Lu really want me to come?"
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Of course I hope so. Sanlang, you don't know that after you left the capital, the imperial court became boring. At that time, I wanted to go to Hezhong Prefecture to find you."
Zhang Fei was confused and said, "I don't quite understand."
"Come on, let's go upstairs and talk."
Lu Jiawen invited Zhang Fei to his office, then spat at Zhang Fei, saying that the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems in the capital were extremely boring.
Although the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems have not suffered any impact, they have not undergone the changes they should have.
The reason lies in the human relationships and social practices.
Simply put, when conflicts arise between the people and officials, people are still unwilling to come to the royal court to sue, unwilling to suffer these troubles, and the people around him will also stop him.
If you don't file a lawsuit, it will be difficult for the royal court to intervene.
In the past three years, the most cases handled by the imperial court in the capital are civil lawsuits between businessmen, so the business in the capital has become very prosperous. However, unlike when Zhang Fei was there, the cases were not very exciting and involved struggles across classes.
After all, Lu Jiawen was very young, so he thought this was boring and not much different from before.
And this is exactly what Fu Bi is worried about. Currently, the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs in the capital are only floating on the surface and have not sunk down to the bottom.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It seems that I came at the right time today."
Lu Jiawen blinked and said, "The case of adultery in Liuyun Temple."
Zhang Fei was stunned, "You know?"
Lu Jia asked, "Although I am not very old, I am the most senior senior in the public security, procuratorial and judicial departments. I know people in both the procuratorate and the police station. How could I not know this?"
As he spoke, he chuckled, "Although this case is not a big one, if Sanlang appeals, it will definitely cause a huge heated discussion. Our public security, procuratorial and judicial organs haven't had such a lively atmosphere for a long time."
Zhang Fei just smiled and handed the appeal to Lu Jiawen.
Lu Jiawen took it hastily and flipped it open. "Oh, isn't Sanlang appealing on behalf of Liu Qing?"
Zhang Fei said: "This reason was proposed by Liu Qing, and our procuratorate agrees with it. However, Liu Qing's interest is to rescue his wife, and our procuratorate cares more about the verdict and did not give a proper reason for arresting the adulterer. Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, we decided to appeal this verdict."
Lu Jiawen smiled and said, "It seems that Sanlang still has some concerns."
Zhang Fei said: "It's not that I have any concerns, but because I am a prosecutor now, I can't do whatever I want."
"That's true."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Do you want the court to start earlier or later?"
Zhang Fei said: "Let's start the trial sooner. I don't care, but I don't want the procuratorate to be under pressure for too long."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Okay! I'll arrange a court date as soon as possible."
"Thank you very much."
Three days!
Lu Jiawen directly confirmed that the trial would begin in three days.
Because this case itself is just a small case, but it has a great impact among the people and scholars and has become somewhat sensitive. There is no problem with the royal court opening the trial quickly.
But it must be said that Zhang Fei's first appeal on behalf of the procuratorate came earlier than everyone expected.
After all, they all thought that Zhang Fei was no longer the same as before. He was no longer the little kid and should be more mature and stable. However, he was still the same stubborn guy.
Moreover, this guy is really professional and knows how to choose lawsuits.
This case seems to be an ordinary case of adultery, but because it seriously touches on the ethics and laws, and many scholars and officials criticize it, its nature has completely changed.
Zhang Fei appealed the case, which was seen by others as another challenge to etiquette and law.
Just as Qi Ji, Xu Lingxiao and others had expected, once this news was made public, it immediately caused an uproar.
Trial Court.
Several officials, including Meng Gansheng and Zhao Wenzhen, stood in the yard, basking in the sun and chatting.
"How strange! That case has nothing to do with Zhang San, and even the Legislative Council has no doubts. Why would he appeal? Regardless of success or failure, he will offend many people."
Xie Yun was scratching his head so hard that it almost broke, but he still couldn't figure it out.
What's the point of this?
Pei Wen smiled and said, "It is precisely because everyone agrees with this verdict that he wants to appeal. He wants to outwit others, as if he is the only one in the world who understands the law."
