Deputy Director Zhao had put it plainly: if Xu Yi did not appear, the case could not proceed.
With so many dignitaries present—and the Deputy Director of the Discipline Department among them—who could bear such suspicion?
At once, Director Qin ordered someone to summon Xu Yi to the court.
After hearing the charges, Xu Yi was shocked. "Director Feng, what do you mean by this? What does this have to do with me? You can't frame me just because you and I have a personal grudge, can you?"
Feng Ting Shu gave a cold snort. "I know you were very careful and left no evidence behind, but you know full well who did it. Xu Yi, you've got some nerve. Of all things to steal, you dared lay hands on the Hidden Spirit Pearl?"
Xu Yi ignored Feng Ting Shu and cupped his hands toward Director Qin, seated in the middle. "Director Qin, are you handling this case, or is Feng Ting Shu?"
Director Qin's expression changed. He brought the gavel down hard. "Order! The plaintiff, Zhu Yuxiang, will now state his charges."
Big Beard Zhu said, "Early this morning..."
Big Beard Zhu gave a detailed account of everything that had happened that morning. He omitted the Hidden Spirit Pearl's purpose and his conversation with Feng Ting Shu about plotting against Xu Yi, but otherwise told the truth.
He emphasized in particular that only he and Feng Ting Shu knew about the Hidden Spirit Pearl.
He described how the mountain patrol rider had lured him out, how the man in green uniform had taken him far away, how the man had suddenly attacked, and how Zhu had been subdued and his Sumeru Ring stolen. He explained how he had called out Feng Ting Shu's name to create an opening for