Chapter 1881: Destined to Continue

Chapter 1881: Destined to Continue

Chen Qiu didn't even realize how she had made her way to the prefectural yamen. By the time she snapped out of her thoughts, her father was already kneeling in the center of the hall, twisting his head to look at her with questioning eyes.

However, he was bound to be disappointed.

Chen Qiu lowered her head, too afraid to meet her father's gaze.

The sides of the hall were crowded with officials, and many onlookers were gathered outside, their eyes fixed on the scene within.

With the sound of a gavel hitting the ground, Qi Lie, dressed in official attire, walked out from behind the room and sat down behind the desk.

He pounded the gavel and demanded, "Who is in the court?"

Shu Yu bowed and said, "County Princess of Wen'an, here to present charges against Chen Bing, a resident of Chenggu County, for forging official documents for personal gain over thirty years ago."

Qi Lie nodded, looking completely serious as if he didn't even recognize her. "So it's the County Princess. Someone, give the County Princess a seat."

Shu Yu had already prepared the written charges. She took a seat, and the document was presented on the desk.

After Qi Lie examined it for a while, he pounded the gavel again and looked at the trembling Chen Bing kneeling on the ground. He asked, "Chen Bing, are the claims in this document true? Do you admit your guilt?"

"Sir, I didn't do it, I've been wronged."

"Wronged?" Qi Lie's expression turned stern. "The document is very detailed, but you're saying you've been wronged. Very well, this official doesn't make judgments based on one side's words alone. If that's the case, then tell this official in detail what happened over thirty years ago. Start from when you fled to Chenggu County and explain what really happened."

Chen Bing swallowed nervously. Hearing that Qi Lie didn't immediately believe Shu Yu's words and pass judgment on him, he felt a slight relief. He thought that perhaps Chen Qiu's efforts were yielding results. Otherwise, why would they even allow him to defend himself here?

So, he steadied his mind and began recounting the events from years ago. "Over thirty years ago, I was indeed married to Fang Caixia... After we arrived in Chenggu County, I saved a young lady from a wealthy family..."

"Sir," Shu Yu interrupted him, "Chen Bing's words are full of false statements. He began with a lie, so can the rest of his testimony be trusted?"

"Oh, how did he lie?"

Shu Yu explained Chen Bing's fear of water, and Qi Lie appeared thoughtful. "If that's the case, then let's first prove whether he can really swim. Someone, bring a bucket of water here for him to try."

Chen Bing's face turned pale. Shu Yu smiled knowingly. See, some things are destined to continue even if they're interrupted.

The official quickly brought in a bucket of water with an expressionless face. With a loud thud, it was placed in front of Chen Bing. He ordered, "Hold your breath."

Chen Bing stared at the sloshing water before him. Although it was just a small bucket, not much different from what he used for washing or bathing, right now it felt as if there was a giant python inside, ready to devour him. He didn't dare to get close to it.

"No, please don't." He shook his head frantically.

Qi Lie frowned and instructed the official, "Hold him down."

Without hesitation, the official pressed down on Chen Bing's neck, about to immerse him in the water.

Chen Bing was terrified, his heart pounding. As he watched his nose getting closer to the surface of the water, he couldn't bear it any longer. Trembling, he shouted, "Please spare me, sir! I'm afraid of water, afraid of water! It wasn't me who saved the girl, it was Fang Caixia!"

As soon as he said that, the onlookers exclaimed in surprise.

They had speculated earlier that Chen Bing might be lying, but hearing his confession was an entirely different matter.