Xie Jun shook his head and said, "Although he is young and frivolous, he is simply courting his own death! Didn't Uncle Ouyang Hui dislike him back then and had to say a few words? What was the result? His status is far inferior to Uncle Ouyang Hui."
"That's fine too!"
Zhao Wenzheng laughed and said, "We are still thinking about how to deal with this guy. In fact, we don't need to worry about it at all. He can send himself to prison!"
Meng Gansheng said: "Zhao Zongzheng is right. If he continues to play like this, something bad will happen sooner or later. Let's just wait and see."
Government Hall!
"He is just trying to be different and attract attention. He is even worse than Xu Zhongtu!"
Wen Yanbo then asked Sima Guang: "Jun Shi, why didn't you stop him?"
"I didn't try to stop it! It's just..."
Sima Guang glanced at Fu Bi who was sitting over there reviewing case files.
Wen Yanbo asked, "Mr. Fu, do you support him in doing this?"
Fu Bi raised his head and shook his head, saying, "I didn't support him, but I also have no right to oppose him doing this. That's the business of their procuratorate, as long as it complies with the rules."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and nodded, "I see."
At noon, when the government was dismissed.
"Thank you all for your help these past few days. I'll treat you all today. Let's find a restaurant and have a good meal."
Zhang Fei said to Qi Ji and Wang Gong.
The two looked at each other, and Wang Gong waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Forget it! Forget it! If we go out with you until this lawsuit is over, I'm afraid we will soon become alone!"
Qi Ji nodded.
At this time, who would dare to go out with you?
Zhang Fei smiled helplessly and said, "Okay, I'll just find a random restaurant to eat by myself."
"You go first."
"Is it that serious?"
They both nodded at the same time.
"All right!"
Zhang Fei had just walked out of the procuratorate when he heard someone shouting.
"You little brat!"
"Master Wang?"
Zhang Fei looked back and saw Wang Anshi walking towards him angrily.
"Are you bored, kid?"
"No!"
"No! Why did you get involved in that lawsuit?"
Wang Anshi lowered his voice and said, "Jingdong East Road is still in chaos, and you still have the mood to do this."
Zhang Fei laughed out loud when he heard this.
Wang Anshi frowned and asked, "What are you laughing at?"
"Sorry! Sorry! Ahem!" Zhang Fei tried to hold back his laughter and said, "It's just because on this point, the views and tones of Scholar Wang and Scholar Sima are surprisingly consistent. This is the first time I've encountered this, so..."
"Is that so?"
Wang Anshi's expression changed, and he immediately defended himself: "It's not that I'm the same as that old man, but most people can't understand why you do this."
Zhang Fei said: "As far as the judiciary is concerned, my appeal is in full compliance with the regulations, and the Royal Court has accepted my appeal. This is sufficient. As for other people's opinions, that will not affect our procuratorate."
Wang Anshi hesitated for a moment and said, "So you want to tell others that the procuratorate will only follow the rules and will not be influenced by others."
Zhang Fei nodded: "That's right. This is of vital importance to the procuratorate."
Wang Anshi smiled and nodded: "I see. Yes, this is indeed very important. I support you."
Zhang Fei was surprised and said, "Master Sima has always disagreed."
Wang Anshi snorted, "Can that old stubborn donkey be as open-minded as me? Haha!"
"???"
Royal Court.
"Why do you accept Zhang San's appeal?"
Lu Gong looked at Lu Jia with a murderous look and asked.
Lu Jiawen said awkwardly, "Grandpa, this is our imperial court's business, and it is not convenient for your grandson to talk about it."
Lu Gong said, "Don't try to play tricks on me. The husband of the criminal also appealed in Xiangfu County, but was rejected. How come it's your turn to appeal? Don't let Zhang San fool you, kid."
