Chapter 1887: Presenting the Evidence

Chapter 1887: Presenting the Evidence

After arriving in the capital city, Wang Yue and Guo Zheng immediately sought information about Shu Yu's whereabouts.

However, Shu Yu had kept a low profile upon her arrival, even arranging her stay at an inn through Meng Yunzheng. As a result, they couldn't find any information.

Just when Wang Yue was growing anxious, news arrived that County Princess Wen'an had appeared in the Ten-Li Alley, leading officials to arrest someone and bring them to the prefectural office.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yue and Guo Zheng hurried to the prefectural office and coincidentally arrived just in time to witness Zhou Tiedong accusing Chen Bing.

Once Wang Yue finished speaking, Zhou Tiedong's eyes welled up with tears. "Ah Yue..."

The people outside the courtroom were deeply moved. "This young lady is truly loyal and righteous."

Qi Lie nodded slightly upon hearing this. He then turned to Guo Zheng and asked, "Is the evidence with you?"

"Yes, sir." Guo Zheng was a bit nervous, but thinking about how his years of grievances could finally be rectified, he became excited. Although his speech was initially halting, he managed to continue, "Ten years ago, I was the accountant for Chen's Grocery Store."

Chen's Grocery Store wasn't large, so initially, Chen Bing and his wife managed it themselves, without hiring assistants or an accountant.

In the beginning, Chen Bing didn't bother with bookkeeping. As long as they earned money each day, it was fine; at the end of the month, they would tally the earnings. After marrying Pan Shi, the bookkeeping fell to her.

For many years, Pan Shi had managed the bookkeeping.

However, ever since Pan Shi gave birth to Chen Qiu sixteen years ago, she became increasingly forgetful. Perhaps due to the hardship of raising a child, she often forgot to keep track of the accounts, and the household funds didn't match.

Chen Bing attempted to do the bookkeeping himself, but even though he had learned to read and do arithmetic by now, his records were extremely chaotic and difficult to decipher.

Under others' suggestions, they hired Guo Zheng as an affordable accountant, despite Pan Shi's initial objections. She felt that Chen Bing didn't trust her, but eventually, the matter was dropped.

Guo Zheng had worked at the grocery store for six years. Ten years ago, when Chen He, Chen Bing's son, reached adulthood and was preparing for marriage, he expressed interest in managing the accounts.

Chen Bing loved his son and intended to pass the grocery store to him in the future. All Chen He needed to do was manage the accounts; the money would still be controlled by Chen Bing. This would provide Chen He with early experience.

At this point, there were no issues. Chen Bing could've easily agreed with Guo Zheng and decided not to employ him as the accountant anymore.

However, when Chen He took over the accounts, Chen Bing intentionally found faults, claiming incorrect entries and unclear records. This infuriated Guo Zheng, whose reputation as an accountant was crucial. He needed to uphold his image in this field, as he would have to find another job once he left the grocery store. He couldn't afford Chen Bing's nitpicking.

A heated argument ensued. Chen Bing then turned ruthless and accused Guo Zheng of embezzlement and assaulted him through Constable Li, withholding even the last two months' wages.

The onlookers shook their heads in disbelief. "This Chen Bing is truly despicable. He's stooped so low for a little gain."

Qi Lie glanced at him and asked Guo Zheng, "Are these claims substantiated with evidence?"

Guo Zheng shook his head. "Other than Constable Li, I have no other evidence or witnesses."

Chen Bing breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the next moment, Guo Zheng continued, "Sir, even though I lack evidence for my own case, I do have evidence for Zhou Tiedong's case."

Chen Bing raised his head abruptly, and Shu Yu smiled. Qi Lie raised an eyebrow. "Present it."

"Of course." Guo Zheng took out a few sheets of paper from his sleeve and handed them to an officer nearby.