76 Dispute (1/2)
Chapter 76: Dispute
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The defendants of the courtroom agreed after hearing the judge talk. Song Shiren passed the document of complaint to Mei Zhili, who pretended to scan through it before handing it to Zheng Tu, who in turn gave it to Fan Xian to read. Fan Xian read through it meticulously and found that it was pretty much as he expected it to be. He nodded and returned the piece of paper.
Song Shiren spoke coldly with balled fists. ”As a student, I can’t understand why Mr. Fan Xian remains aloof in the courtroom. He has not performed a formal greeting or knelt down in respect. With this kind of attitude, it's no wonder he committed those violent crimes last night.”
Fan Xian glanced at the lawyer who complained before questioning curiously, ”You have to kneel in court?” He was, of course, well-educated on the laws of this country and was familiar with the formality, having done a lot of reading in Danzhou. His question was an intentional one.
”Naturally, or would you disrespect the greatness of the imperial government?”
Song Shiren eyed his opponent with a frown. He had not wanted to be involved in this case, as after all, the opposition was the inconspicuous Fan family, whose power was feared by many. He did not have much of a choice though as he had been a high official for so long that he could no longer turn back, so there was no room for rejection.
Fan Xian chuckled and said, ”Why is it that Mr. Song has not knelt down then?”
Song Shiren squinted at the boy; he was unsure if the boy was truly an idiot or just acting. He retorted immediately, ”According to government regulations, one with achievements need not kneel in front of the magistrate.”
Fan Xian bowed at Mei Zhili and said, ”When a student sees a teacher, are they required to kneel?”
Hearing this, Song Shiren was certain that his opponent was one with achievements. His previous research on Fan Xian revealed that he had never sat an imperial exam before, so how did he turn out to be a scholar? He stroked the fan in his hands and questioned, ”Might I dare ask what year Mr. Fan took part in his imperial examination?”
Fan Xian replied politely, ”Last year in Danzhou.” This was pre-arranged by Fan Jian before Fan Xian came to the capital. Only till the day of the court case did he realize that he had somehow attained the title of scholar.
The subject of kneeling was dismissed and the court case officially began. Both sides discussed the main topics, each expressing their own opinion. Guo Baokun had no doubt that he was attacked by Fan Xian and his guards, while Zheng Tu was certain Fan Xian was in Fan Mansion the entire night and that there were plenty of servants who could attest to that. Conflict arose and sounds of discussion from the civilians watching from outside got louder. It seemed that the majority believed Fan Xian was innocent. They couldn't imagine the pretty and gentle boy as a cruel person. On the other hand, the beaten up Mr. Guo in the wheelchair looked like a suspicious man.
Mei Zhili grew weary of the noisy dispute. He waved his hands in the air and the civilians went silent.
”Judge, May I ask why you haven’t made an arrest when the culprit is standing in the court?” Song Shiren’s voice was loud and intimidating. He thought that the documents could not have been even clearer, but the magistrate judge was yet to make a call. He began to suspect that he was biased towards the Fan family and so decided to press the matter.
Zheng Tu smirked, ”Let’s not jump to conclusions, Mr. Song. The document states that the assault on Mr. Guo happened after his head was covered by a bag. So tell me, how could he possibly determine that the culprit was Fan Xian when he could not see?”
”Naturally by having heard Mr. Fan’s voice. What’s more, Mr. Fan admitted that it was him at the time. Have you changed your mind and decided to deny the charges instead?” Song Shiren looked at Fan Xian with a sneer and continued with a taunt, ”What kind of man are you if you can’t even take responsibility for what you did?”
Fan Xian was aware that his opponent was trying to provoke him. Despite this, his expression remained calm with a mixture of astonishment. It was as if he was confused as to why the man in front was accusing him falsely. Zheng Tu’s voice cut in and he spoke mockingly, ”Voice? I’ve never heard of any case being determined by a voice- and I know the laws inside out.”
Song Shiren did not back down, instead he spoke deliberately, ”If voice is not enough to prove Mr. Fan’s identity, then allow me to show everyone a poem.” With this, he retrieved a piece of paper from within his sleeve and recited slowly.
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