Great Rui Has Laws, Every Clause Clear

"Why is it this person again?"

Upon witnessing this scene, some of the patients in the clinic immediately began to shout.

"Who is he?" someone asked.

Immediately, someone Yin-Yang remarked, "Ha, you don't know him? Isn't he the great philanthropist of Qingchang County, Qiu Yan?"

"So it was Qiu Yan! He was caught red-handed yesterday for his evil deeds, but he's still up to his old tricks and is causing trouble again!"

"He even brought people from the County Government Office? What's wrong? If he can't force Mr. Huang, he's resorting to using official power to intimidate him?"

"There were rumors circulating that he was a poor scholar who gave away his entire fortune for disaster relief, but now it seems that's utter nonsense! He could even mobilize government officials; how could he be a poor scholar? Who knows how much he must have bribed the county magistrate!"

Discussions arose, the voices low, but when combined, they were quite considerable. With Qiu Yan's keen perception, he could sense the public resentment brewing behind the words.

Public resentment is also a reflection of the people's thoughts, but it is negative. Qiu Yan doesn't know much about this, but he knows from imagination that it's not a good thing.

Across from him, Physician Huang stared at the Yamen Runner, his pupils contracting but quickly recovering. He then feigned ignorance and said, "Young Master Qiu, what are you doing? Haven't I made it very clear? Healing and saving lives is a doctor's duty. Don't think I'm being forced; even if the government issues an order, I won't obey. If you insist on going your own way, then let the officers tie me up!"

His words were so righteous and awe-inspiring that they drew admiration from the listeners, and some even cheered. However, a glare from the Yamen Runner made them lower their voices, while many others glared angrily at Qiu Yan and the others.

Seeing this, Qiu Yan said, "With just one sentence, I immediately became the target of everyone's criticism, and even the government was accused of something. However, healing the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty, but is killing outsiders also something a doctor should do?"

"What did you say?" Upon hearing this, Physician Huang's expression changed, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"You know perfectly well what I'm saying. If you don't want people to know, then don't do it in the first place. Since you've done it, don't even think about denying it! I won't waste my breath on you. Once the evidence is conclusive, then we'll see what you have to say."

As he spoke, Qiu Yan said something to the Yamen Runner beside him, who nodded, waved his hand, and was about to lead his men into the backyard of the clinic.

"Stop!" At this moment, the servant stepped forward and blocked the group of Yamen Runner. "We are a kind family, doing good deeds and saving lives. We are doing good deeds that accumulate merit. Even the government cannot arrest people without reason! What kind of logic is it for you to arrest the teacher without saying a word?"

As he spoke, his chest heaved rapidly; though short in stature, his voice was remarkably loud and carried outside.

The disaster victims gathered outside the gate were drawn by the sound and came over.

"Is this really an attempt to use one's power to intimidate others?"

"Suppressing the good?"

Is there no law left in this world?

Shouts and cries then drifted in.

Even the Yamen Runners seemed hesitant, but since this matter was spearheaded by the old prime minister's student, he was under immense pressure and dared not back down.

Qiu Yan stepped forward and stared directly at the servant. "What a sharp-tongued servant! Who said we were going to arrest your master? Great Rui has laws, we don't rely on empty talk. If someone reports a case, we will investigate it. That's what the law stipulates. We're here to investigate a case, not to arrest people! You keep talking about arresting people, what are you up to?"

Upon hearing this, the servant was taken aback at first, and was about to retort, but Qiu Yan added, "Spreading rumors and inciting unrest is a serious crime. I see you're not very old, so be careful what you say! If you're wanted by the authorities, no matter how big the world is, you'll have nowhere to hide!"

Upon hearing this, the servant's expression changed, and he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Then Qiu Yan turned to the people inside the hall and outside the clinic and said, "Fellow villagers, since I reported the case, I was prepared. I am not just making wild guesses. Our Great Rui Dynasty values 'evidence must be presented and evidence must be clear,' which means that only with evidence and clear facts can a conviction be made. The Yamen Runner here are here precisely to uphold justice..."

He pointed at Physician Huang, whose face was gloomy.

"If this person is innocent, then of course he is innocent. Not only should we arrest him, but Qiu will immediately pour tea and admit his mistake, admitting to the crime of false accusation! But if what I said is true, the villagers will be misled by his one-sided story, which will ruin the government's determination to solve the case. Wouldn't that mean the deceased will never see the light of day, and the murderer will go unpunished? It doesn't make sense from a moral, legal, or ethical standpoint."

