Inside the procuratorate, they really don't want Zhang Fei to appeal this case. Their idea is very simple. The adultery aspect of this case is an indisputable and iron-clad fact.
Then the judgment of the Xiangfu County Imperial Court cannot be overstated. Unless you can overturn this, otherwise, if you continue to appeal, the political risks you will bring are not proportional to the judicial justice you will get.
Not to mention, you still have the possibility of losing.
However, the Procuratorate has its own rules and regulations, that is, when a subordinate presents strong evidence, the superior is not allowed to obstruct it, otherwise it will be a violation of the system. This is similar to the Yushitai, the difference is that the Procuratorate must provide evidence.
Zhang Fei's reason is very simple, that is, he did not abide by the principle of arresting an adulterer after his husband. This doubt is enough to file an appeal.
After all, Qi Hui is not like him. He still holds the power of precedent. He cannot create principles or explain principles.
Xu Zun approved it directly.
According to the procedure, the prosecutor must then go to the Royal Court to formally appeal.
This is Zhang Fei's return to the imperial court in the capital after three years of absence.
"Sanlang!"
As soon as Zhang Fei arrived at the imperial court, he saw someone coming out excitedly.
Officially the old acquaintance Lu Jia asked.
"Chief Lu!"
Zhang Fei bowed his hands and said with a smile: "I haven't seen you for a few years. I hope you are well."
Lu Jiawen said with an excited expression: "I have been waiting for you, Zhang Sanlang."
Zhang Fei was stunned, "Does President Lu really want me to come?"
Lu Jiawen nodded and said: "Of course I hope that Sanlang knows something. After you left the capital, the imperial court became boring. At that time, I wanted to go to Hezhong Mansion to find you."
Zhang Fei was confused and said: "I don't quite understand."
"Come on, let's go up to the house and talk."
Lu Jiawen invited Zhang Fei to his office, and then spat at Zhang Fei, saying that the Beijing Public Security Bureau was extremely boring.
Although the system of public security, procuratorate, and law has not been affected, it has not brought about the changes it should have.
The reason is that human nature is so sophisticated.
To put it simply, when there is a conflict between the people and the officials, everyone is still unwilling to come to the imperial court for litigation and suffer these troubles, and people around him will stop him.
If you don't come to litigate, it will be difficult for the imperial court to intervene.
In the past three years, the most cases handled by the imperial court in the capital were civil lawsuits between businessmen. Therefore, business in the capital has become very prosperous, but unlike when Zhang Fei was here, the cases were very exciting and involved people across classes. Fight.
After all, Lu Jiawen was very young, so he thought this was boring and not much different from before.
This is precisely what Fu Bi is worried about. The current public security system in the capital is only on the surface, but has not subsided.
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Then it seems that I came at the right time today."
Lu Jiawen blinked and said, "The adultery case in Liuyun Temple."
Zhang Fei was stunned, "You know?"
Lu Jia asked: "Although I am not old, I am the most senior person in the public prosecutor's office and the police department. I know people in both the procuratorate and the police station. How can I not know this?"
As he spoke, he said cheerfully: "Although this case is not big, if Saburo appeals, it will definitely trigger a great heated discussion. Our public prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have not been so lively in a long time."
Zhang Fei just smiled and handed the appeal to Lu Jiawen.
Lu Jiawen hurriedly took it and opened it, "Oh, didn't Sanlang appeal on behalf of Liu Qing?"
Zhang Fei said: "This reason was put forward by Liu Qing, and our Procuratorate deeply agrees with it. However, Liu Qing's interest is to rescue his wife, and our Procuratorate cares more about the verdict and has not arrested the adulterer." Proper reasons were given. So, after weighing it up, we decided to appeal against this judgment.”
Lu Jiawen smiled and said: "It seems that Sanlang still has some concerns."
Zhang Fei said: "It's not that I have any scruples, but because I am a prosecutor now, not an Erbi, so I can do whatever I want."
"That's true."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Then do you want the court to start earlier or later?"
Zhang Fei said: "Let the trial begin as soon as possible. I don't care, but I don't want the procuratorate to be under pressure for too long."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Okay! I'll arrange a court date as soon as possible."
"Thank you."
Three days!
Lu Jiawen directly confirmed that the court would be held in three days.
