Chapter 2, Kaifeng Prefecture Yamen

Bao Zheng was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Gongsun Ce

Not bad

Not bad, one could say it is a form of recognition

No! I did not say he was wronged." Bao Zheng immediately denied it; being a person of rigor, he naturally could not reach such a conclusion

Seeing Xiao Chen return, Bao Zheng was somewhat puzzled and said: "Is there anything else? Young Master Xiao may speak freely."

"Is the Lord Bao going to take me to account?" Xiao Chen said coldly

Do you know a Miss Mo Yan Mo?

Bao Zheng was taken aback, unable to suppress a laugh, and shook his head with a sigh: "Do you really think of me as someone who is greedy for wealth? ... How ridiculous and lamentable! My conduct as an official is guided solely by my conscience, seeking only to act without shame before heaven and earth. How could I be swayed by money?"

"Do you have a grievance to express?" The voice that emerged was hearty and resonant, belonging to Ma Han

Bao Zheng also took a look at him. He had just heard Ma Han mention that he was blind. Now seeing him, he appeared slender and elegant, with a calm demeanor and an air of composure, showing none of the typical awkwardness associated with blindness.

"Why does the young master inquire in such a manner?" Bao Zheng still remembers what Gongsun Ce had previously mentioned regarding appearances, "I wonder what connection exists between Xiao Yi and the young master?"

She is my junior apprentice sister

With the energy and blood surging within him, unable to endure any longer, Xiao Chen suddenly turned around and headed towards Bao Zheng's study, leaving Ma Han, who was still in a state of confusion, standing in place

In that case, do you know him, sir

"No wonder, no wonder... the moment I saw you, I felt..." Gongsun Ce sighed repeatedly, "Your appearance is quite similar to that of Xiao Yi; though not exactly ten parts, it is still seven parts alike, both are extraordinary figures."

Xiao Chen initially intended to refuse, but upon reconsideration, thought it would be acceptable; at least if any news were to come, he would be informed. Thus, he nodded and said, "Thank you, my lord"

Ma Han agreed and then led Xiao Chen outside

This is Miss Mo's senior brother, Xiao Chen, who has also come for the case of Li Xu. Bao Zheng said with a smile, calling in Ma Han: "Take Young Master Xiao to the back room to settle in. He has difficulty with his eyesight, so please ensure that meals are delivered to his room."

What evidence is there?" Xiao Chen asked again

... ...

There is no need; the affairs of this government are not for anything else, let alone for a single 'thank you' from you. Bao Zheng said with a faint smile, as if implying something.

The constable showed the utmost goodwill, yet to my surprise, he responded without any appreciation, saying: "Hmm."

Xiao Chen took a few steps to the right, reached out his hand forward, and happened to touch the drum surface. He then reached to the side and felt the drumstick. Without any hesitation, he swung the stick and struck.

Mahan halted his steps and said respectfully, "My lord, the person has arrived."

In the letter ... ... '' Xiao Chen inquired.

I am his second senior brother

"Excuse me, who is this?" The voice of the newcomer was clear yet gentle, and upon seeing Xiao Chen, they let out a soft gasp, as if somewhat surprised.

Indeed, at that time, the adults were still in Luzhou and had not yet met that person. Gongsun Ce sighed with a sense of regret, "It has already been twenty years since that event."

Bao Zheng sighed and said, "If there is nothing else, you may return and wait for news... If your eyesight is not good, perhaps you could stay in the back room of the residence and wait for Miss Mo to return"

The sound of drums reverberated through the sky, drawing a crowd of people from the streets, leading to a throng gathered at the entrance of the yamen to observe closely

Gongsun Ce has seen his father! He has seen him!

Then, with a somewhat indifferent smile, Bao Zheng inquired, "Who does it resemble? Where has the gentleman seen it?"

Gongsun Ce was taken aback for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Indeed, it is Xiao Yi."

