The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 574: Unprecedented

Seeing a young girl with bright eyes and white teeth, as elegant as a fairy, walking steadily with a calm demeanor, Wen Yuanting thought he was mistaken.

Could such a delicate and flower-like girl survive fifty strikes with the cane?

Everyone knows that when the Injustice Bell is struck, the case will be re-examined, but everyone also knows that striking the Injustice Bell is akin to signing one’s own death warrant.

Even a strong man can barely bear it; can a young girl endure it?

Wen Yuanting leaned forward, looking at the girl standing in the hall. She resembled the most dazzling red plum of early spring, with a proud spirit, walking slowly as if flowers were blooming beneath her feet with each step.

Wen Yuanting felt that the authoritative words on the tip of his tongue circled back and forth before finally turning into a simple question: "Who stands in the hall, and what is your grievance?"

The striking of the Injustice Bell is a serious matter; the courtroom must open wide, the trial must be public, and everyone may observe, with no favoritism allowed. Even during the beating, it is administered in open court.

This may be nothing for a man, but for a young girl, just envisioning the scene is cruel enough.

He glanced at the entrance of the main hall, which was already crowded with people.

These people pointed and whispered amongst themselves, with many feeling sympathy for the girl.

After all, if such a charming girl were to perish under the cane, it would inevitably stir compassion in people’s hearts.

The girl stood before the hall, poised and upright, her voice clear and crisp: "I am Xia Wenjin, a commoner. My father and uncle have been wrongfully accused of killing the wealthy young master Zhan Baoqing. They are to be executed tomorrow. I have struck the Injustice Bell to request a re-examination of the case!"

"Do you know the rules of striking the Injustice Bell?" Wen Yuanting asked, suddenly understanding. No wonder this girl had struck the Injustice Bell; it was indeed the fastest way to appeal in this case, which the Emperor had already marked for execution.

However, a case marked by the Emperor is virtually decided whether the Injustice Bell is struck or not; it would only trigger a retrial.

The outcome of the retrial might still be the same. If it were, it would be a false accusation, and the accuser would be beaten to death with sticks.

This case was assigned to Junior Minister Sun Liangcai of the Ministry of Justice, a notable figure for several years. Even the Minister, Tang Jinlin, rarely interferes with cases he handles.

Therefore, the Capital Governor couldn’t intervene either. He had just arranged to have tea with Tang Jinlin to discuss this case, and unexpectedly, the Injustice Bell rang at his own government office.

Previously, he couldn’t intervene, but now it was different.

However, Wen Yuanting did not see this as a good thing—it clearly seemed to be a big complication.

Was this meant to make the Emperor overturn his own marked approval?

Yet now, he had no choice but to accept it.

"Yes!" Xia Wenjin responded calmly, "I am willing to accept the cane punishment, just to seek justice!"

Wen Yuanting paused, he had to admit he admired this girl’s bravery somewhat. After the caning, even if her father’s grievances were addressed, she would be ruined.

Even if she survived the caning, for a woman to be punished in open court with her clothes torn and body scarred not only destroyed her body but her reputation as well. However, as a Commander of the hall, he must remain objective and fair, and he said, "Since that’s the case, someone, prepare the cane punishment!"

Hearing his words, there was a small commotion among the onlookers.

The caning involves being pressed to the ground and the stick directly swinging down. After one strike, the skin splits; after two, the flesh is mangled...

Some gathered outside the hall watching are there for the thrill of the spectacle. After all, how much empathy can one really feel for someone else’s grievances? Even if one has a kind heart, understanding the full context is necessary to develop empathy.

At this moment, more are here for the spectacle.

Seeing the cane ready, and the execution officials in place, Wen Yuanting asked, "Are you ready?"

The girl stepped forward, approaching the cane, her voice steady, "After the caning, the case will be re-examined. Let’s get it over with then!"

Seeing no fear on the girl’s face, Wen Yuanting sighed inwardly, shaking his head subtly. Indeed, from the moment the bell was struck, the caning had to be carried out, with no room for regret.

However, Wen Yuanting had a long bench brought in for the punishment, which was the only thing he could do.

He said in a deep voice, "Proceed with the punishment!"

Just as Xia Wenjin was about to lie on the bench to receive her punishment, a voice cut through the crowd: "Wait!"

Wen Yuanting frowned; at the Capital City Government Office, just outside the Imperial City, no one could casually interrupt during a case trial. Disrespecting the court could result in being beaten to death!

With that shout, the crowd at the hall entrance parted to both sides, as a young man strode in.

Wen Yuanting’s mouth twitched repeatedly.

Xia Wenjin was equally surprised: "Huang Zheng, why are you here?"

The newcomer was none other than Huangfu Jingchen. His face was pale, and his walk was slightly unsteady. He approached the front of the hall and bowed to Wen Yuanting: "I am Huang Zheng, a friend of Miss Xia. I’ve come to take the punishment on her behalf!"

Wen Yuanting: "..."

He had heard two days ago that the Princely Heir, who had caused quite a stir in the Capital City, survived an assassination attempt. He hadn’t expected him to come to his government office.

What Huang Zheng, more like, what the devil Huang!

His mouth twitched as he said, "Huang... Zheng, there’s no precedent for taking someone else’s punishment!"

Xia Wenjin also said, "Huang Zheng, this has nothing to do with you; don’t make trouble!"

Huangfu Jingchen pulled Xia Wenjin behind him to protect her and said respectfully, "Mr. Wen, it’s true there’s no precedent for this, but there’s also no clear rule against it. I willingly take the punishment for the same cause we seek. If you feel it can’t be substituted, I can go ring the Injustice Bell myself now."

Wen Yuanting: "..."

Now you want to ring the Injustice Bell? Do you think it’s a game?

Ringing the Injustice Bell is a grave matter; are you turning it into a farce?

On consideration, there’s indeed no explicit rule against substitution. If one willingly takes another’s punishment, it might be allowed.

But the key issue is with this individual before me...

Can they withstand five strikes, let alone the full fifty?

Together, could they even endure half of it?

Xia Wenjin said softly, "Huang Zheng, you don’t know the whole story. You shouldn’t get involved; I can handle it!"

"I know you can handle it!" Huangfu Jingchen smiled gently at her and said, "I’m not interfering, I just want to take these fifty strikes for you, then go home to recover. Everything else is up to you!"

Xia Wenjin: "..."

Isn’t that interference? The important thing is, he genuinely has nothing to do with this matter.

His wound has only recently healed, yet he’s obliged to act weak, suggesting the person who wanted to kill him may still be lurking in the shadows. His danger isn’t over, yet he steps forward for her?