Sir Song, do you want to pledge yourself to me?

The county magistrate said in a deep voice, "Bring up the madam of Yichunyuan."

"Your Excellency, I am innocent. I have done nothing. I am just doing my business!" Before the person arrived, a sharp and panicked voice came in.

As the sound got closer, the bailiff came in with a colorful and charming woman.

Wang Kui, who was kneeling on the ground, felt a pang of anxiety when he saw the newcomer. This son of his might have been born to be a debt collector; now, he was about to drag his entire family down with him.

The county magistrate shook his right hand, which was still in pain, and resisted the urge to slam the table. "No noise in the court!"

When the woman heard the county magistrate's majestic shout, she knelt down in the hall in a panic, not daring to make any more noise.

The magistrate continued, "Everyone in the hall, please state your names."

The woman replied in panic, "I am Huang Chunhua, your Excellency. I am the proprietress of Yichunyuan. I was brought here today for no apparent reason."

Seeing that the woman was also dishonest, the county magistrate said with a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, "I don't know why. Someone is accusing you of forcing women into prostitution and taking human lives in Yichunyuan. Now, bring the witnesses here, and I will personally explain the reason."

As the county magistrate finished speaking, several people came in one after another, including girls from Yichunyuan and nearby residents.

Huang Chunhua's eyes flickered as she saw the newcomer, quickly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, she pointed at Wang Kui and said, "Sir, I'm just a madam employed by Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang is the true owner of Yichunyuan! Those girls who were forced into prostitution were also sent here by Mr. Wang."

After hearing what Huang Chunhua said, Wang Kui closed his eyes and felt that the Wang family was really finished this time.

The county magistrate asked Wang Kui, "Wang Kui, I want to ask you, is what she said true? Are you really the mastermind behind Yichunyuan, and are you involved in the evil deeds of forcing women into prostitution and taking human lives?"

At this point, he was powerless to change the situation and nodded in resignation. "I plead guilty."

The county magistrate said, "Have Wang Kui and Huang Chunhua confess their guilt and sign their names, then take them both away to await their fate."

The bailiffs acted quickly and took Wang Kui and Huang Chunhua away from the court after they confessed their guilt and signed their names.

The county magistrate continued, "There are other people implicated in this case. Once I have thoroughly investigated them, I will compile a file and report it to the prefectural yamen. The prefect will then make the final ruling."

"Thank you, Master Justice, thank you, Master Justice!" The victims in the hall kowtowed to express their gratitude.

The people outside the hall also shouted, "Master, the Judge! Master, the Judge!"

The county magistrate, having received the approval of the people, suppressed the joy on his face, but he couldn't suppress the joy in his heart. He shouted loudly: "Adjourn the court!"

As the voice fell, the victim was helped out by his family outside, and the onlookers also dispersed.

The county magistrate calmed down his excitement and walked down the hall to salute Song Jinbai, "Your humble servant Zhang Zhong greets you, sir!"

"Master Zhang, please don't be polite." Song Jinbai smiled and asked, "Master Zhang, is he the former Minister of Personnel, Zhang Zhong?"

Zhang Zhong's heart trembled slightly. He hadn't expected that after being demoted here for half a year, someone would still know his name and past. "It's you, my lord! I didn't expect you to know me," he said with a hint of emotion.

Song Jinbai smiled at Zhang Zhong and praised him, "Master Zhang has made great achievements in the Ministry of Personnel. Now that he's been transferred here to serve as a county magistrate, he can also uphold justice for the people and gain recognition. He's truly admirable!"

After all, Zhang Zhong had indeed achieved considerable success during his twenty years at the Ministry of Personnel. However, being demoted to a small county magistrate in this small place at the age of fifty due to family problems was undoubtedly a huge setback for Zhang Zhong. While many would be devastated by such a misfortune, Zhang Zhong remained dedicated to his duties and served the people, a truly commendable feat.

After hearing Song Jinbai's praise, Zhang Zhong felt both ashamed and grateful.

He certainly hadn't fully recovered from the blow. After a lifetime of hard work, he was on the verge of retirement when he was suddenly demoted to a seventh-rank county magistrate. All his fighting spirit vanished in that moment. If Song Jinbai hadn't suddenly requested him to come over to review a case today, he would likely have continued to languish, making no progress in his official career, and ultimately remaining in the position of county magistrate until his retirement.

He said with emotion, "As an official in a certain area, I have to make decisions for the people. This is my duty. I also want to thank your subordinates for finding witnesses and relevant personnel in advance, which allowed us to get the Wang family father and son to confess so quickly."

"Lord Zhang is a good official. As long as you work hard for the people, I believe the emperor will see your loyalty." After encouraging Zhang Zhong, Song Jinbai prepared to leave with Ji Nuan and his sister.

Li Zhenling, standing by, saw Song Jinbai's extraordinary qualities. He even knew the county magistrate's past, so he was definitely no small figure. So, he quickly stepped forward and flattered him, "Let me escort you back to the inn."

Song Jinbai waved his hand and said, "No need. You stay and help Master Zhang continue to investigate the case of the Wang family father and son, and see if there are other people involved."

Li Zhenling quickly responded, "Yes, sir."

Watching Song Jinbai and his men gradually walk away, Zhang Zhong felt puzzled. He turned to ask Li Zhenling, "Li Zhenling, do you know who that gentleman is?"

Li Zhenling shook his head, frowning slightly, expressing his doubts. "The guard beside him showed me a token representing the prefect's status, but as far as I know, our Qingzhou prefect is already in his prime, so his age clearly doesn't match."

Zhang Zhong thought for a moment and then pressed on, "Do you know his name? Or have you heard anyone else call him?"

Li Zhenling thought for a moment, then replied, "Oh, yes, the innkeeper seemed to hear someone calling him Song Jinbai. However, I have never heard of this name in Qingzhou officialdom, and I don't know who he is."

"Song Jinbai?" Zhang Zhong's face flashed with surprise. "That's the Crown Prince's tutor, the heir apparent of the Xuanwei Marquisate!" Although he had never met Song Jinbai before, he was familiar with the name. This was a member of the team carefully trained by the Emperor for the Crown Prince, and they would be his close ministers in the future. With the Crown Prince currently serving as Regent, his status and position were extraordinary.

Li Zhenling heard Zhang Zhong's words. This was a big shot from the capital! He asked in disbelief, "What? Then... then why is he carrying the prefect's token? This is too strange."

Zhang Zhong glanced at Li Zhenling and said speechlessly, "Are you stupid? Now that the Crown Prince is regent, sending him out to investigate the area or gain some experience is normal. Isn't it normal for him to have other identities? Besides, his status is precious, so he naturally can't be easily exposed. It would be more convenient for him to carry the prefectural token to act."

At this point, Zhang Zhong felt that this was also his opportunity. He didn't want to discuss this matter with Li Zhenling any further, so he directly ordered: "Okay, send someone to control the Wang family first, so that no one else involved can escape overnight."

"Yes, sir." Although Li Zhenling was still full of curiosity, he did not dare to ask any more questions and had to obey the order and leave.