Chapter 14

Psychological Games

Bang!

Magistrate Zhu’s palm came down on the judge’s desk. He said in a booming voice, “Your testimony states you saw the murderer’s silhouette as he leaped over the walls. The constables checked the flower bed today, there was neither a footprint nor any signs of disturbance.”

Yang Zhenzhen’s eyes widened. Her beautiful almond eyes darted around. “This… I…”

Zhang Xian immediately said, “Why would my mother know how the thief entered our home? A lack of evidence found by the constables does not mean we committed the crime.”

‘Mother? Don’t tarnish the word,’ Xu Qian thought.

Magistrate Zhu chided, “A glib tongue you have there. Bring out the whip.”

It was common for interrogations in the olden days to involve corporal punishment. There was only so much one could do when there was so little evidence.

Hence, confessions were often obtained under duress.

Without the right facilities and techniques, it was incredibly difficult to collect evidence. Hence, corporal punishment became an invaluable element of the law.

The pros and cons were unavoidable.

Zhang Xian said loudly, “Is this the way of the courts? My uncle is a part of the Ministry of Rites and the Board of Imperial Advisors. Are you not worried about an impeachment?”

The uncle he spoke of was a distant relative. Although the blood they shared was thin, their bond was strong. The Zhang family often brought the relative benefits.

The threat was delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Magistrate Zhu’s eyebrows were slanted—he knew the Zhang family had connections.

“Are you threatening me? 20 lashes for the man.”

Four bailiffs strode forward—Zhang Xian’s neck was held in place by two men with staffs while the other two stripped his pants. When the lashing began, the main court was filled with shouts of pain.

Magistrate Zhu watched on with a neutral expression. 20 lashes with the thick cane was insufficient to extract a confession, perhaps 50 lashes would do it. However, there was a risk of killing the suspect.

Even if Zhang Xian confessed, the verdict could be reversed after the case was passed on to the Ministry of Justice. After all, he had a relative on the Board of Imperial Advisors.

The whole case might backfire and cause problems for the county courts.

As Zhang Xian was being punished, Xu Qian waved the court runner over.

After some hesitation, the man stepped down and jogged toward Xu Qian.

“Tell the magistrate to call for a break. I have an idea,” Xu Qian said in a low voice.

The court runner appeared reluctant. “What plans do you have? Please don’t drag me into something nonsensical.”

“Nothing good will come from continuing the trial. The magistrate is on thin ice so he’ll agree to my suggestion. I’ll treat you to drinks later,” Xu Qian said.

“Fine…”

The court runner approached Magistrate Zhu and relayed the message.

Magistrate Zhu quickly turned Xu Qian’s way. Then, he sighed and looked forward. With a loud slam, he announced, “Lock them away. We will resume the session after a break.”

…

Magistrate Zhu took the cup of tea from the servant girl and sipped silently.

Xu Qian had some courtroom experience when he was with the force—he brought his cup to his lips. They had retired to the inner hall.

“Xu Ningyan, what is your suggestion?”

Xu Qian was surprised by Magistrate Zhu’s friendly tone.

In his memories, the county magistrate had always treated the low-level officials unkindly. Did he change after Xu Qian crossed over?

“I have something in mind,” Xu Qian said.

“Without using force?”

“Yes.”

Magistrate Zhu was intrigued. He put down his cup. “Explain.”

‘You don’t know anything about game theory so what can I say?’ Xu Qian replied with a smile, “Allow me some time with them while you sit here and relax.”

Yang Zhenzhen was brought into a locked room. Her eyes were wet with tears as she trembled in her seat.

She expected trouble from her captor but he left after placing her in the room. It did nothing to soothe her anxiety.

Thud.

The wooden door slid open and a young man dressed in a constable uniform walked in. He was tall and broad with a nice set of facial features.

“Don’t be tense, I’m just here for a casual chat. You can call me Sir Xu,” the young man said with a smile as he gave her a cup of tea.

