Judge of the Song Dynasty

A tumult erupted in the courtyard.

For many, this turn of events came too suddenly.

Lin Fei had changed his tune in an instant.

Lu Gongzhu wasn’t surprised, having suspected Lin Fei’s involvement. Even if Lin Fei didn’t confess, he would still have investigated the suspicions raised. But he glanced with frustration at Huang Gui.

Huang Gui awkwardly shook his head.

They hadn’t investigated any of this.

Lu Gongzhu couldn’t help but blush, wondering what they were really doing.

Wang Anshi quietly asked Xu Zun, “Brother Xu, do you know the background of that Lady Lin?”

Sima Guang immediately leaned in to listen.

Xu Zun whispered, “A prostitute.” Wang Anshi and Sima Guang suddenly had a look of enlightenment.

Tang Jie, who had been eavesdropping nearby, suddenly interjected, “This can only be considered a suspicious point. It’s not enough to make Lin Fei confess.”

Sima Guang said, “Lin Fei can’t even defend himself. His story is full of holes, and his wife’s identity is already a suspicious point. Lies are lies; they can’t withstand interrogation.”

However, Wang Anshi said, “But this also shows that Lin Fei is a faithful and loyal man. He confessed in advance to protect his wife. If his wife were brought to court and interrogated about her background by Zhang San, it would be very embarrassing!”

Tang Jie nodded slightly.

Indeed.

With Zhang Fei’s eloquence, if there was a single loophole in Lady Lin’s story, he would find it.

Wang Anshi suddenly whispered to Sima Guang, “I know why you lost before.”

Sima Guang immediately sneered at him, “You’re just realizing it now? I knew it long ago.”

Wang Anshi looked embarrassed.

Details!

Sima Guang had lost because of he did not pay close enough attention to the details.

And now, this scene was repeating itself.

What set Zhang Fei’s defense apart from others was his attention to detail.

When news of the case first broke, no one cared about Lin Fei’s drinking habits, his frequency of treating others to meals, or his wife. They only cared about that admission letter.

They believed that was solid evidence.

With that evidence in hand, overturning the case would be very difficult.

This was one reason Zhang Fei was unwilling to provide evidence. He held onto the details. If he revealed them too soon, he couldn’t achieve the element of surprise.

Realizing this, Lu Gongzhu suddenly slammed the table, “Lin Fei, confess!”

“Actually, we’ve already made it very clear.” Zhang Fei continued calmly.

Both Lin Fei and Lu Gongzhu looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.

Zhang Fei sighed, “There was a time when I thought Instructor Lin did this for fame and fortune. But Xu Zhiqian believed there was more to it.

So I made a bet with Xu Zhiqian. She would persuade Lin Fei to give up that admission letter because we already had enough evidence.

If Lin Fei gave up his case, it would prove he was after fame and fortune. If not, it would show he wanted to tell his side of the story in court.

Unfortunately, Xu Zhiqian won. Instructor Lin knew his chances of winning were slim, but he persisted. He knew very well that even if he won in court, he would still lose in life. He wouldn’t get a promotion, but rather, more troubles.

But he still did it for a simple reason. If he didn’t, who would hear his plea?”

“…!”

Inside and outside the courtroom fell silent, with only the resounding echoes of Zhang Fei’s powerful defense remaining.

Cao Dongdong couldn’t help but wonder.

Why was it that when he didn’t admit guilt, the court was nearly overturned with curses from the people.

But now that Lin Fei admitted guilt, why was there only silence?

Were they not bullying him?

Playing with the people’s emotions!

Zhang Fei’s tactics remained the same!

But Lu Gongzhu was completely helpless.

Because he was now a bit confused himself.

Who exactly was Zhang Fei advocating for?

Even Huang Gui had to admit, even if he ignored justice and continued to defend Lin Fei, the effect probably wouldn’t be as good as Zhang Fei’s.

Lu Gongzhu said, “No reason can serve as an excuse for crime.”

“The Prefect is impartial, and I deeply admire that.”

Zhang Fei bowed, then turned the conversation, “But today, I am defending Cao Dongdong.”

So you do know that!

Lu Gongzhu almost swore when he heard this.

