At the county office gates, the onlookers had never seen anything like this. They had been watching from close by, but the moment it happened, they scattered far away, their faces etched with sheer terror.
Their hearts were full of confusion and shock.
What crime had this man committed to be flogged to death in public right outside Chang'an County Office?
In all their lives, they had never seen anything like it.
A Man in Black entered the county office, bowed to the Elegant Man standing in the courtyard, and said, "Reporting to Your Lordship, the criminal has been flogged to death."
Li Xuanjing nodded and turned his gaze to Pei Zhe. Suddenly, he said, "Lord Pei, it's been nearly twenty years since we last met at the Qionglin Banquet in Furong Garden, hasn't it?"
Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang froze at his words. What? Magistrate Pei and Lord Li had known each other twenty years ago?
Pei Zhe forced a smile and said, "To be precise, it's been nineteen years, Lord Li."
Li Xuanjing said, "Thank you for looking after Nuo'er all this time, Lord Pei."
Pei Zhe hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare claim credit. In truth, it's the young master who's been helping me. I can hardly thank him enough..."
Li Xuanjing reached out. Pei Zhe went pale, but the hand merely patted his shoulder lightly. "Chang'an is no ordinary county. Serving as magistrate here isn't easy. If you run into any difficulties, you can come to the Court of Judicial Review and see me..."
"Thank you, Lord Li..."
Watching that figure disappear into the distance, Pei Zhe let out a long breath of relief.
Just then, he heard two thuds behind him. Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang had both dropped to their knees, each clutching