A snake named Xu?

The courteous gesture made Yang Zhenzhen suspicious. She stared warily at the young man.

Xu Qian took stock of the woman before him. She was a natural beauty with an aura comparable to his aunt—a suitable wife for a rich merchant.

At 30 years of age, she would be a great catch in the modern world.

Xu Qian started the conversation. “Those gold and silver accessories, Zhang Yourui must have treated you well.”

Yang Zhenzhen neither agreed nor denied.

Xu Qian continued speaking, “In my opinion, given your age, Zhang Yourui is likely the reason behind the lack of children.”

The gentle and polite tone threw Yang Zhenzhen for a loop. She was expecting a grueling interrogation.

The constable was not what she expected.

It was rare to hear men be blamed for a couple’s infertility. Xu Qian’s words were a breath of fresh air that made Yang Zhengzhen lower her guard.

“It is my fault, my womb is unproductive. We were childless for so many years, and now, my husband is gone.”

As she said the words, her eyes reddened.

“The dead cannot come back. Did Zhang Yourui ever visit the pleasure house?”

“Frequently. Which merchant or official doesn’t?”

‘Speak cautiously… A 50-year-old who frequently spends his money in the pleasure house… I can almost confirm the child in your womb is not your husband’s… The girls in the pleasure house are often fertile. The same can be said about a woman who guards an empty bedchamber.’

Xu Qian made a clicking noise with his tongue. “Zhang Yourui was an old man who spent much of his time at the pleasure house. You were neglected, so cheating is understandable.

“However, murder is never justified.”

Yang Zhenzhen’s face hardened. “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“I’ve read the case. Zhang Xian is seven years younger than you.” Xu Qian gave the woman a knowing smile.

“What is your point?” said Yang Zhenzhen in a deadpan manner.

“You’re a cradle-snatcher.” Xu Qian chuckled.

“I don’t understand.” The woman was truly confused by the phrase.

“Okay, let’s talk about something you know. You were left alone in the bedchamber every night and you started feeling lonely, so you seduced your stepson and committed an immoral act.

“On the night of the murder, you had planned to make use of your husband’s absence and have an affair with your stepson. You did not expect Zhang Yourui to return home early. He caught the two of you red-handed and father and son got into a fight. Then, you grabbed a vase and struck him on the head.

“To hide your crime, both of you dragged his body to the courtyard to make it look like a failed theft attempt. Zhang Xian intentionally left a print on the wall to corroborate your story.”

The color on Yang Zhenzhen’s cheeks faded as she stared at Xu Qian.

Sweaty hands clenched tightly by her side, she shouted, “No! I am innocent.”

She was panicking. Xu Qian’s interrogation skills honed over the years were being put to good use. The gentle demeanor was gone, replaced with an impassive attitude.

“Aren’t you curious about how I knew all this? It’s because Zhang Xian has come clean,” Xu Qian said.

Impossible… Disbelief flashed in Yang Zhenzhen’s eyes but her fear was starting to show. She was white as a sheet but she held firm. “I am innocent.”

“You trust your partner to keep a secret?” Xu Qian asked in a neutral tone.

Although the constable never threatened her, the woman felt her hackles raised.

Xu Qian said, “Perhaps you thought the clean-up was done perfectly. Well, let me tell you, there were flaws in your plan.

“First, Zhang Xian only left prints leading away from the courtyard but not prints leading into. If the thief was capable of entering without a trace, exiting should not be an issue.

“Second, Zhang Yourui died from a blunt weapon to the head. According to Dafeng’s laws, trespassing will earn one 80 lashes and the owner has the right to kill the intruder on sight.” Xu Qian tapped the table.

“So why didn’t the thief not carry a sharp weapon? That would make more sense.”

Yang Zhenzhen was dumbfounded.

“I’m still not done…” Xu Qian gave the woman a cold smile. Once he had gotten through Yang Zhenzhen’s defenses, he delivered the killing blow.

1. A Chinese homonym.