Lu Jiawen was immediately dissatisfied and said, "Although Zhang San is powerful, my grandson is not bad either. How could I be fooled by him? My grandson has carefully examined it and his appeal is in accordance with the law, because the procuratorate is not accusing Liu Qinshi of adultery, but accusing Xiangfu County of not following the principle of arresting the adulterer from the husband. This is a fact and the responsibility of the procuratorate."
Lu Gong said: "It is not necessarily in accordance with the law of the law!"
Lu Jia asked, "Grandpa, don't you understand the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems? His successful appeal does not mean that I will rule in favor of him. I will have to see what he says in court. But at the moment, there is no problem with the appeal, and I can't find any reason to reject his appeal."
The grandfather and grandson were chatting when the chief judge Zhao Yan suddenly came here.
"Your humble servant greets the Grand Court President."
"Um."
Zhao Yan suddenly looked at Lu Gong and said, "Prime Minister Ji is here too."
Lu Gong nodded awkwardly.
Zhao Yan probably guessed something, so he asked Lu Jia again: "I heard that the procuratorate has already filed an appeal against the adultery case in Liuyun Temple, Xiangfu County."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhao Yan said, "Bring his complaint here."
"yes."
Lu Jiawen immediately gave the complaint to Zhao Yan.
Zhao Yan looked at it carefully.
Lu Gong asked in a low voice: "Prime Minister Zhao, is there really no problem with this complaint?"
Zhao Yan glanced at him and said, "Prime Minister Ji, don't you know that guy? Since he dared to submit it, he must be very sure. He did not appeal against the case itself, but the judgment of Xiangfu County. The imperial court cannot ignore the law."
Zhang Fei did not raise any questions about the process of the case. He just pointed out one point, that is, the principle of arresting the adulterer following the husband, which the imperial court really could not refute. Although the Xiangfu County Imperial Court gave a detailed explanation, it did not fail to abide by this principle. If it did, the procuratorate could intervene and appeal. The procuratorate must defend the law.
Lu Jia asked: "Grandpa, I didn't lie to you, did I?"
Lu Gong immediately glared at him.
Zhao Yan suddenly said, "However, this case will be tried personally by the presiding judge."
Lu Jia was stunned when he asked, "Why?"
Zhao Yan glanced at him and said, "Because this matter has been brought to the attention of the Political Affairs Hall, many people think that you are not experienced enough to hear this case, so they asked this court chief to hear it personally."
Lu Jiawen said excitedly: "Grand Judge, this is not a big case."
Lu Gong said, "Asshole! How dare you disobey the chief judge?"
"It's okay! It's okay! Prime Minister Ji, please calm down!" Zhao Yan explained to Lu Jiawen, "Although this is not a big case, it has a huge impact."
Lu Jiawen suddenly became depressed.
Originally, this matter had become such a big deal, and he had planned to take advantage of it. He really enjoyed this moment, but he never expected that the finishing touch would be intercepted by Zhao Yan.
this.!
But there was no way out. This incident directly alarmed all the prime ministers of the dynasty. This was not a storm that could be stirred up by just a few ministers. It was certain that a certain group of people went crazy.
This group is of course the scholar-official class.
They actually asked Zhao Yan to directly reject Zhang Fei's appeal, but Zhao Yan was a man of impartiality. When he looked at the complaint, he found no problem and did not really reject Zhang Fei's appeal.
Having said that, in fact, those scholars and officials really didn't want to look for Zhao Yan, but because Xu Zhongtu was even more of a weirdo, the only one who could reject Zhang Fei's appeal now was the chief judge Zhao Yan.
But they also knew that Zhao Yan might not reject Zhang Fei's appeal. However, the fact that Zhao Yan personally tried the case also reassured many scholars and officials. Although Zhao Yan was impartial, he also attached great importance to etiquette and law, unlike Lu Jiawen, who looked unreliable.
Moreover, Zhao Yan did not change the court date because the complaint was too simple, just one sentence, and there was no need for reexamination. The court date arrived before the matter had fully fermented.
Although the trial was presided over by the Chief Justice, it was still arranged to be held in the Imperial Court of Bian Jing, because the actual highest imperial court was actually the Dali Temple.