As he spoke, citing both law and human sentiment, every word he uttered was reasonable. He didn't shy away from making false accusations and was willing to bear the consequences, which calmed the boiling public resentment somewhat. Some people noticed Physician Huang's unusual behavior and couldn't help but ponder.

Just then, Physician Huang sneered and said in a deep voice, "Qiu Yan! You madman, you have committed numerous evils in Yuanning City, swindling the gatekeeper Li Bo and the good citizen Wang Qiao'er, among others, and extorting money from them, causing them to lose everything! If anyone doesn't believe me, just go to Yuanning City and ask around! Now you want to force my family to be ruined before you're satisfied?"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan frowned.

"They really went to great lengths, even finding out these things."

Once Physician Huang started speaking, he wasn't going to stop. "As the saying goes, you can know a person's face but not their heart. I'm ashamed to associate with someone like you! Please take your men and leave! Don't defile this pharmacy! I'm willing to take you to court!"

His words stirred up some public resentment, but compared to before, they were far less satisfactory.

Noticing this, a hint of anxiety flashed in Physician Huang's eyes, and the servant beside him turned pale.

"Young Master Qiu, what do you think of this..." The Yamen Runner was still in a dilemma. Although there was pressure from above, if this situation was not handled properly, it could lead to a popular uprising, and the responsibility was beyond his ability to bear.

Qiu Yan shook his head. "He's lost his composure now, he's torn off his fig leaf and is resorting to any means necessary, which shows he's guilty and we've hit him where it hurts. If he backs down, all our efforts will be in vain, and it will give them time to prepare, making it even more difficult to find evidence."

As he spoke, he disregarded the pressure and stepped forward.

Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd—

"Li Bo and Wang Qiao'er were notorious bullies in Yuanning City, but since they were reformed by Young Master Qiu, they have been doing good deeds quite often these days. The change is so great that even those around them can't believe it. It's unbelievable that someone would slander Young Master Qiu for forcing them and causing them to lose their fortune. It's utterly absurd!"

This person's voice was also very loud, directly drowning out the noisy crowd.

Qiu Yan looked in the direction of the voice and saw a handsome and extraordinary man walk out from the crowd, bowing to those around him. "My name is Zhang Zhen, and I am from Yuan Ning."

Zhang Zhen then changed the subject. "I dare not speak of anything else, but regarding the matter of Li Bo and Wang Qiao'er, the clinic's claims are largely untrue and suspect framing."

"That's right, I am also a merchant from Yuan Ning, and I can testify to that!"

"This Physician Huang speaks with righteous indignation, but it's all lies. His character is highly questionable!"

"Yes, it's just a search. If they have nothing to hide, why are they so desperately trying to stop it? Young Master Qiu said he would willingly accept punishment if no evidence is found. Why is it that Physician Huang is hesitant to agree? Is he feeling guilty?"

Then a few more voices came, and these words seemed to pour cold water on the boiling public resentment, and the noise immediately stopped.

Hearing these words, and recalling the reactions of the people at the clinic, some people looked at Physician Huang with suspicion and uncertainty.

Seeing the situation had changed, Physician Huang's face grew even more gloomy. Looking at Qiu Yan, who was so close to him, he nodded stiffly. "Fine! Since that's the case, I'd like to see what you can find out! I, Huang Dewen, am upright and honest, and I have nothing to fear! But don't expect this to end peacefully afterwards! Even if it's taken all the way to the Imperial City, I will demand an explanation!"

Qiu Yan simply replied, "You really dare to go to the Imperial City?"

Upon hearing this, Physician Huang's chest heaved violently as he stared intently at Qiu Yan, but suddenly his gaze went blank.

Jump!

In broad daylight, a Living Soul leaped out from Physician Huang's head. The scenery around the soul changed, and with each thought, wisps of energy emanated and radiated outwards, enveloping the entire clinic.

Just then, from several hidden corners on the streets surrounding the clinic, faint blue light burst forth, rapidly expanding and shattering the fluctuations that enveloped the clinic!

P. S.: Thanks to Xiaoyao and "Liushui Xichanghong" for the donations! There will be another one tonight.

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