I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 759 My name is Kemuman, and my courtesy name is Jianmu

Everyone in the hall stood up one after another and looked towards the door on the left.

Shu Youliang mentioned casually just now that the two doors on the front are for the judges to enter and exit, entering from the left and exiting from the right.

Half a minute later, an official walked out of the door on the left.

He was in his forties, wearing a red silk gown with a round collar and right side, a silver-embroidered black horn belt around his waist, and a black hat with wings spread out on his head. Compared with the dozen Ming officials that Marcelo and Leon had seen before, the official who came out of the left door wore a black hat that was more square and had longer wings.

Behind him followed two people, wearing green gauze robes with small floral patterns and a round collar and right-side opening, black horn belts around their waists, and wing-spreading fu hats on their heads.

Shu Youliang enthusiastically introduced: "According to the official system of our country, only officials of the fourth rank and above can wear red round-necked robes and official uniforms. In the second year of Wanli, the emperor personally promulgated the "Regulations on Official Uniforms for the Procurators of the Siliyuan", which allowed the chief prosecutors of cases, regardless of their ranks, to wear red round-necked robes and official uniforms with silver-decorated black horn belts around their waists.

The deputies and the left and right magistrates, regardless of their rank, all wore blue official robes and black horn belts around their waists.

The chief judge and the deputy judge all wore a long square hat with wings spread out, the hat was square and the wings spread out like a scale, to show that they were upright and fair.

There are so many details!
It’s so ceremonial.

The three chief prosecutors stood behind the top desk, and the police shouted, "Salute!"

Everyone bowed to the three of them.

Marcelo and Leon also hurriedly followed Shu Youliang to salute.

Just now Shu Youliang whispered that if you don't show courtesy, the chief prosecutor will be unhappy with you and can directly sentence you for contempt of the prosecutor and disrespect to the court, and directly kick you out and not allow you to attend the trial.

In this court today, no one is bigger than the chief prosecutor!
The chief prosecutor and his left and right assistant prosecutors calmly enjoyed the greetings from the crowd and sat down leisurely. Then the two clerks entered the room, and the plaintiff and the defendant's defense team also entered the room one after another.

The plaintiff and the defendant's defense team were a group of officials in their twenties or thirties, wearing green robes with patches and black gauze hats. There were three of each, and they sat in the plaintiff's seat and the defendant's defense lawyer's seat respectively.

What do you mean?
Marcelo and Leon frowned and turned to look at Shu Youliang.

Shu Youliang said calmly: "The plaintiff is the prosecutor of the Yangzhou County Procuratorate and Judiciary Bureau, and the defendant's defense is the prosecutor of the Shanghai Municipal Procuratorate and Judiciary Bureau."

Marcelo and Leon, who just thought they had finally figured out the Ming Dynasty's judicial system, were confused again.

"Can a prosecutor also be a defense lawyer?"

Shu Youliang replied calmly: "This is the power of prosecutors and judges. If they think you have violated the law, they can sue you. If they think you have been wronged, they can appeal on your behalf.

Now the prosecutor of the Yangzhou County Procuratorate and Judiciary believes that Yang Kaitai has violated the law, so he wants to prosecute him and ask the Court of Justice to convict him.

The prosecutor of the Shanghai Municipal Procuratorate and Judicial Bureau believed that Yang Kaitai had not violated the law and was wrongly accused, so he wanted to appeal, and naturally became his defense lawyer.

Then each party will present evidence and debate in court, and the chief judge and co-judges will review and decide the case. "

Leon frowned even more tightly, “Master Shu, didn’t you just say that Yang Kaitai’s case was tried in the Yangzhou Court and he was found guilty?”

Shu Youliang glanced at Leon. This Portuguese guy was very meticulous and grasped the key to the matter immediately.

"The judicial colleges are usually divided into three levels: primary, secondary and senior. The county judicial college is the primary level, the prefecture judicial college is the secondary level, and the provincial judicial college is the senior level.

Ordinary civil cases are generally first heard in the civil court under the county magistrate's court, reviewed by the county magistrate's court, and finally heard by the county magistrate's court.

Criminal cases and major civil cases are first heard by the county magistrate's court, second heard by the county magistrate's court, and finally heard by the provincial magistrate's court.

Major criminal cases, such as those with a maximum sentence of life hard labor or death penalty, will be initially heard by the County Magistrate's Court, reviewed by the Provincial Magistrate's Court, and finally heard by the Dali Temple, which will also review the death penalty.

The Yangzhou County Administrative Court is an intermediate administrative court, Huzhou belongs to a direct-controlled prefecture and is at the same level as the provincial administration, and the Luzhou Administrative Court is a high-level administrative court.

Because the case involved serious consequences, the Jiangsu Provincial Procuratorate and the Huzhou Provincial Procuratorate jointly deliberated and designated the Luzhou Court to review the case, and approved the Shanghai Municipal Procuratorate and Judicial Bureau prosecutor to argue for Yang Kaitai.

