Chapter 73: Retrial (2)

“Well, you know, could it be that this tavern was really framed? Both the previous Shopkeeper and this one don’t seem like they’re lying. Honestly, I find it hard to believe. I’ve eaten there before, and nothing happened until now.” A young woman next to Chen Xin pinched her arm forcefully and said to her companion.

Another one disagreed, saying, “You can’t say for sure. Who would admit that their own things have a problem?”

Yet another, a refined and knowledgeable woman, joined the conversation, saying, “You don’t understand. Since the tavern opened, it has developed rapidly. It’s opening in surrounding towns too. Wherever there’s a tavern, it’s the center of the industry.” She gestured with her thumb. “It’s not unlikely that someone would be envious.”

This person’s words made Chen Xin turn her head to look at that person. She hadn’t expected to find someone here who understood so clearly the development of the tavern.

“Well… hearing your explanation, it’s possible,” said the woman’s companion, also finding the argument convincing, scratching her head and thinking.

“Here they come, the yamen guards are back,” the sharp-eyed commoners called out, and everyone made way for them to pass.

“Lord, the people have been brought here,” a guard reported.

Magistrate Jing Tangmu, upon hearing this, slammed the gavel. “Good, everyone is here. Xian Xiaoxiao, where is the evidence you mentioned?”

“Your Honor, the evidence is on one of them,” Xiaoxiao said, looking at the workers who were all nervous and confused, and especially at a tall young woman in chef’s clothing who seemed even more frightened and helpless. It was clear she was the guilty one. Disappointed, Xiaoxiao also felt sorry for her boss’s guidance and nurturing.

But she would work even harder, together with Mrs. Lu and others, to develop the tavern.

“On her? You two, go search!” Head Sheriff Tian instructed, signaling the two constables to search them.

“Yes.”

The guards quickly moved forward and began searching one by one…

The first one had nothing, the second one had nothing, the third one also had nothing… until the sixth one. A constable suddenly raised her hand and held up an object, saying quickly, “Head Sheriff, I found a crumpled paper!”

“Quick, hand it over.” Head Sheriff Tian, ignoring Magistrate Jing Tangmu who was sweating profusely on the high platform, anxiously took it over, intending to open it.

But Xiaoxiao spoke up, “Head Sheriff, this paper is the physical evidence I mentioned. Please be careful when you unfold it. It will be useful later.” She glanced back at the female chef who was already trembling like a sieve.

Hearing this, Head Sheriff Tian stopped her actions immediately, cautiously laid the paper on the table, and unfolded it. However, to everyone’s surprise, there was nothing on it.

Suppressing a feeling of being played, she asked Xiaoxiao in confusion, “How come there’s nothing? Where are the words?”

Xiaoxiao hurriedly said, “Head Sheriff, please prepare a small cup of water. Soak the paper in it and then take it out. Find an animal to drink it with, and you’ll see.”

At this, Head Sheriff Tian quickly ordered someone to prepare it and couldn’t help asking, “Could this paper be poisonous?”

Once the guards had prepared everything as Xiaoxiao had suggested, Head Sheriff Tian gave the order. In the tense and curious gaze of everyone present, the constables swiftly poured the water into a cat’s mouth.

“Meow~”

The cat let out a meow and struggled fiercely to break free from the constable’s grip, jumping to the ground. Everyone looked dumbfounded as they watched the yellow fur cat stroll around leisurely.

What’s going on? This cat is fine!

But just as Head Sheriff Tian was about to erupt in anger, a sharp and piercing cry from the cat suddenly attracted everyone’s attention. Looking over, everyone was startled.