20demayo Chapter 361 Advertise it widely
Chapter 361 Advertise it widely
Fan Dongping had his head submerged in the water, feeling like his chest was about to burst.
What exactly is wrapped around his face?
Gradually, the slippery substance began to crawl into his nostrils, and some swirled around his lips and ears, as if vying to find a way out.
Fan Dongping was unable to open his eyes to see or reach out to touch anything.
This further intensified my inner fear.
Is it an insect, or... a snake?
Nose, ears, mouth—no, don't come in! Help! Help!
Fan Dongping had reached his limit in holding his breath; he opened his mouth, and a string of bubbles escaped…
The roller turned, and finally Fan Dongping's head left the water.
His eyes were bloodshot, and he was breathing heavily.
The presiding judge didn't even glance at it, because this punishment was only just beginning.
The more the rollers spun, the softer the suspect's skin became from being soaked in water.
The small blind snakes kept in the water have no teeth and will only gently suck food from humans.
At first, it just nibbles at the stratum corneum, which doesn't hurt. It's a little tingly and itchy, and even quite comfortable.
But as the number of times increases, the outermost layer of keratin is gone, yet the blind snakes do not stop.
From the occasional sharp pain of needles in a certain spot, to a dense, throbbing pain, and then to the feeling of skin being peeled off and flesh being cut out...
The seemingly tragic outcome actually unfolded silently, bit by bit.
Like water dripping on a stone, or an iron pestle being ground into a needle.
Of course, most prisoners do not experience the most severe level of pain.
Because it is the psychological torment that drives people crazy during this process.
This is especially true for someone like Fan Dongping, who has no bottom line and no beliefs.
He had only been out of the water for three laps when he gasped and roared, "There's something in the water! Something bit me!"
"Are they bugs or fish? Did they crawl up my nose? Come help me check!"
He cried and begged, but no one answered.
After another round, Fan Dongping was still repeating the same words.
But just before entering the sixth lap, he finally broke down.
"What do you want to know? I'll tell you everything! Please don't let me down again!"
The presiding judge remained silent and instead looked at the regent.
Until Fan Dongping sank into the water again and could no longer make a sound.
Mu Nanzhao rose unhurriedly and said, "I am tired, you may continue."
He took a few steps, looked at the night sky outside the high window, and said, "You have all had a hard day. I will have someone send some midnight snacks later."
The presiding judge hurriedly stood up and thanked the guards along with others.
Mu Nanzhao said calmly, "It's still early. There's no rush for the prisoners to confess, so don't overwork yourselves."
"Let's talk about it when he really wants to recruit."
"No matter what method we use, as long as we get a confession before dawn, that's fine."
Everyone understood that this was meant to make Fan Dongping suffer greatly.
Otherwise, even if he asks to confess quickly, it won't work.
The presiding judge did not want to investigate why the regent was targeting this particular suspect.
The jailers also looked at Fan Dongping coldly.
She pondered how to "greet" him later.
After all, once Fan Dongping's crimes are listed, anyone with a conscience would be indignant upon seeing them.
If we don't let him suffer more, we'll feel like we're letting down all those who died unjustly.
The next morning, when Mu Nanzhao returned to the office after the morning court session, a stack of confessions was already neatly placed on his desk.
Mu Nanzhao picked up the one with Fan Dongping's name on it and scanned it downwards.
In an instant, dark clouds gathered, concealing the wrath of thunder.
"The Fan family..."
"very good."
Before they knew it, the day arrived for the results of the imperial examination to be released.
As noon approached, An Qinghe paced around the second gate, constantly urging his servants on:
"Did you pass on the message? Why haven't Boss Gu and Miss He come out yet?"
A young maidservant smiled and said, "We've already urged them twice, just as you said."
"Young ladies always need to dress up before going out, so please be patient, Mr. An."
The others laughed too.
Everyone knows there's good news today; we heard that one of Mr. Gu's cousins has become the top scholar in the imperial examination.
The top scholar had come to the capital with Boss Gu and Boss An, and they had a close relationship.
When the results were first released this morning, people from nearby prefectures sent out to gather information.
The news of who made it into the top three, and whose names were among the top three, had already been shouted throughout the streets.
Anqing happily spread the word throughout the entire household, and even gave a reward to every servant in the He family.
Although he is a guest, he has a good personality, is loyal to others, and loves to talk and laugh. Now everyone in the household, from the oldest to the youngest, likes him.
Anqing was so anxious that he spun around in circles. "I already missed the chance to congratulate you in person this morning. If I also miss seeing Brother Zichu parade through the streets on horseback, wouldn't I regret it for the rest of my life?"
He Jinglan's laughter came from behind, "We've been rushing as fast as we can so you won't have any regrets for the rest of your life."
It was hot today, so both of them changed into light spring clothes.
One is lotus root color, the other is tender pale yellow; they are eye-catching when they stand there.
An Qinghe stared at Gu Xixi, completely mesmerized.
When the two people reached him, he blushed and said, "Then let's go, let's go."
To watch the parade of the three champions, you don't need to go far. Just leave the street where Xiao He's residence is located and wait on the main road.
Rarely wanting to watch a spectacle, He Jinglan brought along her four head maids.
When they arrived, the roadside was already crowded with people.
Fortunately, Anqing was quick-witted and soon found a good location.
He looked around excitedly and said, "I calculated the time in advance. If there are no delays on the road, we should arrive here in about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."
The maids made thorough preparations before the two young ladies left, fearing they might feel uncomfortable standing in the sun for too long.
Not only did they bring sunshades such as oil-paper umbrellas and round fans, but they also specially packed a full jar of sour plum juice.
I cooked it early in the morning, following Gu Xixi's recipe.
First, it was chilled in well water, and then crushed ice was placed in the jar.
While waiting, it was almost noon, and the sun was getting hotter and hotter over time.
Ziyan and Lvla poured three glasses of chilled plum juice.
The apricot-yellow horn cup made the plum juice look bright red and tempting, with crystal-clear ice crystals floating on the surface.
Those around them couldn't help but swallow hard.
He Jinglan took a big gulp, her expression revealing her delight.
Finally, someone couldn't hold back and asked, "There's still some time before summer arrives, I wonder which tea shop is selling plum juice so early this year?"
He Jinglan smiled and said, "This was made at home."
The man licked his dry lips, stared at the plum juice, and his saliva increased rapidly.
"No wonder, I knew the color and appearance were extraordinary."
Guangzhu's little face was full of pride. "Of course! I'm not bragging, but our plum juice has a unique recipe. Even if you wait until summer and buy it elsewhere, the taste will never be the same!"
After Guangzhu finished speaking, He Jinglan feigned a mild reprimand:
"You talkative girl, who asked you?"
The person who asked the question, as well as the many people around who were listening intently, felt disappointed, but also became even more cravingy.
At this moment, Ziyan said softly, "Your dessert shop is about to open."
"But the girl always said that sour plum drink is too common and she didn't want to put it in the store to sell."
"I feel it's a bit of a pity."
Before He Jinglan could speak, someone next to her said, "Sell it! We have to sell it!"
Others chimed in, "When it comes to summer, a bowl of chilled plum juice is indispensable!"
"Where is your shop? I'll definitely come and have a bowl of soup when it opens!"