Hu Xiaotian said, "Causing trouble in the street and stirring up disputes-if I don't punish you today, I'll never convince the public of my authority."
Jia Liu hurriedly said, "Your Honor, I don't want the sheep anymore. Please don't have me beaten."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Seize them. Give them ten strokes each and drag them out." In the space of a moment, he had changed his verdict again.
Amid a chorus of protests that they had been wronged, the two men were dragged out one after the other. Hu Xiaotian glanced at Murong Feiyan and caught a faint smile at the corner of her lips. She seemed very satisfied with his performance so far, which delighted him. There's definitely something fishy about that fat one and that skinny one. Did they think just anyone could waltz into the county office? Even a stay in jail isn't theirs for the asking!
Guo Shouguang wiped the sweat from his forehead. Just as he was about to urge Hu Xiaotian to adjourn for lunch, another urgent burst of drumming suddenly sounded outside. Not only he but every clerk present was surprised. What on earth was going on today? No one had beaten the grievance drum for more than half a year, yet the moment this County Deputy arrived, they came one after another.
Hu Xiaotian called out, "Who is beating the drum to seek redress?"
A bailiff below had already come forward to report. "Lord Hu, the man beating the grievance drum is Wan Tingchang, the eldest young master of the Wan Family!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian secretly rejoiced. *I could wear out iron shoes searching without finding him, yet here he comes without the slightest effort! I haven't even gone looking for you, and you've brought your complaint straight to my