Because this case itself was only a small one, but it had a great influence among the people and scholars, and it became a bit sensitive. The imperial court opened the case quickly, so there was no problem.
But it has to be said that Zhang Fei's first appeal on behalf of the Procuratorate came earlier than everyone imagined.
After all, they all believe that Zhang Fei is not what he used to be. He is no longer the Xiao Erbi he was before. He should be more mature and steady. Who knows, but he is still the same as before.
And this guy is truly a professional and knows how to litigate.
This case seems ordinary, just an ordinary case of adultery, but because this case seriously involves etiquette and law, and at the same time many scholar-officials criticized the matter, its nature has completely changed.
Zhang Fei appealed the case. In the eyes of others, this was another challenge to etiquette.
Just as Qi Ji, Xu Lingxiao and the others expected, as soon as the news came out, the situation immediately exploded.
Trial Court.
Officials Meng Qiansheng and Zhao Wenzheng were standing in the courtyard, basking in the sun and chatting.
"How weird? That case has nothing to do with Zhang San, and even the Legislative Council has not questioned it. Why should he appeal? Regardless of success or failure, he will offend many people."
Xie Yun's scalp was almost scratched and he couldn't understand.
What's the point?
Pei Wen said with a smile: "It is precisely because everyone agrees with the verdict that he wants to appeal. He just wants to get an advantage over others, as if he is the only one in the world who knows the law."
Xie Yun shook his head and said: "Although he is young and frivolous, he is just seeking his own death! Uncle Ouyang Hui didn't like it back then, so he had to say a few words. What was the result? His status is far inferior to Ouyang Uncle Hui."
"That's fine!"
Zhao Wenzheng laughed and said: "It's a shame that we are still thinking about how to deal with this kid. In fact, we don't need to worry about it at all. He can send himself in by himself!"
Meng Qiansheng said: "Zhao Zongzheng is right. If he keeps playing like this, something will happen sooner or later. Let's just wait and see the good show."
Political Hall!
"He is just trying to be new and different and try to please the public. He is even worse than Xu Zhongtu!"
Wen Yanbo asked Sima Guang again: "Jun Shi, why didn't you stop him?"
"Why didn't I stop it! It's just..."
Sima Guang glanced slightly at Fu Bi, who was sitting there reviewing the case files.
Wen Yanbo said: "Fu Gong, do you support him doing this?"
Fu Bi raised his head, shook his head and said, "I didn't support him, but I have no right to object to what he did. That's a matter for their procuratorate, as long as it complies with the rules."
Wen Yanbo stroked his beard, nodded and said, "That's it."
At noon, it’s time for the office to be released.
"Thank you all for your help these days. I'm going to treat you to a restaurant and have a good meal today."
Zhang Fei said to Qi Ji and Wang Gong.
The two looked at each other, and Wang Gong waved his hands and said: "No! No! If this lawsuit is not over, if we go out with you, I'm afraid we will become alone soon!"
Qi Ji nodded.
Who dares to go out with you at this time?
Zhang Fei smiled helplessly and said, "Okay, I'll just find a restaurant to eat."
"you first."
"As for it?"
They both nodded at the same time.
"All right!"
As soon as Zhang Fei left the procuratorate, he heard someone shouting.
"Brat!"
"Scholar Wang?"
Zhang Fei looked back and saw Wang Anshi walking angrily.
"Are you too idle?"
"No!"
"No! Why are you trying to get involved in that lawsuit?"
After saying that, Wang Anshi lowered his voice and said: "Jingdong East Road is still in chaos now, you are still in the mood to deal with it."
Zhang Fei burst into laughter upon hearing this.
Wang Anshi frowned and said, "Why are you laughing?"
"Sorry! Sorry! Ahem!" Zhang Fei suppressed a smile and said: "Just because on this point, the views and tone of Bachelor Wang and Bachelor Sima are surprisingly consistent. This is the first time I have met, so.."
"Really?"
Wang Anshi's expression changed and he immediately defended: "It's not that I'm the same as that old man, but most people can't understand why you did this."
Zhang Fei said: "As far as justice is concerned, my appeal is completely in compliance with the regulations. The imperial court also accepted my appeal. This is enough. As for other people's opinions, it will not affect our procuratorate."
