In front of the not-so-spacious county government hall, many melon-eating people who heard the news had gathered to watch. They crowded the fence and eagerly waited to see the rare excitement in Chuning County.
Then, local gentry arrived one after another. He sat on some chairs that had been arranged in front of the fence.
Among them, the two parties involved, the Ye Long family, are naturally indispensable.
This is Bai Yunbian's first court hearing since he took office. Naturally, fairness and impartiality must be fulfilled so that no one can find fault in the conviction.
Then two rows of government servants walked out of the squad room, holding water and fire sticks, and stood on both sides of the courtroom.
Bai Yunbian, who was wearing the uniform of a seventh-grade official, walked up to the high-hanging plaque, picked up the gavel tree and patted it gently, "Ascend to the throne!"
The government officials held sticks with both hands, tapped the ground, and chanted mighty words, instantly filling the majestic and solemn atmosphere.
The chief clerk of the county walked into the hall and shook out a piece of paper. "This is to say that Long Ziwang, a citizen of this county, was killed in Baihua Tower two days ago. The world is clear, and all evil will be eliminated in the blue sky. Everyone's eyes are on it, and the evil will not be tolerated." A public trial is now held in the hearts of the people, in order to comply with the entrustment of the emperor’s herdsmen, to calm people’s minds, to punish evil and eradicate evil, and to comfort the souls of the dead!”
The onlookers outside the fence clapped their hands and applauded, and the government officials in the hall also banged their sticks again, as if in response.
The head of the Ye family turned to look at the worried wife, reached out and held her hand, and squeezed it gently to show encouragement.
"Bring the suspect!"
In this era, there is no such thing as respecting suspects, but Bai Yunbian still used such words, hoping that Ye Hongluan could understand his considerate thoughts, and maybe there would be a turnaround.
Soon, shackled Ye Mingfeng was brought up.
Although there were indeed no scars or signs of torture on the body, the obvious malaise and haggardness still made Ye Mu's eyes turn red and she shed tears.
Bai Yunbian said in a deep voice: "Ye Mingfeng, someone accused you of murdering Long Ziwang after drinking in Baihua House. Can you plead guilty?"
Ye Mingfeng shook his head, "Your Excellency, I have a clear understanding. I have always had a close relationship with Brother Long, and I have never had any grudges. How could there be any reason to harm him!"
"Hmph!" Bai Yunbian was stunned, "Here comes someone! Bring witnesses!"
The first ones to be brought up were the guards Ye Mingfeng and Long Ziwang.
Both of them are members of the Cao Gang, and to be involved in such a big event for no reason at this moment, and to identify his son in front of the gang leader, isn't this a shame?
But the one who was killed was the third elder's beloved son. If he didn't tell the truth, the third elder would not let him go.
This was always a problem of death, which made the two men sweat profusely.
Fortunately, Bai Yunbian had already anticipated this and said, "You two don't need to identify anything. All you need to do is tell the truth about the situation that day. This is your duty, and no one will blame you for this."
The two of them breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and then began to tell.
"That day, my young master and Mr. Hu returned to Chuning County together and went to look for Mr. Long. Mr. Long was still taking a nap in the room because he drank some wine at noon, but my young master directly dragged him up. The two of them laughed and laughed. Then I went to Baihua Tower with Mr. Hu, and then each of them invited a girl to accompany them to drink and have fun together."
The onlookers at the door listened with great interest and wanted to interrupt and ask them how they had fun.
But obviously this is not the focus of today's court trial, so the guard continued: "Then Mr. Hu asked, I heard that there were frequent turmoils in the Caogang recently. What's going on? Then Mr. Long waved the girls away. They all drove us out and asked us to guard the door and not allow outsiders to enter."
Bai Yunbian asked: "When you come out, are you sure there are only three of them in the room?"
The guard nodded, "Confirmed! The villain was walking at the end and scanned the room. It was true that only the three of them came out. The door was also closed by the villain himself."
Bai Yunbian hummed, "Keep talking!"
The guard continued: "After about a cup of tea, Mr. Hu came out first. At that time, the villain also asked, Mr. Hu shook his head and said no, no, no, those two are too good at drinking, please drink again He's not going to be able to. Time flies. Don't wait too long. After saying that, he went upstairs."
