defend the truth

At the edge of the pool, just as everyone was at a loss what to do, they were like ants on a hot pot, running around in a hurry.

Suddenly heard a loud noise, "Boom"!

Suddenly, a water splash more than ten feet high rose from the pool, and the water splashed all over the ground in a blink of an eye. The scene was rather spectacular.

When everyone mistakenly thought that the flood dragon had broken through the restriction and was about to go ashore to show off, they all sacrificed their flying swords and planned to rush forward.

A person fell from the sky.

"Oh, my waist! Was it intentional?"

Everyone took a closer look, and they were all overjoyed. It wasn't Li Weizhen who was lying on the ground, clutching his waist and complaining, who else could it be?

"Brother Li!"

"gentlemen!"

"Boss!"

All of a sudden, several titles came out in unison.

Among the accomplices, Wen Renyu, who was No. 1 in saving lives and healing the wounded, hurried forward to check Li Weizhen's injuries, and hurriedly asked, "Let me see, where are you injured?"

"Huh? Why don't you have any external injuries? But internal injuries matter?"

When Wen Renyu was in doubt, Li Weizhen said in shock: "Brother Wen, don't worry, I'm fine! I just fell down unexpectedly, my skin was rough, nothing happened!"

Wen Renyu said in doubt: "Is there really nothing wrong?"

Li Weizhen sat up cross-legged, and said solemnly: "Brother Wen, you are an expert in this aspect, I dare not lie to you! If you don't believe me, you can take a good pulse, it's very good!"

Of course, Wen Renyu would not omit the necessary step of taking the pulse, but after careful examination, he really couldn't find any fault, at most it was a little weak of Qi and blood, and his body was not serious.

"Hey, that's good, that's great!"

Wen Renyu's smile was slightly ashamed and unnatural.Maybe it was earlier, he was the first one to suggest that everyone should accept the reality and make arrangements for Li Weizhen's funeral!

"Hey, what's going on with these two?"

After paying attention, Li Weizhen finally realized that the scene was a bit strange.

Luo Yicheng was supported by Zhuang Ming, with a sick look on his face; Duan Tianqing was tied up, and he looked like he was laughing, but he didn't laugh, obviously he was imprisoned.

What's even more strange is that no one answered, and most of them blinked, which is very problematic.

Wen Renyu turned his face away and gave Changsun Shan a look, but unfortunately the latter couldn't react, so he had to gently open his lips and teeth, and said with the secret technique of sound transmission: "Dashan, why are you still standing there?" ? Let go of people first! Don't make things worse!"

However, the honest Changsun Shan responded directly: "Oh, I see!"

Feeling bad, Wen Renyu lowered her head in embarrassment.

The next moment, Li Weizhen was sure that he had seen some clues, and stood up to stop him: "Senior Brother Changsun, please don't move. I know if you don't tell me, this brat must have caused trouble just now, right?"

"Well tied! Let him suffer more, so as not to have a long memory!"

Wen Renyu was soft-hearted, and finally couldn't help persuading him: "Xiaotian, he just messed around a little bit, but the child is ignorant, don't be angry, let's go back and talk to him, let him pour tea for Junior Brother Luo and admit his mistakes That’s right. Don’t take it too seriously, you should rest more.”

Hearing Renyu's persuasion, Li Wei's heart immediately became angry, and some of his conjectures were confirmed, and he said angrily: "Is he still a child? Okay, take him back, and I will interrogate him myself!"

Under the ancient ginkgo tree, Duan Tianqing had been kneeling on the ground for half a stick of incense, and Li Weizhen, who had changed his clothes, just came from the direction of the bamboo building.

I don't know if it was to express his mood or to bring out his majesty, except for a white jade pendant around his waist, Li Weizhen's whole body was dressed in black.

After Li Weizhen took his seat, the other observers stood on both sides, Duan Tianqing still bowed his head and knelt, not daring to be dishonest.

Before the trial started, Li Weizhen first told Zhuang Ming: "Zhuang Ming, you used to belong to the Discipline Hall, so you must be familiar with the laws and regulations of this sect. Later, you will tell me everything I said to the prisoners in the hall. In a word, record it down word for word, and it will be included in the archives in the future. Are you competent?"

