Chapter 314: Acquitted

After Du Yu delivered that final line about The Will of the People, not a single person in the courtroom raised an objection.

Almost everyone's attention was drawn to the tall, steadfast figures standing outside the windows. They had organized themselves to testify on my behalf. When the bailiffs barred them from entering, they simply stood on the steps and waited, hoping the law would deliver a satisfactory answer.

"The law does not accommodate human feelings. What it refuses to accommodate is personal mercy and material greed—the corruption and connections hiding in dark corners." Sunlight spilled behind Du Yu. He hadn't drawn the curtains, instead stepping into the center of the courtroom bathed in the fragmented light. "The law carries the emotions of the lawmakers and the warmth of human nature. Fairness, justice, and universal love—these are the true tenets of the law. Presiding judge, the defense concludes its cross-examination."

Brought back to reality by Du Yu's reminder, Chen Haiyi turned to look at Gou Changzheng. "The defense has concluded its cross-examination. Does the prosecution have any objections?"

Gou Changzheng opened his mouth, trying several times to say something, but no words came out. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh and took off his thin-framed Essilor glasses. "The prosecution has no objections."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen tugged lightly at Gou Changzheng's suit, frantically signaling him with his eyes. But Gou Changzheng didn't say another word. He simply lowered his head and sat back down at the prosecution's table.

"The cross-examination for both sides is now concluded. We will recess for fifteen minutes while the jury and the panel of judges review the case to determine whether the prosecution's twenty-one charges stand." After saying this, Chen Haiyi called the clerk over and began discussing the final verdict with the other judges.

There were significant disagreements among the judges, leading to an exceptionally fierce debate.

These final fifteen minutes would decide my fate. My heart raced, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

"Relax. Even if you're found guilty in the first instance, there's still the second instance and the final appeal," Du Yu offered in consolation. "I originally thought the trial wouldn't be held for another three days. I never expected them to push the hearing forward so suddenly. My preparations were a bit rushed."

Du Yu looked thoroughly guilty, seemingly annoyed with himself for not being able to give it his all. I wasn't sure how to answer him. I merely cast a distant glance at the despondent Gou Changzheng, who looked like he wanted to find a crack in the floor to crawl into. Sure enough, comparison was the thief of joy.

A full thirty minutes passed before the judges finally reached a unanimous decision. The recess ended, the jury returned to their seats, and everyone waited for the final result.

Chen Haiyi picked up the verdict they had settled on after their heated debate and stood up. "During the trial, the collegiate bench carefully listened to the statements of both parties, and conducted the cross-examination and debate. Following deliberation by the bench..."

"The results of the trial are hereby announced: Regarding the twenty-one charges brought against the defendant, Gao Jian, by the prosecution—due to unclear facts and insufficient evidence, the alleged crimes cannot be established. The twenty-one charges are legally dismissed."

"In accordance with Article 191 of our country's Criminal Procedure Law, we now pronounce the defendant, Gao Jian, not guilty!"

The trial was being broadcast live by the media. The footage from this courtroom could be seen by everyone in Jiangcheng.

The bailiffs released my arms. Standing in the center of the narrow defendant's dock, listening to the cheers of the crowd outside the courthouse, I felt a sudden, surreal sense of disbelief.

'I'm not guilty? An acquittal defense... Du Yu actually pulled it off!'

"Silence!" Chen Haiyi struck his gavel one last time. "The trial for the Jiangcheng major homicide and police assault case is now concluded. Court is adjourned."

The clerk stepped forward from the side. "All rise. The presiding judge and the adjudicators will now retire. The legal representatives of both parties, please read and sign the transcripts. The gallery will please exit the courtroom in an orderly fashion!"

'It's over. Not guilty! The court pronounced me not guilty!' The massive weight that had been crushing me for five years was finally lifted. I had waited a full five years for this day.

The defendant's dock opened. The bailiffs blocked the swarming reporters, escorting me down the long corridor reserved for suspects and back into the holding cell.

Several armed police officers, led by Wu Yang, were still standing guard here with their rifles. Their orders were to watch me closely and prevent any possibility of my escape.

The armed police took over from the bailiffs, pressing me down onto a chair. Wu Yang had just pulled out handcuffs to restrain me when two bailiffs walked over. "What are you cuffing him for? Hurry up and take those off. He needs to change out of this prison uniform, too. Did you prepare any other clothes for him?"

"Change clothes? Why does he need to change?" Wu Yang lowered the muzzle of his gun, looking slightly confused.

