Edward Foster glanced at William Bolton and nodded, saying, “That’s right. According to our dynasty’s system, if you want to appeal the case, it must be tried by someone else. Do you still wish to proceed?”

There was even a hint of provocation in his gaze.

Having come this far, there was no turning back. William Bolton smiled and said, “Heaven bears witness; I have nothing to fear. However, I have one request.”

Edward Foster asked, “What is your request?”

William Bolton replied, “Just as today, I request a public trial.”

Edward Foster pondered for a moment, then said, “You may step back for now.”

“Your humble subject takes his leave.”

After William Bolton withdrew, Edward Foster carefully reviewed the complaint again, then suddenly said, “David Harris.”

“What are your orders, Prefect?” David Harris hurriedly stepped forward.

Edward Foster said, “Go and invite Mr. Carter to the office.”

David Harris was clearly reluctant but nodded, “Yes, I will go at once.”

The Dengzhou prefectural yamen was already the highest administrative and judicial authority in the prefecture; it could not be handed down to the county level, so it could only be transferred to the Criminal Division.

Moreover, the Criminal Division’s duty was to oversee all criminal cases and had the authority to supervise and review cases.

After judgments by the prefectural or county offices, if the Criminal Division found anything amiss, it could reopen the case. It should be noted that the Criminal Division reported directly to the emperor.

Coincidentally, the Tokyo Circuit’s investigating officer, James Carter, was currently inspecting the Dengzhou area.

Half a month later, James Carter was finally invited. Upon hearing that a retrial was to be held for John, the delicacies on the table suddenly lost their appeal. He put down his chopsticks and asked in puzzlement, “Prefect Foster, the evidence in this case is conclusive, and John has already confessed and been punished. What is there left to debate?”

Edward Foster immediately handed over the judgment for the Charles Bennett assault case to James Carter, saying, “This case was judged by me a few days ago. Please review it, Investigator Carter.”

After James Carter finished reading, Edward Foster asked, “May I ask if you find my judgment fair, Investigator Carter?”

James Carter nodded slightly, “Indeed. During the mourning period, marriage is forbidden; this violates filial piety and is not permitted by law. Charles Bennett should indeed be punished for this. However, isn’t the compensation demanded a bit excessive?”

Edward Foster chuckled, “To be honest, I also felt the compensation was excessive, but... but Henry Walker’s reasoning for the claim left me with no grounds to refute!”

With that, he had David Harris hand over the unusually novel compensation list to James Carter.

After reading it, James Carter was left speechless. He asked himself honestly—he could never have written such a well-argued compensation list, nor could he even have thought of it. He asked, “Who wrote this?”

Edward Foster answered truthfully, “It was written by a scribe named Michael Bolton, and it is also this person who is seeking a retrial for John.”

“Oh?”

James Carter then asked, “What is his relation to John?”

Edward Foster smiled, “Have you forgotten, Investigator Carter? After committing the assault, John saved a drowning person.”

James Carter suddenly remembered. The case of John had indeed passed through the Criminal Division. He said, “I remember now. The person John saved was called Michael Bolton.”

Edward Foster said, “Michael Bolton is seeking a retrial for John, most likely out of gratitude.”

James Carter nodded slightly, “Gratitude is commendable, but the law is as unyielding as a mountain; gratitude cannot override the law.”

Edward Foster nodded, “However, when we judged John’s case before, it seems we overlooked the responsibility of Charles Bennett and others. Now, after reviewing this case, it’s clear that Charles Bennett and his group are undeniably responsible for the tragedy. Michael Bolton believes this is enough reason for the authorities to re-examine whether John had any motive for murder. Furthermore, Michael Bolton claims there is a new witness who can prove John had absolutely no intent to kill.”

James Carter asked, “What witness?”

Edward Foster replied, “The victim, Henry Walker.”

This was the key point of the retrial.

James Carter frowned, “Could it be that Michael Bolton helped Henry Walker claim land as compensation, causing Henry Walker to change his testimony in order to repay John for saving his life?”

Edward Foster said, “What you say is possible, Investigator Carter, but I believe Michael Bolton would not do such a foolish thing.”

Henry Walker was the victim and the most important witness in the case. If he were to testify for John, that alone would be grounds for a retrial.

James Carter suddenly glanced at Edward Foster and said, “I heard that you, Prefect Foster, are dissatisfied with the Dali Court’s judgment on this case?”

Edward Foster evaded the question, “The Dali Court overlooked some details, so I provided supplementary information.”

James Carter continued, “If I judge the case and you, Prefect Foster, are still dissatisfied, wouldn’t that be a waste of effort?”

Now, Edward Foster was no ordinary prefect; he was a Dali Court official serving here on assignment. In short, the court saw his good performance and sent him here for further experience, with a promising future ahead. The final judgment of the Criminal Division would still be reviewed by the Dali Court, and Edward Foster had connections at court.

If Edward Foster were to object again, James Carter felt it would just create more trouble for himself.

Edward Foster hesitated slightly, then said, “The reason I was dissatisfied with the Dali Court’s judgment was because there were errors and omissions. As long as the judgment is fair, why would I object?”

James Carter nodded, “Very well! I will take on this case.”