In front of the county hall that is not very spacious, there have been many melon-eating people who have come to watch after hearing the news, crowding the fence, waiting to see a rare liveliness in Chuning County.

Then, the local gentry arrived. I sat on a few chairs that had been set up in advance in front of the fence.

Among them, naturally, the two parties involved, Ye Long, are also indispensable.

This is the first court trial after Bai Yunbian took office, and it is natural to do enough things such as fairness and justice, so that people can be convicted without finding fault.

Then the next two rows of officials walked out of the class room, holding water and fire sticks, standing on both sides of the public hall.

Bai Yunbian, who was wearing a seven-grade official uniform, paced square steps, walked to the plaque hanging high in the mirror, picked up the startling wood and patted it gently, "Ascension!" ”

The officials held sticks in both hands, tapped the ground, and chanted mighty, instantly filling the majestic atmosphere.

The chief bookkeeper of the county walked to the hall and shook open a piece of paper, "There is a citizen of this county, Long Ziwang, who was killed in Baihualou two days ago. The world is clear, all evil will be eliminated in the blue sky, everyone is watching, and the ferocity is not allowed to be in the hearts of the people, and the public trial is now opened, so as to obey the emperor's orders and herdsmen's trust, and to appease the people's wishes, punish the evil and eliminate the evil, and comfort the dead! ”

The crowd of onlookers outside the fence applauded, and the officials in the hall also knocked on their sticks again, as if in response.

The head of the Ye family turned his head to look at the worried lady, reached out to hold the other party's hand, and gently squeezed it to show encouragement.

"Take the suspect!"

In this era, there is no respect for the suspect, but Bai Yunbian still changed his words, hoping that Ye Hongluan can understand his thoughtful thoughts, maybe there is still the possibility of turning around.

Soon, Ye Mingfeng, who was wearing shackles, was brought up.

Although there were indeed no scars or traces of torture on his body, the obvious malaise and haggard still made Ye Mu's eyes red, and she was hanging with tears.

Bai Yunbian said in a deep voice: "Ye Mingfeng, someone accused you of assassinating Long Ziwang after drinking in Baihualou, can you plead guilty?" ”

Ye Mingfeng shook his head, "My lord Mingjian, he has a close relationship with Brother Long in Xiasu, and he has never held grudges, how can he be justified in assassinating him!" ”

"Humph!" Bai Yunbian slapped the shocked wood, "Someone's coming!" Bring a person's card! ”

The first to be brought up were the guards of Ye Mingfeng and Long Ziwang.

Both of them are members of the Cao Gang, and they are involved in such a major event for no reason at this moment, and they have to identify his son in front of the gang leader, isn't this eating the heart of a bear and a leopard's guts!

But it was the beloved son of the three elders who was killed, and if he didn't tell the truth, the three elders wouldn't let him go.

This problem of death made the two men sweat profusely.

Fortunately, Bai Yunbian had already expected this, and said: "You two don't need to identify anything, just tell the truth about the situation of the day, this is also your duty, and no one will blame you for this." ”

The two of them breathed a sigh of relief when they heard this, and then began to tell.

"On the same day, my son-in-law and Hu Gongzi went back to Chuning County together, and went to find Mr. Long, because Mr. Long drank some wine at noon, and was still resting in the room, but my son-in-law dragged it up directly, and the two laughed and went to Baihualou with Mr. Hu, and then they each called a girl to drink and have fun together."

The crowd of onlookers at the door listened with relish, and wanted to interject and ask how they were having fun.

But obviously this is not the focus of today's court trial, so the guard continued: "Then Hu Gongzi asked, I heard that there has been frequent turmoil in the Cao Gang recently, what is going on?" Then Mr. Long waved the girls and us out, and told us to keep guard at the door and not allow outsiders to enter. ”

Bai Yunbian asked, "When you come out, confirm that there are only three of them in the room?" ”

The guard nodded, "Confirm!" At that time, the villain walked at the end, and also glanced at the house, it was indeed only the three of them, who came out, and the door was also closed by the villain himself. ”

Bai Yunbian snorted, "Go on!" ”

The guard continued: "After about a cup of tea, Hu Gongzi came out first. At that time, the villain also asked, Hu Gongzi shook his head and said no, no, no, those two people are too good to drink, and he can't drink again, time is like an arrow, don't wait for a long time, and go upstairs after speaking. ”

As soon as these words came out, there was a burst of jokes about the fun of the people outside, and some of the people who were rich in associations felt a little enthusiastic.

