The Double-Chapter 614 - 179: Abandoning the Car

The case of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, after so many years and with such great momentum, ended more smoothly than expected with the results of the three departments’ joint trial.

Indeed, the evidence that Xue Huaiyuan was able to bring forth was exceedingly ample. It was so substantial that even the ministers of the Dali Temple were astonished at how Xue Huaiyuan, having only regained consciousness for a little more than a month, could find so many useful clues. It was as if someone had already started investigating the case of the Xue siblings well before this.

Furthermore, the appearance of Jiang Yuanbai greatly facilitated the resolution of this case. The undeniable fact was that Grand Secretary’s daughter was discovered in Princess Yongning’s private prison. Regarding Xue Fangfei, Princess Yongning still tried to quibble a few words, but there was no excuse for Shen Yurong.

Setting up a private prison in one’s residence, harming the relatives of officials, colluding with current officials to conspire in the death of citizens, manipulating the official circles... Going through them one by one, the charges against Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong were undeniable. They deserved the ultimate penalty and were to be executed after three days.

When the verdict was heard, everyone in the know felt a great sense of satisfaction.

The Mayor of Jingzhao, having assisted in the tyranny that led to Xue Zhao’s death, was also punished, stripped of his official position, and condemned to lifelong exile. As for Xiao Deyin, though she had not directly caused Xue Fangfei’s death, she handed over that cup of drugged wine in the matter of Xue Fangfei being framed, and was ordered to be beaten fifty times with a heavy plank. A woman like her, after fifty blows, it’s uncertain if she would still be alive. Even if she survived, she would probably be hanging by a thread and not live much longer.

Of course, for Xiao Deyin, the exact number of beatings or years she had left to live were not the most critical. What tormented her the most was likely how, after the news about her and Xue Fangfei spread, how many people would curse her behind her back for being malicious and hypocritical. Xiao Deyin cared greatly about her reputation, and now, at the end of her life with her reputation completely ruined, living held no more significance for her.

When the joint trial by the three departments concluded, the officials took Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong away to the Sky Prison. Xue Huaiyuan sat quietly, looking as if all his strength had been drained from him in an instant, motionless.

Jiang Yuanbai stood up, and couldn’t help but give Xue Huaiyuan an extra glance. His own daughter, Jiang Li, took great care of Xue Huaiyuan, even exceeding what she did for her own father. Initially, Jiang Yuanbai was quite displeased, but upon seeing Xue Huaiyuan, he felt that Xue Huaiyuan was indeed calmer and more capable than he had imagined.

Without greeting Xue Huaiyuan, he was the first to leave. The fate that befell Princess Yongning might theoretically mean that Jiang Yuanbai also avenged Jiang Youyao. However, Jiang Yuanbai felt no pleasure in this, as the life of Jiang Youyao was already ruined, and it could never return to how it had been before. The past was the past.

Hai Tang came over to help Xue Huaiyuan up and walk outside. They had barely reached the entrance of the Ministry of Punishment when the scene outside stunned them. The citizens of Yanjing City had crowded the entrance so tightly that it was impenetrable. Seeing them emerge, the people shouted, "County Magistrate Xue."

In a very short time, what had happened in the courtroom spread among the people. Naturally, they also learned about how Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had framed Xue Fangfei for adultery, caused her miscarriage, and even strangled the poor woman with drugs — not to mention killing Xue Fangfei’s legitimate son, a sunny youth, and attempting to take Xue Huaiyuan’s life. Were it not for a twist of fate, with Miss Jiang the Second going to Tongxiang, the entire Xue Family would have vanished from this world, and no one would have known the injustice they suffered.

The people have empathy; they may not be very smart and are easily deceived, but there are many kind-hearted ones. Their innate goodness makes them accustomed to hating evil and sympathizing with the weak. The Xue Family immediately became an object of sympathy, and everywhere there were people cursing Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong.

Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu were outside to receive Xue Huaiyuan. Once Xue Huaiyuan boarded the carriage, he discovered Jiang Li was also there. He paused, and said, "Miss Jiang."

"County Magistrate Xue," Jiang Li replied with a slight smile.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li had gone to the Ye Family and, along with Ye Shijie, rushed to the doors of the Ministry of Punishment. They could not enter, and just like the people outside, awaited the final verdict. Until the moment the outcome was heard, Jiang Li’s heart was clenched tightly, far from her outward appearance of calm.

That day, she had waited far too long.