Free Web NovelChapter 718: Chapter 310: Ji Sheng on Trial
Upper Council, special meeting.
The atmosphere of the meeting was very heavy. Recently, the matters regarding the Hong Family and Ji Sheng caused quite a stir. Finally, Ye Shidao couldn’t withstand the pressure and decided to convene a full meeting, inviting Ji Sheng to attend, and specially inviting the Church Court to participate, along with Li Xin, the Captain of the Night Patrol.
Lu Shuai finally fulfilled his wish to become a member of the Upper Council. Today was his first time attending, joining Dean Chen Rutang at the meeting of the Upper House.
This was a place he had longed for since childhood, dreaming of one day standing here. Today, he finally came.
He was seated in the Public Justice Party’s section. Normally, someone like him, a newly promoted member, would be in a far corner, but today he stood next to Dean Chen Rutang as his assistant, at the forefront of the power center.
The atmosphere was quite heavy, with the most important agenda being the investigation report submitted by the Night Patrol, and the public questioning of Ji Sheng.
In the Public Justice Party’s section, figures from old families like the Hong Family, Yan Family, Bai Family, Chao Family attended. On the Liberal Party’s side, members from the Nalan Family, the Potter Family, and Maxim turned up. Recently, Nalan Jingguo, who had been keeping a low profile, also arrived, looking unaffected by the turmoil, with victorious glints in his eyes.
It was a basic skill for a politician, inherently unconcerned. This inquiry was very beneficial to Nalan Jingguo. Regardless of whether or not Ji Sheng committed the act, it could sway public opinion in his favor, boosting his election odds.
Glancing at Chen Rutang, who was forcefully pushed by the Public Justice Party, Nalan Jingguo revealed a carefree smile. They were "old friends," unlike Hong Yan, Nalan Jingguo and Chen Rutang were of the same era, just on different paths. Chen Rutang chose to uphold the dignity of Beijing people, while Nalan Jingguo sided with money, leading to Chen Rutang being relegated to a dean at the Canon Law School, while Nalan Jingguo climbed higher and higher. Originally from a scholarly family, the Nalan Family gradually became a Beijing aristocracy, now even having hopes of ascending.
Ye Shidao arrived and gently tapped the gavel. The room quieted down as Ji Sheng, Bai Zhongdong, and Marshall appeared. Ji Sheng stood at the inquiry platform, facing the interrogation of the entire council.
The Grand Steward of the Ji Family wore a Beijing-style robe, calmly facing the gazes around him, frequently giving salutes.
Ye Shidao performed a customary opening speech and then went straight to the topic, "Next is the investigation into Councillor Hong Yan’s murder. You all must have seen the investigation report by Li Xin of the Night Patrol. The suspect Ji Sheng is also present. Marshall, the head of the Judicial Court, and Bai Zhongdong, the head of the Law Enforcement Court, are present for a public review of the investigation report. Their crystal balls will monitor the speakers; lies will be detected. Now, Li Xin of the Night Patrol will present the case."
All eyes focused on Li Xin. Li Xin, who had been waiting in the corner, finally had the chance to step forward. A massive pressure surged towards him, Ji Sheng also watched Li Xin deeply.
"Greetings to the Grand Governor and council members. I am Li Xin, the Captain of the Night Patrol. Upon receiving orders to investigate Councillor Hong Yan’s cause of death, I immediately began the investigation, during the autopsy..."
Li Xin briefly introduced the case, directly pointing out the deadly amulet. Of course, he also had to account for the seductive woman and the numerous puppets within the manor, which were no longer secrets. However, most present didn’t know about the amulet.
"Through our investigation, the amulet has a corruptive force on it, not only coexisting with the Wood of Life but also not belonging to Hidden Power..." Li Xin said, suddenly followed by laughter in the room.
"Nonsense, what corruptive force doesn’t belong to Hidden Power, do you know that Councillor Hong Yan was a powerful Four Lives Knightly Path practitioner, close to an Angel!"
"Why was such a little kid allowed to become the Captain of the Night Patrol? This is a joke!"
"What Captain? Didn’t the Night Patrol abolish that position long ago!"
For a moment, the room was lively and noisy, initially believing the focus would be on the Hong Family and Nalan Family, or possibly Ji Sheng, but unexpectedly it shifted to Li Xin.
Ji Sheng’s expression remained gentle, as if the matter had nothing to do with him. Li Xin, the focus, appeared composed, as if they weren’t talking about him.
"Silence!" Ye Shidao’s voice rang out, the room gradually quieted.
