The three individuals couldn't accept the death penalty, and even the patrons of the tavern, who despised them, were stunned. Normally, even if someone sold diseased meat, as long as no one died, they wouldn't face the death penalty, at most exile for twenty years.

Since Ning'an County had become a pilot site for the Hall of Punishment, officials from the Hall of Punishment stationed in Ning'an would take turns observing Fang Yun's trials.

An elderly Hanlin from the Hall of Punishment squeezed through the crowd, stood at the entrance of the main hall, and cupped his hands, saying, "Empty Sage Fang, isn't this verdict too harsh?"

Fang Yun remained composed and looked at the Hanlin, saying, "There are two prerequisites for the death penalty. First, it can only be used for crimes of extreme severity. Second, it applies only to specific charges; acts like theft or brawling do not warrant the death penalty. Does Hanlin Lü have any objections?"