Xiao Erlang still wore his white garb and had his hair disheveled, looking even more haggard after a night of fear and trepidation, almost indistinguishable from a ghost.
County Magistrate Tang scrutinized him, then nodded, "No wonder some people mistook you for a ghost."
He slammed the ceremonial mallet down and barked, "State your name and crime at the dock! Confess at once!"
Xiao Erlang sobbed pitifully, "Your Honor, I am Xiao Erlang from the Xiao Family on Kangxue Street. I shouldn't have feigned illness to impersonate a ghost to scare people, please spare my life, Your Honor."
County Magistrate Tang had already been briefed by the night watchmen earlier that morning and scoffed, "Are you sure the crime you've committed is feigning illness?"
"Yes, yes, Your Honor. I've had this illness since I was young. I did not mean to frighten anyone on purpose."
"Then let me ask you, who opened the vegetable garden within the Yan Family's property?"
