Chapter 1895: Final Verdict (Patreon)

Chapter 1895: Final Verdict

Pan Shi felt like she was about to faint. Imprisonment or corporal punishment? She couldn't accept either option.

On the other hand, eldest Master Pan remained composed, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He respectfully asked Qi Lie, "May I inquire, Lord Magistrate, if we choose to substitute caning for imprisonment, how many strokes would be given?"

Qi Lie's expression remained neutral. "For adultery, eighty strokes, regardless of gender."

In other words, not only Pan Shi but also the Pan family's steward, who was implicated by Pan Shi's confession, would receive the same punishment.

However, eighty strokes... For Pan Shi, an aging woman, this was akin to a death sentence. She wouldn't be able to endure it.

Pan Shi was frantic, grabbing eldest Master Pan's arm. "Big brother, save me, please, I don't want to go to jail, I can't bear the caning, I'll die."

eldest Master Pan closed his eyes briefly. What could he do to save her? He was just a small merchant, powerless and without connections. The only somewhat influential person he knew was his elder sister's husband, but he was a wealthy merchant from another city; what good could he do?

Wait, could this situation possibly be resolved with money?

eldest Master Pan surreptitiously glanced at Qi Lie and quickly lowered his head again.

No, even if money could be used, it would surely be a considerable sum. The Pan family might end up losing a significant portion of their assets.

Instead of that, it might be better to let his younger sister go to jail. Her situation had already become a public joke. At least if she went to jail, she could avoid further public scrutiny. If she stayed in the Pan family, her situation would only worsen.

eldest Master Pan shook his head. "This is the law of Dasu; what can I do?"

Pan Shi released her grip, sitting listlessly on the ground.

Qi Lie understood. "Pan Shi engaged in adultery with the Pan family's steward, bearing two children. According to the law of Dasu, she is sentenced to two years in prison, effective immediately."

Chen He and Chen Qiu were both in a daze, realizing that they were not only the children of servants but also the offspring of adultery.

Chen Qiu thought about how she hadn't even married yet, about her engagement to the scholar Xun Sheng that had almost been finalized. Unable to contain herself, she burst into tears and then turned to Chen He, hitting him. "Why did you have to confess? Why did you come forward to say it?"

Chen Bing suddenly burst into laughter, pointing at Chen He and scolding him for his deserved misfortune. Then he pointed at Pan Shi and sneered, "You were afraid that I'd be implicated and we'd get divorced, but now look, you're going to prison for two years. What's the difference between you and me now?"

Qi Lie raised an eyebrow. "There is still some difference between you and her."

Chen Bing froze; his eyes were still bloodshot. He heard Qi Lie say, "Alright, I haven't announced the final judgment yet. The defendant Chen Bing, who colluded with the constable Li and framed others for a major conspiracy, is sentenced to three thousand miles of exile."

Chen Bing's pupils dilated. What major conspiracy? What had the Lord Magistrate said just now? He hadn't done anything; he had just framed a young man. How could he be sentenced to three thousand miles of exile?

That was exile; how could he endure it?

"Lord Magistrate, I've been wronged, there must be some misunderstanding here. Please don't leave."

Qi Lie slapped the table and rose, leaving the courtroom.

The trial was over, and Chen Bing crawled forward. "Lord Magistrate, wait..."

No one waited for him. Two bailiffs grabbed Chen Bing, dragging him away.

However, after taking a few steps, they saw Shu Yu approach and immediately stopped. "Princess Wen'an."

"Yes, we'll have a word with him."

"Please, Princess." The bailiffs released Chen Bing's arms.