The matter of Lin Shen being crowned as the King of Chu has been settled.
In the court, discussions began on other matters.
Hou Junji felt anxious, and cold sweat started to appear on his body involuntarily.
He only hoped that when he returned, his steward hadn't gone to the Chang'an County Office to file a complaint. Otherwise... things would be beyond salvage!
Just the act of sending someone to loot the King of Chu's goods was enough to get him into serious trouble.
The sky gradually brightened.
The East and West Markets began to bustle.
Ru Yi Supermarket, under the busy efforts of Chen San and others, opened for business.
Lin Shen was still sleeping soundly behind the supermarket.
At the Duke of Lu's residence...
After calculating the time and arranging the household affairs, the steward went straight to the Chang'an County Office.
Although the Duke of Lu's residence was in Wannian County...
Ru Yi Supermarket was in Chang'an County.
Naturally, going to the Chang'an County Office was more convenient.
Seeing the steward from the Duke of Lu's residence visiting, the County Magistrate, who held the rank of seventh grade, personally came out to greet him.
"I wonder what brings the honorable visitor here?" The County Magistrate's attitude was very respectful.
The steward looked proud, "I am here on behalf of my master to file a complaint."
The County Magistrate looked somewhat surprised.
The Duke of Lu filing a complaint?
This seemed absurd...
In Chang'an City, besides the nobles, who dared to provoke the Duke of Lu?
But if they were nobles, why would they file a complaint? Couldn't it be resolved in the court? It was not easy for him, a mere seventh-grade official, to mediate.
Seeing the County Magistrate's troubled expression, the steward waved his hand and chuckled, "County Magistrate, there's no need to worry. The person who provoked the Duke is not a noble, just a mere merchant."
The County Magistrate was even more puzzled.
A merchant, of humble origin?
Daring to oppose the Duke of Lu?
The steward continued softly, "Have you heard of Ru Yi Supermarket?"
The County Magistrate nodded, "Of course, I have."
The steward continued, "It's the owner of this shop who said he won't give up until the end with my master, causing chaos. Shouldn't he be punished?"
The County Magistrate didn't hesitate at all, nodding directly, "Of course, he should be punished!"
The steward didn't say anything more.
Knowing it wasn't a noble, the County Magistrate felt confident. He shouted loudly, "Bring him here!"
Several ruffians pushed open the door and walked in.
The County Magistrate ordered, "The owner of Ru Yi Supermarket, ignorant of propriety and order, has defied the Duke of Lu. You, go and arrest him, bring him here immediately."
The ruffians saluted.
They left immediately.
Among these ruffians was Cha Xiaoliang. When he heard the order, he couldn't help but sigh.
After all, a merchant was still a merchant.
Some might have the ability to avoid harassment from thugs, but they didn't have the ability to oppose nobles...
When they arrived at Ru Yi Supermarket, there were few customers in the shop.
Cha Xiaoliang respectfully arched his hand towards Chen San, "Where is your boss now?"
Seeing the ruffians, Chen San's face turned pale, "My boss, he hasn't woken up yet..."
Another ruffian, not as polite as Cha Xiaoliang, impatiently said, "We are here on behalf of the County Magistrate to apprehend your boss. Hurry up and wake him up."
Chen San's face turned even paler, but he didn't move.
There was a clattering sound—
One of the ruffians drew his dagger.
Chen San had no choice but to turn and walk to the back room, giving Lin Shen, who was still in bed, a push, "Boss, boss..."
Lin Shen yawned and opened his eyes drowsily when he saw Chen San, softly asking, "What's going on?"
Chen San's voice trembled slightly, "Boss, a few ruffians are outside, saying they've come to apprehend you."
Lin Shen furrowed his brow, "To apprehend me?"
Chen San nodded, "Yes, it seems to be at the instigation of the Duke of Lu's residence. What should we do?"
With a hint of fierceness on his face, Chen San made a chopping motion with his hand, "How about us brothers take care of those ruffians and you escape, boss?"
They were extremely loyal to Lin Shen now, willing to sacrifice their lives to protect him.
Lin Shen waved his hand and smiled, "No need. Since they dare to come and apprehend me, why wouldn't I dare to go with them? I'm just afraid they'll end up kneeling and begging me to leave."
Chen San stared blankly at his boss, not quite understanding the meaning of his words.
Lin Shen didn't explain, just put on his clothes and walked out.
The ruffians outside had long since grown impatient.
Cha Xiaoliang bowed to Lin Shen and apologized, "Sorry, Boss Lin. We have no choice but to obey the County Magistrate's orders. Please bear with us."
Lin Shen waved his hand generously, "It's okay."
Cha Xiaoliang didn't expect things to go so smoothly, seeing Lin Shen's confident demeanor. It further confirmed his belief that Lin Shen was definitely not just an ordinary merchant.
Following the ruffians to the county office...
In the courtroom...
The County Magistrate looked at Lin Shen standing below the platform and slammed the gavel, "So you are Lin Shen."
Lin Shen nodded.
The County Magistrate said coldly, "Do you know your crime?"
Lin Shen asked, "What crime have I committed?"
The County Magistrate said, "Not knowing propriety, causing chaos, isn't that a crime?"
Lin Shen chuckled, "It was Hou Junji who resorted to strong-arm tactics first. I just didn't want to be his lackey..."
"Nonsense!" The steward stood beside the County Magistrate and berated loudly, "The Duke took a fancy to your shop, that's your good fortune. Just a lowly merchant, where do you get the nerve to possess so many treasures?"
"Sir, this kid is so insolent in court, ignorant of propriety. He should be punished!"
The County Magistrate nodded heavily, "According to the Tang Code, he shall receive thirty strokes of the cane!"
"Bring him here!"
A loud crack resounded as several lictors holding rattan canes walked over.
The so-called caning involved using rattan canes or wooden planks to strike the buttocks.
Thirty strokes might not seem like much.
But if the lictors didn't hold back, thirty strokes could even be fatal.
The lictors came forward, trying to push Lin Shen to the ground.
But Lin Shen shook off the person grabbing his arm. The tall and sturdy lictors retreated step by step.
The County Magistrate widened his eyes, "Dare to resist!"
"Add another level of guilt, fifty strokes!"
The remaining lictors swarmed in, but they were no match for Lin Shen. With just a few punches and kicks, they were all lying on the ground.
The County Magistrate's body felt a chill, "What do you intend to do?"
He didn't expect Lin Shen to be so capable.
Even with seven or eight lictors combined, they couldn't match him.
"Are you trying to rebel?"
The steward also looked stunned...
But inwardly, he was overjoyed.
He hadn't expected Lin Shen to act so recklessly.
Although the yamen was small, it represented the face of the Tang Dynasty.
If he didn't follow the Tang Code, it would be a serious offense, even a capital offense!
Lin Shen waved his hand, glanced at the sky, and realized that the morning court session of the Tang Dynasty was almost over...
Just wait.