The officials present stared at Ji Zhibai in astonishment. Many nearly blurted out the same words.
"Have you gone mad?" Ao Huang voiced what every official was thinking.
In the clashes between Fang Yun and the Left Prime Minister Faction, the faction's earlier tactics had been rather despicable, but they had still used bureaucratic means against Fang Yun, and Fang Yun had fought back with his own abilities. Yet now, in order to defeat Fang Yun, Ji Zhibai had actually entered the fray himself on a suspect's behalf, stripping to the waist for battle.
Even some officials who belonged to the Left Prime Minister Faction felt that Ji Zhibai had gone too far this time.
Ji Zhibai said calmly, "As an inspector of Mi Prefecture, I ought to avoid conflict with Magistrate Fang to preserve harmony among colleagues. However, Shopkeeper Gong is not only a resident of the region I inspect, but also a resident of the county I governed last year. He has suffered an injustice and appealed to me, so I must reluctantly take up his cause on behalf of the people."
Ao Huang whispered, "Fang Yun, may this dragon curse someone?"
They were in court, and Fang Yun had forbidden Ao Huang from speaking out of turn.
"No," Fang Yun said.
"Then this dragon will say no more." Ao Huang glared furiously at Ji Zhibai.
Fang Yun struck the Court-Shocking Gavel and thundered, "Who stands before this court?"
Shopkeeper Gong looked at Ji Zhibai.
Ji Zhibai cupped his hands and said, "Having accidentally killed his wife and child, Shopkeeper Gong is consumed by remorse and grief. Confiding in me privately was already the limit of what he could bear; he cannot bring himself to speak in court. I shall therefore recount his words on his behalf."
Shopkeeper