Chapter 8, Impartiality and Fairness

Ning Jiang's lips curled into a cold smile. At yesterday's coronation ceremony, Ning Ji had relied on the principles of "ritual and law," leveraging the influence he had secretly cultivated, using the few women he had bribed as evidence. With reason, power, and proof, Ning Jiang was caught off guard by his attack. However, now Ning Jiang had first orchestrated for his son to become the "murderer," rendering Ning Ji unable to claim the moral high ground of ritual and law. He invited numerous onlookers, applying pressure, and now he had publicly reversed the so-called evidence in one swift motion, leaving Ning Ji with no chance to retaliate. However, now Ning Jiang had first orchestrated for his son to become the "murderer," rendering Ning Ji unable to claim the moral high ground of ritual and law. He invited numerous onlookers, applying pressure, and now he had publicly reversed the so-called evidence in one swift motion, leaving Ning Ji with no chance to retaliate

Others burst into laughter! However, Ning Jiang looked at Zhao Hong and said, "Since it was done by Ning Yicheng, why am I being wronged?"

The Ning family is indeed a prominent clan in Gaosuo County, and capturing a parentless and powerless youth is fundamentally different from capturing the head of a large family

If Cao Kaiding truly disregards legal principles and intervenes forcefully in the internal affairs of the Ning family, while the young master of the Ning family has not violated any laws, and uses his authority against the legal heir of the Ning family, then all these prominent families would also be filled with anxiety. If such an event were to occur, they would likely have no choice but to jointly petition and stand up for Ning Jiang, insisting on driving away Cao Kaiding, the county magistrate.

Since Chaohong has already confessed, what is there for the four to hold on to? They can't really risk their lives against Ningjiang for that little bit of money, can they? They hurriedly began to confess, all pointing their accusations at Ningji. Ningji was both anxious and furious; at this point, not to mention bringing down Ningjiang, he was barely able to protect himself.

Cao Kai coldly laughed and said, "What if I insist on intervening?"

Yesterday, he was merely a newly crowned youth. Cao Kai had indeed assisted Ning Ji in overcoming him, but after today's contest, the charge of "disloyalty" has been completely lifted from him, and he has firmly taken his seat as the head of the Ning clan

Moreover, he is now publicly confronting Cao Kaiding, and if anything were to happen to him afterward, everyone would suspect whether it was the doing of the county magistrate. Considering his own reputation, Cao Kaiding would have even more reservations.

"What did you say?" Cao Kai shouted loudly, his literary energy from the Zuqiao and Wenchu Yinfu at the center of his brow transforming into an official's authority, surging forth like a tidal wave, causing the surrounding common people to bow in fear.

He wants everyone to know that he has offended Lord Cao Kaiding, and only in this way will Cao Kaiding dare not touch him or his family

Ning Jiang stood with his hands behind his back: "The wise do not speak of strange forces or chaotic spirits, and the common people dare not tell their superiors that there are deities three feet above their heads. However, the sage has said: 'The noble man is open and at ease, while the petty man is always anxious.' I hope you, my lord, will follow the path of the noble man and not act like the petty man"

My lord, this matter is clear-cut, and the evidence is conclusive; how can it be unclear? Ning Ji has falsely accused the master of the house, seeking to usurp the position of the clan leader. This is an internal dispute within the Ning family, and it shall be dealt with according to our clan and family rules. If the clan and family rules cannot resolve it, then we shall request your lordship's judgment again!" Ning Jiang stood there, looking proudly at Cao Kai.

Ning Jiang seemed to be completely unaffected by the overwhelming official authority that rushed towards him like a tidal wave. With his arms crossed, he fixed his gaze on Cao Kai and spoke slowly and deliberately: "Please, my lord... do not act like a small person!"

Although a few people are aware that the county magistrate is secretly supporting Ning Ji, more people would never think that Ning Ji's actions are actually directed by the county magistrate behind the scenes. As Master Ning Jiang inquires, they naturally come forward to testify for Ning Jiang, clearly stating the accounts of Zhao Hong and others.

At this moment, the heads of the prominent families of Duan, Hua, and Lu were also looking at Cao Kai with suspicion

Ning Jiang cupped his hands and said: "My lord, Ning Ji has bribed these five women to frame the common people. They have already confessed clearly, and the neighbors and fellow villagers can all testify... Everyone, what do you say?"

Ning Jiang looked at the other four women and asked, "What about you?"

The several elders who had originally been discussing matters with Ning Ji exchanged glances, all knowing that Ning Ji was finished. They quickly changed their tune, joining others in cursing Ning Ji, eager to cling to Ning Jiang's leg to express that they had merely been deceived by Ning Ji. In an instant, all the blame was directed at Ning Ji, while he could do nothing but repeatedly shout that it was nonsense.

If Ning Jiang were to show weakness, then it would be as it is, but now this fellow is openly defying him. Aside from secretly cursing Ning Ji for his incompetence and ruining a great situation, at this moment he finds himself utterly helpless against Ning Jiang.

