"I am here." The one-eared Zhang Chen, wrapped with gauze around his ear, was kneeling in the hall, bowing his head to the county magistrate above.
"What is your request?"
The county magistrate asked.
"I accuse Hunter Zhang Chen of murder, and I implore you, sir, to render justice for me." The impoverished scholar knelt on the ground, his voice full of indignation.
"Summon Hunter Zhang Chen to the court." The county magistrate ordered.
Soon after, Zhang Chen was brought to the hall by the constables, just like in the dramas, with dozens of constables standing on both sides. The county magistrate, looking to be in his forties, was sitting in the center of the hall, staring at Zhang Chen with a pale face and conspicuously dark circles under his eyes.
"Upon seeing the magistrate, why are you not kneeling?" A constable shouted.
Zhang Chen’s eyes swept over the county magistrate and the constables filling the hall, ultimately deciding it was wise not to suffer immediate losses, and knelt:
"Greetings, magistrate."
"Zhang Chen! You scoundrel, didn’t expect to face this day, did you!" The impoverished scholar’s eyes turned red upon seeing Zhang Chen, and he turned to the county magistrate, saying, "Sir, he is the one who plotted against me!"
"Defendant Zhang Chen, you are accused of murder. Do you plead guilty?" The county magistrate said.
"I am innocent, and I hope you will investigate thoroughly." Of course, Zhang Chen refused to admit guilt.
"There’s a witness present, yet you still dare deny?" The county magistrate gazed at Zhang Chen, rebuking him with an inscrutable expression, and pulled out a stick from the cylinder: "Bring in the fifty lashes, weaken his spirit before questioning."
In ancient times, the first court appearance often included a ceremonial beating, regardless of guilt, to subdue the accused.
Zhang Chen’s expression changed upon hearing this; fifty lashes would lead to severe injuries.
"Sir, I am not a criminal, and I am speaking the truth. Why do you punish me without investigating?" Zhang Chen was becoming anxious.
Who wants to be beaten without cause?
"Ha, still have the audacity to shout in court? Give him fifty more lashes!" The county magistrate sneered coldly, again pulling out a stick and throwing it on the ground.
"Corrupt official!" Zhang Chen cursed inwardly, helpless in his anger.
The scholar, however, was elated, bowing repeatedly: "Wise magistrate, enlightened magistrate! You are truly a just official."
The county magistrate sneered again, pulling out another stick and tossing it on the ground: "Give him a beating as well."
"What???" The scholar was stunned: "Sir, I am innocent, the plaintiff and victim; why punish me?"
"Ceremonial beating applies to all, irrespective of plaintiff or victim." The county magistrate said coldly: "Take him down and give him a beating!"
As he spoke, suddenly a constable rushed in from outside, whispering beside the county magistrate, "Sir, someone from Prince Pingbian’s Mansion is here! They said one of these two has connections with the mansion, and must not be punished lightly."
The county magistrate shivered upon hearing this, quickly commanding the constables: "Do not administer the punishment yet, temporarily detain them in the hall."
He then hurriedly stood up, swiftly walking out of the main hall to the front courtyard.
In the courtyard, a veiled lady was accompanied by ten or so armored warriors from Prince Pingbian’s Mansion, along with a steward in his forties, observing the courtroom surroundings.
"Subordinate Gou Chun, pays respect to the madam!" The county magistrate bowed deeply.
"County Magistrate Gou, we are here today to request a person from you. We have investigated the explosive case, and one involved is innocent; he is the brother of our lady here, would you..." The steward’s eyes were fixed on County Magistrate Gou, drawing out his words.
"Which of madam’s relatives is it? These two names sound similar, I’d ask madam to personally identify them in the side hall." The county magistrate said promptly.
He could not afford to offend Prince Pingbian. In this Northern Land, Prince Pingbian was absolute, his word was law.
"Madam, please proceed to the side hall for discreet identification." The steward addressed Zhang Xiaolan.
Zhang Xiaolan nodded and, led by the county magistrate, reached the side hall, secretly observing the scene in the main hall, her eyes settling on Zhang Chen:
"That young man with red lips and white teeth is my brother."
"Truly worthy of being madam’s brother, such youthful elegance and extraordinary demeanor, showing the traits of a noble young master. Please wait a moment, madam, I will bring Zhang Chen here." The county magistrate, full of flattery, replied.
Upon hearing this, the steward stopped the county magistrate: "No rush, I have another question for you. How’s the investigation of the explosion case going?"
"Hasn’t interrogated yet; Zhang Chen refuses to confess." The county magistrate said: "Firmly denies involvement."
"I heard someone from the Inspection and Supervision Department is getting involved too. You must quickly extract a confession and clarify the matter, or Prince Pingbian’s side will face difficulties." The steward said calmly.
The county magistrate’s expression turned cold upon hearing this: "I will use punishment immediately! Even if he’s made of stone, he will speak up."
"Alright, get on with it!" The steward waved.
The county magistrate took orders and left, entering the main hall, facing Zhang Chen: "Remove his shackles."
The constables hesitated at this command, but did not question it, promptly undoing Zhang Chen’s shackles.
"Come with me!" The county magistrate said to Zhang Chen, then instructed the adviser beside him: "Take him to the prison, ensure proper reception. I need the confession tonight."
The adviser’s expression turned stern upon hearing this: "Rest assured, sir!"
The adviser instructed the constables: "Bring him along with me."
The impoverished scholar Zhang Chen was bewildered; wasn’t he the plaintiff and victim? How was the accused treated to luxury while he faced imprisonment?
He wasn’t foolish, and immediately sensed something was amiss.