Having learned from the third wife's example, Lu Jinshi said nothing and followed the bailiff out with her head bowed.
The others from the Divine Sword Sect looked bewildered. How had their lawsuit left the Divine Bow Sect entirely unscathed while costing their own side two people?
Someone outside jeered, "Those in the know would think the Divine Sword Sect were the plaintiffs. Anyone else would think they'd come to turn themselves in."
The crowd roared with laughter.
Li Qingxian said, "Magistrate Wen, I'm sure you've seen it too. These family members of the Divine Sword Sect have shown no gratitude for our Divine Bow Sect's magnanimity. First, they disregarded imperial law and styled themselves ladies; then, they maintained a private dungeon to frame the innocent. Even with the Divine Sword Sect destroyed and no one left to support them, they still flout the law. That shows just how brazen they are. Here and now, to crush the evil forces headed by the Divine Sword Sect, our Divine Bow Sect formally seeks justice for the people of Far-Reaching City. Every crime the Divine Sword Sect committed in the past must be pursued to the end and punished without mercy! All fines must be paid by the Divine Sword Sect's family members! Until the case against the Divine Sword Sect is concluded, its family members must not leave Far-Reaching City! Who wishes to bring charges against the Divine Sword Sect?"
"I do! I accuse the Divine Sword Sect of forcibly seizing my family's farmland. Here is my written complaint!"
"I do! I accuse the Divine Sword Sect of violating my daughter and driving her to her death!"
"I do! I accuse the Divine Sword Sect's lackeys of burning down my shop and beating my wife to death!"
"I..."
To everyone's astonishment,