Although Bai Yunbian hadn't been there for several months, he was not like that, and he still said clearly: "When he opens the door and leaves, will anyone take the opportunity to sneak in?" ”

The guard of Long Gongzi on the side shook his head and said: "No, the villain is also by the door, anyone who enters and exits the villain can find it, at that time, only Hu Gongzi came out, no one went in, and the villain quickly closed the door again." ”

"So, at this time, only Ye Mingfeng and Long Ziwang are left in the room?"

"Yes."

"Go on."

Then, the villain stood guard outside the door, and there were bursts of laughter from time to time, and then about another stick of incense, I heard the sound of things falling to the ground, so I asked through the door if there was anything wrong, but there was no response. So I pushed the door in, and then I saw Long Gongzi lying on his back with a dagger stuck in his chest, while my son was lying on the table with his eyes closed, sleeping soundly. ”

The people of Baihualou reacted quickly, and when they heard the movement, several guards immediately rushed in, and they were stupid when they saw this scene, and they rummaged around the house, but they really didn't find anyone else. Then the villain woke up my son-in-law, and the son-in-law was so frightened that he woke up a lot, and hurriedly asked me to take him home first, and I took him back to the house. After that, the adults will know. ”

The guard of Long Ziwang on the side also followed: "At that time, there were indeed only two people in the room, Ye Gongzi and my son. ”

Baiyunbian ordered someone to call the seven Baihualou guards who were present that day, and the confessions of the people were completely consistent with what the two said, and made it clear that after they entered, they also blocked the door and thoroughly checked the room, and did not see a single outsider.

Bai Yunbian slapped the shocked wood, "Ye Mingfeng, at that time, there were only you and Long Ziwang in the room, you still have to quibble?" ”

Ye Mingfeng hurriedly said: "My lord Mingjian, I am drunk and unconscious, how can I have the ability to kill Long Gongzi!" ”

Bai Yunbian snorted coldly, "There are only you and him in the room, not you, could it be that Long Ziwang can't think of committing suicide?" ”

Ye Mingfeng couldn't help but cry out, "I really don't know what to do!" Brother Long and I have no grudges in the past and no enmity in the near future, so why do you want to do this! ”

"If you don't see the coffin, you won't shed tears! Someone's coming! Take Hu Feng leisure! ”

Bai Yunbian gave an order, and Hu Gongzi, who was with Ye and Long, was also invited.

And his confession was completely consistent with the confession of Fang Cai's guard, which couldn't help but make Ye Mingfeng's suspicion a little bigger.

Bai Yunbian looked at him, "This official has another thing to ask you." Where did you go with the suspect before you arrived in Chuning County? ”

Hu Gongzi's face changed, and he subconsciously glanced at Ye Mingfeng.

Bai Yunbian slapped the stunned wood, "Above the public court, under the mirror, An dare not recruit from the truth!" ”

Hu Gongzi had no choice but to say: "I took a detour with Brother Ye to Liujiazhuang in Chuning County. ”

"Where are you going?"

Hu Gongzi hesitated, "Go see a woman." ”

"Why?"

"Brother Ye wanted to find the woman and ask why he was on good terms with Brother Long, but rejected him."

As soon as these words came out, the people outside the fence immediately became commotion, it turns out that there are such love and hatred stories, then it makes sense!

Ye Mingfeng immediately said: "My lord, I just went to ask for an understanding, and I don't mean to hate Brother Long!" ”

Bai Yunbian snorted coldly, "Come on, take that woman!" ”

Soon, a delicate girl was brought in by the official with a timid face, and then knelt in the hall.

"People's girl Liu Yumei, meet your lord."

"Liu Yumei, this official asked you, two days ago, did Ye Mingfeng come to your house to look for you?"

Liu Yumei's body trembled, bowed her head and said nothing.

Bai Yunbian said in a deep voice: "Don't be nervous, the gentry of Manxian County are gathered today, you just have to confess the truth, and this official will shelter you!" If anyone dares to take revenge for personal gain, this official will not be spared! ”

Liu Yumei then swallowed and said: "Ye Gongzi did come to inquire about me that day, but I have fallen in love with Long Gongzi, and he also promised to come to propose marriage in a few days, in order not to attract tongue, the folk girl did not show up, but said a few words through the door that made him break his thoughts, Ye Gongzi was very angry at the time, and asked the folk girl if there was no Long Gongzi, if the folk girl was willing to marry him. ”

Everyone's discussion is booming, which is very clear!

