"Ha! You wanted the lives of the Lin Family?"
Magistrate Song Zhiyi's expression changed. In a cold voice, he said, "That Lin Qingbai nearly took the life of the Meng Family's junior, Meng Haoran. Why didn't you say anything about that?"
Lin Yuan Kui wore a troubled expression and replied, "This... these are two entirely different matters!"
Magistrate Song Zhiyi paid no heed to Lin Yuan Kui's predicament and said, "What crime did Meng Haoran commit? First, he killed no one. Second, he set no fires. And he exposed Lin Qingbai's sale of inferior Spirit Beasts in the West Market for the sake of the common people of Qingyang County. Shouldn't I reward him for that?"
Seeing Lin Yuan Kui lower his head, Magistrate Song Zhiyi continued, "Old Lin, the more you say, the more mistakes you make. The fact that I'm not holding Lin Qingbai accountable is already giving you more than enough face. Under the laws of the Yu Dynasty, Lin Qingbai would at the very least be exiled to the demon-banned lands!"
Hearing Magistrate Song Zhiyi's soothing words, Advisor Hu Huili hurriedly said from the side, "That's right, Old Lin. The magistrate has shown great mercy by sparing Lin Qingbai's life. Your Lin Family only has to close its pavilion for three months. This is already an immense grace, so don't be ungrateful!"
Listening to Magistrate Song Zhiyi and Advisor Hu Huili play the black face and the red face, Lin Yuan Kui could only nod helplessly and say, "Then we'll do as Magistrate Song says!"
Magistrate Song Zhiyi shouted sternly, "Good! Guards! Take Lin Qingbai away!"
When he saw the constables dragging him toward the rear prison of the county office, Lin Qingbai struggled frantically and protested, "Clan Head Yuan Kui, you have to save me!"