Chapter 693: Chapter 688, Chapter 689: Resolution, Homecoming

Suddenly, urgent footsteps sounded outside; the scholar brought by County Magistrate He from home, now the steward of the Government Office, quickly came into the courtyard and addressed County Magistrate He: "Master, someone is beating the drum outside the Government Office to cry out their grievances. Chief Clerk Liu asked this old servant to summon you to court."

"Is it a murder case?" County Magistrate He flipped through the scriptures without lifting his head, showing no intention of rising.

"No, it seems to be a brawl resulting in injury, and one of those involved is Liu Da, a relative of Chief Clerk Liu." The steward replied.

"Liu Da again..." County Magistrate He couldn’t help but frown slightly, then asked: "What did Chief Clerk Liu say?"

"He said he wants to avoid suspicion and asks you to handle it."

"Hmph..." Upon hearing this, County Magistrate He sneered, raised his eyebrows, and said: "Tell him, as long as it doesn’t result in death, he can handle it as he pleases."

After saying this, County Magistrate He yawned and said: "I’m tired; stop bothering this official with such minor matters in the future."

"Yes."

...

Government Office main hall.

"Court in session!"

"Majesty... and power!"

Surrounded by several constables, Chief Clerk Liu slowly walked up to the high platform and sat down. He then struck the gavel with a solemn shout: "Bring the people forward."

Soon, Chen Mo, along with the rescued youth Gao Ping and Liu Da, arrived at the main hall.

Liu Da was originally tied up by Chen Mo, but upon reaching the Government Office, he was freed by the officials there.

"Who among you beat the drum to cry out grievances?" Chief Clerk Liu ignored the suggestive glance from Liu Da and looked at Chen Mo instead.

Seeing Chen Mo dressed in fine clothes, clearly not something ordinary people could afford, he thought perhaps this person had some status, thus, he might as well apply the law impartially once.

As for Liu Da, Chief Clerk Liu held him in slight contempt, calling him a relative, but actually, their connection stretched several generations back. If Liu Da wasn’t adept at socializing and hadn’t helped him handle some unsavory business, Chief Clerk Liu wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with him.

"I am Mo Cheng, greetings, my lord. It was I who beat the drum just now, crying out grievances for this young man, Gao Ping." Chen Mo, under the alias Gao Ping, said.

"I am not a lord; I am the Chief Clerk of the Government Office, named Liu. Lord He is unwell at home, so I am handling the Government Office affairs. Is Young Master Mo a scholar?" Chief Clerk Liu said while pondering that there was no Mo Family in this Western River Land.

"I can’t be considered a scholar, just someone who once went to Huai State to take the imperial examination and failed—a poor soul passing through here who happened upon this young man being chased. Feeling unable to bear his situation, I stepped in to help, and upon hearing his grievances, came to the Government Office to plead for justice." Chen Mo said clearly.

Upon hearing this, Chief Clerk Liu looked down on this "Mo Cheng" somewhat more and then regarded the young Gao Ping, saying softly: "Tell us of your grievances."

Gao Ping looked at Chen Mo nervously, somewhat afraid.

Chen Mo bent slightly and touched Gao Ping’s head, smiling: "Don’t be afraid, I’m here, speak freely."

Only then did Gao Ping start talking.

Meanwhile, Chief Clerk Liu listened carelessly, summoning the constable who brought Gao Ping and others into court, rubbing his fingers under the table.

The constable leaned in and whispered: "Gao Ping and Mo Cheng haven’t offered anything, but Liu Da promised to send generous gifts to my lord’s residence once this matter is settled."

Upon hearing this, Chief Clerk Liu knew how to rule the case and completely set aside any caution about this "Mo Cheng," seeing him as someone with slight wealth but low status since he wasn’t willing to part with any silver.

Next, he merely went through the motions, asking: "Do you have witnesses or evidence for what you have just claimed?"

Evidence, the young Gao Ping certainly didn’t have any.

As for witnesses, indeed many saw Liu Da break the legs of Mr. Gao and Lady Gao but were too intimidated by Liu Da’s villainy to dare testify in court.

Gao Ping could only stubbornly say he saw it with his own eyes.

But his word alone would certainly be useless.

Chen Mo also narrated seeing Gao Ping being chased by Liu Da and hearing Liu Da personally admit to breaking Gao Ping’s parents’ legs, and even claim that Liu Da attacked him.

Yet Liu Da resolutely denied it, saying it was merely a scare tactic at the time.

Seeing Gao Ping unable to present evidence, Chief Clerk Liu did not send anyone to investigate and intended to rule the case immediately.

At this moment, Liu Da spoke again, first accusing Gao Ping of falsely accusing him, then charging Gao Ping with trespassing and attempted murder.

Finally, he accused "Mo Cheng" of injuring him indiscriminately, hoping Chief Clerk Liu would convict the pair.

When Chief Clerk Liu asked if Liu Da had evidence for his claims, Liu Da confirmed he did.

He first called his wife, who claimed to have witnessed Gao Ping committing crimes, then produced a land exchange contract, claiming it was a legitimate transaction.

Lastly, he summoned a few henchmen who had been outside Gao Ping’s house, all asserting that "Mo Cheng" was the one who threw the first punch.

Such blatant distortion of facts amused Chen Mo gravely.

But Chief Clerk Liu promptly believed it, refrained from ordering an on-site investigation, and prepared to rule the case.

Gao Ping was also incensed, crying out: "I object!"

"Silence! The court shall not be disturbed with yelling." Chief Clerk Liu struck the gavel, scolding.

"I object, Liu Da is lying." Gao Ping yelled, tears rolling down.

"Causing a disturbance in court, punishable by flogging, go ahead, take him away and give him twenty lashes." Chief Clerk Liu ordered.

"I did not, you are unjust." Gao Ping protested.

"Still disturbing, another level of punishment." Chief Clerk Liu looked coldly at Gao Ping: "I’m telling you, if you continue, I’ll add more—keep going, and I’ll add until you receive the death penalty."

As he spoke, Chief Clerk Liu drew out the death penalty token from the table before him.

Gao Ping, having been frightened for so long, was petrified.

"Guards, take him away." Chief Clerk Liu continued ordering.

"Wait." Chen Mo intervened, stopping the constables who were about to drag Gao Ping away; he glared coldly at Chief Clerk Liu above the platform and said: "Chief Clerk Liu, such a display of authority!"