Chapter 3, In the Courtroom

Several gentlemen exchanged glances, and one of the elderly men chuckled, saying: "This old man has indeed heard some rumors; it is said that this person has gathered a group of ruffians in the city, idling away their days, and their sole occupation is to bully the good and innocent.

Please bring up the body of that Hu Laosan. Ye Zhao turned to look at several constables, and seeing that no one moved, he turned to the two servants who had accompanied him and said: "Go and bring up the body."

Brother Beru, regarding the matter of Lord Fu, I, Ye, have no regrets. Today, with the teacher present, I can let bygones be bygones. However, if Lord Wei comes to trouble the Ye family again, then today's events will be brought up and accounted for together.

The relationship is significant, and I am quite curious. Under your governance, there are such wicked individuals in the city, yet they have gone unchallenged, allowing them to oppress the local populace. Moreover, judging by the expressions of the esteemed uncles present, it seems that even they are reluctant to provoke this person.

Cai Yong nodded in satisfaction and turned to glance at Wei Xian

You are killing people in the street! Wei Xian said through gritted teeth

Murder is murder, what self-defense is there? Moreover, what difference is there between killing someone in your home and killing someone in the street? Come here, first subdue this criminal, twenty strikes with the rod!" Wei Xian grunted softly and said coldly

"Presumptuous!" Wei Xian's gaze suddenly turned sharp, and he sternly reprimanded, "Bold criminal, upon seeing this official, why do you not bow?"

"No need for that. Next time I go to Hedong, Brother Boru, please extend your hospitality again." Ye Zhao waved his hand, eager to return and sort out his current situation. He had no mood to bicker with these people here, so he stood up and followed Cai Yong out.

"Then, gentlemen present, are you familiar with this Hu Laosan?" Ye Zhao looked around at the gentry and said with a smile

"I will follow the teacher's instructions." Ye Zhao sighed inwardly, realizing that dealing with Wei Xian would have to wait for another opportunity. Striking a snake but failing to kill it would only result in being bitten by the snake. Since this enmity has already been established today, given Wei Xian's temperament, it is likely that he will not let it go easily. Ye Zhao had no intention of resolving this with a mere smile, as that was not his style. However, for now, he had no choice but to compromise. He was no longer the impulsive youth he once was, stubborn to the point of obsession, nearly pushing Cai Yong, who had originally stood by his side, into the opposing camp. His emotional intelligence was indeed lacking.

I am a person of filial piety and integrity, and I have not yet been convicted, nor am I guilty. Why should I kneel?" Ye Zhao could not possibly be intimidated by such a display of official authority. Looking at Wei Xian, he calmly said, "The governor has not yet inquired into the case, yet you have already determined me to be the murderer. What reasoning is this?"

Observing Wei Xian's increasingly unsightly expression, Ye Zhao smiled and said: "Very well, let us return to the main topic. May I ask, my lord, my Ye family has been loyal and virtuous for three generations. Although we are currently in decline, we are still a family that has made great contributions to the establishment of the state. However, after my father's death, that scoundrel Hu Laosan has repeatedly come to cause trouble. I have sent people to the government for assistance, yet the authorities have turned a blind eye to this matter, allowing Hu Laosan to become even more brazen. Today, seeing me in poor health, he even intends to directly seize my Ye family's property, yet the government has shown no response. What is the reason for this?"

"Ye Zhao, who is Hu Laosan to you, and what is your relationship with his death?" Wei Xian felt that something was amiss and hurriedly shouted

"No, I cannot." Cai Yong stood up, shook his head, and with a somewhat gratified glance at Ye Zhao, said with a smile: "As a man awaiting punishment, I must hasten to Luoyang to meet His Majesty. I have already delayed here for several days and should set off as soon as possible"

"How outrageous! When have I ever taken things out of context?" Wei Xian exclaimed in anger, feeling that today's Ye Zhao seemed to lack a few degrees of rigidity compared to the past. If it were the old days, it would probably be this young man who would be angry at this moment.

Wei Xian no longer dared to think, and some of those seeking help turned their gaze to the young man beside them, after all, he was also a member of the Wei family

Ye Zhao clapped his hands and said: "The lord did not mention it, but I almost forgot that Hu Laosan pressured my family in every possible way, yet there was no sign of the officials. Instead, after Hu Laosan's death, Captain Fang led his men to storm in, and without saying a word, demanded to arrest Zhao. If we are to speak of coincidence, this is indeed too coincidental, which makes my nephew involuntarily think of collusion between officials and bandits!"