Zhuang Ming nodded calmly and said, "No problem."

Li Weizhen spoke directly about the case, and said in a cold voice: "I have questioned all the witnesses just now, and based on all the facts obtained from the testimony of everyone, I will now represent the law of my sect and sue you for breaking the natural conditions and maliciously harming my fellow sect. crime."

"The defendant is out of love, can you plead guilty?"

As soon as these words came out, the faces of Sui Wenyan, Wen Renyu and others changed immediately. They have been in the sect for a long time, so they are naturally familiar with all the laws of the Taiyi Sect.

"Maliciously harming the same sect" is one of the serious crimes. At the least, after being tortured by flesh and blood, you will be exiled for more than three years and less than ten years;

Similar to this charge, but more serious, is the crime of "murdering fellow disciples". Once confirmed, there will be no mercy, and it will be punished by death.

They originally thought that Li Weizhen would only severely scold Duan Tianqing, at most one more reprimand would be severe punishment.

Now that he is going to be sentenced to a felony as soon as he opens his mouth, this kind of situation is really difficult to deal with.

In the past, Qiu Si, who once became an upstart disciple of the inner sect, eventually turned into a criminal because he was reported by his colleagues as suspected of "misrepresentation" in the mission report submitted to the sect after returning from a mission down the mountain. under the double offense of "fraud and malfeasance".

Therefore, Qiu Si not only lost the opportunity to become the elder's direct disciple, but was also exiled for three years as a crime.

There was actually no victim in that incident back then, and the sect did not suffer any losses.

But because what is touched is the "integrity" of the sect, which is extended to the word "loyalty", so there will be "people's words are to be feared".

At that time, Zhan Jifeng, the master of the Discipline Hall, had to give an explanation to his subordinates and "handle with justice" what Qiu Si committed.

It seems that this time, in principle, it is somewhat similar.

In this matter, Li Weizhen obviously needs to give Luo Yicheng an explanation urgently, and also needs to give everyone a warning, not to repeat the same mistakes.Therefore, the sentencing this time is likely to be more severe.

Having said that, when Duan Tianqing was asked whether he could plead guilty, he nodded without thinking, "Everything is my fault, and I am willing to accept any punishment."

"Since you have pleaded guilty, then I will punish you..."

"Hey, wait a minute!"

When Li Wei was really about to issue punishment, Wen Renyu stood up, as if trying to plead for mercy.

Li Weizhen had expected this for a long time. Although his face was displeased, he did not speak for the time being.

Wen Renyu saw that he had the opportunity to speak, so he just said bluntly: "I think in this matter, Junior Brother Li, you want to use the crime of "maliciously injuring fellow disciples" to judge Junior Brother, isn't it too serious? "

"The young man was impulsive and didn't think too much about the consequences when he did things. He did beat Junior Brother Luo, but it was because of a misunderstanding in a moment of impatience! If it is said to be malicious, it should not be to that extent."

"Do you think it would be more appropriate to change it to "intentional assault?"

This "crime of intentional assault" in Taiyimen's laws is obviously much lighter than the crime of "maliciously assaulting fellowmen".

Li Weizhen said expressionlessly: "Have you finished?"

Seeing that the atmosphere didn't seem to be warming up at all, Wen Renyu returned to his original position resentfully, and said with an embarrassed smile: "I'm just offering a suggestion, so I can use it as a reference!"

Hearing this, Li Weizhen said mercilessly: "The judiciary is not a child's play, what is valued is factual evidence, how can it be changed overnight? I don't want you to think, and it's not my opinion. It's what the facts should be."

"According to the injury report you gave me, Senior Brother Wen, Senior Brother Luo was kicked and broke two ribs. With his background, if the perpetrator didn't use all his strength to kick Tianqing, it wouldn't have happened."

"Also, even though the perpetrator was blocked once, he still resisted and tried to inflict a second injury on the victim. Wasn't this considered malice? He just failed in the end, not that he didn't commit the crime! "

I thought that Li Weizhen had already disregarded his private relationship with Wen Renyu when he talked about this.

