Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 161

As soon as the magistrate entered, the Emperor noticed he seemed different from usual.

Normally, the magistrate gave off a slick, oily vibe, but today, he exuded a righteous glow.

Had this man been blessed at the Great Buddha Temple?

The Emperor eyed him up and down. After the magistrate paid his respects, the Emperor asked sternly, “What is it, Magistrate Zhao?”

The magistrate clasped his hands and reported, “Your Majesty, today, Young Master Lu Tang from Qiao Family Inn beat the drum to seek justice, claiming that Dong Fabric Shop substituted inferior goods.”

Before the magistrate could finish, the Emperor interrupted with a twitch of his eye, “Will you come to report every petty dispute? Handle it yourself! You have full authority over such cases.”

The magistrate continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted, speaking with the same righteous tone, “Dong Fabric Shop has admitted to commercial fraud, but claimed it was under the instigation of Miss He Yujiao. I have already sent people to summon Miss He for questioning. However, she refused to comply, citing a twisted ankle. I request Your Majesty’s intervention.”

The Emperor was stunned.

Since when did the magistrate become so upright?

Oh my~

A few days ago, Concubine Shu and the others were reading a story about a powerful spirit possessing a weak body, turning it into a mighty hero.

Had the magistrate been possessed by a just spirit?

The Emperor’s gaze turned curious.

The magistrate, unwavering, said, “I request Your Majesty to issue an edict requiring Miss He to cooperate with the investigation. Otherwise, I will have to enforce the law and arrest her, which might tarnish Your Majesty’s image.”

After all, He Yujiao was a national hero.

The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes glinting with gossip, “Why do you think I would issue such an edict? He Yujiao is a national hero, and even I must show her respect.”

The magistrate looked at the Emperor with eyes wide in disbelief, as if asking how the Emperor could speak such nonsense. “Your Majesty, as the revered ruler, must you act unjustly?”

Are you really this kind of person?

The magistrate’s incredulous gaze made the Emperor shiver.

This look—like Bao Zheng reborn!

Ding~

Could it be that heaven, seeing my hard work as Emperor, sent me a low-budget Bao Zheng?

Unaware of the Emperor’s wild thoughts, the magistrate knelt down with a thud, banging his forehead on the floor until a large bump formed. “I implore Your Majesty to issue an edict. Thousands of citizens are outside the court waiting for a verdict.”

If you don’t issue the edict, I’ll be in a difficult position. Be smart and issue it.

The Emperor rolled his eyes and ordered the chief eunuch to accompany the magistrate with an oral decree.

When He Yujiao received the decree, she was stunned.

When He Yujiao was forcibly brought to the court, Dong Yuzhu was stunned.

Not just Dong Yuzhu—even Song Qingzhan was stunned.

He stared at the magistrate’s swollen forehead, wondering if he had risked his life to persuade the Emperor to issue the edict.

Why is he so determined to support the Qiao family? He was never this upright and stubborn before. Isn’t he just an old fox?

Ding~

Song Qingzhan remembered that the magistrate’s eldest son was about the same age as Lu Shuqing and was supposed to get married this year.

Could it be that their family had set their sights on Lu Shuqing?

He Yujiao, standing coldly in the courtroom, glanced sharply at Lu Tang.

“Yes, I ordered Dong Yuzhu to send those goods to Lord Gu’s house. Magistrate, you should know that Lord Gu’s mother’s birthday is in three days, and he is hosting a grand banquet. Even His Majesty will attend.”

He Yujiao believed her explanation was flawless, implying that the magistrate should understand what to do next.

But the magistrate’s eyes widened like saucers. “You mean to say that because Lord Gu’s mother is celebrating her birthday, Qiao Family Inn deserves to be left without goods? That because of her birthday, Qiao Family Inn deserves to be cheated and told it’s acceptable?”

He Yujiao’s brows furrowed. “Your words, Magistrate, are not something I agree with. But should we not distinguish between what’s more important? Qiao Family Inn is just an inn opening for business, while Lord Gu’s mother is celebrating her eightieth birthday. Shouldn’t Qiao Family Inn send a substantial gift?”

