Even though things were looking terrible, Niu Delu still refused to confess to his crimes, knowing that doing so would spell his complete ruin. With a bitter challenge, he demanded, "Where are the witnesses?"
The voice of the chief magistrate of the Court of Judicial Review echoed through the spacious hall, carrying a severe edge: "Bring in the witness!"
At his command, a maidservant was led to the center of the hall. She appeared to be in her thirties or forties, her face worn with fatigue, yet her gaze remained resolute. This was Xiaodie, a former servant of the Niu household.
Chapter 159