Thank you

Xiao Chen suddenly stopped in his tracks. Ma Han, who was walking beside him, was straightforward and honest, completely unaware of the conversation in the study. Seeing Xiao Chen halt, he thought he had tripped over something and lowered his head to look at the ground.

Bao Zheng let out a sigh, relieved that he had previously encountered Mo Yan, and thus his attitude towards Xiao Chen was not entirely unexpected: "This case involves significant matters and is by no means a simple murder case. Your junior brother is actually safer in prison; otherwise, if someone were to silence him, it would be even worse. You need not worry too much. We will discuss everything after Guard Zhan and Miss Mo return from Suzhou. What I can assure you is that before Guard Zhan returns, there will definitely be no court session."

"How can you not see such a big drum right in front of you!" the constable exclaimed in confusion.

He led Xiao Chen into the Kaifeng Prefecture Yamen, first waving his hand to dismiss a group of yamen runners who had hurriedly come, thinking they were about to hold a court session. Then, he took Xiao Chen to the back, stopping kindly at each step to remind Xiao Chen, and finally brought him to a small side hall to rest, while he went to inform Bao Zheng.

Mahan was taken aback for a moment: "What is your relationship with Li Xu?"

Xiao Yi was sentenced for the crime of home invasion and extermination of a family. At this moment, the person questioning him was the magistrate of Kaifeng. Xiao Chen clearly knew he should not speak the truth, yet for some reason, he stubbornly held his head high and said: "He is indeed my father"

Xiao Lou's expression was devoid of emotion, neither angry nor upset, his voice as quiet as still water: "I am blind"

Another bailiff on guard saw him beating the drum and quickly rushed in to report. Before long, the main gate of the Kaifeng yamen was opened, and only then did Xiao Chen stop the drumsticks

After waiting for a while, he finally heard Ma Han approaching, calling out to him: "Lord Bao wishes to see you, please follow me."

The dignified Prefect of Kaifeng could utter such words and make this guarantee, which allowed Xiao Chen to believe him to a considerable extent. Having been blind for many years, he had long learned to discern the character and emotions of individuals through their voices. Bao Zheng's voice was steady and powerful, clearly indicating that he was a trustworthy person

"The doubts mentioned by the adult are..." Xiao Chen pressed on urgently, as he was not aware of the detailed circumstances of the case from that year. However, since Bao Zheng could say such things, it certainly was not a baseless attempt to comfort him; there must indeed be something suspicious about it.

Xiao Chen had heard about these matters from Mo Yan before, and now he said calmly: "At present, the person is locked up in the Kaifeng prison. Lord Bao might as well speak directly; how can we secure their release? Even if we are to gather the silver, it will take some time."

Just as one troublemaker had left, another has arrived, and they are actually beating drums in the street to voice their grievances. This family is indeed not to be underestimated. Ma Han thought to himself and helplessly said to Xiao Chen, "You should come in with me first." At that moment, the constable who had just approached whispered something in his ear, and Ma Han looked at Xiao Chen's eyes with some surprise, adding, "There is a threshold here, so be careful."

Xiao Yi! So it was him!

What grievance is this

Then you ... ...

Bao Zheng coughed lightly a few times, signaling Gongsun Ce with his gaze

Xiao Chen understood that it referred to his earlier statement about "raising funds," and thus said: "Previously, it was the foolish words of a commoner, Meng Lang. I hope you, my lord, can forgive me."

You ... ...

Xiao Yi is renowned for his outstanding appearance, yet he is also infamous for it. In that moment, it was unclear whether to take his words as praise or sarcasm, and Xiao Chen remained silent

Twenty years ago

Let him in. The voice was deep and resonant, with a hint of fatigue.

"Is it possible that my father is wrongfully accused?" he asked incredulously

Bao Zheng remained silent for a while before saying: "The matter has passed for twenty years; I will not make things difficult for you. Moreover, in my view, your father's case had many doubts to begin with."

Upon entering Kaifeng, a bustling capital city, he was surrounded by a cacophony of various and intricate sounds, which left him quite distressed. After inquiring for directions several times, he finally managed to find the Kaifeng government office, but the main gate was tightly shut, with only two constables standing guard.

