1051: 737 Heavens are Clear and Bright_2 1051: 737 Heavens are Clear and Bright_2 Becoming the center of attention in the entire courtroom, Ding He, who had fallen from a high society mber to a criminal in shackles, was remarkably composed, with a serene expression.
He wore handcuffs and leg irons, exclusive to those serving heavy sentences, and under the gazes of the entire court, he walked into the defendant’s seat.
Jiang Chen glanced in the direction of Fang Jun.
This scion of high officialdom, who had held sway at Apang Palace, didn’t exhibit much emotional fluctuation, but his entire deanor had visibly grown somber.
The murderer who had taken his sister’s life was in custody, and he seed far from pleased.
Understandably so.
It was probably he who had handed Ding He over.
“Order in the court.”
The judge struck the gavel, quelling the murmuring.
“The prosecutor will now read the indictnt.”
The trial that had captured the public’s attention officially began.
After the prosecutor solemnly read out the indictnt, the presiding judge looked towards Ding He.
“Does the defendant have any objections to the charges stated by the prosecutor?”
“No objections.”
Ding He’s response was resolute and calm as if he was unaware of the consequences his answer could bring upon himself.
“Your Honor, the defense attorney has sothing to say.”
Lawyer Fang, with a stern face, quickly spoke out.
The judge nodded, “Granted.”
“Your Honor, esteed judges…”
Just as Lawyer Fang was about to speak, Ding He suddenly said, “I killed Fang Ai.
She betrayed our marriage and never considered her husband.
Moreover, when I confronted her, she showed no remorse.
So I killed her, and I dissected her body.
I was completely aware throughout the entire process…”
“Your Honor…”
Lawyer Fang attempted to interrupt him; such a statent from the defendant’s seat was tantamount to sealing his own fate!
“As a forr mber of the legal profession, I am willing to take full responsibility for my actions.”
Ding He’s voice rose, overshadowing Lawyer Fang.
He knew his fate all too well; there was no possibility for a miracle.
Lawyer Fang’s defense was a futile effort that would only bring trouble upon herself.
“I am fully aware of the adverse impact my actions have had on society, but I do not regret what I did.
I ask the court to sentence to death to quell the public’s anger.”
Lawyer Fang’s countenance turned exceedingly grim; she clenched her hands but did not attempt to speak again.
At this point, she was powerless to change fate.
The presiding judge conferred with the other judges.
“This court declares that the defendant’s criminal process is clear, the evidence for the cri is sufficient, and the facts of the cri are established, therefore pronounces the following verdict.”
“All rise.”
“The defendant Ding He is found guilty of murder; according to the criminal law, he is hereby sentenced to death, all personal property is confiscated, and political rights are revoked for life.
This is the final verdict and may not be appealed.”
A life for a life, a debt paid in full, justice served.
As his life was sentenced with a final strike of the gavel, Ding He showed no panic.
“Court is adjourned.”
As he was led away by the bailiffs, his gaze fell upon the complex expressions of the lawyers from Tian He, and he gave a faint smile before turning and walking resolutely toward the final chapter of his life.
The dia’s caras followed him every step of the way.
The lawyers from Tian He looked lost, even though they had anticipated this outco.
“To be honest, I think he’s sowhat pitiable,” Mao Dun remarked with emotion.
“You gain so, you lose so.
He chose whom to marry; it’s unlikely his wife forced him,” Tong Dan comnted with impartiality.
“That’s also true.”
Mao Dun nodded, and at the sa ti, he couldn’t help but sneak a glance in Fang Jun’s direction.
The death sentence for Ding He could perhaps console the spirit of the deceased in heaven, but Fang Jun, as a family mber, showed no satisfaction for having his vengeance.
Understandably so.
The Fang Family’s reputation had suffered catastrophic damage in this affair, and even Ding He’s death sentence could not nd it.
Moreover, it seed impossible to find solace in the adage of “a life for a life.”
Was Ding He’s life as valuable as Fang Ai’s?
A bloody lesson indeed.
Mao Dun felt it necessary to remind the sisters around him to treat n better.
Along with her forr colleagues, Fang Qing walked towards Lawyer Fang.
“Let’s go outside,” she suggested.
Certainly, there was no need for them to stay here.
Jiang Chen, along with Tong Dan and Mao Dun, walked outside.
Not long after they left the courtroom, a shadow on the corridor ahead caused Tong Dan to slow his pace.
Mao Dun did the sa.
No matter how tough he talked, facing such a legendary figure in person, there was still a hint of trepidation in Tong Dan’s heart.
Indeed.
That person ahead was none other than Fang Jun, whom Mao Dun had pointed out to her just a short while ago.
