Chapter 1883: Zhou Tiedong Arrives

Chapter 1883: Zhou Tiedong Arrives

Chen Bing secretly gloated. Of course, County Princess Wen'an didn't have any evidence. He had burnt that document years ago. Over thirty years had passed, and enough time had elapsed to destroy most of the evidence.

Not just the document, even the old village head who had taken his money to falsify records had passed away.

Without witnesses or physical evidence, even County Princess couldn't have him sentenced, right?

Shu Yu glanced at Chen Bing's expression, feeling quite displeased.

Qi Lie turned his gaze to Shu Yu once again. "County Princess Wen'an, since there's no evidence of Chen Bing forging documents, it's indeed difficult for this official to determine whether he really committed the crime. Do you have anything else to say?"

With the official's remarks, both the Chen and Pan families heaved a sigh of relief.

Chen Bing closed his eyes. It seemed that even if County Princess wanted to seek personal revenge, the worst she could do was give him ten lashes. He should be able to pass through this ordeal.

As he entertained such thoughts, the sound of drums suddenly echoed from outside the courtroom.

Both those inside and outside the courtroom were surprised. Qi Lie raised an eyebrow. "Who's outside?"

An official rushed in, bowing respectfully. "Sir, someone outside is lodging a complaint."

"The trial for this case has not concluded yet. Tell the person making the complaint to wait for a moment."

However, to everyone's astonishment, the official looked at Chen Bing and said, "Sir, the person making the complaint against with is none other than the defendant of this case, Chen Bing." 

This declaration caused an uproar among the spectators.

Someone was actually lodging a complaint against Chen Bing?

Qi Lie's expression remained calm. "Is that so? Since that's the case, bring the person in."

Shortly after, an official assisted a thin and frail man into the courtroom.

Chen Bing, upon hearing the official's words, racked his brain to figure out who he had offended and how someone could use this moment to sabotage him.

When he finally saw the person, he was utterly shocked. "Zhou Tiedong, why is it you?"

Not only him, but everyone from the Chen family who stood outside the courtroom wore bewildered expressions. Chen Qiu took a step back in alarm, and even Xun Sheng regarded her with suspicion. "What's wrong?"

Chen Qiu hurriedly shook her head. "It's, it's nothing."

Xun Sheng found her reaction odd, and his companion beside him seemed to be contemplating something.

Zhou Tiedong, full of resentment, cast a disdainful look at Chen Bing as he knelt in front of the courtroom. "Sir, I am Zhou Tiedong, and I am accusing Chen Bing of colluding with the constables to falsely accuse me of theft."

He handed over a written complaint, and after Qi Lie finished reading it, his expression became one of amused indifference. "Chen Bing, do you recognize this man?"

"Sir, he's lying. He's framing me. Moreover, he was supposed to be locked up in the jail. How could he possibly be here?"

Shu Yu chimed in with a smile, "Coincidentally, Zhou Tiedong was brought here by me, the County Princess."

"What...?" Chen Bing turned his gaze towards her, his head buzzing. Zhou Tiedong was brought here by County Princess? Not only was she accusing him of forging documents, but she was also accusing him of conspiring with the constables?

Next to him, Xun Sheng heard his fellow say softly, "It seems like this county princess was well-prepared. Chen Bing might be done for."

Chen Qiu's body swayed when she heard these words.

Xun Sheng sighed inwardly. How could he not realize that a woman who had climbed up from a common peasant girl to county princess through her own abilities would not be prepared when dealing with someone who had insulted her family?

He had wondered why County Princess Wen'an would bring Chen Bing to the yamen for just ten lashes since there was no evidence of forged documents. It turned out that she was waiting for him here.