The magistrate sneered, “How shameless! You are revered as a national hero, yet you are so brazen. Even His Majesty knows that the people’s support can overturn a dynasty, yet you, relying on your status, bully the people and still shamelessly argue your case. I have never seen such shamelessness!”

All the court officials: !

Our magistrate is scolding He Yujiao in court?

The onlookers outside: !

Is the magistrate serious? What’s happening?

Song Qingzhan: !

The magistrate must be doing this for Lu Shuqing’s sake. This cannot be tolerated!

Stepping forward, Song Qingzhan said, “Now that we have both witness and evidence, and Miss He has admitted her role in Dong Yuzhu’s actions, the magistrate must give Qiao Family Inn justice.”

He Yujiao, though a county princess by imperial decree, always preferred to be addressed as Miss He.

Upon hearing Song Qingzhan’s words, He Yujiao gave him a cold look. “Are you standing up for Qiao Family Inn, Lord Song?”

Song Qingzhan met her gaze. “Standing up? The evidence is irrefutable; there is no need to stand up.”

He Yujiao sneered, “When I brought Princess Zhao Yue back from the Zhao Kingdom, she said I was like her sister. If I were truly a princess, not just a county princess, would you treat me like this? You’re just bullying me because I’m an orphan without parents. What has Qiao Family Inn lost? Just a few days of delayed business? There are many inns in the capital, and none of them need Shu brocade sheets to operate. Is Qiao Family Inn special? Or do you think, because Old Master Qiao saved the Emperor’s life, I must yield to Qiao Family Inn?”

Her twisting of facts left Lu Tang speechless.

Is she not deliberately twisting facts, or does she genuinely believe this?

Years of self-centered thinking have made her so self-righteous that she feels she’s the victim!

Ridiculous!

“System!”

“Yes, Host Daddy?”

“Give me a boost.”

“What do you want to exchange, Host Daddy?”

“Give me buffs from Yu Qian, Yue Fei, and Zhou Yafu, and add an accelerator.”

I’ll fight you to the end!

Cultural Insights

1. Bao Zheng, The Original Legal Eagle

Bao Zheng, also known as Bao Gong, is the ancient Chinese equivalent of Sherlock Holmes with a gavel. He’s the guy you’d call if Judge Judy and Batman had a baby who grew up in the Song Dynasty. Known for his no-nonsense, incorruptible approach, mentioning Bao Zheng in a story is like saying, “We need Superman’s sense of justice here.”

2. Jingzhaoyin, The Capital’s Sheriff

Think of the Jingzhaoyin as the ultimate city manager who also doubles as the head honcho of the legal system. It’s like being the mayor and the top judge of Washington, D.C., rolled into one. This position is a big deal, making the magistrate’s sudden burst of integrity as surprising as finding out your lazy cat can secretly play the piano.

3. Knocking the Drum for Justice, The Ancient Hotline

In ancient China, if you had a big problem and the local officials were useless, you could “knock the drum” to get the Emperor’s attention. It’s like calling 911 but instead of a phone, you beat a giant drum outside the palace.

4. Family Connections and Marriage, The Ultimate Networking Event

Marriages in ancient China were like LinkedIn connections on steroids. The magistrate potentially eyeing Lu Shuqing for his son shows how family alliances were often more about politics than love. Imagine setting up your Tinder profile to find not just a date but a strategic ally in your quest for power.

5. Historical Figures and Virtues, The Original Avengers

Yu Qian: Known for his loyalty and bravery, think of him as Iron Man with a sense of duty.

Yue Fei: The ultimate patriot, like Captain America but with more epic poems written about him.

Zhou Yafu: A strict disciplinarian, sort of a cross between Thor and a high school principal.

These figures are the OG heroes whose legendary virtues make them the perfect “buffs” for someone needing an extra dose of righteousness and competence.

6. Rituals and Symbolism, The Drama of Kneeling and Kowtowing

Kneeling and kowtowing in court is like throwing a dramatic tantrum to show you’re serious. It’s the ancient equivalent of staging a sit-in protest, complete with dramatic forehead-banging. If you can imagine combining Shakespearean drama with a soap opera, you get the picture.