Hu Jinghui's Regret

At these words, Li Yuanfang, standing in the main hall, was greatly shocked. He turned and stared at Zhang Laosi in disbelief. Di Renjie, too, found it inconceivable and glanced expressionlessly at Fang Qian beside him.

Fang Qian, the Youzhou governor, also felt as though he had survived a disaster and was immensely relieved, though he remained somewhat puzzled.

Di Renjie slammed the judge's block and shouted, "Zhang Laosi, how dare you! What place do you think this is, that you dare lie and play tricks? Confess truthfully at once!"

Crying, Zhang Laosi said, "What I said last time was nonsense. This is the truth."

Di Renjie said, "Then why did the villagers of Great Willow Tree Village rebel? Why did they break into the Youzhou prison?"

Zhang Laosi trembled in terror, but for the sake of his life, he had no choice but to continue. "Th-their rebellion has nothing to do with this commoner. I truly do not know."

Hearing this, Governor Fang Qian smiled smugly. Di Renjie saw it and was angry, but had no recourse, so he changed his strategy.

Di Renjie said, "Very well. Today's hearing shall end here. Yuanfang, take them away and see that they are well attended to."

Li Yuanfang then led the villagers of Great Willow Tree Village back to the rear hall of the governor's residence.

Youzhou's first court hearing, which had begun with such confidence, could only end hastily.

Though disappointed, Di Renjie had also gained a deeper understanding of the Youzhou case. He could only make his plans carefully and at length.

The unsuccessful hearing had failed to achieve Di Renjie's goal of bringing down the Youzhou governor, but it had also made him realize just how deep the waters of Youzhou ran.

After the villagers of Great Willow