Chapter 14 (1/2)

Psychological Games

Bang!

Magistrate Zhu’s palm came down on the judge’s desk. He said in a booming voice, “Your testimony states you saw the murderer’s silhouette as he leaped over the walls. The constables checked the flower bed today, there was neither a footprint nor any signs of disturbance.”

Yang Zhenzhen’s eyes widened. Her beautiful almond eyes darted around. “This… I…”

Zhang Xian immediately said, “Why would my mother know how the thief entered our home? A lack of evidence found by the constables does not mean we committed the crime.”

‘Mother? Don’t tarnish the word,’ Xu Qian thought.

Magistrate Zhu chided, “A glib tongue you have there. Bring out the whip.”

It was common for interrogations in the olden days to involve corporal punishment. There was only so much one could do when there was so little evidence.

Hence, confessions were often obtained under duress.

Without the right facilities and techniques, it was incredibly difficult to collect evidence. Hence, corporal punishment became an invaluable element of the law.

The pros and cons were unavoidable.

Zhang Xian said loudly, “Is this the way of the courts? My uncle is a part of the Ministry of Rites and the Board of Imperial Advisors. Are you not worried about an impeachment?”

The uncle he spoke of was a distant relative. Although the blood they shared was thin, their bond was strong. The Zhang family often brought the relative benefits.

The threat was delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Magistrate Zhu’s eyebrows were slanted—he knew the Zhang family had connections.

“Are you threatening me? 20 lashes for the man.”

Four bailiffs strode forward—Zhang Xian’s neck was held in place by two men with staffs while the other two stripped his pants. When the lashing began, the main court was filled with shouts of pain.

Magistrate Zhu watched on with a neutral expression. 20 lashes with the thick cane was insufficient to extract a confession, perhaps 50 lashes would do it. However, there was a risk of killing the suspect.

Even if Zhang Xian confessed, the verdict could be reversed after the case was passed on to the Ministry of Justice. After all, he had a relative on the Board of Imperial Advisors.

The whole case might backfire and cause problems for the county courts.

As Zhang Xian was being punished, Xu Qian waved the court runner over.

After some hesitation, the man stepped down and jogged toward Xu Qian.

“Tell the magistrate to call for a break. I have an idea,” Xu Qian said in a low voice.

The court runner appeared reluctant. “What plans do you have? Please don’t drag me into something nonsensical.”

“Nothing good will come from continuing the trial. The magistrate is on thin ice so he’ll agree to my suggestion. I’ll treat you to drinks later,” Xu Qian said.

“Fine…”

The court runner approached Magistrate Zhu and relayed the message.

Magistrate Zhu quickly turned Xu Qian’s way. Then, he sighed and looked forward. With a loud slam, he announced, “Lock them away. We will resume the session after a break.”

…

Magistrate Zhu took the cup of tea from the servant girl and sipped silently.

Xu Qian had some courtroom experience when he was with the force—he brought his cup to his lips. They had retired to the inner hall.

“Xu Ningyan, what is your suggestion?”

Xu Qian was surprised by Magistrate Zhu’s friendly tone.

In his memories, the county magistrate had always treated the low-level officials unkindly. Did he change after Xu Qian crossed over?

“I have something in mind,” Xu Qian said.

“Without using force?”

“Yes.”

Magistrate Zhu was intrigued. He put down his cup. “Explain.”

‘You don’t know anything about game theory so what can I say?’ Xu Qian replied with a smile, “Allow me some time with them while you sit here and relax.”

Yang Zhenzhen was brought into a locked room. Her eyes were wet with tears as she trembled in her seat.

She expected trouble from her captor but he left after placing her in the room. It did nothing to soothe her anxiety.

Thud.