Inside the Dawuguan government office, Prefect Wu, who was drinking tea in the back hall and waiting for his men to bring the person in for trial, did not feel that Zhao Guangtai's son was causing him any trouble.
After the incident on the eve of the Lunar New Year failed, Prefect Wu was tense and uneasy for several days, his heart filled with worry that Lin Ansheng would seek revenge.
However, the military camp didn't react at all, and because of this, Prefect Wu couldn't have a peaceful New Year.
The daughter, Jinyao, was so frightened that she had nightmares every night. There was no other way but to send her to her maternal grandmother's house, which was more than 100 miles away.
In the past few days, the advisor has been helping to analyze the situation, saying that Lin Ansheng has not made any moves in the military camp, perhaps because he doesn't want to make a big fuss.
Although Lin Ansheng's official rank is one rank higher than that of the prefect, he has been stationed on the border between the two countries for many years. It would be better for the military officers and the local civil officials to get along well. If the relationship is strained, many things will be inconvenient in the local area.
After listening to what the advisor said, Prefect Wu felt that it made some sense, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that the advisor was right.
Otherwise, how could Lin Ansheng, who held a higher official position than him, have tolerated such a loss and let it go?
The thought of having to turn down many invitations during the New Year because he was preoccupied with his own worries and also worried that Lin Ansheng would find fault with him made him reluctant to attend social events. Prefect Wu felt a pang of heartache.
Those minor officials and clerks in the neighborhood, as well as those who run restaurants, pawnshops, money exchanges, and silver shops, weren't really there to pay New Year's visits; they were just looking for an excuse to send gifts.
Inside that seemingly ordinary and simple pastry box were heavy, white and yellow objects.
Now that Zhao Guangtai's son from Baishi Town has come seeking help, we naturally have to help him out. This favor will definitely not be done for nothing; that old rascal Zhao Guangtai is a very sensible person.
By helping his son with this matter, not only will he receive a considerable sum of money, but Zhao Guangtai will also be more attentive to his future endeavors.
"Didn't you say you were going to capture a young lady? Why haven't you returned yet?" Prefect Wu asked, sipping his tea, which had already been steeped three times.
Just as the clerk was about to suggest sending someone out to check, a constable came running over and said that the person had been brought back.
Prefect Wu and his clerk then walked towards the main hall. As soon as they entered, they sensed that something was wrong. After sitting down, they looked up and were startled to see so many onlookers at the entrance of the government office.
"Your Honor, the prisoner has been brought here," the head constable reported.
Prefect Wu looked at the man in front of him and was a little annoyed. "He has served by my side for many years. How can he not see things clearly?"
Is a case like this appropriate to be tried in front of such a large audience? Are you trying to get me removed from office?
The head constable felt his superior's hellish gaze and was terrified, but he could only grit his teeth and bear it.
What else could I do but explain to my parents? It wasn't that I wanted things to turn out this way; it's just that this young lady is too good at instigating things.
The head constable bowed his head and stepped aside, still comforting himself, "Don't worry, what's meant to be will be!"
My lord, you are truly capable and skilled. Today, I will see how you handle this sharp-tongued young lady who is not afraid of the officials at all.
"This humble subject, Zhao Yongze, greets Your Excellency the Prefect. I apologize for disturbing you during the New Year." Zhao Yongze spoke as if he did not know Prefect Wu and had never met him before.
"Well, since you are the plaintiff, begin your statement." Prefect Wu was quite pleased and satisfied to see that Zhao Guangtai's son, despite his bad reputation, was not an idiot in this situation.
Zhao Guangze then recounted the events in a way that suited his position.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, this is what happened. Several of my servants had their right hands crippled by her, leaving them disabled and unable to work or earn a living."
After the incident, I have been searching for this wretched woman, but to no avail. Today, by a stroke of luck, I encountered her on the street and immediately sent someone to report to the authorities. I implore Your Excellency to do justice for me and for my poor servants.” Zhao Yongze spoke with great emotion, and after finishing his words, he lifted his robe and knelt on the ground.
Hong Xiaoduo, who was watching from the side, got goosebumps all over. She hadn't realized before that this playboy was actually such a drama queen.
After entering the government office, she kept observing it and found that it was similar to the ones she had seen in the ancient city's tourist attractions before.
Hanging directly above was a plaque that read "A Clear Mirror Hangs High." The man in official robes and a hat, though not exactly handsome and rather decent-looking, was clearly a corrupt official.
She then looked at the expressionless constables on both sides of the hall, who were holding paddles like oars, and imagined when they would shout "Majesty!" and the scene of them hitting people with the paddles in their hands, just like in TV shows and movies.
When Prefect Wu entered, he looked at the defendant as if she were not a criminal, but rather someone strolling in a garden.
What bothered him most was the way this young woman had looked at him just now, with a sneer mixed with contempt.
Having served as an official for many years, Prefect Wu had seen all sorts of defendants, but he had never seen one like this before. Did she not know what a defendant represented?
He slammed the gavel on the table: "Defendant, do you agree with what the plaintiff said?"
Hong Xiaoduo was looking at the carvings on the main beam when she heard this and turned to look at him: "He's distorting the truth. Why should I believe him? I'm not stupid."
This was the first time in his life that the defendant had dared to challenge him. He slammed the gavel again, pointed at Hong Xiaoduo, and scolded, "You audacious woman, how dare you disrespect the court and this official? Didn't your parents tell you to kneel and answer my questions?"
Hong Xiaoduo rubbed her ear with her fingers: "Let's talk this out. Why are you getting so angry? Judging from your age, you must have been an official for many years. Can you manage with such a volatile temper?"
Didn't your parents tell you that an official must be calm and composed? Did they think your official hat was won by shouting or banging the gavel?
"You, you wretched woman! Guards, drag this woman away and give her twenty strokes of the cane!" Prefect Wu was so angry that his blood boiled.
Yao Guang, standing at the door, whispered to Tian Shu, "Big brother, if they all attack together, can Mother win? Should we go up and help Mother?"
Tian Shu said in a low voice, "Don't worry, even if they all attack together, they won't be a match for her. Not all the constables and police officers in the yamen are good at kung fu; most of them don't even know kung fu."
Yao Guang nodded in relief, but also felt a little regretful. She had been learning the skills for so many days, hoping to use them today, but it seemed that she would not have the chance again!
Quan Jinghuai kept his eyes on the main hall, but his ears didn't miss the conversation between the two disciples.
The eldest disciple, Tian Shu, analyzed the situation calmly and correctly; he was very intelligent!
The youngest disciple, so cute and adorable, had only been learning kung fu for a few days, mostly just squatting in a horse stance and throwing punches, yet he was already thinking about helping her.
And that woman in the lobby, she's a mother of seven, yet she doesn't seem to think about how to avoid trouble and risks when she's out in the world...
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