Above the prefectural hall, all was utterly silent.
Everyone's gaze fell upon that ragged old beggar.
This was the prefectural hall of Tianlai Commandery.
Ordinary commoners, unless summoned, would be breaking the rules even by approaching the corridor beneath the prefectural hall.
Yet an old beggar in tattered clothes, covered head to toe in dust and mud, had dared to step directly across the threshold of the prefectural hall and publicly question the Prefect's ruling.
Such an incident was undoubtedly a challenge to the dynasty's laws and authority.
The Prefect seated at the head of the hall had already knitted his brows into a tight knot.
A trace of anger flashed across his face.
The dignity of the court could not tolerate the slightest desecration.
An unknown beggar had trespassed into the court and recklessly discussed a criminal case.
For such an act, the Prefect would certainly impose severe punishment.
"Insolence!"
The Prefect roared furiously. Raising the judge's block in his hand, he smashed it hard against the desk before him once more.
"This prefectural court is a place for judging cases. How can it allow an idle nobody like you to barge in, make a clamor, and disrupt the proceedings?"
Then the Prefect continued issuing orders:
"Guards, seize this old wretch! Give him twenty strokes of the rod in court, then drive him out of the prefectural hall!"
Having received the order, the bailiffs waiting on both sides immediately gripped their water-and-fire staffs and strode toward the old beggar standing before the hall. The crowd watching outside all retreated several steps, afraid that when the old beggar was seized, his blood would splatter onto them.
Just as the two bailiffs had reached the old beggar—
"Freeze."
The old beggar merely pushed his tongue forward slightly and uttered a single