For Love Then the Sentence Can Be Reduced

Lord Zhou spoke these words with awe-inspiring majesty and righteous indignation, leaving Zhang Shi deeply conflicted.

Should he disregard everything and just chop off Xu Qin's head first?

Or should he swallow his anger for now and figure out a way to deal with her later?

Wang Ming, standing to the side, had grown much wiser due to his various experiences in the capital. He had quietly called over Bangchui and told him to fetch Su Jin.

He wanted to bring in the Demon Suppression Division, which had imperial permission to execute first and report later!

At this moment, the happiest person was undoubtedly Xu Qin.

Just a moment ago, she had seen an incredibly dense, unyielding murderous intent in Zhang Shi's eyes. Boundless terror had surged in her heart, making her believe Zhang Shi would definitely kill her.

But now, things had taken a turn. She had been snatched from the jaws of death by this Lord Zhou, and there was going to be a retrial.

This was an official of Huaian City! A retrial meant she would be found innocent, right?

She hurriedly grabbed Lord Zhou's official robes and cried out hoarsely, My Lord, my Lord, please save me! I only accidentally injured a horse, and yet these people want to take my life.

Is there no justice?

Is there no law?

My Lord, save me!

I am even a member of the Huaian City Love Mutual Aid Alliance!

Lord Zhou flicked his sleeves, shaking Xu Qin off, and said majestically, Impudence! How dare you behave so insolently while I am adjudicating a case?

If you continue to act out of line, do not blame me for using severe torture.

Pausing, he looked at Zhang Shi and Wang Ming and said, Generals, you are the plaintiffs, and this Xu Qin is the defendant. However, as to the specifics of what you are accusing her of, please explain.

I came in a hurry and do not know the exact details of the case. Once you generals make it clear, I can make a ruling.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shi felt even more aggrieved.

He had to recount the grievance he suffered all over again? Wouldn't that make him feel even worse?

Wang Ming, however, had focused his thoughts on the words Huaian City Love Mutual Aid Alliance. His mind cleared, knowing that once the Demon Suppression Division arrived, it would be much easier to handle.

Therefore, he took the initiative to shoulder this heavy task, clearly explaining the ins and outs of the matter, and also mentioned the evidence found by Bangchui and the others.

Lord Zhou nodded and asked Xu Qin, Do you have any defense against what General Wang Ming has said?

Xu Qin wanted to argue, but the evidence was irrefutable. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Lord Zhou, having judged cases for many years and being highly experienced, had already formed a conclusion. He immediately shouted, Truly an audacious and unruly citizen!

That horse is named Snow Qilin. It was painstakingly sought after by Xu Shang, the former City Lord of our Huaian City. It is extraordinarily precious, worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. Yet you dared to deliberately injure it. Your behavior is insane and utterly detestable!

Pausing, he directly pronounced the sentence right there in the prison.

It is found today that the woman of the Xu family considers herself above others, behaves absurdly and unreasonably, and despises military discipline and the laws of the land.

She secretly purchased poison with malicious intent, acted inappropriately, and poisoned General Zhang Shi's peerless steed, Snow Qilin, causing it severe and incurable injuries.

Not only is this horse of extraordinary value, but with the army about to march, it is classified as a military steed. By doing this, the Xu woman has damaged property and delayed vital military and state affairs. Her crime is unforgivable!

He paused, turned his head to Zhang Shi, and said, This matter should originally be handled by the government office. However, since it involves military affairs, according to the laws of Huaian City, it should be handed over to the military for disposal.

General Zhang Shi, this matter concerns you. Right now, on behalf of Huaian City, I hand this criminal over to you to be dealt with according to military law.

This case will thus be concluded in my Huaian City.

Zhang Shi was stunned.

Wang Ming was also stunned.

No, brother, you just came barging in so aggressively, we thought you were going to deliberately shield this Xu Qin.

Unexpectedly, now you are handing this Xu Qin over to the military, and specifically into Zhang Shi's hands. What the hell...

What are you trying to do?

Zhang Shi was completely bewildered.

Wang Ming barely managed to think of one possibility.

The law is indeed like this, but I must give you this personal favor!

But he wasn't sure either.

He couldn't help but size up this Lord Zhou.

No, could someone with such an aura of righteousness and thick eyebrows and big eyes also possess such cunning?

General Zhang Shi...

Lord Zhou still maintained a stern expression, reminding him, My Huaian City government is doing it this way. Does your military have any objections?

No, none!

That's good. I will have the clerk write it down. After Xu Qin signs it, I will also have to ask General Zhang Shi to represent the military and sign off on the closure of the case with me. I wonder if it is convenient for General Zhang Shi?

Con... convenient.

Zhang Shi felt as if his mind was experiencing a violent earthquake, one that seemed to make it even harder for his heart to remain calm than when he galloped freely across the grasslands.

Alright, then I will go do it now.

Lord Zhou said, catching a glimpse of Zhang Shi's expression, and almost subconsciously added a sentence.

General Zhang Shi, don't get the wrong idea. I am full of righteousness, only abiding by the law and acting according to the rules. I am not opening a back door for you.

My righteousness can reach the heavens.

Here with me, there is only the law, no personal feelings!

Zhang Shi seemed to react, breaking into a smile and repeatedly saying, Good, good, good. Under the Duke's command, we need good officials like you who follow the rules. By the way, the Duke's selection of officials in Huaian City doesn't seem to be finalized yet. I think you are pretty good. I'll have to mention a word to the Duke later.

Wang Ming also agreed, General Zhang Shi is right.

Unexpectedly, Lord Zhou looked unappreciative of their words and said coldly, I have been law-abiding all my life and act according to the law. I do not need to take such shortcuts. I appreciate the good intentions of the two generals.

But whether I can continue to serve in the criminal affairs of Huaian City depends entirely on my conduct being worthy of heaven and earth. You two generals do not need to trouble yourselves.

Lord Zhou shouted these words with burning passion and awe-inspiring majesty, but Xu Qin was repeatedly dumbfounded before she finally broke down.

How did it turn out like this?

Lord Zhou had arrived, and she thought her savior had come, but now... she had to be handed over to this scar-faced general again?

She was acting according to the methods in the book, encouraged by Yunjing and the Concentric Alliance. What did she do wrong?

Has the sky finally darkened?

Death, and a fear even more terrifying than death, enveloped Xu Qin. She struggled to burst forth with her last bit of strength and grabbed Lord Zhou's robes.

She shouted hoarsely, Lord Zhou, you can't do this! I was only doing it for my love, what did I do wrong?

Lord Zhou, who was just instructing the clerk on something, suddenly turned around upon hearing this and said, What did you say?

You did it for love?

Then, the crime for this matter can be reduced by one degree!

Zhang Shi: ???

Wang Ming: ???