Wang Anshi pondered for a while and said: "So you want to say goodbye to others. The procuratorate will only act in accordance with the rules and will not be influenced by others."
Zhang Fei nodded: "That's right. This is crucial to the Procuratorate."
Wang Anshi smiled and nodded: "I see. Yes, this is indeed important. I support you."
Zhang Fei said in surprise: "Senior Sima has always disapproved of it."
Wang Anshi snorted: "Can that old stubborn donkey be as enlightened as me? Haha!"
"???"
Imperial Court.
"Why do you accept Zhang San's appeal?"
Mr. Lu looked directly at Lu Jia with murderous eyes and asked.
Lu Jia asked and said: "Grandpa, this is a matter of our imperial court. It is not convenient for my grandson to talk about it."
Lu Gong said: "Don't do this to me. The convict's husband also appealed in Xiangfu County, but they were all rejected. How did it happen to you? Don't let Zhang San fool you." .”
Lu Jiawen was immediately dissatisfied and said: "Although Zhang San is powerful, his grandson is not bad either. How could he be fooled by him? After careful review by his grandson, his appeal is in compliance with the law, because the procuratorate is not accusing Liu Qin of committing adultery." , but accuses Xiangfu County of not following the principle of arresting an adulterer after his husband, which is a fact and also the responsibility of the procuratorate."
Lu Gong wrote: "It is in line with the law, but not necessarily in line with etiquette!"
Lu Jia asked: "Grandpa, don't you understand the public prosecutor's law? If he succeeds in his appeal, it does not mean that I will win the case. We will have to see what he says in court. But for now, there is no problem with the appeal. I There is no reason to dismiss his appeal."
While the grandfather and grandson were chatting, the president of the court, Zhao Bian, suddenly came here.
"The lower official has met the Chief Justice."
"Um."
Zhao Pian suddenly looked at Lu Gongzhu and said, "Prime Minister Ji is here too."
Lu Gongzhu nodded.
Zhao Pian probably guessed something, so he asked Lu Jia again: "I heard that the Procuratorate has filed an appeal against the adultery case at Liuyun Temple in Xiangfu County."
Lu Jiawen nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhao Pian said: "Bring his complaint."
"yes."
Lu Jiawen immediately took the complaint to Zhao Bian.
Zhao Pian looked at it carefully.
Lu Gongzhu asked in a low voice: "Mr. Zhao, is there really no problem with this complaint?"
Zhao Pian glanced at him and said, "Don't Prime Minister Ji know that kid? Since he dared to hand it over, he must be fully confident. He did not file an appeal on the case itself, but on the verdict of Xiangfu County, the Imperial Court Nor can we ignore the law.”
Zhang Fei did not raise any questions about the process of the case. He just pointed out that the principle of arresting an adulterer after his husband was really hard to refute. Although the Xiangfu County Imperial Court gave a detailed explanation, it was not that this principle was not followed. , as long as it is, the procuratorate can intervene and file an appeal. The procuratorate must defend the law.
Lu Jia asked: "Grandpa, did my grandson lie to you?"
Lu Gongzhu immediately glared at him.
Zhao Pian suddenly said: "However, this case will be heard by the president of the court himself."
Lu Jia asked and was immediately dumbfounded, "Why?"
Zhao Pian glanced at him and said, "Because this matter has already been brought to the Political Hall, many people think that you are too junior to hear the case, so they ask the president of this court to come and try it in person."
Lu Jiawen said excitedly: "President, this is not a big case."
Lu Gong said: "You bastard! How dare you disobey the chief judge."
"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter! It's a plan to appease the prime minister!" Zhao Bian explained to Lu Jiawen again: "Although this is not a big case, it has a great impact."
Lu Jiawen suddenly became depressed.
Originally, this matter had caused such a big fuss, and he planned to take advantage of it. He enjoyed this moment very much, but he never thought that this last step would be intercepted by Zhao Bian.
this.!
But there was no way. This immediately alarmed all the prime ministers in the dynasty, and this was not a storm that a few ministers could stir up. A certain group must have gone crazy.
This group is of course the scholar-bureaucrat class.
They actually asked Zhao Bian to directly reject Zhang Fei's appeal, but Zhao Bian was even more selfless. When he saw the complaint, there was no problem and he did not really reject Zhang Fei's appeal.