As soon as these words came out, there was a burst of laughter among the people outside, and some people who were rich in associations felt a little excited.
Although Baiyunbian hadn't been there for several months, it wasn't like that. He still thought clearly and said, "While he was opening the door to leave, would anyone take the opportunity to sneak in?"
The guard of Mr. Long on the side shook his head and said: "No, the villain is also at the door. Anyone who comes in or out can be noticed by the villain. At that time, only Mr. Hu came out and no one went in. The villain quickly opened the door. It’s closed again.”
"So, at this time, only Ye Mingfeng and Long Ziwang are left in the room?"
"Yes."
"continue."
"Then, the villain stood guard outside the door, and there were bursts of laughter from time to time inside. Then about another time after burning incense, I heard the sound of something falling to the ground, so I asked through the door if there was anything there. But there was no response. So I pushed the door open and saw Mr. Long lying on the ground with a dagger stuck in his chest, while my Mr. Long was lying on the table and sleeping soundly with his eyes closed. "
"The people in Baihualou reacted very quickly. When they heard the noise, several guards immediately rushed over. They were dumbfounded when they saw this scene. They searched around the house and found no one else. Then the villain woke up my young master. When the young master saw this, he was so frightened that he sobered up. He quickly asked me to take him home first, so I took him back to the mansion. Your Excellency will know what happened next. "
Long Ziwang's guard on the side also followed suit: "At that time, there were indeed only two young masters in the room, Mr. Ye and my young master."
Baiyunbian also ordered people to call the seven Baihualou guards who were present that day. Their confessions were completely consistent with what these two people said. They also made it clear that after they entered, they blocked the door and checked the room thoroughly, but found nothing. An outsider.
Bai Yunbian was stunned, "Ye Mingfeng, you and Long Ziwang were the only two people in the room at that time. Do you still want to quibble?"
Ye Mingfeng said quickly: "Your Majesty, I was so drunk that I was unconscious. How could I kill Mr. Long?"
Bai Yunbian snorted coldly, "You and him are the only two people in the room. It's not you. Could it be that Long Ziwang committed suicide because he couldn't think about it?"
Ye Mingfeng couldn't help but cry out, "I really don't know! Brother Long and I had no grudges in the past and have no grudges in recent days. Why did we commit such a murderous act?"
"I won't shed tears until I see the coffin! Someone is coming! Bring Hu Fengxian!"
Bai Yunbian gave an order, and Mr. Hu, who was with Ye and Long, was also invited.
And his confession was completely consistent with the confession of the guard just now, which made Ye Mingfeng more suspicious.
Bai Yunbian looked at him, "I want to ask you something else. Where did you and the suspect go before arriving in Chuning County?"
Mr. Hu's expression changed and he glanced at Ye Mingfeng subconsciously.
Bai Yunbian gave a slap in the face, "Above the court, under the mirror, how dare you not resort to the truth!"
Mr. Hu could only say: "I and Brother Ye took a detour to Liujiazhuang in Chuning County."
"What are you going for?"
Mr. Hu hesitated and said, "I'm going to see a woman."
"Why?"
"Brother Ye wants to go find that woman and find out why she fell in love with Brother Long but rejected him."
As soon as these words came out, everyone outside the fence immediately became commotion. It turns out that there is such a story of love and hatred, so it makes sense!
Ye Mingfeng immediately said: "Sir, I just want to ask for clarification. I have no intention of hating Brother Long!"
Bai Yunbian snorted coldly, "Here comes someone, take that woman with you!"
Soon, a delicate girl was brought in by the yamen servant with a timid look on her face, and then knelt down in the lobby.
"Liu Yumei, a civilian girl, pays homage to your lord."
"Liu Yumei, I want to ask you, did Ye Mingfeng come to your home to look for you two days ago?"
Liu Yumei trembled, lowered her head and said nothing.
Bai Yunbian said in a deep voice: "Don't be nervous. The gentry from all over the county are gathered today. Just confess the truth and I will protect you! If anyone dares to take personal revenge, I will not be lenient!"