Zhao Yan has now left the Censorate and taken up a position in the Dali Temple.
This case itself is very ordinary, and it is somewhat not up to standard to be tried in the Dali Temple.
The venue for today's trial was the former Silusi, which was converted from the previous one. The reason why this place was chosen was actually related to Zhang Fei. Because Zhang Fei changed the imperial court into an open one in Hezhong Prefecture, and in the capital, the one that best met this standard was the Silusi, which was a training ground before, not a closed one.
When Zhang Fei arrived here by carriage, the place was already surrounded by people.
First of all, the literati are very concerned about this case and they will definitely come to watch it.
Secondly, this kind of adultery case itself has extremely strong news value, and people also love gossip.
Finally, there is Zhang Fei’s fame in Bian Jing. Citizens all love to watch Zhang Fei fight lawsuits and are always looking forward to it.
When Zhang Fei came out of the carriage, many people immediately shouted, "Zhang Darbi!"
"Dar pen!"
“Dar Pen will win.”
The fans are still as passionate as ever.
Zhang Fei also smiled and nodded.
"Zhang Daerbi, why don't you wear your battle robe today?"
"Because I am not a judge now, but a prosecutor."
"Zhang Da'erbi, why didn't Lawyer Xu come? Aren't you two inseparable?"
"Lawyer Xu is pregnant now, so it's not convenient for her to come."
"Ouch! Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"Thank you!"
After chatting with the neighbors for a few minutes, Zhang Fei entered the imperial court.
Although Xu Zhiqian did not come today, the Procuratorate sent out its strongest lineup, a total of five people, to assist Zhang Fei in this lawsuit, including Qi Ji and Wang Gong. Xu Zun's intention was very simple, which was to let him absorb more practical experience.
Arriving at the lounge of the procuratorate, Zhang Fei said to Wang Gong: "Wang Duyou, I just received some evidence. We may have to add a lawsuit."
Wang Gong was surprised and asked, "What?"
Zhang Fei said: "We accuse Monk Miaokong of the crime of not testifying against love."
To bear witness to a false confession is perjury.
"ah?"
Wang Gong and others were caught off guard. The trial was about to begin, and you were changing your mind again. This!
You will be scolded to death!
The courtyard was also crowded with guests, including Sima Guang, Wang Anshi, Wen Yanbo and others.
"Xiye, are you going to testify in court today?"
Wen Yanbo asked Qi Huidi who had just returned.
Qi Hui shook his head and said, "The procuratorate has not informed me, so it should not be necessary."
Sima Guang asked again: "You are the judge of this case. Do you think Zhang San can successfully appeal?"
Qi Hui said unhappily, "It's not that I am petty. If I have wronged someone, I am willing to admit my fault. But he is talking about this principle, and I will not accept it. I did not follow this principle, but it depends on the situation at the time. I have given a detailed explanation. He created so many principles and explanations in Hezhong Prefecture, why doesn't he say it again?"
When it comes to this matter, he is really furious.
Sima Guang quickly comforted him: "Don't worry, if he can't give sufficient reasons and just talks about this principle, we will not agree with him."
Lu Gongzhe, Wen Yanbo and others also nodded.
They also agreed with Qi Hui's verdict. After all, principles are not iron laws and must be judged based on the circumstances of the case. If Zhang Fei simply said that this principle was not followed, no one would accept it.
"Teacher!"
Lu Huiqing whispered, "What on earth is Zhang San trying to do?"
Wang Anshi laughed and said, "What do you think will happen if his appeal is successful this time?"
Lu Huiqing shook his head and said, "I don't know what your teacher's question means."
Wang Anshi chuckled and said, "His intention is very simple. He wants to tell everyone that the procuratorate does not need to consider other people's opinions when doing anything."
Lu Huiqing suddenly realized, "So it's the first three things a new official does when he takes office."
Wang Anshi smiled and nodded, saying, "Although this case is small, it has attracted the attention of many scholars and officials, and has been made into an ironclad case. If he can win, it will be enough to uphold the authority of the procuratorate."
