The Golden Youth's Story, Volume 3
At that moment, the patrolling officers gathered and discussed among themselves: "As everyone has seen, this young man appears gentle and well-mannered. It is hard to believe he could commit such a grave act. Moreover, there are no other unusual signs at present. Yet we have encountered this difficult situation in our duties. How should we proceed with this matter now?"
One among them spoke: "This matter is truly beyond our authority to decide. The state has a minister of justice who oversees the law. We should now escort the young man and the woman to him for a proper investigation."
Once they reached an agreement, they placed the woman on a bamboo litter and, taking hold of the young man, proceeded together to the judicial authorities.
At that time, the minister Yong Li, who was in charge of legal affairs, was gathered with the judges. From a distance, he saw the patrol officers approaching. He immediately asked them, "What brings you here? What is the matter?"
The officers replied, "This woman was killed in the garden of the merchant Rizhao. We do not know who did it. After careful investigation in three rounds of inspection, we found no other clues in the garden except for the golden boy. We then questioned the boy, asking, 'Who killed this woman?' The boy answered, 'Officers, although I witnessed the event, I truly do not know who killed her.' We have now brought him here under custody, hoping for your wise judgment."
The minister said, "Wait a moment, let me consider this carefully." Then he went to the king to request a fair judgment.