"Captain Li, continue."
"Yes, Grand Governor. This corruptive power led to the gradual decay of Councillor Hong Yan’s internal body, although outwardly it appeared unaffected. If arranged properly, the seductive woman would trigger this decay, a method by which the perpetrator avoided the Hidden tracking."
Straight away, the council members led by the Hong Family protested, "This is slander. Li Xin, what nonsense are you talking about? This is defamation against Councillor Hong Yan. He served the country and the people, yet even after death, he’s subjected to such disgrace..."
Li Xin looked at the righteous figures from the Hong Family, suddenly wanting to laugh, although, as a professional Night Patrol officer, he managed to hold it in.
"Dear Councillor, I am a Night Patrol officer. My duty is to present the investigation results truthfully. Moreover, how do you know this isn’t Councillor Hong Yan’s love, you should be condemning the perpetrator!" Li Xin retorted.
Suddenly, those preparing to retort were rendered silent. Everyone knew about the seductive woman, a topic not kept secret. Compared to Hong Yan, others played with even greater audacity. However, no one would discuss it openly, instinctively leaning towards excessive indulgence. The mere mention of "love" silenced everyone present.
Chen Rutang and others suppressed their smiles, clamping their lips tightly. Li Xin’s earnest and serious demeanor made it even more amusing.
Ye Shidao tapped the table, "Captain Li, continue."
"Yes, Governor. According to our tracking, the seductive woman suspected of killing Councillor Hong Yan was someone he met at the Dragon Fortune Association, camouflaged as a fleeing noble from Hedan. The Dragon Fortune Association’s admission is stringent; ordinary people cannot enter. The seductive woman’s entry was approved by Ji Sheng, the Grand Steward. On the second day after joining, she attended a banquet where she met Councillor Hong Yan. Moreover, the deadly amulet was won by Councillor Hong Yan at an auction at the Dragon Fortune Association. Originally regarded as a merely attractive gem, not significant, but reportedly Ji Sheng secretly implied it was a star stone with blessings, prompting Councillor Hong Yan to acquire it and cherish it.
The council members erupted in discussion, "All of these are conjectures, lacking actual evidence, purely suspicion, even forcibly connecting."
"Grand Steward Ji Sheng, do you acknowledge Li Xin’s statements?" Ye Shidao asked.
Ji Sheng gazed at Ye Shidao with a slight smile, "Honorable Governor, Miss Caroline’s entry into the Dragon Fortune Association was authorized by me."
The crystal ball showed no change, causing an uproar in the auditorium. Ji Sheng waved his hand, "But I didn’t know Miss Caroline was the seductive woman, nor did I know her intent to approach Councillor Hong Yan. Such reviews happen annually, those meeting the criteria can join. The officer responsible for reviewing at the Dragon Fortune Association committed suicide in guilt, and his soul was erased, demonstrating considerable cunning. It’s a conspiracy targeting the Dragon Fortune Association. If that’s all and forcibly linking me, it’s somewhat of a joke."
The crystal ball remained calm, with no indication of falsehood.
Everyone looked at Ji Sheng. Ji Sheng glanced at Li Xin, "This night patrol captain, although young, indeed has a creative imagination in investigating cases. True, the gem on the amulet was sold at my auction. I simply viewed it as a rather special gem, unaware of any star stone. It’s unclear where Captain Li learned of my hint to Councillor Hong Yan about the star stone."
Li Xin looked towards Hong Ban in the Hong Family camp, "It’s from Hong Yan’s son, Hong Ban."
The crystal ball remained steady, indicating Li Xin was telling the truth.
Everyone turned to Hong Ban, whose expression was slightly gloomy. He raised his head after a moment of silence and said, "Captain Li arrived when I hadn’t slept well for many days. Indeed, I had said this, but upon further reflection, I can hardly recall my father’s original words. Father expressed joy at acquisition, claimed it was a rare star stone, praised the Grand Steward’s kindness, something like that."
Marshall’s crystal ball targeted Hong Ban, revealing a small projection of him. Each speaker’s statement was projected, but the crystal ball remained tranquil with no special reaction.
"Thanks to young master Hong for clarifying. The Royal Family has numerous duties, many details remain unclear to me," Ji Sheng said.
The council members buzzed with discourse, reconsidering the situation. Ji Sheng couldn’t oversee all matters so meticulously. Let alone Ji Sheng, the Grand Steward, they were no different.
However, this situation wasn’t favorable for the newly appointed Night Patrol captain.