Lu Huiqing nodded slightly, and suddenly saw Zhang Fei and Wang Gong hurriedly passing by along the corridor. He couldn't help but ask: "Isn't that Zhang San? Where is he going in a hurry?"
Sima Guang and others over there also noticed it and were asking around what had happened.
Seeing that the time had arrived, but Zhao Yan had not shown up yet, everyone was talking about it.
Whenever Zhang San comes, something unexpected is bound to happen.
The Office of the Grand President.
"This is all going to be heard in court. Are you telling me that you want to add charges against Monk Miaokong?"
Zhao Yan glared and questioned Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei said: "I'm so sorry, our procuratorate just got the evidence."
Zhao Yan snorted, "Don't think I'm stupid and can't see through your tricks. You appealed for adultery with your husband before just to ask the court not to reject the case. Now you add more charges just to ask the court not to examine them. If you want to add more charges now, then I will postpone the trial. Do you want to add more charges?"
Zhang Fei quickly explained: "The chief judge really misunderstood. Our procuratorate has indeed just obtained very crucial evidence. We are just worried that if it is suddenly brought up during the lawsuit, the chief judge will misunderstand it, so we hurried over to inform him.
If the chief judge requests a delay in the trial, then our procuratorate can withdraw the complaint, but I will definitely produce the evidence in court, and I will file a new complaint against Miaokong at that time, so it is better to try both cases together."
Zhao Yan thought for a while, frowned and said, "If you can't produce enough important evidence later, I will not let you go."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Please rest assured, Grand Judge. This evidence is enough to convict Miaokong."
While they were discussing in the office, there was already a lot of discussion outside.
It was already past the time, but the court session had not yet begun.
Something happened.
"I found out!"
Liu Shu walked quickly to Sima Guang and the others and said, "I just went to ask around and heard that the procuratorate has found new key evidence and is adding another charge."
Sima Guang hurriedly asked: "What accusation?"
Liu Shu said: "I'm not sure about that. Zhang San is discussing it with Mr. Zhao right now."
Qi Hui said angrily: "I knew this brat would play tricks. I don't believe he just found the evidence. It's obvious that he wants to fish in troubled waters."
Sima Guang said, "Don't be too angry. Prime Minister Zhao will definitely handle this impartially. Let's wait and see."
After a while, Zhao Yan finally appeared. At the same time, Zhang Fei led the "super team" of the Procuratorate to their seats to prepare.
Zhao Yan naturally did not go through as many formalities as Zhang Fei did. He just went through the motions and knocked the gavel, signaling everyone to be quiet.
The entire imperial court immediately fell silent because everyone was extremely curious.
Zhao Yan explained: "The reason why the trial is just beginning is because the procuratorate has found new evidence and wants to accuse the criminals, Monk Miaokong, of not speaking out."
Zhang Fei quickly looked at everyone and apologized for keeping them waiting for so long.
Wang Anshi said, "It seems that he still wants to convict Miaokong."
Lu Huiqing nodded and said, "If we follow the principle of arresting the husband for adultery, Miaokong will be acquitted if we win the case."
After Zhao Yan finished his explanation, he immediately announced the official opening of the court.
Zhang Fei requested that Liu Qing, the first witness in this case, be summoned to appear in court.
Liu Qing, looking haggard, came to the court. As soon as he appeared, he was immediately ridiculed.
But Liu Qing seemed to have gotten used to this and sat in the witness stand.
Zhang Fei first asked: "Liu Qing, what is your relationship with Liu Qinshi, the criminal in the Liuyun Temple adultery case?"
Liu Qing said: "I am her husband."
Zhang Fei said: "According to the information I got from Xiangfu County, after the trial of this case, you went to the Xiangfu County Imperial Court several times to appeal."
Liu Qing nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhang Fei asked: "What is the basis for your appeal?"
Liu Qing replied, "Because I think the Xiangfu County Imperial Court's verdict did not follow the principle of arresting the adulterer's husband. I am Liu Qin's husband. Since I did not file a complaint, the Imperial Court should not have convicted my wife."