"I almost forgot you can't see the trial from the holding cell," one of the bailiffs explained patiently. "The defendant, Gao Jian, has already been pronounced not guilty. All twenty-one of the prosecution's charges failed to stand."

"Are you kidding me? This bastard hijacked a police car, fired shots at armed police, and even kidnapped the son of the Jiangjin Group's chairman! How could he possibly be pronounced not guilty?!" Wu Yang slowly raised his rifle again, his expression turning wary.

"I'm warning you out of the goodness of my heart, and you don't even appreciate it. Fine, keep him cuffed and wait for your superiors to notify you. The trial was broadcast live to the media. When the time comes, you'll have to let him go anyway, and you'll just end up making the public security bureau lose face. Why bother?" Seeing Wu Yang raise his weapon, the bailiff immediately stepped back. "You guys better watch yourselves. The lawyer this defendant hired is incredibly formidable. If you offend him, you might just be the next ones standing in the defendant's dock."

With that, the bailiff backed away and left. Less than five minutes later, Wu Yang received a personal phone call from Chen Jianguo. "Release him."

"But, Captain..."

"No buts. Release him."

The call ended. Wu Yang held the keys and reluctantly unlocked my handcuffs. "What kind of evil arts did you use, kid? To think you actually managed to bewitch all the judges."

With the handcuffs off, I stripped off the yellow prison uniform and sat on the hard bench wearing only my hospital gown.

A short while later, Du Yu pushed open the door to the holding cell, clutching the acquittal verdict. "Gao Jian, I've done what I promised you. Make sure you keep your end of the bargain."

"Don't worry. Once I'm ready, I'll notify you immediately."

Du Yu handed me one of his business cards along with the verdict. He didn't linger, striding away with a suave, confident air.

I read over the lines of text on the verdict, folded it casually, and gripped it in my hand. "Officer Wu Yang, am I free to go? Do you guys want to come with me?"

Wu Yang's facial muscles twitched as he gritted his teeth. "No need. We have other assignments."

"Oh? Then I'll be going ahead." My laughter echoed through the holding cell as I stepped out of the courthouse, stride by stride, dressed in a hospital gown.

"He's out! He's out!"

"Gao Jian!"

"Yeah, that's the kid who was on top of the dam that night! He even posed as an electrician, running around in an insulated suit. He completely fooled me."

"As long as you're back! Son of a bitch, you scared the hell out of me!"

Looking at the crowd gathered on the courthouse steps, I felt a strange, unprecedented sensation wash over me. I gave them a slight, gentle bow.

"Thank you."

Before I even raised my head, someone took my hand. A trace of warmth seeped from my palm into my body, and a faint fragrance drifted past my nose. I subconsciously squeezed her hand. "Senior Sister, I made you worry."

Tie Ningxiang took a step forward. The two of us were already close, but now we were almost pressed against each other. She stared at me with wide eyes—eyes as clear and bright as rippling water—scrutinizing me carefully, as if I would vanish the moment she blinked.

I gently raised my arms, wanting to wrap them around her, but the image of that bloodstained wedding dress atop the dam suddenly flashed through my mind. A heavy promise had yet to be fulfilled.

Silently retracting my hands, I glanced at the United Heart Jade that Tie Ningxiang had never taken off her neck. I didn't say anything more.

After thanking everyone, I declined Wu Meng's proposal to go out for a massive feast and get dead drunk. Instead, I walked through the crowd. Clutching the acquittal verdict in my hand and wearing only a hospital gown, I wove my way through the bustling metropolis.

'It has been three days since the last broadcast. The ninth broadcast is tonight.'

My bizarre attire drew the stares of passing pedestrians, but I paid them no mind. Watching the neon lights slowly flicker to life, I walked on alone, drifting further and further away.

On the street behind me, an old song from many years ago was playing, its melody feeling hauntingly familiar:

Nothing is truly great, just as my narrow sacrifice faces your generous praise.

I sway anxiously in a chaotic joy; I have long since walked toward the edge.

Between the roses and the mud, brimming with dignity, I have nowhere to go, waiting for redemption in a humble glory.

Nothing is truly immortal, just as brilliance is but a grand landscape built on lies.

When the wind chimes of truth ring from the sorrowful riverbank, I stumble down that burning street of desire; I have long since fallen into the abyss.

Between the crescent moon and the moss, brimming with love, I possess nothing, hoping for rebirth in a humble glory.

...