"I am here." The one-eared Zhang Chen, wrapped with gauze around his ear, was kneeling in the hall, bowing his head to the county magistrate above.
"What is your request?"
The county magistrate asked.
"I accuse Hunter Zhang Chen of murder, and I implore you, sir, to render justice for me." The impoverished scholar knelt on the ground, his voice full of indignation.
"Summon Hunter Zhang Chen to the court." The county magistrate ordered.
Soon after, Zhang Chen was brought to the hall by the constables, just like in the dramas, with dozens of constables standing on both sides. The county magistrate, looking to be in his forties, was sitting in the center of the hall, staring at Zhang Chen with a pale face and conspicuously dark circles under his eyes.
"Upon seeing the magistrate, why are you not kneeling?" A constable shouted.