Ye Mingfeng hurriedly shouted: "My lord, I didn't mean that, I mean, if there is no Brother Long, will she be willing to marry me, not what she said!" ”

After speaking, he looked at Liu Yumei viciously, "You poisonous woman, why do you want to frame me like this!" ”

Liu Yumei was so frightened that she shrank back, and Bai Yunbian slapped the startled wood, "Presumptuous!" Above the court, how can you be wild! ”

The two officials stepped out and forked it on the ground with sticks of water and fire.

Ye Mingfeng couldn't escape, so he had to roar and roar, writhing like a fish washed up on the shore.

Ye Hongluan looked at the tragic situation of her eldest brother, and there was an urge in her heart to rush up and knock down all these servants, and then save him and leave, but this impulse was pressed by reason, and she knew that as long as she did this, the Ye family would be finished.

Or, at least, the fate of her and his eldest brother is over.

She couldn't help but think of that night two years ago, if it weren't for those things, maybe he wouldn't have embarked on this path of indulgence and profligacy, and now he should be a promising scholar, not a prisoner like he is now.

She pursed her beautiful lips and silently pondered a solution.

And the rest of the people who have nothing to do with the Ye family already feel that the matter has been closed at this moment, just wait for Ye Mingfeng to bear it and explain the specific experience, because from any point of view, the murderer cannot be someone else.

They looked at Baiyunbian, waiting for him to open his mouth to draw a final end to this matter, and also to make a final conclusion for the fate of the Ye family's son.

Bai Yunbian looked at the noisy field, his eyes also crossed the faces of the Ye family and Ye Hongluan, and the heavens and men were at war in their hearts, hesitating and hesitating.

"Lord White!"

At this moment, a voice sounded, and in the ranks of the gentry, a middle-aged man stood up and arched his hand towards the white clouds, "My lord, the facts of this case are clear, please pronounce the verdict quickly, so as to restore the innocence of the innocent." ”

Bai Yunbian frowned, "You are?" ”

The man arched his hand, "Hu Dingming in the Xia Hu family." ”

Hu Dingming? Who is it?

Bai Yunbian wanted to blurt out like this, but fortunately, his current identity stopped his reckless behavior, and the master book on the side hurriedly explained, letting him know that this person was the younger brother of the current head of the Longshou Hu family, that is, the nominal number two person of the Hu family, and the cousin of Hu Gongzi in the hall.

Hu Dingming said: "Lord Bai's talent is famous in the world, and we all know it, and I think I have already seen the inside story of this case, but what I care about is that it is very involved. But the sky is clear, every day is clear, there is always justice and reason, power and reputation are floating clouds, my Hu family is willing to give a fair heart, help the adult to judge fairly, if someone wants to take the opportunity to make trouble, the Hu family is also willing to help the adult. ”

After speaking, Hu Dingming said loudly: "Please pronounce the sentence!" ”

In the crowd, a few more people got up and said in unison: "Please pronounce the sentence!" ”

Among the onlookers who did not know the truth, many people shouted, "Pronounce the verdict!" Sentence! ”

Seeing this scene, Bai Yunbian went around his mind again, and found that there was indeed no omission, took a deep breath, picked up the startling wood and patted it, and heard a familiar shout in the quiet crowd, "Slow!" ”

Everyone turned their heads to look back, only to see a man with a mustache standing in front of the fence, and said loudly: "There is something strange about this matter, Lord Bai cannot pronounce a judgment!" ”

Ye Hongluan looked at this person, recalling yesterday's glimpse in Baihualou, was he?

The county man immediately scolded: "Where did you come from the countryside recklessly, dare to roar the court and disturb the order of the court!" Come on, beat me out of the stick! ”

The crowd around the man flashed to the side, and a circle remained, leaving only the man and the guard beside him standing alone.

Just when the officials were about to move, the voice of Bai Yunbian sounded coldly, "Liu Xiancheng, is it you who have the final say in this public court, or is the official the final say?" ”

The county was stunned for a moment and hurriedly confessed.