Bao Zheng smiled and said: "It seems that the bond between you senior and junior siblings is truly strong"

Xiao Chen stepped inside and, facing the direction of the sound, cupped his hands in salute: "Commoner Xiao Chen, pays respects to Lord Bao."

Xiao Chen took a deep breath, seemingly afraid of losing his courage, and asked quickly: "Sir, the person you mentioned from twenty years ago, are you referring to Xiao Yi?"

Xiao Chen took a deep breath and said: "I hope you will forgive my boldness. I have heard rumors in the Jianghu that Xiao Yimei has captivated the court, indulging in pleasures and leading a dissolute life, engaging in debauchery day and night. Is any of this true?" As he uttered these unspeakable words, his voice trembled slightly, and how could Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce, who had seen countless people, not discern this

Xiao Chen nodded

It is a letter in which you are colluding with the enemy and betraying the country

Upon hearing these words, Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce exchanged glances, both astonished to the point of being speechless

Seeing Xiao Chen step up the stairs with a cold expression, the officials who had been dozing off while leaning on their canes immediately perked up, their gazes fixed on him with a hint of vigilance

Before the constable could finish speaking, Xiao Chen had already淡淡开口: "Where is the drum?"

Xiao Chen did not engage in pleasantries or decline, turning around to take a seat and stating directly: "This time, I have come for the matter concerning my junior apprentice, Li Xu."

Bang bang bang ! Bang bang bang ! Bang bang bang ! ... ...

"Lord Bao, you are renowned for your integrity, how can you not see that Li Xu has been falsely accused?" Xiao Chen retorted coldly, "The deceased died from a fatal sword wound to the chest, yet my junior brother never uses a sword. How can you, my lord, determine his guilt based solely on a pile of stolen goods?"

Gongsun Ce explained to him: "What the gentleman means is that he believes there are still doubts in this case, and the motives of your father have yet to be clarified; it is far from being the time to conclude the case. Unfortunately, at that time, public anger in the capital was overwhelming, and in order to quell the people's fury, the case was hastily closed, resulting in your father being executed in public, which can only be described as somewhat rash. However, this case indeed has irrefutable evidence, and it should not have wronged your father."

Young Master Xiao, please take a seat," Bao Zheng said, adding, "The chair is two steps to your left

Mr. Gongsun, I have a matter I would like to inquire about, if I may be so bold

Li Xu is wronged. Xiao Chen did not respond, clearly unwilling to waste time on idle talk

He walked along the winding path of Mahān, where the ground beneath his feet changed from blue stone slabs to a bumpy cobblestone road. Upon entering the mansion, the fragrance of osmanthus gradually became more intense, subtly mingled with the scent of ink.

Bao Zheng shook his head in silence

As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Chen's mind instantly went "buzz"!

Gongsun Ce said that person is father

Thank you," he said in a low voice

This requires obtaining evidence to prove his innocence. Bao Zheng said: "There are stolen goods around him, and he himself cannot explain clearly; the current situation is very unfavorable for him"

My junior apprentice, Li Xu, has been falsely accused and is currently imprisoned in your Kaifeng jail, which is a grave injustice

Bao Zheng, having never seen Xiao Yi before and not being one to judge others by their appearance, did not pay much attention to Xiao Chen's looks. At this moment, he furrowed his brows deeply, stared at Xiao Chen for a moment, and then asked: "Do you know that your father was executed along with his entire family back then?"

Xiao Chen stepped out the door, and after taking just a few steps, he heard the earlier voice say: "Xiao Chen, he looks, looks... really like..."

The constable scrutinized his eyes for a moment before awkwardly saying, "Come, come, come, this way." The constable intended to pull him along, but as soon as his hand brushed against the sleeve, Xiao Chen sidestepped slightly and asked, "Is it to the right?"

He had just risen when he heard footsteps outside the door, and a person stepped in.