Deng Ying remained silent.
The Prefect walked ahead with his hands behind his back, while Qin Wende was escorted toward the main hall.
“Prefect Wei.”
Deng Ying suddenly blocked Qin Wende’s path and turned to face the Prefect, “As Superintendent of the Eastern Depot, I will investigate this murder case. There will be no trial today – wait for our depot’s official document.”
The Prefect turned around, “Superintendent, what I said earlier…”
“I understood clearly.”
“Then…”
“Have him unbound.”
Qin broke free from his escorts and stumbled toward Deng Ying, saying: “Superintendent, there’s no need. I’m tough – even if they torture me, I won’t cause you trouble.”
Deng Ying looked down: “Say no more.”
“But…”
Qin Wende protested, “The Tongjia Academy survivors curse you because of us.”
“Be silent!”
“I…”
Qin Wende’s shoulders slumped, and he let out a frustrated “Ah,” turning aside without further words.
The Prefect said: “In that case, this court will await the Eastern Depot’s document.”
He then announced loudly: “Clear the court, disperse the crowd outside, and unbind Commander Qin.”
When the front hall heard about clearing the court, chaos erupted.
The kneeling old woman suddenly vomited blood and collapsed. Court runners rushed out to hold back the increasingly agitated crowd.
Yang Lun, originally at the west door, was startled. He gestured for the administrative official to go in first, then turned toward the hall entrance. Before he got close, he heard someone say: “Can’t the Eastern Depot people be tried? Didn’t the officials say they’d review cases for the victims?”
A runner replied: “The Prefecture has its own rules for trying cases. If you don’t leave, you’ll all be driven out.”
As Yang Lun was about to step forward, someone called from behind.
“Zixi, come back.”
Yang Lun turned to see Deng Ying standing behind him, “Those people up front are Donglin’s pawns. If you speak up today, regardless of whether you’re trying to protect me, you won’t be able to extricate yourself.”
Yang Lun strode toward Deng Ying, his day-long anger finally burning in his face: “Why set up court then not proceed with the trial?”
Deng Ying lowered his head, “The Eastern Depot will investigate…”
“Deng Fuling!”
Yang Lun interrupted with a clenched fist, asking angrily: “Why save him?”
Deng Ying looked up, “Then why save me?”
“You…”
Deng Ying coughed once, “See for yourself.”
Yang Lun turned to look at the court entrance, where people were slowly helping the blood-vomiting old woman walk onto the main street, the survivors weeping blood tears that shook people’s hearts.
“If the cabinet can’t suppress public outrage, can one Eastern Depot commander’s life calm it? Moreover, he’s completely innocent.”
Yang Lun unclenched his fist, “Deng Ying, if you won’t let me speak up, I can’t do anything in this position.”
“I’ve told you before.”
Deng Ying lowered his voice, “Step back, don’t walk too close to me.”
Yang Lun silently looked at Deng Ying, then suddenly said: “Did you anticipate this day long ago?”
Deng Ying smiled slightly, “Since becoming the Eastern Depot’s official, I never dared hope to be treated kindly in the end.”
He coughed several more times, “I was the true criminal in the Liuli Factory case – don’t block the Ministry of Justice from clearing the Teacher’s name.”
“What about the Tongjia case? How do you defend climbing over hundreds of bones to reach the Eastern Depot’s position?”
“I won’t defend it anymore.”