Ji Lie's Intent

"The old scholar and Zhang Sheng each stood by his own argument, and both had reason on their side. The presiding official was caught between them, unsure how to rule. So now, let the Heir of Prince Xiang settle the matter."

Before Xu Yi had finished speaking, a roar swept through the hall like a rising tide.

Until just moments ago, everyone had believed the old scholar ought to win. Though greedy for money, everything he had said was undeniably correct, and Zhang Sheng ought to lose. There seemed to be nothing worth disputing in the case.

But once Xu Yi revealed Zhang Sheng's confession, the situation had abruptly turned around. Everyone now saw that Zhang Sheng's words were just as reasonable.

How could it be that both the plaintiff and defendant in a case had grasped the ultimate truth?

Before the roar had even died down, every gaze turned toward the Heir of Prince Xiang.

The Heir of Prince Xiang nearly fainted. He could rack his brains all he wanted, but he still couldn't fathom how a case like this could exist in the world.

It was so tangled that he had no idea where to begin.

He had considered taking an unorthodox approach and arguing from the principles of teacher and disciple, but the teacher had brought a case against his own disciple, and had already acted unjustly.

If he stuck to the facts, the old scholar's and Zhang Sheng's arguments were both flawless, each strong in its own way. There was simply no way to distinguish between them.

Time passed. The newly lit incense stick had burned down nearly halfway, and the Heir of Prince Xiang's face had turned ashen. He couldn't force out a single word.

Suddenly, the Heir of Prince Xiang let out a long