Over at the compound, things started to get lively again with Hualing returning from her maternity leave. Cheng Su often saw them gather to gossip, occasionally chiming in with a few words. However, she was too busy, often coming ho late and wouldn’t impulsively drop by. Life just went on like that.
In the later part of November, when snowflakes danced in Qing City, Ning Ge returned with good news from Beijing.
The verdict for the Loo Family and Jiang Conghe had finally been delivered.
Old Master Loo, the head of the family, surprisingly admitted to many counts, resulting in a life sentence. But as soon as the verdict ca down, he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed. Half of his body wouldn’t move, speaking beca difficult, and all he could do was lie in the prison hospital suffering. Given his age, it was unlikely he’d last much longer; if he passed away, he wouldn’t endure the punishnt.
Because Old Master Loo admitted to many charges, his son, Lu Zhenhua, received a lighter sentence of twelve years.
His grandson, Lu Shaojun, who had fled earlier, was also brought back. However, he hadn’t been involved in many of the family’s secret affairs, only in smuggling and bribery, so he received a five-year sentence.
Those colluding with the Loo Family were implicated to varying degrees, each receiving sentences.
"What about Jiang Conghe?" Cheng Su asked eagerly, with Qi Taiguo also looking at him.
This was what they were most concerned about; after all, Jiang Conghe wasn’t a businessman but a politician. Whether he could bounce back depended on this verdict.
Ning Ge revealed a cold, sharp smile: "Officially, it sounds pretty mild. They say he neglected his duties, shielded others, and accepted unidentified funds, sentencing him to ten years. This was without public trial — externally, he rely resigned due to taking responsibility!"
This was to avoid significant implications and unrest at the borders, such matters could only be covered up.
Cheng Su was stunned and said: "That’s it then; everyone will understand, right?"
Ning Ge nodded: "Those who need to know will understand, but it won’t be disclosed to the public. A high-ranking officer of such stature, if it got out, the political scene wouldn’t be stable."
Cheng Su and Qi Taiguo exchanged a glance, fully understanding the rules within.
Qi Taiguo looked stern and said: "Jiang Conghe, he’s fifty this year, right? After ten years, do you think he’d have a chance to turn things around?"
"Even if he does, we won’t let him!" Ning Ge clenched his fist and continued, "Ten years later, he’s just an old ghost. Now that the Loo Family is defeated, he has no financial backing, no money or power. If he can turn it around under such circumstances, we would be pretty useless!"
Qi Taiguo pursed his lips, asking, "What about Lu Shufen?"
"She didn’t fare much better, got bribery and shielding charges, facing a three-year sentence!" Ning Ge replied with a smile: "Heard she fainted upon hearing the verdict!"
Qi Taiguo emitted a derisive smile.
"A person who lived a life of comfort all her life, after staying three years, who knows what she’ll beco!" Cheng Su asked, "What about Chiang Tian?"
"Chiang Tian left quickly, and Jiang Conghe protected him well. The business he engaged in was legitimate, though he might know of the Loo Family’s secret dealings, he wasn’t involved." Ning Ge said.
Qi Taiguo frowned upon hearing this: "So, he’s a fish that escaped the net! Such a fish, let’s hope he doesn’t stir up waves in the ocean!"
"Chiang Tian? He’s just a dissolute scion, I wouldn’t worry about him. Without family protection, he can’t cause any ripples. Look at this verdict, he doesn’t even dare to co back!" Ning Ge chuckled.
"Then, Chiang Qing..." Cheng Su hesitated but finally voiced the na.
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