Liu Yumei then hesitated and said: "Young Master Ye did come to inquire about me that day, but I have already fallen in love with Mr. Long. He also promised to come to propose marriage in a few days. In order not to attract any gossip, the daughter of the people did not show up, but only after a few days. Instead of saying a few words to stop him from thinking about it, Mr. Ye was very angry at the time and even asked the daughter of the people if they would marry him if Mr. Long was no longer around."
Everyone was talking about it, it was very clear!
Ye Mingfeng quickly cried out: "Sir, I didn't mean that. I was saying, if there was no Brother Long, would she be willing to marry me? She didn't mean what she said!"
After speaking, he looked at Liu Yumei fiercely, "You vicious woman, why did you frame me like this!"
Liu Yumei was so frightened that she shrank back, and Bai Yunbian smacked the crowd, "How reckless! You are not allowed to act wild in court!"
Two government officials immediately walked out and stabbed him to the ground with water and fire sticks.
Ye Mingfeng couldn't escape, so she could only roar and twist in despair like a fish washed up on the shore.
Ye Hongluan looked at the tragic situation of her eldest brother and had an urge in her heart to rush forward and knock down all the government servants, then save him and walk away. However, this urge was firmly suppressed by reason. She knew that as long as she did this, , the Ye family is finished.
Or, at least, that was the end of her and his eldest brother's fate.
She couldn't help but think of that night two years ago. If it hadn't been for those things, maybe he wouldn't have embarked on this path of indulgence and dissoluteness. He should be a scholar with a bright future now, instead of the prisoner he is now.
She pursed her pretty lips and silently thought about the solution.
As for the rest of the people who have nothing to do with the Ye family, they all feel that the matter has been finalized at this moment. All they have to do is wait for Ye Mingfeng to be unable to bear it anymore and explain the specific story, because from any point of view, the murderer cannot be anyone else. .
They looked towards the white clouds, waiting for him to speak to bring the matter to a final conclusion, and to seal the fate of the young master of the Ye family.
Bai Yunbian looked at the noisy scene, and his eyes passed over the faces of the Ye family couple and Ye Hongluan. He was hesitating and hesitating because of the war between heaven and man in his heart.
"Master Bai!"
At this moment, a voice sounded. A middle-aged man stood up in the ranks of the gentry and raised his hands towards the white clouds. "Sir, the facts of this case are clear. Please pronounce the verdict quickly to clear the innocent people's names." .”
Bai Yunbian frowned, "Who are you?"
The man cupped his hands and said, "I'm Hu Dingming from the Hu family."
Hu Dingming? Who?
Bai Yunbian wanted to blurt out like this, but fortunately his current identity stopped his reckless behavior. The chief clerk on the side quickly explained, letting him know that this man was the younger brother of the current head of the Hu family, the leader of the dragon, who was also the Hu family. The nominal second-in-command, the cousin of Mr. Hu in the hall.
Hu Dingming added: "Master Bai's talent and reputation are very prominent in the world. We all know that I have already had a clear understanding of the inside story of this case. What matters is that it is very involved. But the world is clear and the sky is clear. There will always be justice." Reason, power and reputation are all in vain. I, the Hu family, are willing to have a fair heart and help you make a fair judgment. If anyone wants to take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble, the Hu family is also willing to help you."
After speaking, Hu Ding said clearly: "Your Majesty, please pronounce the verdict!"
Several more people in the crowd stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty, please pronounce the sentence!"
Many of the onlookers who did not know the truth shouted, "The verdict is pronounced! The verdict is pronounced!"
Seeing this scene, Bai Yunbian went through it again in his mind and found that there was indeed no omission. He took a deep breath, picked up the gavel and patted it, and then heard a familiar shout from the quiet crowd, " Wait!"
Everyone turned and looked back, only to see a man with a mustache standing in front of the fence, saying loudly: "There is something fishy about this matter, Master Bai cannot pronounce judgment!"
Ye Hongluan looked at this person and recalled his surprising glimpse at Baihua Tower yesterday. Was it him?
The county magistrate immediately scolded: "Where does this country man come from? He dares to roar in the court and disrupt the order of the court! Come on, give him a beating with a stick!"
The crowd around the man immediately moved to the side, leaving a circle. Only the man and the guard beside him stood alone.
Just when the government officials were about to make a move, a voice from Bai Yun's side sounded coldly, "Xian Cheng Liu, who has the final say in the court, you or me?"