Having said that, in fact, those scholar-bureaucrats really don't want to find Zhao Bian, just because Xu Zhongtu is even more weird. Now the only person who can reject Zhang Fei's appeal is Zhao Bian, the chief judge.
But they also knew that Zhao Pian might not reject Zhang Fei's appeal. However, Zhao Pian tried the case personally, which also made many scholar-bureaucrats very relieved. Although Zhao Pian was selfless, he also paid great attention to etiquette. Unlike Lu Jia who asked that boy, look. It's unreliable.
Moreover, Zhao Pian did not change the court date because the complaint was too simple. It was just one sentence and did not require retrial. The court date came before the matter was fully fermented.
Although the president of the court presided over the trial, the trial was still arranged to be held in the Bianjing Imperial Court because the actual highest imperial court was in Dali Temple.
Zhao Pian has now left Jian Yuan and took a post in Dali Temple.
The case itself was very ordinary, but if it was tried in Dali Temple, it would be a bit substandard.
The location of today's trial is the one renovated by the former Secretary of Records. The reason why it was chosen here actually has something to do with Zhang Fei, because Zhang Fei changed the imperial court into an open one in Hezhong Mansion, and in the capital, it best meets this standard. Yes, it's the Si Lu Division. It used to be a school ground, not a closed one.
When Zhang Fei arrived here in a carriage, the place was already surrounded by water.
First of all, the literati are very concerned about this case, and they will definitely come to watch it.
Secondly, this kind of adultery case itself has strong news value, and people love gossip.
Finally, because of Zhang Fei's fame in Bianjing, the citizens love to watch Zhang Fei fight in lawsuits and have been looking forward to it.
When Zhang Fei came out of the carriage, many people immediately shouted: "Zhang Darer's pen!"
"Daer pen!"
"The pen of Dar will surely win."
Fans are still passionate.
Zhang Fei also smiled and nodded.
"Zhang Darbi, why didn't you wear your battle robe today?"
"Because I am not an Erbi now, but a prosecutor."
"Zhang Daerbi, why didn't Lawyer Xu come? Aren't you two inseparable?"
"Lawyer Xu is pregnant now, so it's not convenient to come."
"Ouch! Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"Thank you!"
After chatting casually with the neighbors, Zhang Fei entered the imperial court.
Although Xu Zhiqian did not come today, the Procuratorate sent its strongest team, a total of five people, to assist Zhang Fei in the lawsuit, including Qi Ji and Wang Gong. Xu Zun's intention was also very simple, which was to let him absorb more practical experience.
Arriving at the procuratorate's lounge, Zhang Fei said to Wang Gong: "Wang Governor, I just received some evidence. We may need to add another lawsuit."
Wang Gong asked in astonishment: "What?"
Zhang Fei said: "We accuse Monk Miaokong of committing the crime of testifying against love."
It is a crime of perjury to prove otherwise.
"ah?"
Wang Gong and others were caught off guard. The court was about to begin, and you were about to change again. This!
You will be scolded to death!
The courtyard was also crowded with guests, and Sima Guang, Wang Anshi, and Wen Yanbo were all present.
"Xiye, are you going to appear in court to testify today?"
Wen Yanbo asked Qi Huidi, who had just returned.
Qi Hui shook his head and said: "The procuratorate didn't notify me, so it should be unnecessary."
Sima Guang asked again: "You have tried this case. Do you think Zhang San can succeed in his appeal?"
Qi Hui said angrily: "It's not like Mr. Qi has a small belly. If I have wronged someone, I will be willing to admit punishment. But if he talks about things based on this principle, then I will not accept it. I have not followed this principle, but I have to Looking at the situation at that time, I gave a detailed explanation. He himself created so many principles and explanations in Hezhong Mansion, why didn't he explain it again."
Speaking of this, he was really angry.
Sima Guang quickly comforted him: "Don't worry, if he can't give enough reasons and just talks about this principle, then we won't agree."
Lu Gongzhu, Wen Yanbo and others also nodded.
They also agreed with Qi Hui's judgment. After all, the principle is not iron-clad and must be judged based on the circumstances of the case. If Zhang Fei just said that this principle was not followed, no one would accept it.
"Teacher!"
Lu Huiqing whispered: "What on earth is Zhang San going to do?"
Wang Anshi smiled and said, "What will happen if his appeal succeeds?"
