Xiao Qingyin scoffed, "Eunuch Wang wouldn't say that Lord Bai has a masochistic tendency and that he injured himself, would he?"
With a "plop," Eunuch Wang knelt down.
“My administration has been lax, and I was unaware that my men were so audacious. I implore Your Majesty to punish them.”
The Southern Depot was established by the emperor himself, and under its director was a thousand-household officer in charge of punishment. The emperor was naturally aware of what was going on inside.
Therefore, she was not angry with Eunuch Wang, but instead tried to comfort him.
"Since you serve me, you cannot keep a close watch on the Southern Depot at all times. It is not surprising that you made a mistake. Find out who did it and punish them severely."
"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty. I will punish you severely without mercy."
After speaking, Eunuch Wang kowtowed to express his gratitude for the great favor.
After rising, he bowed deeply to Bai Yanzhang.
"The Chief Executioner must be in a hurry to solve the case, which is why he resorted to torture. Please forgive any offense caused, Lord Bai."
Bai Yanzhang ignored him and looked up at the emperor, saying, "I had heard that the Southern Depot always entered vertically and left horizontally, but I didn't quite believe it. After visiting it myself, I realized that the rumors were true. No wonder the people call the Southern Depot the Hall of Yama. Torture is unacceptable. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider."
Xiao Qingyin: "..."
That guy really is an idiot.
Instead of complaining to the emperor and seeking sympathy after suffering such a serious injury, she tried to persuade the emperor to abolish the Southern Depot.
The emperor established the Southern Depot to strengthen his rule and centralize power; he would not abolish it simply because of a few words from him.
Moreover, if the Southern Depot is the Hall of Yama, then wouldn't the emperor be Yama, the King of Hell?
It would be strange if the emperor wasn't angry when he heard this.
As she expected, the emperor's face darkened as soon as Bai Yanzhang finished speaking.
He demanded sharply, "Does Vice Minister Bai know why he was summoned by the Southern Depot?"
Bai Shaoqing shook his head: "I do not know. After the Southern Depot's agents broke into my residence, tied me up, and took me to the Southern Depot, they removed my outer clothes, beat and whipped me, and only asked me if I knew my crime, but did not tell me what crime I had committed."
Upon hearing this, the emperor glared at Eunuch Wang.
"Is this the procedure for interrogation at the Southern Depot?"
Eunuch Wang calmly replied, "The servants are acting recklessly; I will certainly investigate this thoroughly later."
"Explain it to him."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eunuch Wang recounted Bai Yanzhang's alleged favoritism.
Bai Yanzhang said coldly, "I have only looked through the case files and have never met Qin. How could I know that she is Meng? Moreover, Meng immediately broke off the engagement when she saw that the Bai family was in trouble. I hate her too much to ask. How could I possibly harm others and destroy evidence to help her? If I had known it was her, I would not have accepted this case."
Eunuch Wang had anticipated his statement and retorted, "Just because Lord Bai didn't see her in prison doesn't mean he didn't know it was her. Otherwise, why didn't he mention her during the court hearing?"
Bai Yanzhang sneered: "When I handle cases, I only question the parties involved and never summon irrelevant people. The admiral can find out by asking around."
"Qin is a prime suspect in the murder, yet Lord Bai claims she is an innocent bystander? What is this if not favoritism?"
Bai Yanzhang recounted his reasoning and trial process to the emperor.
Finally, he said, "I did not use any torture or drugs. Pan and Wang confessed their crimes in the face of sufficient evidence. If they cannot be convicted even in this way, I do not know what use the law is."
Both sides have their own reasons.
The emperor was very troubled.
With such beautiful weather, he should be enjoying the flowers and music with his beloved concubines in the Imperial Garden, but instead he has to rack his brains over a mere murder case.
What bad luck!
So they acted swiftly and decisively.
"Bo Shaoqing and Wang Gonggong each have their own reasons, and I don't know which one to believe. Why don't you both compromise? Bo Shaoqing's case will not be pursued, and Pan Shi and Wang Zhirong will also be given leniency. They can be convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two or three years in prison."
"His Majesty--"
Bai Yanzhang was not convinced and wanted to argue further.
The emperor gestured for silence, then turned to Xiao Qingyin: "Miss Xiao, isn't my judgment fair enough?"
Xiao Qingyin smiled slightly: "It couldn't be fairer."
"You've all heard that," the Emperor said to Eunuch Wang and Bai Yanzhang. "Miss Xiao agrees with my decision. Stop arguing and step down."
The eunuch Wang said, "Your Majesty is wise," and respectfully withdrew.
Bai Yanzhang remained silent, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subject takes his leave."
Xiao Qingyin also left.
On the way out of the palace, she followed behind Bai Yanzhang, keeping a distance of two or three meters.
Although Bai Yanzhang was very tough, walking with his back straight despite his injuries, his pace visibly slowed down.
Seeing that he was about to collapse, Xiao Qingyin stepped forward and asked him, "Lord Bai, would you like to call someone?"
"No need."
Bai Yanzhang said expressionlessly.
"Thank you, Miss Xiao."
Xiao Qingyin realized that his "thank you" was a double entendre.
He was grateful for her concern and also for rescuing him from the South Factory.
This surprised her somewhat.
She thought this guy would be unhappy with her earlier attempt to smooth things over and would find fault with everything she did.
It doesn't seem so outdated.
Why were you so stubborn in front of the emperor just now?
Seemingly sensing her confusion, Bai Yanzhang said, "His Majesty not only likes sycophants, but also likes honest ministers."
Xiao Qingyin: "..."
It turns out she was just worrying about things that weren't her business.
They know perfectly well what's going on.
He just wanted to be a loyal minister.
No wonder he became the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review at such a young age.
She simply ignored him.
As they exited the palace gates and were about to look for the Marquis's carriage, a loud "bang" sounded beside them.
Turning his head, he saw Bai Yanzhang lying flat on the ground.
She immediately wanted to retract her previous statement.
It hurt so much I was about to faint, but I still forced myself to endure it. How incredibly stupid!
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