Chapter 114

The Shun'an County Magistrate's face immediately darkened when he received the complaint.

One had to know that being the county magistrate of Shengjing was no easy task. One careless misstep, and he might offend some noble personage.

He asked the clerk beside him, "Who is the complainant? What is the grievance?"

The clerk had already inquired into the matter and replied, "The complainant is the shopkeeper of Longsong Goldsmith in West Market. He has filed suit because a young man damaged one of his gold hairpins."

"Longsong Goldsmith?" The magistrate's heart jolted, and he hurriedly asked, "Could it be Rong, Rong..."

"It is indeed a goldsmith belonging to Rong Estate. Fourth Brother Rong is also a complainant." The clerk sighed.

The magistrate abruptly rose to his feet. "Since a petty thief damaged a gold hairpin, he naturally ought to compensate for it!"

With that, he marched to the court hall in a display of righteous impartiality.

Three people stood in the hall. His sharp gaze swept over them, carrying an intimidating force, and one of them immediately dropped to his knees.

The one kneeling was the goldsmith's shopkeeper.

The magistrate sized up the two youths. One wore brocade and fine robes, his features still childish, no more than thirteen years old. He had to be Fourth Brother Rong.

As for the other, though he wore coarse hemp clothing and possessed handsome features and an extraordinary bearing, his backing surely could not compare to Fourth Brother Rong's.

Having made his calculations, he slammed the gavel hard and demanded, "Why is the youth below not kneeling?"

There were two youths in the hall, yet his gaze fell solely upon Rong Xi.

The corners of Rong Xi's lips lifted slightly as he asked Rong Han, "His Honor is asking you. Why are you