Qiao Jinniang looked puzzled.
Zhou Shihui continued righteously, "Crown Princess, as a woman and the future manager of the imperial palace, can't you have some sympathy for women? Why are male criminals only banished to the border, while females have to become prostitutes to serve men?"
Several women among the people applauded.
Lu Chen frowned and was about to punish Zhou Shihui when Qiao Jinniang held his hand.
Qiao Jinniang said, "This is the first time I saw someone who pleads for murderers. If Mu Qianqian were punished for her family's illicite salt dealing today, I would definitely plead for her, but she wasn't.
"This vicious woman wanted to murder my sister. If the people of Chang'an weren't smart enough, what would have happened to my sister? It's already merciful enough to spare her life!