The lord speaks with great weight. Ye Zhao waved his hand and said: It is merely that my Ye family is experiencing a family crisis, and now is indeed a time of many troubles. I hope that the esteemed lord will show mercy and allow my Ye family a way to survive

It is ! '' Two servants hurriedly ran out, and Hu Laosan's corpse, having been used as evidence by Zhong Yao, was naturally carried outside the governor's office. Before long, it was brought back in.

Since Master Cai has spoken... Wei Xian felt somewhat unwilling; he had already sensed that Ye Zhao today was different from the past. If it were the Ye Zhao of old, there would be no such clever arguments. If he had killed someone, he would have long been in a state of panic. This was also the reason he was eager to pass judgment. However, now that Cai Yong had arrived, the young man beside him clearly leaned more towards Cai Yong's side. Although, in principle, he was the highest authority here, he could not ignore either the young man or Cai Yong. With a darkened face, he could only say, "Then Ye Zhao, tell us why you killed."

Upon the arrival of this person, the young men who had entered together with Wei Xian, including Wei Xian himself, all stood up together and respectfully addressed the newcomer, saying: "Old Master Cai"

"Very well, today I shall make you fully convinced," Wei Xian glanced at the several wealthy gentlemen around him, his expression grim as he looked at Ye Zhao and said, "According to the laws of our Han dynasty, a murderer, regardless of their status, must first receive twenty strokes of the rod in court, as a warning to others!"

A group of gentry turned their gazes towards Wei Xian, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. Although Wei Xian held the position of governor, these gentry usually treated him with utmost respect. However, if this matter were to be substantiated, even if the court did not pursue it, he would likely find it difficult to maintain his position as the governor of Henei. Moreover, at this moment, there was the esteemed Cai Yong present. Although he held no official title, Henei was merely a hundred miles from Luoyang. If Cai Yong were to relay this information to the court...

"Even so, you should not kill him!" Wei Xian said in a deep voice

This person must be killed! An old man coldly glanced at the corpse of Hu Laosan and snorted coldly.

Naturally, the young man smiled and nodded: "It has been over a month since we last parted. Why not let Mr. Cai and Brother Xiuming stay, so that I may extend my hospitality to you both."

Since Your Excellency has brought up the law, allow me to remind you that according to the laws of the Great Han, in cases of murder, one must first investigate the reason behind the killing. If it is a case of indiscriminate slaughter of innocents, the perpetrator shall first receive twenty strokes of the rod, followed by execution without mercy. If there is a justifiable cause, the severity of the circumstances shall determine the conviction. Furthermore, if the victim harbored ill intentions or openly violated the laws of the Great Han, they shall be deemed innocent even in death. Ye Zhao could not help but feel fortunate that his previous incarnation had memorized the laws of Han thoroughly, and at this moment, the memories were being recalled by Ye Zhao, allowing him to effortlessly recite them without much thought.

"I will see off Old Man Cai." Wei Ji quickly stepped forward, and together with Wei Xian, they escorted the two out of the governor's residence. After watching the two figures fade into the distance, Wei Xian finally let out a slow sigh of relief; he had managed to evade this calamity. However, he had truly developed a deep-seated hatred for Ye Zhao.

Wei Xian, with a grim expression, said: "It is as such; there are laws of the court. I have sent Officer Fang to mediate, have I not? Even if you are in the right, you cannot escape the charge of abusing private punishment"

That is fine. Cai Yong has grown too lazy to pay attention to Wei Xian, and turned to Ye Zhao, saying: "Xiu Ming, what are your thoughts?"

Xiu Ming is the courtesy name of Ye Zhao, which was given to him by Cai Yong

Observing Wei Xian's unpleasant expression, Ye Zhao coldly remarked: "As soon as the lord ascends the hall, without inquiring into the reasons, he hastens to determine my guilt. Not to mention that I am still a filial and upright person, even if I were a commoner, such actions by the lord would inevitably raise suspicions of wanting to cover up something. I am at a loss as to where I have offended the lord, to warrant such a desperate attempt to put me to death"

"Your Excellency seems to have made a mistake. I acted out of necessity, in self-defense, and the act of killing took place within my Ye family residence, not in the streets." Ye Zhao said calmly

Everyone, look, this Hu Laosan is strong and powerful, while I am but a person with no strength to even bind a chicken. If it were not for the heavens favoring me, how could I have killed him? Killing him was never my intention; it was merely that this person has gone too far, actually barging into my home to coerce me. Ladies and gentlemen, although my Ye family is currently down on its luck, we are still of noble descent, having served the court loyally for three generations. My grandfather and great-grandfather even sacrificed their lives for the country. Although the world is harsh and cold, my father has just completed his mourning period, and yet this kind of ruffian comes to pressure us, while the authorities turn a blind eye, even aiding the oppressors. It is truly disheartening!" Ye Zhao looked around at the gathered gentry and said solemnly: "If the roles were reversed, how would you gentlemen handle such a situation?"