Marcelo asked first: "Master Shu, what department is this Censorate?"

After listening to Leon's translation, Shu Youliang didn't know how to answer.

After thinking for a while, Shu Youliang answered carefully: "The Censorate is divided into the Left and Right Censors. The Left Censor is in charge of supervision and manages the censors of a province; the Right Censor is also the chief prosecutor of the provincial court, managing the provincial, county and prefectural courts and their prosecutors.

Generally, the two did not interfere with each other, and even the government offices were separate. Only when something happened would the left and right censors sit together for a meeting. However, the Supervisory Office led by the Left censor had the duty of supervising all officials, and the Siliyuan and Tuiguan were of course within its scope of supervision.

The Yang Kaitai case was of great importance. After discussing with the governor of Jiangsu, Mr. Hai and the prefect of Huzhou, Mr. Li, they called the left and right censors of Jiangsu and Huzhou together for a closed-door meeting, and finally decided to have the case heard by the Huzhou Court of Justice.

Marcelo and Leon looked at each other.

Is this what they call procedural justice?

Why do we feel like we have confused people and then make muddled judgments without caring about who wins or loses?

Leon couldn’t help but mutter: “Procedural justice?”

Shu Youliang laughed and replied casually, "Justice must not only be achieved in a practical way, but also be achieved in a way that people can see.

Procedural justice is visible justice.”

Leon was stunned, not knowing what was happening.

Looking at Marcelo's eager eyes, he thought for a moment and organized the words to translate into Portuguese.

Marcelo was stunned.

Visible justice?

He couldn't help but ask, "But it's so complicated, the cost is too high."

Shu Youliang listened to Leon's translation and laughed: "Ask him, how much is justice and fairness worth in his heart?"

Marcelo opened his mouth, unsure how to respond.

After everyone in the court was seated, the chief judge slammed the gavel and said, "Silence! The trial of Wuxi man Yang Kaitai is now open. Prosecutor!"

A prosecutor in a green robe stood up from the plaintiff's seat on the left and bowed to the chief prosecutor: "Public prosecutor, the prosecutor of the Yangzhou County Procuratorate and Law Bureau, please take your seat."

The chief judge nodded and said loudly: "Bring the defendant!"

After waiting for half a minute, two policemen came in from the side door, escorting a man. The man was in his thirties, wearing a white vest, with his hands hanging down to his chest and tied with two ropes.

With untidy beard and haggard face, he is the defendant in this case, Yang Kaitai.

He was escorted by the police to the center of the court, next to the fence of the press box, and the gate was opened. He sat down obediently and then closed the gate.

The chief judge asked, "Are you the defendant, Yang Kaitai from Wuxi?"

Yang Kaitai nodded absentmindedly, "It's me."

The chief judge turned his head and looked to the right. "Defendant's lawyer!"

An official in a green robe stood up from the defense counsel seat on the right and bowed to the chief judge: "Defendant's defense counsel, Shanghai Municipal Procuratorate and Judicial Bureau prosecutor, please take your seats."

The chief judge slammed the gavel and said, "The prosecutor, the defendant, and the defendant's defense counsel are all here. The trial of Wuxi man Yang Kaitai has officially begun. Prosecutor, begin your presentation of the case!"

Marcelo and Leon perked up and looked at the prosecutor with wide eyes. A prosecutor in a green robe stood up, cleared his throat, and began to state the case.

The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai is located on Tianshui Street behind the East Gate, just across the street from the Shanghai Maritime Administration, and not far from the Shanghai Branch of the Ming Navigation Society, the Ming Maritime Merchants Association, and the Southeast Office of the Shaofujian.

A six-story house, said to have been designed by a famous Italian architect living in Ming Dynasty, with a strong Baroque style.

José walked up the stairs leisurely. He was wearing a sky-blue naval officer's uniform with two yellow bars and two silver stars shining brightly on the red epaulettes.

People coming in and out were stunned at first when they saw Jose's face, but then when they saw his military uniform and rank, it was as if a switch was silently turned on on their faces, and flattering smiles quietly emerged on their faces, like sunflowers.

His waist involuntarily bent slightly, his body leaned to the side, and he nodded repeatedly.

Jose held his head high, reservedly giving a faint smile to every nodding sunflower, and walked into the hall of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. When some Portuguese businessmen he knew saw him, they trotted over happily.

"Lieutenant Colonel Jose, no wonder I heard the magpies chirping on the roof so early in the morning. What can you do for us at the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce?"

Jose laughed in his heart, the magpie's call? It's all what I left.

A genuine smile appeared on his face: "Is Manuel here?"

The fawning smiles on the Portuguese merchants' faces turned into envy, "Manuel went to the City Hall to take an oath, swearing allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

He finally got what he wanted and became a noble Ming citizen."

As a veteran, Jose knew that if the Portuguese wanted to become citizens of the Ming Dynasty, it would be relatively easy for them to be soldiers. They just had to fight in a few battles and show their loyalty. As long as they made military achievements, they could immediately become citizens of the Ming Dynasty.