What do you think, next, Li Weizhen pointed directly at Wen Renyu and said, "Again, I must warn you. If you insist on interceding for the perpetrator, unless you can produce stronger evidence to overturn your previous testimony given."

"Otherwise, I will probably hold you accountable for flouting the laws of this sect and obstructing the justice of law enforcement!"

This is so irritating. From his usual standpoint, he just hopes that everyone will be kind and friendly, so that big things can be turned into small ones.Who would have imagined that Li Wei would just let it go if he didn't give him face, and even reprimanded him in public, making him feel better.

"you……"

Wen Renyu was about to point back at Li Weizhen, but was quickly stopped by Sui Wenyan at the side.

Sui Wenyan said in a low voice: "Don't talk anymore, I've already warned you, today is different, why don't you understand?"

Wen Renyu withdrew his hand, and said very depressedly: "Okay, I won't participate in the peace, is it okay? I am talking too much, I will go back to the place where I can talk."

After finishing speaking, Wen Renyu turned around and walked towards the bamboo building, probably to go back to take care of Luo Yicheng's injuries.

Because of such an episode, Li Weizhen simply took advantage of the situation and said: "I asked everyone to do the notarization, and you naturally have the right to make suggestions. But you have to pay attention to it, don't touch the issues related to principle."

"Although this is just a simple public trial court, the rules are the same as those in the Temple of Precepts in the past. The matter is put on the table, that is, to only look at the evidence and the law to speak, not to allow personal affection, let alone bend the law for personal gain."

"Do you have any suggestions? If not, I will directly pronounce the sentence!"

Sui Wenyan raised his hand and said: "The perpetrator, Duan Tianqing, is one of the elite disciples who entered the Yuzhantang of our sect, and the Yuzhantang is in charge of foreign wars, and belongs to an important military combat unit in our sect. All serving disciples can enjoy special allowances."

"Among them, it includes some exemption regulations when violating the laws of this sect."

"During Duan Tianqing's tenure, he performed outstandingly in the defense of the Longgu Bay coastal defense line, and received awards for military exploits three times successively. Junior Brother Li, you were the immediate superior of Junior Brother Duan at that time, and you should know this better than me. "

"Although, after our setback in Leigu Mountain, the Yuzhantang has survived in name only because of the heavy loss of personnel, but it has not really been disbanded, and the establishment is still there."

"That's why, to this day, Junior Brother Duan's position in the Imperial Battle Hall is still: first-level battalion patrol guard, with military exploits!"

"Here, I implore Junior Brother Li to consider his discretion and give a lighter punishment when making the final judgment."

I have to say that Sui Wenyan's words are much more skillful and convincing than Wen Renyu's previous words.While hitting Li Weizhen's vital point, he also left a step for the opponent to step down.

Even if Li Weizhen leniently forgives the situation, it is not considered as favoritism, but "acting in accordance with the law", and it will be difficult to realize the facts in the future.

There is another point that other people may not think of, but Li Weizhen should be clear in his heart.At that time, he accepted five surviving disciples of Xuanguimen back to the mountain, and was charged with many serious crimes such as "incitement", "fornication and alienation", and "separation of the covenant" by the Discipline Hall afterwards.

In the end, it seemed to most people that it was "unnecessary" and left it alone, but in fact it was offset by military exploits.Let this be a crime that lacks evidence, and there is no room for investigation.

Although on a certain level, if a person who has committed a crime can be exempted from punishment due to past merits, it will appear that the law is not just.But in this world, how can there be absolute fairness?

After all, the law is established by the strong, and the rules it provides can be given to those who are willing to abide by it, and the corresponding protection is already effective.

And a good law code, the laws and regulations in it must also be a double-edged sword.In addition to empowering the arbitrators to enforce the law and protect the rights and interests of the injured party, it is also necessary to limit the power of the law enforcers.

Because if the power in the hands of law enforcement is not limited, the law will become a weapon used by evil.

Back then, Li Weizhen was thrown into the Ice Pool to be tortured without a public trial. That is the best example.

