Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 162

As Lu Tang spoke, the system’s interface quickly displayed the options to exchange for the Yu Qian Buff, the Yue Fei Buff, the Zhou Yafu Buff, and the accelerator.

“Are you sure you want to exchange these, Host Daddy? Each one costs ten thousand points.”

The system was reluctant!

After all the points it had saved up recently, just as it was about to reach the threshold to become a physical entity, using these points would set it back to square one.

“Yes! You have to spend points to defeat scum!”

“Got it, Host Daddy.”

Despite its reluctance, the system had to fulfill its host’s request.

In an instant, the three buffs and the accelerator were exchanged and quickly added to the magistrate.

The magistrate felt a sudden jolt at his forehead, and his entire body seemed to be energized. His eyes became clear and determined, as if he were ready to cleanse the world of all evildoers.

“Arrest this corrupt and law-breaking individual! Even if a prince commits a crime, he is subject to the same laws as a commoner. A princess who breaks the law is no different. As the magistrate of the capital, responsible for its peace and order, I will not tolerate any lawbreakers escaping justice!”

His righteous declaration was powerful and commanding. He threw down a command with a loud thud.

The bailiffs, momentarily stunned by the magistrate’s newfound aura, surged forward to apprehend He Yujiao.

He Yujiao was shocked. “You dare to arrest me?”

The magistrate, exuding an aura of righteousness, looked her straight in the eye with an unyielding and fierce determination. There was even a hint of… killing intent?

Killing intent? How?

“It’s not me arresting you, it’s the law of the land. It’s the righteousness of this world. As a princess, you should set an example and care for the people. But what have you done? You’ve disregarded the Emperor’s benevolence, scorned the law, and shown no remorse. If I don’t arrest you, I would be failing in my duty to uphold justice!”

The onlookers outside: Whoa! A just official! A real one!

Thunderous applause erupted.

Zhou Shu whistled from the crowd, “You’re my hero!”

The magistrate, full of righteous fury, declared, “According to our laws, a merchant who deliberately substitutes inferior goods must compensate the victim tenfold the market value. Additionally, any lawbreaker should face three years of imprisonment and their descendants barred from civil service exams for three generations. With both evidence and testimony in place, this case is closed!”

Closing the case meant all these punishments would be enforced.

Dong Yuzhu, terrified, collapsed on the ground. His only hope had been He Yujiao, but now…

“Hold on!”

As the bailiffs were about to take the two away, a loud voice rang out, and the crowd parted. Minister of War Gu Zhongming walked through.

This was the first time Lu Tang saw Gu Zhongming, but she recognized him immediately.

Gu Zhongming looked a lot like Gu Yunhe.

“Lord Zhao, please wait.”

Gu Zhongming, lifting his robe, entered the court, his face a mix of apology and urgency.

Magistrate Zhao looked at him with a calm, unwavering gaze. “Why are you interrupting my court proceedings, Minister Gu?”

He was blunt and even a bit hostile.

Gu Zhongming hadn’t expected such disrespect from the magistrate. What’s gotten into him today?

First arresting He Yujiao in public, and now being rude to him. But with the crowd watching, Gu Zhongming said, “Lord Zhao, there’s a misunderstanding. I’m here to clarify things so that no innocent person is wrongly punished.”

Magistrate Zhao, expressionless, said, “A misunderstanding? Minister Gu, if you’re not afraid of incriminating yourself, go ahead.”

Gu Zhongming was momentarily speechless, suppressing his anger. “The goods Qiao Family Inn ordered from Dong Fabric Shop were indeed delivered to my residence. However, before Qiao Family Inn placed their order, I had also ordered a batch of Shu brocade beddings from Dong Fabric Shop.”

Saying this, he produced a receipt.

“My order date predates Qiao Family Inn’s by a few days, so when Miss He asked for the brocade to be sent to my house, she believed it was my order, not knowing it was meant for Qiao Family Inn.”

Magistrate Zhao turned to He Yujiao. “That’s not what you said earlier.”

He Yujiao arrogantly lifted her chin, “Why should I explain anything to you?”

Magistrate Zhao slammed his gavel. “You are the accused, and I am the presiding judge. If you continue to show contempt for this court, I will have you flogged before continuing the trial.”

“You dare?” He Yujiao scoffed.

Magistrate Zhao threw a command. “Prepare the flogging!”

Gu Zhongming: !

Staring in disbelief at the magistrate, “What is the meaning of this, Lord Zhao? Haven’t I explained everything?”

Magistrate Zhao replied, “You’ve explained why the goods were at your residence, but you haven’t explained why He Yujiao showed contempt for a court official.”

Gu Zhongming: What the…!

“Nor have you explained why Dong Fabric Shop substituted inferior goods. These are undisputed facts. Dong Fabric Shop’s contract with your residence does not excuse them from fulfilling Qiao Family Inn’s order. If they couldn’t deliver on time, they should have canceled the order, not substituted inferior goods. Regardless of the reason, substituting inferior goods is a crime, especially when done deliberately.”

Magistrate Zhao, firmly seated, looked at Gu Zhongming. “Do you have any more objections?”

Not waiting for a response, he ordered, “What are you waiting for? Thirty floggings!”

This might become the first time a county princess is publicly flogged.

Magistrate Zhao must be mad!

Gu Zhongming couldn’t let He Yujiao be flogged. Seeing the bailiffs actually bringing out the bench and flogging sticks, he said sternly, “You would flog a national hero?”

Magistrate Zhao replied calmly, “Being a national hero doesn’t mean she can commit murder and go free, does it? That would disgrace the term ‘national hero’! Moreover, when Princess Zhao Yue had her accident, He Yujiao was the only one by her side. Who knows what really happened?”

Ding~

As soon as he said this, the magistrate even startled himself.

Oh my God!

Am I mad?

What am I saying?

Meanwhile, He Yujiao, now restrained on the bench, could not match the strength of several bailiffs. Unable to break free and unwilling to be flogged, she cried out, “Princess, why did you leave me alone? I will join you now and serve you again.”

Magistrate Zhao coldly replied, “If you truly wanted to join her, what stopped you all these years? Now, in the heat of the moment, you suddenly want to go?”

He finished speaking: !