The Younger One Deserved a Slap, but the Older One Deserved the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms!

Wang Xiuxian arrived quickly.

After a long stretch of scheming and trial runs, he had finally settled on the Zhang Residence as the last link in this operation.

He had been so nervous that he had not slept all night, waiting for word from those desperate outlaws... When the officers brought him into the courtroom, dark gray shadows ringed his eyes, and he looked utterly exhausted.

Yet the instant he saw the scene in the courtroom, his eyes flew wide, and even his breathing quickened.

The change lasted only a moment before Wang Xiuxian regained his composure.

Every member of the Human Traffickers gang that had infiltrated the Zhang Residence was kneeling on the floor. Wang Xiuxian lowered his head as he looked at them, his eyes slightly downcast. Apart from the few Human Traffickers who happened to look up and meet his gaze, no one could make out the expression in his eyes.

He bowed properly to Chu Zian. "This humble commoner, Wang Xiuxian, pays his respects to Your Honor."

Chu Zian inclined his head slightly. "Do you know why I summoned you here?"

Wang Xiuxian nodded as well. "To save Your Honor some time, the officer who came to summon me to the Mansion shared a little of the matter on our way here."

Then, without waiting for Chu Zian to respond, he hurried on. "Your Honor, I have been wrongfully accused!"

He had long since prepared for every eventuality, including what he would tell the authorities if the matter came to light.

"Trafficking children is a grave crime. My family has no shortage of money, so why would I brave the condemnation of the entire world to commit such an offense?"

Chu Zian's hand paused as he stroked his beard.

This was precisely what had puzzled him