Obviously, Sui Wenyan is now rationally using the "Military Merit Commutation Regulations" in the "Taiyi Law" to limit Li Weizhen's law enforcement power.

Of course, Li Weizhen didn't mean to go his own way, he nodded and said: "Very good, I will adopt this suggestion from Senior Sister Sui in sentencing. Does anyone have any objections?"

Sui Wenyan almost used the only gap, and the others naturally had no better suggestions.

Seeing that no one came out again, Li Wei really wanted to pronounce the sentence, but unexpectedly heard a familiar interrupting voice.

"Wait a minute!"

Everyone followed the reputation, and the person who shouted loudly was Wen Renyu who had gone and returned.

Only this time, Wen Renyu helped Luo Yicheng over.

Li Weizhen hurriedly told Ye Tong who was standing at the back of the queue: "Little boy, go to the room and move a chair out."

Ye Tong quickly ran to the nearby wooden house and brought the chair over. Luo Yicheng just walked under the tree, and he didn't refuse to sit down with a sick face.

After taking his seat, Luo Yicheng took out a piece of letterhead he had prepared from his cuff, and handed it to Li Weizhen by Wen Renyu's hand.

It was a pleading letter, and it was quite formal.

Because Luo Yicheng broke his chest and ribs, speaking would stretch the injury, so it is not appropriate to speak.

Therefore, Wen Renyu spoke on his behalf: "Junior Brother Luo told me on the sick bed that he understood Junior Brother Juan's mood and behavior at that time, and he sympathized with the seriousness of his charges. I hope that as a victim, I can Forgive and dismiss this charge."

After reading the pleading letter, Li Weizhen shook his head and replied: "This matter does not belong to the mediation of personal conflicts. The defendant's behavior has seriously violated the laws of our sect. Now I represent the law of our sect. Go to the public trial of the perpetrator."

"Senior Brother Luo, you are the direct victim. You chose to intercede for the defendant. I admire your generosity. But this is a public trial case. It doesn't matter if you can withdraw the case."

"Of course, let me reiterate that I am not in charge. But now I am only representing my own law and prosecuting the criminals involved. Everything that is right or wrong is decided by the law. Do you understand me when I say this?"

In other words, to put it simply, this matter has now risen to the sect level.It's not that Luo Yicheng chooses to forgive, so it can be regarded as nothing happened.

When everything was put on the table, it was difficult for everyone to disagree.

Li Weizhen also officially issued a verdict on Duan Tianqing, "According to the "Taiyi Law. Volume Six. No. 20 Article [-]. Item [-]", anyone who maliciously injures his fellow disciples and causes them to be lightly injured shall be given a fifty-fifty spine stick. Three years in captivity."

"Because the perpetrator did not listen to dissuasion during the murder, did not voluntarily terminate the illegal act, and seriously disrupted the order of the sect, it is considered an aggravating circumstance. Add another [-] to the spine rod."

"However, I am concerned that the perpetrator is relatively young and emotionally abnormal when committing the crime. After committing the crime, he can also take the initiative to confess the facts of the law and discipline. In addition, he has made military exploits for the sect in the past, and now it is the time for the sect to employ people. We should use discretion Take it easy."

"Therefore, the prison term of the criminals will be reduced or exempted, and instead they will be allocated on the spot to build a dam in the "Xiliu Valley" for half a year. During this period, there will be no summons, and no one will be allowed to approach the resident area for [-] miles without authorization, let alone contact with the disciples of the sect alone."

After the verdict was handed down, Duan Tianqing breathed a sigh of relief.Now, it's nothing more than suffering some flesh and blood, and then enduring the loneliness for half a year as a sinful body.

But if he was exiled for three years, it would be expelling him from the sect in disguise.Because there is no place for Taiyimen to stay in other places, he has nowhere to go.

As for the construction of the dam, Luo Yicheng had already discussed with Li Weizhen earlier, choosing a location in Xiliu Valley to store slag and waste water. If this project is completed, it will still be a credit!

Compared to confinement, isn't this drudgery an opportunity for Li Weizhen to turn things around?

Therefore, for this verdict, Duan Tianqing couldn't feel any disobedience, so he immediately bowed his head and accepted it.