Zhang Fei said: "So you are only appealing based on legal principles, not on whether your wife committed adultery with Miaokong?"
Liu Qing nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "Have you never doubted this? Or do you already know that this is the fact, that your wife is indeed having an affair with that monk Miaokong?"
Liu Qing was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "I know."
Suddenly there was a burst of boos.
Liu Qing had a blank expression on his face, as if he was used to it, or as if he had expected it.
"quiet!"
Zhao Yan knocked the gavel lightly.
But after a while, the booing gradually stopped.
Zhang Fei continued to ask: "When did you know?"
Liu Qing said: "It was one month before the incident."
Zhang Fei asked: "How did you know?"
Liu Qing then repeated the conversation he overheard between Miaokong and his wife.
Zhang Fei asked: "How did you feel after you found out?"
Liu Qing said: "I was very angry at the time."
Zhang Fei asked: "Did you expose them at that time?"
Liu Qing shook his head.
Zhang Fei asked: "Why don't you expose them?"
Liu Qing said: "Because... Because I'm scared."
Zhang Fei asked, "What are you afraid of?"
Liu Qing said: "I'm afraid this will hurt my wife."
There was another round of boos and ridicule.
What he said was such a cowardly and pathetic statement, it made people very angry just by listening to it.
Is this guy a man?
Zhang Fei waited until everyone calmed down before pretending to be puzzled and asked, "You mean, your wife committed adultery with Miaokong, but you were afraid of hurting your wife, so you didn't expose them?"
Liu Qing said: "Because I know that my wife did this so that I could concentrate on my studies. I was very angry at the time, but I also blamed myself. If I hadn't been so focused on studying and paying more attention to the situation at home, maybe it wouldn't have come to this."
Zhang Fei asked: "Can you tell me more about this?"
Liu Qing then recounted his life story, including how his family fell into poverty due to his service as a government official.
This time it became very quiet outside.
When it comes to serving as a yamen soldier, Liu Qing's experience is nothing. In order to prevent his son from serving as a yamen soldier, his father would mutilate himself, cut off his own hands, or commit suicide. Such tragedies are everywhere.
This is why, when the exemption tax was first levied in the capital, the wealthy families and merchants were very active.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "So, you think everything your wife did was for you?"
Liu Qing nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "It is precisely for this reason that you wish to appeal."
Liu Qing nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhang Fei asked: "Did you tell me all this?"
Liu Qing said: "Yes."
Zhang Fei asked: "Have you been forgiven by others?"
"No!"
Liu Qing shook his head and said, "People who know me all think that my wife is a shameless whore and advise me to take this opportunity to divorce her. People who are not familiar with me laugh at me and even drive me away."
Zhang Fei asked: "After they learned that you appealed for your wife, did they support you?"
Liu Qing shook his head and said, "On the contrary, my former friends and teachers all cut off contact with me because of this, and the village also drove me out and did not allow me to set foot in the village. No matter where I went, I was ridiculed."
Zhang Fei asked: "Where do you live now?"
Liu Qing said: "I used to live in a dilapidated house in the southern suburbs."
Zhang Fei asked: "So how did you make a living during this period?"
Liu Qing said: "Go to the dock to move the goods."
Zhang Fei said: "You are a scholar, why do you have to work at the docks to carry goods for a living?"
Liu Qing sighed, "I used to make a living by helping people write posts and find children, but later they found out about me and drove me away."
Zhang Fei asked: "How do they know?"
Liu Qing said: "Because someone told them, those scholars regard me as a disgrace."
Zhang Fei said: "But even in this situation, you are still trying to find a way to appeal for your wife?"
Liu Qing nodded and said, "At first I didn't know how to face my wife, but after this incident, I realized that all of this was my own fault, because from the beginning I didn't take on the responsibilities that a husband should take on. So no matter what, I couldn't abandon her when she was in the most difficult time."
"Thank you for your answer."