Jiang Chen alone remained unfazed, continuing forward as if nothing was amiss.
“It’s nothing, he’s definitely not here for us,” Mao Dun whispered reassuringly, but reality defied his expectations.
“What a coincidence.”
Mao Dun’s expression froze as he looked in astonishnt at Lawyer Fang’s friend who had initiated the conversation.
Tong Dan was also taken aback.
“Quite the coincidence.
Is Young Master Fang also interested in this case?”
Jiang Chen showed a look of surprise, as if he was completely unaware of the slain Fang Ai’s relationship with the other party.
“What brings Boss Jiang here?”
Fang Jun did not answer, his gaze sweeping over the faces of Tong Dan and Mao Dun.
Don’t ntion Tong Dan; even Mao Dun, this scion born and raised in Capital City, felt his heart drumming at this mont.
The upper class has its hierarchies, too.
“I ca to watch the fun,”
Jiang Chen said with a light, casual smile.
“I didn’t expect Boss Jiang to be soone who enjoys gossip.”
“Isn’t Young Master Fang the sa way?”
Mao Dun’s heartbeat quickened—had Lawyer Fang not ntioned to her friend the relationship between the deceased Fang Ai and the other party?
Luckily, Fang Jun, whom he had only heard of but never personally dealt with, did not get angry.
He simply nodded and then turned and left.
Mao Dun slowly exhaled.
“Do you know him?”
Tong Dan looked at Jiang Chen with a mix of surprise and suspicion.
“Not really, I’ve only t him once.”
Jiang Chen explained accurately.
Mao Dun, having caught on, couldn’t help but look at Jiang Chen differently.
t once.
That might be true.
But from Fang Jun’s attitude just now, one could infer quite a few issues.
At the very least, with his status, he wouldn’t catch Fang Jun’s eye, let alone make the other party wait intentionally.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
“Say what?
I’m not close to him.”
Jiang Chen spoke nonchalantly, but Tong Dan wasn’t foolish.
Unlike Mao Dun, she was well aware that Jiang Chen had long heard of Fang Jun’s na and knew that the person who hurt Fang Qing was Fang Jun’s sister.
Her thoughts scattered as she looked at the naturally composed Jiang Chen, and Tong Dan suddenly felt an unexplainable sense of panic.
“What exactly are you doing now?
Why did he call you ‘Boss Jiang’ just then?”
She asked tentatively.
“I’ve opened a shop in Capital City, and he’s been a custor.”
“What kind of shop?”
Before Tong Dan could ask, Mao Dun inquired with slight urgency.
“Apang Palace.”
Jiang Chen ntioned it as if talking about an insignificant roadside stall.
Mao Dun was stunned.
“You an the Apang Palace in Guan’s area?”
Tong Dan’s eyes suddenly widened.
Although she wasn’t a native of Capital City like Mao Dun, she had unavoidably heard of the famous Apang Palace.
“Mm.”
Jiang Chen nodded as if it were nothing.
Tong Dan was dumbfounded.
That made sense.
There didn’t seem to be a second Apang Palace in Capital City.
The two were montarily speechless, unable to think of anything to say, when faced with the “unremarkable” Jiang Chen.
Tong Dan was okay; she only knew the shop was big and highly profitable.
But as a local, Mao Dun knew the significance of what Apang Palace represented.
Just look at the forr owner of Apang Palace—it was Blood Guanyin.
He glanced at Tong Dan, his lips moved as if to speak, but then he fell silent.
How could he not have been told about knowing such an important figure beforehand?
“What’s going on?”
Fang Qing, who had co out, noticed the unusual expressions of Tong Dan and the others.
“Are they alright?”
Jiang Chen changed the subject.
“They’re fine.”
Fang Qing shook her head, then suddenly said, “I’m going back to Sha City.”
Jiang Chen was surprised.
“When?”
“Today.”
“Why the rush?”
“Weren’t you always urging to go back?
I’ve booked an afternoon flight; I have to go get my luggage.”
Perhaps it was Ding He’s advice before his death that had taken effect.
Of course, Jiang Chen was pleased with the outco—as much as justice in the law was proclaid, it didn’t an that this matter had co to an end.
“I’ll drive you.”
“Let Mao Dun and I drive her; you must be busy, so we won’t take up your ti,” Tong Dan grabbed Fang Qing’s arm and imdiately started pulling her outside.
“Well then, Mr.
Jiang, I’ll take my leave first.”
Mao Dun’s tone had noticeably changed.
Jiang Chen nodded, “Thank you.”
“No trouble at all.”
Finished speaking, Mao Dun turned and quickly left.
The hard-to-hide brilliance of Jiang Chen stood still, watching the departing figures.
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