Lu Huiqing shook his head and said, "The student doesn't know what the teacher meant by this question?"
Wang Anshi chuckled: "His intention is very simple, that is, to tell everyone that the procuratorate does not need to look at other people's faces to do anything."
Lu Huiqing suddenly realized, "It turned out to be the three things that made the new official take office."
Wang Anshi nodded with a smile and said: "Although this case is small, it has attracted the attention of many scholar-officials and has made the case a solid case. If he can win, this will be enough to assert the authority of the procuratorate."
Lu Huiqing nodded slightly, and suddenly saw Zhang Fei and Wang Gong rushing past along the corridor, and couldn't help but said: "Isn't that Zhang San? Where is he in a hurry?"
Sima Guang and others over there also noticed and asked around what happened.
Seeing that the time has arrived, but Zhao Pian has not yet appeared, everyone is talking about it.
As soon as Zhang San comes, something will happen.
Grand Chancellor's Office.
"This has to be tried in court. Did you tell me that you want to increase the charges against Monk Miaokong?"
Zhao Pian stared and asked Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei said: "I'm really sorry, our procuratorate has just obtained the evidence."
Zhao Pian snorted: "You are a stupid old man who can't see your tricks. You appealed for cheating on your husband before, just to ask the imperial court not to reject it. Now you are adding more accusations, just to ask the imperial court to have no time." Review. If you want to add charges now, then the president of this court will postpone the hearing. Are you going to add charges?"
Zhang Fei quickly explained: "The Chief Justice really misunderstood. Our Procuratorate has indeed just obtained very critical evidence. We are worried that if it is suddenly brought up later during the proceedings, the Chief Justice will misunderstand it, so we hurriedly came to inform the Chief Justice." A long sound.
If the Chief Justice requests to postpone the trial, then our Procuratorate can withdraw this complaint, but I will definitely present this evidence in court. I will still file a new complaint against Miaokong at that time. It is better to try the two cases together. . "
Zhao Pian thought for a while and then said with a deep eyebrow: "If you can't produce important enough evidence later, the president of this court will not let you go."
Zhang Fei nodded and said: "President, please rest assured, this evidence is enough to convict Miao Kong."
They were discussing in the office, and there was already a lot of discussion outside.
It's been a long time, but the court has not yet opened.
What happened.
"I heard about it!"
Liu Shu quickly came to Sima Guang and the others and said, "I just went to inquire about it. They said that the procuratorate has found new key evidence and wants to add an indictment."
Sima Guang asked hurriedly: "What accusation?"
Liu Shu said: "This is not clear. Zhang San is discussing with Mr. Zhao now."
Qi Hui said angrily: "I knew this brat could play tricks, but I don't believe he just found the evidence. He clearly wants to fish in troubled waters."
Sima Guang said: "Don't be too angry. Mr. Zhao will definitely deal with it impartially. Let's wait and see."
After a while, Zhao Pian finally appeared. At the same time, Zhang Fei also led the Procuratorate's "Heavenly Team" to his seat to prepare.
Of course, Zhao Pian didn't have as many rituals as Zhang Fei. He just showed off and knocked the gavel to signal everyone to be quiet.
The entire imperial court immediately fell silent because everyone was very curious.
Zhao Pian explained: "The reason why the trial is being held now is because the procuratorate has temporarily found new evidence, and at the same time it wants to charge the prisoner Miaokong Monk with the crime of testifying to romance."
Zhang Fei quickly expressed his apology to everyone with his eyes for keeping everyone waiting.
Wang Anshi exclaimed: "It seems that he still wants to convict Na Miaokong."
Lu Huiqing nodded and said: "If this lawsuit is fought based on the principle of arresting an adulterer, Miaokong will be acquitted once the case is won."
After Zhao Pian finished his explanation, he immediately announced the official opening of the court.
Zhang Fei asked Liu Qing, the first witness in the case, to appear in court.
Liu Qing, who looked haggard, came to the court. As soon as he appeared on the stage, he immediately attracted a burst of ridicule.
But Liu Qing seemed to be used to it, sitting on the witness stand.
Zhang Fei first asked: "Liu Qing, what is your relationship with Liu Qin, the prisoner in the Liuyun Temple adultery case?"
Liu Qing said: "I am her husband."
