The second trial of Zhu Xingfang.
The wooden block was raised high and then slammed down heavily.
Below the platform, Dong Huiying looked at Zhu Xingfang with a meaningful gaze.
Kneeling on the ground, Zhu Xingfang sneakily glanced at Dong Huiying and actually wore a disdainful expression, mixed with a touch of intimidation.
Dong Huiying had turned her into the Government Office for attempted murder. She had been detained for over half a month, but concerning the incident that occurred at the cliff that day, only she, Dong Huiying, and Liang Haoming were aware of it.
Yet, Dong Huiying was the Liang Family’s fiancée. She could firmly assert that Dong Huiying and Liang Haoming were in cahoots, and as long as she herself did not confess, even the Government Office couldn’t handle her.
Without eyewitnesses or physical evidence, she refused to believe that Officer Han would be able to sentence her under these circumstances. After all, a trial also demanded evidence!
After Dong Huiying lamented, she heard Officer Han inquire, "Zhu Xingfang, are you aware of your crimes?"
Zhu Xingfang was dumbfounded for a moment, "The officer?"
Officer Han had previously sent someone to visit various places and verified Zhu Xingfang’s reputation for lechery. She had once claimed to adore men like Liang Yixuan, whereas during a previous session in court, she had falsely stated that the Liang Family Brothers were too tall and rugged, and she was not fond of them, yet how much time had passed since then?
Her face was metaphorically slapped, and one couldn’t help but wonder if it hurt!
Officer Han instructed Fang Lanshan to bring the witnesses forward, and their testimonies were all detrimental to Zhu Xingfang, making her complexion ashen.
She wracked her brains trying to exonerate herself when, at that moment,
"If I may report to the officer, I, a Common Person, have another matter to present!"
Officer Han looked toward Dong Huiying, who stood with an air of righteous indignation.
"I have a witness, a young lord from Zhu Xingfang’s household. The two are nearly thirty years apart in age, and the witness is but a teenager. This teenager bears a deep grudge and hopes to settle it in this public court today!"
At this moment, a plainly dressed young man stepped forward from outside the hall.
Reaching the court, he lifted one side of his garment and with a thud, knelt down heavily.
"Common People, at your service, The officer!"
"I have an older brother who was once Zhu Xingfang’s betrothed but was harmed by her and his body discarded in the mountains!"
After briefly stating his grievance, the teenager placed his hands respectfully against his forehead, expressing sincere and solemn reverence as he slowly bowed, bending his previously straight back before the esteemed court.
Zhu Xingfang’s eyes widened upon seeing the young man.
A past event from many years ago was being dredged up, and she felt utterly terrified.
But by this time, such circumstances had already escaped her control, irreversibly beyond repair and impossible to turn around!
A historic murder case was cracked, and Zhu Xingfang’s malevolence disgusted everyone present.
And when everything had finally settled, the young man saw Zhu Xingfang with a complexion pale as death. She had already been convicted, simply awaiting her execution after autumn.
But the young man was confident she wouldn’t live to see autumn!
In just one or two more months, the poison he had administered earlier would take full effect.
A pure smile crept across his lips, no longer humble, but filled with satisfaction.
Dong Huiying tilted her head slightly to look at the young man: "Now that Zhu Xingfang has been caught, you have regained your freedom. What do you plan to do with your life from now on?"
The young man looked up at the vast blue sky, releasing the pent-up frustration of many years, and without hesitation said, "I want to go back to that mountain and take a look. Everything happened so suddenly at that time, and by the time I came to my senses, I had already been taken away by Zhu Xingfang... I wasn’t able to retrieve my brother’s body, and I feel I have failed in my duties as his sibling. No matter what, I want to go back and visit..."
Dong Huiying also sighed deeply, "I have spent quite a lot of money recently and don’t have much left. Although I don’t know where that mountain is, take this with you for your journey."
A small pouch of money was handed by Dong Huiying into the young man’s hands.
The young man paused, visibly moved.
"For this immense kindness, I will be eternally grateful!"
He then threw Dong Huiying a heartfelt salute with his fists.
He departed with an easy air, turning to face the throng of people.