Zhang Fei then said to Zhao Yan, "Grand Judge, I beg you to call the second witness, Mr. Li Mingsheng, who once hired Liu Qing to teach at his home, to appear in court."
Only a middle-aged man under 40 years old came to the court.
Zhang Fei stood up and asked, "Li Mingsheng, do you know Liu Qing and his wife?"
Li Mingsheng nodded and said, "I know him."
Zhang Fei asked: "How did you know each other?"
Li Mingsheng said: "I once hired Liu Qing to come to my home to teach my young son, and I also took him and his wife in to live in my home."
Zhang Fei asked: "Why did you hire Liu Qing to teach your son? Is it because you knew him before?"
"No." Li Mingsheng shook his head and said, "Miaokong introduced me."
Zhang Fei asked, "Miaokong from Liuyun Temple?"
Li Mingsheng nodded and said, "Yes."
"What is your relationship with Miaokong?"
"About three years ago, I was returning from a business trip and encountered robbers on the way. Miaokong rescued me. Since then, I have often invited Miaokong to visit my home. He learned that I was looking for a teacher to teach my young son, so he introduced Liu Qing to me. I would not refuse him."
"So what is your personal impression of Liu Qing and his wife?"
"Liu Qing is a very honest and upright person, and he is also very patient in teaching our young son to study. My wife and I feel that we have made the right choice in hiring him."
"Where is Liu Qinshi?"
"Well!"
Li Mingsheng seemed a little hesitant. After a while, he said, "In fact, I have not had any contact with Liu Qinshi. It is my wife who talks with Liu Qinshi more."
Zhang Fei said: "But according to your confession, you have accused Liu Qinshi of trying to seduce you."
Li Mingsheng sighed, "I didn't say that originally. I said Liu Qinshi was pretty good, but... but after the court's verdict, the more I explained, the more people outside said that I had a relationship with Liu Qinshi and that I was trying to protect her. I really didn't dare to speak for Liu Qinshi. I could only say that she seduced me and I rejected her, and then everyone was willing to believe me."
Zhang Fei asked, "Did Liu Qinshi ever try to seduce you?"
"No."
Li Mingsheng said, "Although she lives in my house, I have only met her once. Liu Qinshi is very polite in my house. She has never even been to my front yard. She usually goes out through the side door. When my wife wants her to help with some needlework, she always goes to her room to find her. After this happened, my wife couldn't believe it. If she didn't follow the rules, my wife would have driven them away long ago."
Zhang Fei said: "So you were forced to make up a lie because of the rumors outside, saying that Liu Qinshi tried to seduce you."
Li Mingsheng nodded and said, "I really didn't want to, but I was forced to do so, so I said I was trying to seduce me."
Zhang Fei asked, "After you explained this, did those people outside stop talking about you?"
Li Mingsheng nodded.
Zhang Fei asked again: "Did you know about Liu Qinshi and Miaokong before?"
Li Mingsheng immediately said: "I really don't know. If I knew, I would have sent them away long ago."
Zhang Fei asked: "Are you surprised by Miaokong's behavior?"
Li Mingsheng hesitated, "It's a bit unexpected, but I also know that Miaokong doesn't usually follow the rules."
Zhang Fei asked: "So how did you treat Liu Qing after this incident?"
Li Mingsheng sighed, "I just wanted to find someone to teach my young son, but I didn't want to get involved in these disputes, so I asked Liu Qing to leave my house, but I also gave him some money. I originally planned to give him more because he was innocent. My wife and I sympathized with him, but Liu Qing only wanted his tuition fee."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "Thank you very much for coming to court to testify."
"It should be. It should be."
Having said that, Li Mingsheng quickly stood up, as if he didn't want to stay here for long.
Sima Guang asked Qi Hui in a low voice: "Didn't you check these?"
Qi Hui said: "I just asked the police to search the village as usual. Their confessions did not appear in my verdict. The key to conviction is to catch the adulterer in bed, not these confessions."
Sima Guang nodded: "Yes! Since this is not the key point, what is the point of him asking?"
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