The county magistrate was stunned and quickly confessed.
Bai Yunbian looked at Xia Jingyun, feeling a surge of pleasure in his heart, "Wuna man, come in now. If you have anything to say, tell him in court."
The officer then opened the fence and let Xia Jingyun and Chen Fugui in.
Bai Yunbian said: "Why don't you two kneel down when you see me?"
Xia Jingyun's eyes widened, and Bai Yunbian coughed in embarrassment, "That's all. We don't stick to trivial matters in court, so you can speak first."
Xia Jingyun said: "I dare to ask, Sir, Mr. Long has only one wound on his body, and it is a penetrating wound on the front of his chest. As far as I know, Mr. Long has some martial arts skills, but Mr. Ye is a weakling. How could he, a scholar, kill Mr. Long with a single blow from the front before he was drunk, without being hit by any counterattacks? Moreover, Mr. Ye could go straight into the room and drag Mr. Long up while he was still resting. You're not angry yet, it shows that the two of you have a good relationship, so what's your motive for doing such evil things?"
Hu Dingming sneered, "This is not simple. The two of them usually have a very good relationship. Long Xian's nephew was not prepared before he was fatally struck. This proves that this person has evil intentions and is extremely insidious."
Ye Wenhe finally couldn't help but patted the chair and stood up, "Hu Dingming, the Ye and Hu families have never had any grudges. You keep slandering my son here and want to put him to death. What do you want!"
Although Ye Wenhe has never been a violent and majestic person, the outbreak of real anger and the illustrious reputation of the Cao Gang still made many people frightened. However, Hu Dingming did not panic at all and smiled lightly, "This is what Gang Leader Ye said What are you saying? I'm just standing on the side of justice, and my nephew is also involved in this matter. If I don't explain the situation, won't my Hu family suffer unjust injustice? Besides, the situation at that time was very clear, wasn't it? Who else could your son kill?"
Ye Wenhe's chest heaved with anger, but he couldn't say anything to refute.
But at this moment, Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "That's a good question."
Everyone looked at him in confusion, thinking, "Who are you from?"
Only Bai Yunbian silently sighed in his heart, this bitch is about to show off again.
Xia Jingyun said: "The biggest problem with this case is that it was a secret room at the time and there were no other people around. Therefore, Mr. Ye could only be identified as the murderer, even if he did not have the ability to kill Mr. Long in person, and even if he had no motive to kill Mr. Long. , even if no one finds any other physical evidence that he killed Mr. Long, and even if there are so many unreasonable things, we can only conclude that Mr. Ye is the murderer, right?"
He looked at Hu Dingming and smiled slightly provocatively.
Hu Dingming panicked for no reason, and immediately snorted, "So what?"
Xia Jingyun turned around and looked at the white clouds, "Sir, can you ask a few government servants to cooperate with me in conducting a small experiment?"
The county magistrate just wanted to scold him for being ridiculous, but then he thought of Bai Yunbian's words just now, and hesitantly turned his head and glanced, and sure enough, Bai Yunbian nodded directly, "Yes!"
Then he ordered a few government officials and asked them to take orders from Xia Jingyun for the time being.
This trust made many people look at each other in confusion. Looking at this handsome man, they wondered what kind of relationship he had with the county magistrate.
Xia Jingyun did not delay, and directly called several people over, giving a few instructions one by one. Then he looked at Long Zhengqing first, and pointed to the empty squad room next to him, "Elder Long, you are the person least likely to give false testimony here. , Could you please come and take a look, is there any problem here?"
Long Zhengqing was confused, but since Bai Yunbian agreed, he also wanted to find out the real culprit, so he stood up and walked over, taking a quick look.
The class room only has a hardwood bed, two cabinets, a table and a few benches, and some things hanging on the wall, which are clearly visible at a glance.
He said coldly: "No problem."
"Elder Long, please take a seat." Xia Jingyun nodded, then called all the government officials into the squad room, closed the door, and said loudly: "Next, you will use this place as the room where the incident occurred that day, and demonstrate it to everyone. The process of catching a murderer.”
After saying that, he asked everyone to go out, wait by the door, then walked at the end and closed the door with his own hands.