Bai Yunbian looked at Xia Jingyun, and a burst of pleasure swelled in his heart, "Wu Na man, come in, what do you have to say to the court." ”

The official opened the fence and let Xia Jingyun and Chen Fugui in.

Bai Yunbian said, "Why don't you two kneel when you see this official?" ”

Xia Jingyun's eyes widened, and Bai Yunbian coughed in embarrassment, "That's it, there is no informality in the court, you can talk about it first." ”

Xia Jingyun opened his mouth and said: "Dare to ask my lord, there is only one wound on Long Gongzi's body, and it is a penetrating wound on the front of the chest, as far as I know, Long Gongzi has some martial arts, and Ye Gongzi is a powerless scholar, how can he kill Long Gongzi with a frontal blow when he is not yet drunk, and he has not yet hit any counterattack?" Moreover, Ye Gongzi was able to go straight into the room and drag up Long Gongzi, who was still resting, and Long Gongzi was not angry, so it can be seen that the relationship between the two is quite good, so what is the motivation to do such evil deeds? ”

Hu Dingming sneered, "This is not simple, the two have a very good relationship on weekdays, and Long Xian's nephew was not guarded against, so he was fatally killed by a blow, which proves that this person harbors evil intentions and is extremely insidious." ”

Ye Wenhe finally couldn't help but pat his chair and stood up, "Hu Dingming, the Ye and Hu families have no grievances, you are slandering my son here and repeating it, and you want to put him to death, what do you want!" ”

Although Ye Wenhe has never been a violent and majestic character, but the real fire attack, with the prestige of the Cao Gang, still makes many people frightened, but Hu Dingming did not panic at all, and smiled faintly, "What is the Ye Gang Leader talking about, he is just on the side of justice, and my nephew is also involved in this matter, if I don't explain the situation, won't my Hu family suffer injustice?" Besides, the situation at that time was very clear, if it wasn't your son who killed, who else could there be? ”

Ye Wenhe's chest rose and fell in anger, but he couldn't say anything to refute.

But at this moment, Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "That's a good question. ”

Everyone looked at him puzzled, and said in their hearts, "Who are you?"

Only Bai Yunbian silently pouted in his heart, this dog thing is about to be opened again.

Xia Jingyun said: "The biggest problem in this case is that it was a secret room at the time, and there were no outsiders, so Ye Gongzi can only be identified as the murderer, even if he does not have the ability to kill Long Gongzi in person, even if he has no motive to kill Long Gongzi, even if everyone does not find the rest of the physical evidence that he killed Long Gongzi, even if there is so much unreasonableness, Ye Gongzi can only be determined to be the murderer, right?" ”

He looked at Hu Dingming and smiled slightly defiantly.

Hu Dingming panicked for no reason, and then snorted, "So what?" ”

Xia Jingyun turned to look at Bai Yunbian, "My lord, can you let a few officials cooperate to do a small experiment?" ”

Xian Cheng just wanted to scold him for being ridiculous, but then he thought of Bai Yunbian's words just now, hesitated and turned his head to look at it, and sure enough, Bai Yunbian nodded directly, "But!" ”

Then he ordered a few officials and asked them to obey Xia Jingyun's orders for the time being.

This trust made many people look at each other, looking at this handsome man, I don't know what his relationship is with the county lord.

Xia Jingyun didn't delay, he directly called a few people over, and gave a few words one by one, and then he looked at Long Zhengqing first, and pointed to the empty class room on the side, "Elder Long, you are the most unlikely person to give false testimony here, please take a look, is there a problem here?" ”

Long Zhengqing was confused, but since Bai Yunbian agreed, he also wanted to find out the real culprit, so he got up and walked over and glanced at it.

There are only hardwood beds, two cabinets, a table with a few stools, and something hanging on the wall.

He said coldly: "There is no problem. ”

"Elder Long, please take a seat." Xia Jingyun nodded, and then called all the officials into the class room, closed the door, and said loudly: "Next, you will use this place as the room where the incident occurred that day, and demonstrate the process of hunting for the murderer for everyone." ”

After saying that, he let the people out, waited by the door, and then walked at the end, and closed the door with his own hands.

Then he nodded at Chen Fugui, Chen Fugui pulled his throat, "Oh no, Long Gongzi was killed!" ”

A group of officials kicked open the door and rushed in.

"Not under the bed!"