Zhang Fei said: "According to the information I got from Xiangfu County, after the trial of this case, you went to the imperial court of Xiangfu County several times to appeal."
Liu Qing nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhang Fei said: "What is the basis for your appeal?"
Liu Qing replied: "Because I think the verdict of the imperial court of Xiangfu County did not follow the principle of arresting adulterers. I am Liu Qin's husband. Since I did not file a lawsuit, the imperial court should not sentence my wife to death." guilty."
Zhang Fei said: "So you are only appealing based on legal principles, not whether your wife has committed adultery with Miao Kong?"
Liu Qing nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "Have you never doubted this? Or do you already know that this is the fact? Your wife did have an affair with that monk Miaokong."
Liu Qing was silent for a moment, nodded and said, "I know."
Suddenly there were boos all over the sky.
Liu Qing was expressionless about this, as if he was used to it, and as if he had expected it.
"quiet!"
Zhao Pian tapped the gavel lightly.
But after a while, the boos gradually stopped.
Zhang Fei continued to ask: "When did you know about it?"
Liu Qing said: "It was one month before the incident."
Zhang Fei said: "How did you know?"
Liu Qing then recounted the conversation he overheard between Miao Kong and his wife.
Zhang Fei asked: "How did you feel after you found out?"
Liu Qing said: "I was very angry at the time."
Zhang Fei said: "Then did you expose them at that time?"
Liu Qing shook her head.
Zhang Fei said: "Why don't you expose them?"
Liu Qing said: "Because. Because I'm afraid."
Zhang Fei asked: "What are you afraid of?"
Liu Qing said: "I'm afraid this will hurt my wife."
Suddenly there was another burst of boos and jeers.
What he said was so cowardly and worthless that it made people very angry.
Is this guy a man?
Zhang Fei waited until he calmed down, then pretended to be confused and said, "You mean, your wife committed adultery with Miaokong, but you were afraid of hurting your wife, so that's why you didn't expose them?"
Liu Qing said: "Because I know that my wife did this in order to allow me to get the fame with peace of mind. I was very angry at the time, but I also blamed myself. If I hadn't just wanted to get the fame, I would have paid more attention to my family. The situation may not be like this.”
Zhang Fei said: "Can you tell me more specifically."
Liu Qing then told his life experience again, including his family's downfall due to the Yamen war.
This time it became very quiet outside.
When it comes to yamen service, what happened to Liu Qing is a piece of shit. For the sake of his son, his father refused to go to yamen service and directly mutilated himself, cut off his own hand, or committed suicide. Such tragedies abound.
This is why, when the tax exemption was first imposed in the capital, wealthy households and businessmen were very active.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "So, do you think everything your wife does is for you?"
Liu Qing nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "It is precisely for this reason that you hope to appeal."
Liu Qing nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhang Fei said: "Then have you told all this?"
Liu Qing said: "Yes."
Zhang Fei said: "Have you received forgiveness from others?"
"No!"
Liu Qing shook her head and said: "People who know me think that my wife is a shameless adulteress, and they all advise me to take the opportunity to divorce my wife. People who are not familiar with me laugh at me and even drive me away. "
Zhang Fei said: "After they learned that you were appealing for your wife, did they support you?"
Liu Qing shook her head and said: "On the contrary, all my former friends and teachers cut off contact with me because of this, and the village also kicked me out. I was not allowed to step into the village. No matter where I went, I was always criticized. ridicule."
Zhang Fei asked: "Then where do you live now?"
Liu Qing said: "I used to live in a broken house in the southern suburbs."
Zhang Fei asked: "Then what did you do for a living during this period?"
Liu Qing said: "Go to the dock to transport the goods."
Zhang Fei said: "You are a scholar, why are you reduced to carrying goods at the dock to make a living?"
Liu Qing sighed: "I used to make a living by helping people write posts and recruit people, but then they found out about me and kicked me away."
Zhang Fei asked: "How do they know?"
Liu Qing said: "Because someone told them, those scholars regard me as a shame."
Zhang Fei said: "But even in this case, you are still thinking of ways to appeal for your wife?"
Liu Qing nodded and said: "At first I didn't know how to face my wife, but after this happened, I figured it out. It was all my own fault, because I didn't bear the responsibilities that a husband should bear from the beginning. Responsibility, so no matter what, I can't abandon her when she is in the most difficult time."