Then he nodded to Chen Fugui, who shouted, "No, Mr. Long has been killed!"
A group of government officials immediately kicked open the door and rushed in.
"Not under the bed!"
"It's not in the cabinet!"
"Not in the rafters!"
Everyone was in a panic in the squad room, but still failed and all evacuated.
The county magistrate sneered, "I thought you were serious and had some high opinions! What does this prove?"
Xia Jingyun glanced at him with disdain and looked at one of the government officials, "Tell me about it."
The man took a step forward and said, "This dear friend just now told me to hide under the bed secretly while we were all going in and not come out. Then when everyone rushed in, he pretended to check under the bed. , shouted that there was no one under the bed, and followed the crowd to get out. I did so. In fact, the movement was quite loud, but no one seemed to pay attention. "
Everyone was stunned for a moment after hearing this. They were all looking at it curiously. These people were all wearing the same clothes, but they really didn't notice this!
Xia Jingyun looked at the other two people and said, "You two talk."
"The order we received just now is to go to the bed as soon as we enter the house, cover the people hiding under the bed when they come out, and not to disturb others."
Everyone finally reacted when they heard this.
Ye Hongluan stood up immediately, "I have personally visited the room in Baihua Building. It is bigger than this class room. There is a bed behind the screen wall to hide people. This method can be used. Therefore, there may not be only one in the room that day. I’m the only eldest brother!”
Xia Jingyun said: "The two guards just said that the guards from Baihualou came very quickly that day, as if they had been prepared for a long time, which makes people have to doubt the truth."
Everyone couldn't help but nod. This iron-clad fact is here. So many of them couldn't see the flaw, which shows that it is completely feasible. So because Mr. Ye was the only one present when the incident happened, he was removed. The logic of conviction just doesn’t make sense!
So Mr. Ye is innocent?
No wonder he keeps saying he is not guilty!
Hu Dingming snorted coldly, "Who knows if you bribed these government officials and deliberately gave false evidence."
Xia Jingyun smiled, "I am a foreigner, how can I bribe so many government officials?"
Hu Dingming said calmly: "You can't do it, but there are people who can!"
Everyone's eyes became hesitant again and looked at Ye Wenhe.
This is true, it is entirely possible that Caobang arranged this scene in advance to exonerate his son!
It's impossible for such a powerful force to really watch his son being convicted of murder, right?
Xia Jingyun smiled faintly, "This member Hu is so unreasonable, is he going to change his mind to murder?"
Hu Dingming calmly said: "It's just that you are too suspicious. Since you have this method, why didn't you offer it earlier and have to say it now? You are a man of unknown origin, but you can make Lord Bai trust you so much. Who among us would believe that you didn't discuss it in advance? Do you really think we suspect you are hiding your thoughts and putting on this show to exonerate some people?"
"So, you suspect that I was bribed by the Cao Gang and Master Bai to cooperate with them in this drama?"
Hu Dingming said calmly: "What? Is it impossible?"
"You're talking nonsense, but it's not all wrong." People who harbor evil intentions!"
His tone suddenly turned cold, "If we don't set up a good stage, how can you people be willing to jump out, and how can I and Master Bai catch you all in one go!"
My officer?
Everyone was stunned. Is this man still an official?
But Hu Dingming thought of a possibility almost instantly. His eyes swept over Xia Jingyun's handsome face, and his body trembled involuntarily.
Ye Wenhe also thought of a possibility, with uncontrollable joy on his face.
Bai Yunbian snorted in his heart, he was quite sensible and knew to make a note of this for me.
Looking at the surprised and uncertain people, Xia Jingyun slowly tore off the beard on his mouth and took out a shiny golden sign from his arms, "I am the general council doctor, the imperial censor of the palace, the doctor of the household department and warehouse department, the emperor. Order the imperial envoy, Xia Jingyun!"
Everyone looked up and saw four clear words engraved on it: I am here in person.
Amidst the panic of tables and chairs knocking down, everyone in the venue knelt on the ground and shouted, "Long live my emperor!"
As he lifted up his robe and knelt down, Bai Yunbian lowered his head and cursed in his heart: Damn it, he got it again!
Thanks to boss [Lonely Shell] for the five thousand reward.
(End of chapter)