"Not in the cupboard!"

"Not on the beams!"

Everyone made the class room jump, but they still returned in vain, and they all withdrew.

The county sneered, "I thought you had something to do, and you must have a high opinion!" What does this prove? ”

Xia Jingyun glanced at him with disdain, looking at one of these officials, "Tell me." ”

The man stepped forward and said, "This benevolent brother just now instructed me to secretly hide under the bed while we are all going in, and not to come out." Then, when everyone rushed in, he pretended to check under the bed, shouted that there was no one under the bed, and then followed the crowd and withdrew. I did so, and it was actually quite a big move, but everyone didn't seem to be paying attention. ”

Everyone was stunned for a moment when they heard this, they all looked curiously just now, these people were all wearing the same clothes, but they really didn't pay attention to this stubble!

Xia Jingyun looked at the other two people again, "You two talk about it." ”

"The order we received just now was to go to the bedside as soon as we entered the house, cover the people hiding under the bed, and not alarm others."

When everyone heard this, they finally reacted.

Ye Hongluan immediately got up, "I have personally seen the room of Baihualou, it is bigger than this class room, and there is a bed behind the shadow wall that can hide people, and it can be implemented according to this law, so my eldest brother may not be the only one in the room that day!" ”

Xia Jingyun said: "The two guards also said that the guards of the Baihualou also came very quickly that day, as if they had been prepared for a long time, which made people have to doubt the truth." ”

Everyone couldn't help nodding, this iron-clad fact is here, so many of them didn't see a flaw when they looked at it, which means that this is completely feasible, so because Ye Gongzi was only alone in the venue at the time of the incident, the logic of convicting him doesn't make sense!

So, Ye Gongzi is innocent?

No wonder he keeps saying he's not guilty!

Hu Dingming snorted coldly, "Who knows if you bought these officials and deliberately made false certificates." ”

Xia Jingyun smiled, "I'm a foreigner, do I have such a big ability to buy so many servants?" ”

Hu Dingming said lightly: "You can't do it, but someone can!" ”

Everyone's eyes became hesitant again, and they looked at Ye Wenhe.

This is also true, it is entirely possible for the Cao Gang to arrange this scene in advance to exonerate his son!

With such a big force, it is impossible to really watch his son be convicted of murder, right?

Xia Jingyun smiled faintly, "This Hu Yuanwai is unreasonable, is he going to change it to punishment?" ”

Hu Dingming said for a long time: "It's just that you are too suspicious." If you have this method, why didn't you offer it earlier, but only at this time? You are a man of unknown origin, but you can make Lord Bai trust so much, you said that you didn't discuss it in advance, who of us believes it? It's really no wonder that we suspect that you are secretly trying to play this drama to exonerate some people? ”

"So, do you suspect that I was bribed by the Cao Gang and Lord Bai to cooperate with them in this play?"

Hu Dingming said lightly: "What? Is it impossible? ”

"You're talking nonsense, and it's not all wrong." Xia Jingyun actually nodded, "I did discuss it with Lord Bai in advance, but it is not to exonerate some people, but to lure out people like you who really harbor evil intentions!" ”

His tone suddenly turned cold, "If you don't set up the platform well, how can you people be willing to jump out, and how can this official and Lord Bai catch you all!" ”

This officer?

Everyone was stunned, this person is still an official?

But Hu Dingming thought of a possibility almost instantly, his eyes swept over Xia Jingyun's handsome face, and his body trembled involuntarily.

Ye Wenhe also thought of a possibility, and his face showed irrepressible joy.

Bai Yunbian snorted in his heart, he was quite sensible, and he knew that he would also make a note for his son.

Looking at the people who were in doubt, Xia Jingyun slowly tore off the beard attached to his mouth, and took out a golden sign from his arms, "This official is a general doctor, the palace attendant Yushi, the household department Kurabe Shilang, the emperor's order, Xia Jingyun!" ”

When everyone raised their eyes, they saw four clear words engraved on it: If I am here.

In a panicked sound of tables and chairs collapsing, the people in the audience knelt on the ground and shouted in unison, "Long live my emperor, long live, long live!" ”

While lifting his robe and kneeling, Bai Yunbian lowered his head, and slandered in his heart: Damn, he pretended to be it again!

Thanks to the [Lonely Shell] boss for the 5,000 reward.

(End of chapter)