C10 Court

"Evidence? I'll ask you straight, did you slaughter all those pigs?"

"Yes..."

"Exactly! If you feel wronged, you can present your case at the court."

The law enforcement captain was unyielding, refusing to entertain any of Ning Gao's explanations. He even considered Ning Gao too loud and proceeded to gag him with a rag.

Upon arriving at the grand hall of the court, several stern-faced elders were seated before him.

Their presence was formidable; they were the esteemed elders of the Ning Family.

It seemed that the unfortunate souls who had suffered from diarrhea were none other than these very elders.

"Ning Gao! The audacity you have to conspire against our entire family is truly sinister!"

One elder stood up abruptly, his eyes bulging with fury as if he could devour Ning Gao whole.

"Please, elders, discern the truth. Ning Gao is merely a servant who has tirelessly worked in the poultry yard all day without a moment's rest, striving to contribute to the family. How could he possibly commit such a heinous act?"

Ning Gao stood resolute before the elders, his expression unwavering. He was aware that a conviction today would spell his doom.

Damn it!

The Ning Family truly seeks my demise!

A cold dread washed over Ning Gao. He had thought being expelled from the family tree was the end, yet here he was the very next day, facing their relentless pursuit.

"Enough with the excuses! This is all part of his scheme!"

A figure emerged from the crowd gathered outside the court.

"Elders, I must report that I, Ning Hu, used to oversee him. Lately, I've noticed Ning Gao acting suspiciously, sneaking off frequently. When I confronted him, he would head straight to the poultry yard and, uncharacteristically, work with exceptional diligence, taking on numerous tasks alone. Something seemed off, so..."

Ning Hu paused mid-sentence, his face twisted in turmoil. As he looked at Ning Gao, his eyes betrayed a hint of pity.

"Speak your mind, don't hold back in front of the elders," the law enforcement captain said softly, yet with an undertone of guidance.

"Understood!" Ning Hu's expression changed in an instant, as if he had come to a realization.

"I must confess, I sought out Ning Gao to inquire about the incident. I waited outside his residence until late into the night. When he finally returned, his face was bright and flushed with health, not at all the visage of someone who had labored extensively. Out of concern, I approached him, only to be met with a stealthy attack, leaving me with injuries that persist to this day."

Ning Hu lifted his garment to show the wounds he had sustained.

"The evidence and the witness are right here. Ning Gao, what do you have to say for yourself?!"

The law enforcement captain was unyielding, his tone indicating that he had already deemed Ning Gao guilty.

"A witness? It's common knowledge that Ning Hu has always been out to get me. Physical evidence? My job is simply to slaughter pigs. If indeed it was poison I administered, then wouldn't the person responsible for food inspection be in collusion with me?"

Ning Gao's statement caused some in the crowd to step back.

They were the very accomplices Ji Yuan had referred to, charged with ensuring the daily food supply was safe.

"Enough with the excuses. Take him away! The day after tomorrow, at the Ning Family Plaza, he will be publicly executed according to our clan's laws!"

The law enforcement captain refused to hear any more. With a gesture, his officers moved in to restrain Ning Gao. A gag was forced back into his mouth, silencing any chance for a final rebuttal.