My subjects are too rebellious!

After spending a few days in Huai'an Prefecture, Qin Chuan decided to set off for Kaifeng Prefecture.

There are large plains in the central and eastern parts of Kaifeng, which were very important resources in the farming era.

Therefore, this place is simply a big food source.

After the canal and railway are built, we can move the capital.

The group left Huai'an Prefecture in a mighty procession and headed towards Kaifeng Prefecture.

After several days of travel, Qin Chuan and his party finally arrived in Kaifeng Prefecture.

When they stepped into the city, they unexpectedly found that the people on the street were running in one direction, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation, and they kept shouting "Judge Bao is trying the case."

Qin Chuan couldn't help but feel a little curious when he heard this.

He didn't know whether this Justice Bao was the same person as the Justice Bao in his memory.

Qin Chuan decided to take Zhang Rang, Long San and Long Si with him.

They followed the crowd, passed through the bustling streets, and finally arrived in front of the Kaifeng government office.

I saw a dense crowd gathered in front of the yamen, and everyone was looking forward to it.

Zhang Rang looked at the surging crowd in front of him with a frown on his face. He lowered his voice and reminded Qin Chuan urgently, "Sir, there are so many people here that there may be safety risks. Let's take shelter from them."

"Although Long San and Long Si are highly skilled in martial arts, they cannot guarantee that they will be safe in this vast sea of ​​people. Your safety is more important than Mount Tai, so don't take risks out of curiosity."

In response to Zhang Rang's concerned reminder, Qin Chuan curled up the corner of his mouth into a faint smile. He waved his hand gently, indicating that Zhang Rang didn't need to worry too much.

"Zhang Rang, it's alright."

Qin Chuan's voice was gentle. He looked at the surging crowd, curiosity and anticipation flashing in his eyes.

"It's a rare opportunity to witness Justice Bao trying a case. This is a great opportunity to understand the people's sentiments and opinions. Besides, with Long San and Long Si by my side, why should I be afraid?"

Zhang Rang still had some concerns when he heard this, but seeing Qin Chuan's firm attitude, he said no more.

He knew Qin Chuan's temper very well, and once he made a decision, he would not change it easily.

So, he could only look around more vigilantly to make sure Qin Chuan's safety was not threatened.

Although Long San and Long Si did not speak, their actions spoke louder than words.

They were like two solid barriers, following Qin Chuan closely, scanning everyone around them with sharp eyes, ready to deal with any emergency that might occur at any time.

As the crowd surged, Qin Chuan and his group slowly moved forward.

Qin Chuan listened attentively as his ears were filled with the discussions of the people.

As the crowd arrived at the gate of the government office, they did not rush into the government office as he had expected. Instead, they all stopped at the same time and no one dared to cross the threshold easily.

Qin Chuan looked up into the government office and saw a scholar in Confucian robes kneeling in front of the hall. He looked lonely and stubborn.

Next to the scholar was a middle-aged man with a big belly. He was dressed in gorgeous clothes and covered with jewels. There was an unquestionable majesty on his face. He was obviously a powerful figure in the local area.

This scene made Qin Chuan feel curious and speculative.

He remembered that Confucian scholars didn't need to kneel, but this...

Soon, a steady and powerful sound of footsteps was heard in the government office. Everyone knew that this was the signal that Justice Bao Bao Xi** had come to the front hall in person.

With his appearance, the yamen runners on both sides immediately became energetic. Holding water and fire sticks, they shouted "mighty" in unison and hit the ground hard.

Bao Xiren walked into the front hall, his eyes sharp as torches, scanning the people in the hall.

He sat down slowly, his posture straight and upright, looking majestic without even being angry.

When everything was ready, he slammed the gavel. The crisp and loud sound instantly penetrated the entire government office and shook the hearts of everyone present.

"Who is here? What is the matter?"

His eyes were sharp as he stared at the scholar and the pot-bellied middle-aged man kneeling in front of the hall, waiting for their answers.

Upon hearing this, the scholar's body trembled slightly, then he looked up, took a deep breath, and began to slowly state his grievances.

The middle-aged man had a look of disdain on his face, as if he didn't care about the scholar's accusations. He just sneered occasionally to show his sarcasm.

The scholar choked up a bit when he heard this, and said, "Sir, my wife is gentle and virtuous. We have always respected each other and have never had any arguments. However, she suddenly disappeared a few days ago. I ran around and asked the neighbors, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea. There was no news until today, when the yamen runners told me that a female corpse was found by the river. Although her face was destroyed, the jewelry was indeed what my wife wore when she was alive. I was struck by lightning and couldn't believe it was true."

At this point, the scholar was already in tears. He suppressed his grief and continued, "I know I am being suspected, but please understand, I have never touched my wife, and I would never do such a heinous thing. I beg you to investigate this case thoroughly, clear my name, and give my wife justice."

The wealthy businessman listened at the side, a sneer on his face.

He looked at the scholar with contempt, then bowed to Bao Xiren and said, "Sir, although I have no grudge against the scholar, this matter concerns human life, so I have to mention it."

"My slaves witnessed with their own eyes that the scholar had beaten his wife. Although we don't know whether this caused her death, it is enough to prove that he is not as innocent as he said. Moreover, the ornaments on the female corpse were indeed his wife's. This is irrefutable evidence. I hope you can make a wise judgment."

After hearing the rich businessman's testimony, he immediately ordered the bailiffs to quickly bring the slave in the rich businessman's house to the court so that he could personally ask him about what he had seen and heard.

Soon, a slave with ragged clothes and a nervous look was brought into the hall.

He knelt in front of Bao Xiren, trembling constantly.

After the slave calmed down a little, Bao Xiren slowly spoke: "Did you see the scholar beating his wife with your own eyes?"

Upon hearing this, the slave kowtowed and replied in a trembling voice, "Yes, sir, I saw it with my own eyes. That evening, I was passing by the mansion and happened to see the scholar arguing with his wife, and then they started fighting. Although it was late, my eyesight was still good, and I did see the scholar punching and kicking his wife."

Bao Xiren nodded and continued to ask: "Do you still remember the specific date and time of that day? Also, why did the scholar beat his wife?"

The slave tried hard to recall, but his answers seemed to be a little unclear due to nervousness and fear.

However, he still tried his best to describe the scene of that day. Although the details were a bit vague, the general situation was consistent with what the rich businessman said.

Bao Xiren frowned when he heard this, but he did not express his opinion immediately.