In the county court hall, Fang Yun slammed the Court-Shocking Gavel and said, "Bring Zhao Yong and Steward Zhao before the court!"
His official authority was like a sea, forming invisible waves that spread in every direction.
All the constables immediately perked up. Fang Yun had called Zhao Yong in for a discussion earlier, but now that problems had been uncovered and evidence established, it was no longer a discussion—it was a trial.
Zhao Yong had lost all his earlier spirit. He was escorted into the hall by constables, shrinking back timidly, while Steward Zhao, dressed in a light-blue Scholarly Robe, held his head high and stepped forward neither servile nor overbearing. He bowed to Fang Yun and said, "This student greets the County Magistrate."
Fang Yun nodded and said, "Steward Zhao, do you recognize this man?"
Steward Zhao swept a haughty glance over Zhao Yong, his gaze resting on him for no more than the blink of an eye. "I know him. Out of consideration for the older generation, we have had some dealings. However, this man has shifty eyes and a crooked heart. I dislike him greatly."
Zhao Yong stared at Steward Zhao in disbelief. Just seven days ago, the two had drunk and made merry together, calling each other brothers. Now, Steward Zhao had turned his face faster than flipping a book.
Fang Yun turned to Zhao Yong and asked, "Do you recognize this man?"
Suppressing all his fury, Zhao Yong said, "This official knows him. He is an old acquaintance from the Qingyang Prince's Residence."
"Have the two of you had any business dealings?" Fang Yun asked.
"No!" Steward Zhao abruptly answered first.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, no," Zhao Yong said in an utterly despondent tone.
Ao Huang's dragon eyes turned, and he understood at once.