Chapter 1884: Subverting Xun Sheng's Understanding (Patreon)

Chapter 1884: Subverting Xun Sheng's Understanding

In truth, Shu Yu could have simply brought Zhou Tiedong to the yamen to lodge a complaint, and then had the constables bring Chen Bing over.

However, wasn't this what Lu Sanzhu had asked for? If she merely had him arrested, without getting her hands dirty, it would feel unsatisfying.

Moreover, she found the expression on Chen Bing's face, oscillating between hope, disappointment, and renewed hope, quite interesting.

Stepping forward, Shu Yu stood in front of Zhou Tiedong and addressed Qi Lie, "Sir, recently County Princess Wen'an assisted Sir Xia in handling a case. Coincidentally, while interrogating a person, it was revealed that this individual was a former constable from Chenggu County. In his confession of crimes, there is an accusation that he conspired with the merchant Chen Bing to assault and frame Zhou Tiedong, who was previously an assistant at the Chen family's grocery store."

A constable? Chen Bing's face turned pale. Was she referring to Constable Li?

Shu Yu continued, "Given the history of enmity between Chen Bing and my family, I paid special attention to his name. To prevent any amiss of justice, I interviewed Zhou Tiedong to inquire about the incident. Naturally, I trust Zhou Tiedong's words. However, due to the personal grudge between Chen Bing and me, making a unilateral decision would be inappropriate. That's why I suggested that Zhou Tiedong personally lodge a complaint. I believe that a public trial at the yamen will reveal the truth and ensure justice for both parties."

Qi Lie's lips twitched. A public trial at the yamen? Were they not interrogating in Chenggu County? Why did they have to run to Changjin Prefecture? Did they think he wasn't busy enough?

Although he was inwardly mocking, Qi Lie still nodded and agreed wholeheartedly, "County Princess Wen'an, you have a deep understanding of justice. This official will definitely handle this impartially."

After a round of official pleasantries, Qi Lie once again rapped his gavel on the judge's bench and continued with the trial, "Zhou Tiedong, tell us how Chen Bing framed you and why he did so."

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Qiu's face turned deathly pale outside the courtroom. She quickly grabbed Xun Sheng's arm and said, "Big Brother Xun, I'm feeling a bit unwell. Could you accompany me outside for a moment?"

Xun Sheng wanted to follow the case's development, but seeing Chen Qiu's complexion, he realized that she didn't look well. He decided to turn and accompany her outside to rest for a while.

However, just as he was about to turn away, Zhou Tiedong's loud voice reached his ears, "To understand this, we have to start with Chen Bing's daughter, Chen Qiu."

At the mention of Chen Qiu, Xun Sheng's steps halted momentarily, and then he was held back by his companion.

Subsequently, he listened to a series of revelations that turned his understanding upside down. Chen Qiu had taken a liking to Zhou Tiedong? Chen Qiu had ruined the reputation of a girl from a neighboring village because Zhou Tiedong had a fiancée, nearly driving the girl to suicide? And Chen Bing, in order to cover for Chen Qiu, had conspired with Constable Li to have Zhou Tiedong unjustly imprisoned?

Xun Sheng stared at Chen Qiu in shock, her breathing ragged as she shook her head, denying, "He's lying. I didn't..."

However, Xun Sheng wasn't a fool. Chen Bing's character and Chen Qiu's behavior forced him to admit that the gentle, kind, and diligent girl he had perceived was worlds apart from the person before him.

By this point, Qi Lie had already called for the appearance of Chen Qiu.

Chen Qiu was unable to leave, so she was brought into the courtroom. Yet, like Chen Bing, she continuously denied the accusations.

Qi Lie asked Zhou Tiedong if he had any evidence, and Zhou Tiedong produced a statement from his pocket.

"Sir, this is Constable Li's statement, which contains details of their interactions."