A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 201 Do you have any further objections?

As expected, before Guo Xuan could ask, Lu Xun proactively explained, "The injury on my face was from a fall at home and has nothing to do with the Jingzhao Prefecture. The injury on my hand, like Lord Song's, was from when I went to the Ningyuan General's Mansion to rescue Coroner Mu and his wife Liu Changqing, and I was injured by rubble. As for the claim of house arrest, I share the same view as Lord Ji. The case is of great importance, and any leak could put the suspect at risk of being silenced. Therefore, I believe that Lord Song's handling of the matter was entirely correct!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Xuan's face turned almost as pale as the bottom of a pot, and he looked extremely unwell.

However, Song Shuyu added, "Lord Guo, aren't you going to ask why Vice Minister Liang was beaten? Investigating the motive is a routine procedure, Lord Guo, you haven't forgotten, have you?"

Guo Xuan's face flushed red. "Of course I won't forget!" he said, then glared angrily at Liang Ruoming. "Tell me, tell the truth clearly. With the Emperor and all the officials as witnesses, they will surely uphold justice for you!"

Liang Ruoming swallowed hard and lowered his head in shame. "It was...it was my fault. I interrupted and shouted in court during Lord Song's trial, which is why Lord Song punished me."

"What?" Guo Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief that Liang Ruoming would be such a spineless coward!
But Liang Ruoming was even more bitter. He had already been hit, and if things continued to escalate, he was afraid he wouldn't even be able to save his life!
So, he made a snap decision and immediately recanted his confession, directly stating his true feelings to the emperor: "Your Majesty, Lord Song, holding the imperial golden token, was ordered to preside over the trial. It was my rash actions that led to my mistake. I accept Lord Song's punishment without complaint or intention to hold him accountable! Furthermore, after hearing the words of Lord Ji and Lu Shaoqing, I have realized my narrow-mindedness. Lord Song did not imprison me, and I should not have slandered or maliciously defamed him! I know my mistake and beg Your Majesty for mercy and Lord Song for forgiveness!"

Guo Xuan was completely speechless.

The emperor spoke, his expression indifferent: "Minister Guo, do you have any further objections?"

Guo Xuan looked embarrassed. "Your Majesty, I have none left."

The emperor's majestic and aloof voice pierced through the golden hall, "By bestowing this gold medal upon Minister Song, I have granted him supreme judicial power. Let alone punishing him with ten strokes of the cane, even if he were to execute him first and report later, it would not violate the national judicial system!"

Liang Ruoming's legs went weak, and he was drenched in sweat!

Good heavens, he's escaped with his life! Luckily, his decision just now was wise not to accuse Song Shuyu, otherwise, his body would probably be hanging on the Meridian Gate by now!
The ministers all exclaimed in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

The Emperor continued, "Minister Song successfully solved the case within seven days, which has shown me your governing ability. I am very pleased! Minister Song's talent is a blessing to the people and the country. It is my good fortune to have such a good general!"

The officials shouted again, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Lord Song!"

The Emperor waved his hand and announced loudly: "Song Shuyu has rendered meritorious service in solving the case and is hereby awarded one hundred taels of gold; the entire Jingzhao Prefecture worked together to solve the case and is a meritorious official, and is hereby awarded one thousand taels of silver! Furthermore, Mu Qingcheng, the first-class female coroner of the Jingzhao Prefecture, has made outstanding contributions as the main force in the investigation of this case and is hereby awarded one hundred taels of silver. Song Qing is hereby granted an exceptional promotion within the Jingzhao Prefecture and entrusted with important responsibilities!"

Song Shuyu was overjoyed, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

The emperor nodded slightly, his expression gradually becoming solemn and stern. "General Ningyuan Liu Changqing and Hanlin Academy Compiler Li Mu are both guilty of murder. Their homes shall be confiscated and they shall be dismissed from their posts immediately! All other offenders shall be severely punished according to the law as a warning to others!"

(End of this chapter)