"Teacher." Ye Zhao saw the person who had arrived, took a deep breath, and also performed a respectful bow, addressing the person with great reverence: "Why has this matter caused such a disturbance to the teacher?"

How dare you slander this official in open court!" Upon hearing this, Wei Xian's expression changed dramatically, and he slammed the table, standing up abruptly, and shouted sternly

May I ask, my lord, do you know who Hu Laosan is? Ye Zhao asked with a smile

Looking at the group of gentry, Cai Yong smiled and said, "My disciple has been well-behaved since childhood. I believe that, unless there is a compelling reason, he would never commit such an act of killing without cause."

Wei Xian naturally knew who Hu Laosan was, but at this moment, he could not reveal it and could only pretend not to recognize him, shaking his head.

"Damn it..." Wei Xian could not help but feel a surge of anger upon hearing this. Just as he was about to retort, he noticed the sound of footsteps from outside the hall. A scholar, over forty years of age, entered slowly with the assistance of a servant.

Wei Xian furrowed his brows as he glanced at Ye Zhao, whose pale complexion and sickly appearance were evident. He coldly snorted and said, "Who is it below?"

The ability of the lord to take things out of context is quite remarkable said Ye Zhao with a cold smile

"Retreat!" Upon seeing this, Wei Xian felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. He quickly waved his hand to signal the retreat and personally descended from the platform. After everyone had left, he clasped his hands and smiled at Ye Zhao, saying: "In this matter, I, as an official, have indeed committed an oversight. Cousin Ye, your ability to overlook past grievances is something Wei Xian will never forget."

The young man shot a somewhat annoyed glance at Wei Xian. Although Ye Zhao did not explicitly state it, anyone with a modicum of intelligence could discern from Wei Xian's reaction that what Ye Zhao said was at least ninety percent true. However, at this moment, it was indeed not the time to abandon him. He then stood up and respectfully addressed Cai Yong, saying: "Cai Gong has been here for several days, and to be honest, we have yet to formally pay our respects. This matter, after all, is a misunderstanding. Why not temporarily withdraw? I believe the governor will certainly provide a satisfactory response to Brother Xiu Ming. What does Cai Gong think of this?"

When Wei Xian arrived in the hall, several prominent gentry from the city were already waiting inside. Upon seeing Wei Xian, each of them greeted him, but Cai Yong had not yet arrived

Although the Ye family is no longer as prominent as before, it has, after three generations of accumulation, already integrated into this circle. Even in decline, they still represent a part of the scholarly class. However, they are now being bullied by a rogue who seeks to seize their land, which evokes a sense of sorrow akin to that of a rabbit mourning a fox. Who can say that today's Ye family will not become tomorrow's Zhang family, Li family, or Wang family? Thus, it is more about preserving the dignity of their class than merely targeting the Ye family.

I did not say it was you, Lord Wei. Why must you be so eager to jump out and defend yourself?" Ye Zhao looked at Wei Xian and said with a cold smile, "If it were not for the support of influential figures within the government behind the scenes, it would be difficult for me to believe this is merely a coincidence. Even if I were to believe it, I doubt I could convince the uncles present here.

"What, does the lord want to force a confession?" Ye Zhao lifted her eyelids, showing no reaction to the two constables binding her hands behind her back, only sneering coldly.

"As one burdened by guilt, how could I dare to trouble you all with formalities? Please, rise," Cai Yong waved his hand, his gaze shifting to Ye Zhao, a hint of affection flashing in his eyes. He then turned to Wei Xian and said, "However, I too believe that the judgment made by Governor Wei is somewhat hasty. Why not listen to what my humble disciple has to say?"

Wei Xian's expression stiffened, and he forced a smile, saying: "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

Ye Zhao. He also raised his head, looked directly at Wei Xian, and spoke in a clear voice