Cao Dongdong couldn’t help but jump in place, “You finally remembered I’m here.”

Lu Gongzhu deeply agreed, wishing he could give Cao Dongdong a thumbs up.

Zhang Fei glanced at Cao Dongdong, then continued loudly, “As for my client, oh, that is, Cao Dongdong, I believe he has suffered too much injustice in this case, simply because he is the son of an imperial relative.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Cao Dongdong nodded vigorously.

“Is Cao Dongdong guilty or not?” Zhang Fei shook his head, “I think he’s innocent, but I can say he made a mistake. Because regardless of the reasons, he still harbored improper thoughts towards a married woman, which is obviously unacceptable.”

Cao Dongdong glared angrily at Zhang Fei.

Lin Fei is guilty, and you put it so tactfully. I’m innocent, but you’re being so blunt.

Whose side are you on anyway!

Zhang Fei continued, “But please understand, the young master is only eighteen or nineteen years old—at such a youthful age, he was inexperienced in the ways of the world and intoxicated with alcohol. At the same time, he was actively seduced by the other party, making it difficult to control himself. It’s understandable.”

Pausing for a moment, he continued, “On the night of the incident, due to Lin Fei’s threats, he was terrified and signed the admission letter. But afterwards, he refused to accede to his demands, preferring to confront him in court.

But don’t overlook one thing, the young master could have easily used his family background to ensure Lin Fei got the promotion he deserved. I believe that for him, it wouldn’t have been very difficult. He would have avoided scolding from his parents and the disaster of imprisonment. I believe many people would choose to do so.

But the young master did not do so. Why? Because he deeply understands that the status of their Cao family today was earned through the hard work and sacrifices of their ancestors, bestowed by the grace of His Majesty.

If he did so, he would forever cast a shadow over the honor of the Cao family, a stain that could never be washed away. Although the young master made a significant mistake, on matters of principle, he firmly held his ground. He did not commit any actions harmful to the country or his family. He silently bore it all.”

That’s right! That’s right! You’ve said it perfectly!

Cao Dongdong was suddenly moved by these words, tears welling up in his eyes. I… I’m so awesome?

Seeing Zhang Fei sigh deeply, “I have to say, this lawsuit has deeply touched me. Everyone should think carefully. The young master’s persistence on upholding principles is exactly what Lin Fei wishes had happened for him. Yet here they are, facing each other in court.”

Lin Fei and Cao Dongdong glanced at each other, a bit less resentment and a bit more understanding in their eyes.

“I got so engrossed, I almost forgot about this!” Wang Anshi chuckled.

Sima Guang smiled, “That’s the most crucial point.”

Laughing together, they walked out.

“Great!”

“Well said!”

“He lives up to his name, he really spoke well!”

“Zhang San, I misunderstood you before, I’m truly sorry!”

There was suddenly a burst of cheers at the door.

That last sentence seemed to elevate the entire lawsuit.

Amidst the cheers, Lu Gongzhu pronounced Cao Dongdong innocent and ordered Lin Fei’s arrest.

As for Lady Lin and Officer Wu, he didn’t order them to court. This was also an important legal principle in the Northern Song Dynasty, protecting privacy rights.

“Thank you!” Lin Fei said to Zhang Fei as he was escorted away by two bailiffs.

Zhang Fei sighed, “But I can only help you up to this point.”

Lin Fei nodded. Thıs text ıs hosted at Nove1Fire.net

Cao Dongdong suddenly said, “Instructor Lin, if there’s a chance, I want to have another drink with you.”

Lin Fei tearfully nodded, “I’m sorry!”

Zhang Fei couldn’t help but glance at Cao Dongdong, thinking, this person is worth befriending.

“Zhang San!” Huang Gui suddenly approached.

“Chief Clerk Huang!” Zhang Fei quickly bowed.

Huang Gui returned the gesture, “In this debate, I admit defeat wholeheartedly, and it has greatly benefited me.”

In the previous lawsuits, he had been a bit skeptical of Zhang Fei, as there was suspicion of sophistry. But this time was different. Zhang Fei truly used his eloquence and thorough preparation to extract the truth. His way of questioning was indeed enlightening.

Zhang Fei modestly replied, “Thank you for going easy on me.”