"Thank you for your answer."
Zhang Fei said to Zhao Bian again: "President, I kindly ask that the second witness be summoned to appear in court, namely Li Mingsheng and Li Yuanwai, who once hired Liu Qing to teach at his house."
Only a middle-aged man, less than forty, came to the court.
Zhang Fei stood up and asked, "Li Mingsheng, do you know Liu Qing and his wife?"
Li Mingsheng nodded and said, "I know you."
Zhang Fei asked: "How did we know each other?"
Li Mingsheng said: "I once hired Liu Qing to come to my house to teach my young son how to read, and I also took him and his wife to live at home."
Zhang Fei said: "Why did you hire Liu Qing to teach the young master to study? Is it because you knew him before?"
"No." Li Mingsheng shook his head and said, "Miaokong introduced me."
Zhang Fei asked: "The wonderful sky in Liuyun Temple?"
Li Mingsheng nodded and said, "Yes."
"What is your relationship with Miaokong?"
"About three years ago, I came back from doing business in other places. I encountered robbers on the way. Miaokong rescued me. Since then, I have often invited Miaokong to my home. He learned that I was looking for a husband to teach my young son. I wanted to study, so I introduced Liu Qing, and I would not refuse him."
"What is your personal impression of Liu Qing and his wife?"
"Liu Qing is very honest and upright, and he is also very patient in teaching his young son to study. My wife and I feel that we have hired the wrong person."
"Where's the Liu Qin family?"
"Well!"
Li Mingsheng seemed a little hesitant, and after a while, he said, "Actually, I have no contact with Liu Qinshi, but my wife talks more with Liu Qinshi."
Zhang Fei said: "But according to your confession, you once accused Liu Qin of trying to seduce you."
Li Mingsheng sighed: "That's not what I said originally. I meant that Liu Qinshi was very good. But after the imperial court's verdict, the more I explained, the more people outside said that I had a relationship with Liu Qinshi. I just tried to protect her, I really don’t dare to speak for Liu Qinshi, I can only say that she seduced me and was rejected by me, so everyone is willing to believe my words."
Zhang Fei asked: "Has Liu Qin ever tried to seduce you?"
"No."
Li Mingsheng said: "Although she lives in my house, I have met her once. Liu Qin is very polite in my house. She has never even been to my front yard. She usually goes through the side door when she goes out. I My wife wanted her to help with some sewing work, so she always came to her room to find her. After what happened, my wife couldn't believe it. If she had not behaved, my wife would have driven the couple away long ago."
Zhang Fei said: "So you were forced to fabricate lies because of the rumors outside, saying that Liu Qin was trying to seduce you."
Li Mingsheng nodded and said: "I really didn't want to, but I was forced to do nothing, so I said something to try to seduce me."
Zhang Fei said: "After you explained it like this, did the people outside stop talking about you?"
Li Mingsheng nodded.
Zhang Fei asked again: "Did you know about Liu Qin and Miaokong before?"
Li Mingsheng immediately said: "I really don't know this. If I knew, I would have sent them away long ago."
Zhang Fei said: "Then are you surprised by Miao Kong's behavior?"
Li Mingsheng hesitated for a moment, "It's a bit unexpected, but I also know that Miaokong doesn't usually follow the rules."
Zhang Fei said: "Then how did you treat Liu Qing after this case happened?"
Li Mingsheng sighed: "I just wanted to find someone to teach my young son to study, but I didn't want to get involved in these troubles, so I asked Liu Qing to leave my house, but I also gave him some money. Originally, I planned to give more, After all, he is innocent, and we both sympathize with him, but Liu Qing only wants his teaching fees."
Zhang Fei nodded with a smile and said, "I am very grateful to the member for being able to appear in court to testify."
"It should, it should."
Having said that, Li Mingsheng quickly stood up, as if he didn't want to stay here for a long time.
Sima Guang asked Qi Hui in a low voice: "Didn't you go check this?"
Qi Hui said: "I just asked people from the police station to go to the countryside to search as usual. Their confessions did not appear in my verdict. The key to conviction lies in catching the rapist in bed, not in these confessions."
Sima Guang nodded: "Yes! Since this is not the key, then what's the point of asking?"
