dognovel Chapter 161 Yu Xingye's Fate
Chapter 161 Yu Xingye's Fate
The ancient county government office stood solemn and imposing, its vermilion gates seemingly telling tales of the vicissitudes of time and the power of justice. Inside the main hall, Cui Zhihao, dressed in a dark blue official robe, sat upright.
His face was stern, his eyes deep, and he exuded an air of authority without anger. The exquisite and solemn embroidery on his official robes highlighted his status and responsibilities.
At this moment, the arrival of several young women broke the tranquility of the county government office. As soon as Shuyun and the others entered the main hall, they immediately knelt down and bowed.
A clear voice echoed in the hall: "This humble woman greets Your Excellency the County Magistrate!" Their posture was humble and respectful, their eyes filled with awe. However, only Shi Wanxia and Lin Yu remained standing awkwardly in place.
Shi Wanxia was initially somewhat bewildered, but after a moment she reacted. Just as she was about to squat down to pay her respects, Cui Zhihao slightly raised his hand to stop her. "Alright, no need for formalities. The reason I summoned you here today is to ask you what grudge you have against this Young Master Yu?" His voice was steady and powerful, carrying an irresistible authority.
The gavel struck with a resounding "snap," its crisp sound like a thunderclap, startling everyone present back to their senses. A chill ran through them, as if the sound of the gavel had jolted them from their reverie.
"Someone, wait for Yu Xingye." Cui Zhihao's command echoed in the hall.
A short while later, Yu Xingye was brought in. He was dressed in splendid clothes, but his face carried a hint of unruliness. His eyes swept over the girls, and the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, as if he didn't take the interrogation seriously.
Cui Zhihao looked at Yu Xingye, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Yu Xingye, do you know why I summoned you here today?" Yu Xingye cupped his hands slightly and said casually, "My lord, I do not know."
Cui Zhigao snorted coldly: "What grudge do you have with these girls? Tell me the truth."
Shuyun and the others looked up. The three Zhong family members, father and daughters, had eyes filled with anger and grievance. Zhong Ling spoke first: "Sir, Yu Xingye, relying on his family's power, has been committing all sorts of evil deeds in Xinyang. He has harassed us sisters many times and even sent people to injure our friends." The other girls nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with tears.
Yu Xingye smiled dismissively: "Sir, they are slandering me. I, Yu Xingye, am an upright and honest person. How could I do such a thing?"
Cui Zhihao narrowed his eyes slightly; he knew this matter was not simple. The affairs of the world are often intricate and complex, filled with grudges and affections. But as the county magistrate, he had to uphold justice and uncover the truth.
"Do you have any evidence?" Choi Ji-ho asked.
Zhong Ling took out a handkerchief from her bosom, on which was embroidered the character "Yu". "Sir, this is what we found on those who injured us. They claimed to be Yu Xingye's men."
Yu Xingye's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "Sir, this handkerchief might be a forgery they made on purpose to frame me."
Choi Ji-ho fell into deep thought. He knew that a single handkerchief wasn't enough to convict Heungye. But he also couldn't easily let this potential criminal off the hook.
Just then, Shi Wanxia stepped forward. Her eyes were firm, and her tone was resolute: "Sir, I can testify. I personally witnessed Yu Xingye harassing the Zhong sisters and even sending men to injure their friends."
Yu Xingye glared at Shi Wanxia: "You're talking nonsense! What evidence do you have?"
Shi Wanxia met Yu Xingye's gaze without fear: "Evidence? There is no evidence, but I have witnesses. Every citizen of Xinyang knows what you, Young Master Yu, have done. I am telling the truth. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate."
Looking at Shi Wanxia, Cui Zhihao felt a surge of admiration for this courageous woman. He had already sent people to investigate the matter, and he knew exactly what kind of person Yu Xingye was.
During the investigation, Cui Zhihao discovered that Yu Xingye indeed had many suspicious aspects. Relying on his status as the son of the prefect, he frequently bullied others and committed numerous crimes. Shuyun and the others, though just ordinary women, dared to stand up and expose Yu Xingye's evil deeds; their courage is admirable.
Choi Ji-ho decided to reveal the truth. Yu Xingye had indeed committed crimes including harassing women, assault, and murder. Choi Ji-ho showed no mercy in bringing Yu Xingye to justice, seeking justice for Shu-yun and the others.
He had already sent his letter of divorce to the prefect and the state government. If the prefect were to intervene forcefully, it would be very difficult for him to protect his son.
"The facts of this case are clear to me. The judgment is as follows: Yu Xingye committed assault due to lust. As the magistrate of Xinyang County, I will not tolerate such heinous acts."
"Therefore, it is hereby decreed that Yu Xingye be sent to the prefectural government for detention and sentencing by the relevant authorities. This decree shall take effect immediately."
The three members of the Zhong family, father and daughters, happily knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude. "Your Honor! We, your humble servants, thank you so much for ridding us of this scourge."
Shi Wanxia also admired this Magistrate Cui; he was a bit audacious, daring to confront his superior head-on. Perhaps it was because of his status as a member of the Qinghe Cui clan!
“Magistrate Cui is truly a brilliant judge. I admire him greatly. Now that the suspect has been detained and confessed, we shall take our leave.”
Shi Wanxia bowed and prepared to leave, but Cui Zhihao raised his hand to stop her. Thinking this wasn't the place to talk, he slammed the gavel. Everyone dispersed, and Shi Wanxia looked at the magistrate with some confusion.
“Miss Shi, I have something to say to you privately. Please come with me to the inner room.”
Cui Zhihao rose humbly and politely, gesturing with his hand. Shi Wanxia didn't understand what the magistrate meant. However, in broad daylight, he probably wouldn't dare to do anything to her.
Just as Lin Yu and the others were about to stop her, Shi Wanxia gently shook her head: "Don't worry, Magistrate Cui is a good official. He regularly discusses matters with me. You all wait for me here."
Upon hearing this, Cui Zhihao lowered his head and smiled slightly. "Please, young lady!"
Shi Wanxia was somewhat flattered, but she still followed the magistrate. Soon, they entered a side room behind the main hall, where Cui Zhihao poured her a cup of tea and gestured for her to sit down.
Shi Wanxia, not wanting to be disrespectful, sat down timidly. "I wonder what Magistrate Cui wishes to ask this humble woman?"
Cui Zhihao gazed at her for a long time, pondering for a long time before speaking. "Miss Shi has been kind to me, are you the young master of the Cui family of Qinghe?"
Shi Wanxia paused in her tea-drinking, looking at him with confusion. "Young Master Cui of Qinghe? Who is he? His surname is Cui. Could he be Young Master Cui?"
Cui Zhihao secretly observed her expression, and when he saw her eyes light up, he was certain that this girl really knew Cui Yu'an.
“It seems you do know me, young lady. I am Cui Zhihao from the Cui family of Qinghe. On behalf of the family head, I thank you for your help.”
Startled, Shi Wanxia quickly put down her teacup and helped him to his feet. She looked at Magistrate Cui, bewildered.
“Magistrate Cui, there’s no need for that. It was just a small favor, an unintentional act on my part. That young master of the Cui family in Qinghe is Cui Yu’an, whom I know. Is that you, Young Master Cui?”
Choi Jiho smiled gently, his serious and aloof face softened by a smile as warm as a spring breeze.
"Yes, it is indeed Cui Yu'an, the young master of the Cui family of Qinghe."