However, now, Ning Jiang's grievances have been cleared in front of so many people. Ning Ji has falsely accused the young master of the Shao family and plotted to seize the property, which is undoubtedly true

However, Ning Jiang knew that this time, he must be resolute, no matter what, he must be resolute

The crowd erupted once again, and Ning Ji was left in a daze: "Nonsense, she is talking nonsense."

The three elements of reason, momentum, and evidence are now all on his side. He has firmly established himself in the position of the head of the family and the patriarch of the Ning clan, and now only one last bit of trouble remains

Ningji ignites hope, the county magistrate has arrived, and the county magistrate stands on his side

Zhao Hong continued to cry, saying: "Master Ji said that as long as I claim it was Young Master Jiang who did it, he would help me get my household registration removed and arrange housing for me and my child. It was Master Ji who made me do this, it was Master Ji who made me do this..."

How could Cao Kai fail to see the concerns of these family heads? The crime of filial impiety, the people do not elect, and the officials do not investigate. Ning Jiang's great unfiliality has led the elders of the Ning family to unite with the neighbors to petition for his punishment; he is merely upholding the rites and eliminating harm for the people. Now that Ning Jiang has clearly been proven innocent, if he continues to make things difficult for him, he will be forcing the prominent families of Ning, Duan, Hua, and Lu into opposition against him. Once these families unite to seek justice for Ning Jiang, he will no longer be able to hold his official position. Now that Ning Jiang has clearly been proven innocent, if he continues to make things difficult for him, he will be forcing the prominent families of Ning, Duan, Hua, and Lu into opposition against him. Once these families unite to seek justice for Ning Jiang, he will no longer be able to hold his official position

The face, strained, managed to pull a smile: "Cousin Jiang has misunderstood. I have just learned that this scoundrel Ning Ji has actually slandered the clan leader and deceived the public. I was misled yesterday and, in a moment of anger, intended to bring him back to the yamen for questioning. However, what my virtuous cousin said also makes sense. Ning Ji's attempt to seize the clan's assets is an internal matter of the Ning family. Therefore, let it be handled according to your Ning family's regulations. If there are any aspects of the clan rules that cannot be clearly determined, just send them to the yamen, and I will ensure justice is served."

Relying on his official authority, he shouted loudly: "With all of you talking at once, how can I hear what you are saying clearly? You few, come with me to the yamen to settle this matter." He then attempted to take Ning Ji, Ning Jiang, and several other parties involved away.

It was unexpected that Ning Jiang dared to confront the county magistrate in public, leaving everyone in a state of anxiety

Having shed the label of "unfilial", this time, he is a typical example of one who is "barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes"

The Ning family and several other families are prominent clans in Gaosuo County. The internal disputes of the Ning family have nothing to do with them, and they are completely unaware of whether Ning Jiang truly committed such an act of great filial impiety. Moreover, who becomes the head of the Ning family is a matter for the Nings themselves; at most, they are merely spectators.

Cao Kai fixed a furious gaze on Ning Jiang, yet his eyes instinctively scanned the surroundings. At this moment, the crowd around them was growing larger, comprising not only members of the Ning family but also several scholars from the county, as well as the heads of prominent families such as the Duan, Hua, and Lu clans. The place was teeming with people, all of whom were watching him and Ning Jiang with a mix of surprise and suspicion

After all, if Cao Kai can deal with the head of the Ning family today, he will also be able to deal with them tomorrow. No one wants themselves or their descendants to end up in the same situation as Ning Jiang in the future

Cao Kai had received news about Ning Jiang rallying the people, and he was worried that there would be unforeseen changes, so he hurried over to maintain order. However, he did not expect the situation to have reversed to such an extent. Seeing so many people speaking on Ning Jiang's behalf, his expression changed slightly. "Filial piety" is indeed a serious violation of the rites and laws, but ultimately, this charge is one that the people do not raise and the officials do not pursue. If the local elders and gentry jointly petition the authorities to intervene, the authorities can naturally take action. However, now that the evidence has been undermined, everyone is beginning to believe that Ning Jiang is truly innocent, and he cannot casually impose this charge on Ning Jiang.

The young master of the Ning family actually spoke such words to the county magistrate? In an instant, everyone turned pale. The scholarly demeanor of Cao Kaiding surged like a tide, washing over them, and they looked at Ning Jiang in shock. There stood Ning Jiang amidst the overwhelming momentum, like a pillar in the middle of the stream, refusing to yield even the slightest bit. Even Cao Kaiding felt a secret shock; this white-clad commoner, who had just completed his coming-of-age ceremony, was actually able to withstand his official authority forcefully.

Suddenly, chaos erupted outside, and the crowded people hurriedly made way: "The county magistrate is coming!" "The county magistrate has arrived!"

Ning Jiang wanted him to say with his own mouth that he was "deceived by Ning Ji". Once he did so, his grievances could be considered completely cleared, and no one would be able to use this against him. At that moment, he bowed with a clap of his hands into fists and said: "Thank you, my lord! It was a misunderstanding on my part. Your Excellency is of noble character, just and impartial, and I admire you greatly!"

A group of guards forcefully separated the crowd, and Cao Kai stepped forward, coldly stating: "Why are so many people gathered here? Are you planning to cause trouble?" His appearance directly pointed to the possibility of someone inciting a disturbance.