Chapter 101: County Magistrate’s Case 2
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Only now did the County Magistrate ask Su Bin, “Is this book yours?”
Su Bin shook his head calmly. “No.” “What makes you so sure?”
“I have two reasons to support my claim.”
“Firstly, on the second page of my copy of the Analects, there are two words written by me – Su Bin.”
“Secondly, my argument was still present in the book three days ago, and I have witnesses to confirm this. Additionally, this girl’s alleged good sister passed away five days ago, which suggests that she gave this book to her before her passing.”
Honglian felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. Her confession was riddled with inconsistencies.
Young Master Lin, Su Bin’s roommates, as well as Old Master Wang, provided testimony supporting Su Bin’s alibi, affirming that they had seen Su Bin with his book three days ago.
“Where is your book now?”
“It disappeared three days ago.”
“Was it stolen?”
“Yes.”
At West Mountain College, students who were financially well-off had the option of having a single room. However, those who couldn’t afford it shared a room with up to six people. The doors were rarely locked when they went to eat, bathe, or attend classes. Only those who were particularly cautious locked their personal belongings in a box.
During that time, Su Bin was perplexed as well.
Scholars took great pride in their possessions, and it was rare for someone to steal another person’s books. Additionally, it was customary for scholars to inscribe their names on the first few pages of their books.
So this show was waiting for him here.
Soon the two girls from Yihong Courtyard arrived.
The two girls appeared visibly frightened.
Without prior notification from Honglian, they told the truth.
“Sister Hongzhu committed suicide five days ago.”
“She chose to end her life after being deceived by a man named Wang, who took her savings. She left behind a suicide note, expressing her belief that all men are heartless.”
“Sister Hongzhu felt she was getting too old to remain with her sisters. She thought she would eventually be sold and desired a carefree life.”
“If it weren’t for her suicide note, no one would have known about her decision.”
After the County Magistrate concluded his questioning, he struck the wooden stick.
“How dare you lie about being Hongzhu’s good sister, Honglian!”
“Tell me, where did you obtain the book?”
“Sister Hongzhu gave it to me. She asked me to return it to the students at West Mountain College.”
“She didn’t mention the name of the books owner when she gave it to you?”
Honglian, now filled with fear, changed her statement. “No, she didn’t mention a name. She simply instructed us to pass the book to the gatekeeper. Officer, I am not very literate, and the two words were written in cursive. I must have misread them..
The County Magistrate struck the wooden board once more. “That contradicts your previous statement!”
Honglian kowtowed and pleaded, “Officer, I was too arrogant…
The County Magistrate snorted. Before resorting to torture, this girl was already revealing her true colors.
Having just learned from the strategist that Su Bin was the son-in-law of Constable Yang, and this chubby girl was the niece of Constable Yang.
Constable Yang did not personally ask the County Magistrate for help, but he had confided in the strategist about their relationship. As colleagues, they felt obligated to take Su Bin’s side.
Another reason the scales tipped in favor of Su Bin was his exceptional performance as a student at West Mountain College.
Su Bin had secured the top position in the county examination last year, only to miss the subsequent examination due to an unfortunate incident involving the consumption of improper food.
If Su Bin were to achieve a top 10 ranking in this year’s examination, it would bring great honor to the county. As the County Magistrate, it would also reflect positively on his own accomplishments.
Given these factors, it was imperative for them to protect Su Bin, especially when it was glaringly obvious that he was being set up..
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