It is also very easy for scholars and scientists to be hired as teachers by a university, or as technicians or engineers by a factory. After working for three years and passing the assessment, they can also become people of the Ming Dynasty.

It is relatively difficult for ordinary people and businessmen, but it is the most difficult for priests.

To become a Ming citizen, in addition to obtaining the official document - household registration paper, one must also swear an oath in public at the City Hall, swearing allegiance to the Emperor of Ming, abiding by Ming laws, and defending Ming interests to the death.
"Then when will he come back?"

"It should be soon. The official oath was taken at eight in the morning. It's past nine now, so they should be back."

"Then I'll wait for him."

The Portuguese businessman licked his face and said, "Great, Lieutenant Colonel Jose, can I invite you to the tea room for a cup of tea?"

"Okay, thank you." Jose said reservedly, and followed the happy businessman to the tea room on the second floor.

Manuel walked into the door of the Chamber of Commerce with a happy face. He was wearing a round-necked gown and a straight hat on his head. He held a thick stack of red envelopes in his hands and gave one to every person he met.

“Thank you Mr. Manuel!”

"No, please call me Mr. Commanco now."

"Congratulations Mr. Ke, congratulations Mr. Ke." The clever passerby quickly changed his words.

Manuel smiled so hard that his back teeth were visible, and he stuffed a red envelope into the hands of a passerby.

"Master Ke, a Lieutenant Colonel Jose Ho is looking for you just now." A clerk from the Chamber of Commerce came forward and said.

"Jose is here!" Manuel's eyes lit up. "Where is he?"

"Mr. Reynard from the Chamber of Commerce invited me to the tea room on the second floor for tea."

"Okay!" Manuel stuffed the remaining red envelopes into the servant's pocket, lifted up the front of his shirt, ran quickly down the stairs to the second floor, and rushed into the tea room.

"Brother Fengxian, I finally waited for you."

“Man, no, Brother Jianmu, we meet again.”

Leonard was stunned. When did Manuel call Jianmu?
Jose saw his confusion and explained, "Old Lei, Manuel is the queen of the Komnenos dynasty of the Eastern Roman Empire. His full name is Manuel Komnenos. Now he has become a Ming citizen and changed his name to Komnenos, with the courtesy name Jianmu.

Brother Ke, your name was chosen by Eunuch Lu, right? "

Ke Muman replied complacently: "Eunuch Lu took the time out of his busy schedule to think of such a word for me. I am really honored."

Leonard was shocked.

Lü Yong, the Junior Supervisor of the Southeast Office of the Shaofu, was a man with connections and influence. Countless people tried their best to curry favor with him but failed. Yet he actually gave Kemuman a character.

He had been in the Ming Dynasty for several years and knew many of its rules. Since Lu Yong could give Ke Muman a name, he regarded him as his own.

Leonard wanted to kneel down, hug Komoman's thighs and yell, "Godfather!"

It was just the last bit of human shame in his heart that made him hesitate.

Jose blinked, and Comman understood and blinked too, then turned and said, "Dear Reynard, can you give Jose and me some private space?"

Leonard immediately bowed and nodded in response, "No problem, I have already ordered the pre-rain Longjing tea, please enjoy it slowly, both of you."

He stepped out of the tea room, considerately closing the door.

Walking in the corridor on the second floor, Leonard slapped himself in regret. His knees were really stiff just now. Now that the opportunity has passed, it will be difficult to catch it again.

José and Comuman sat down opposite each other at the tea table. Comuman rolled up his sleeves, picked up the tea set on the table and began to fiddle with it skillfully.

"I heard that you accompanied the Portuguese envoy to the north. Who was the envoy?"

"The deputy envoy is an old acquaintance of ours, Leon. The chief envoy is the Marquis of Mazenha."

Komoman's right hand, which was twisting the copper kettle to pour hot water, asked, "Is your uncle, the Marquis Marcello, here?"

"Yes, that's him."

Komuman lowered his head and continued to pour hot water, wash the tea set, open the azure jar, scoop two spoonfuls of tea leaves with a bamboo spoon and put them in the teapot, then picked up the copper kettle to pour boiling water, rinse the tea, added water again, waited for a few seconds, poured the tea in the teapot into the soup pot, and then used the soup pot to pour tea into Jose's and his own teacups.

"Fengxian, please!"

"Thank you!"

José picked up the teacup and drank it with Comman.

Komoman continued to make tea.

“I never thought that Sebastian I would send Marquis Marcelo. Your uncle is Sebastian I’s teacher. According to the Ming Dynasty, he is like the Emperor and Prime Minister Zhang.

Isn't the Marquis always in North Africa, fighting the Moors?"

José shrugged. "I guess the Spanish are more dangerous than the Moors now."

Komoman's head shot up, his eyes shining like a beacon.

(End of this chapter)