Chapter 78 - 075 Flattered and Surprised
"In accordance with Article 232 and Article 236 of the Criminal Law of Country Z, the following judgment is now made..."
"The defendant Jia Fu is found guilty of attempted rape and intentional homicide, and is sentenced to the death penalty, with deprivation of political rights for life...."
The judge’s gavel fell, and with it, a person’s fate was pronounced.
Finally, Jia Fu broke down and shouted his innocence, but in the cold, empty courtroom, no one truly cared whether he was actually innocent.
As the trial came to an end, he was escorted away by police officers, desperately shouting, imploring the judge to hear his explanation that he had not killed anyone, he had not committed rape, he had done nothing at all—why was he facing such a fate.
Heaven, open your eyes and look, I was wronged...
Yun Shu sat in the front row and, upon witnessing this, let out a soft sigh, stood up, and walked towards him.
Jia Fu, as if he had suddenly found a lifeline, said frantically, "Young Lady, Young Lady please save me, I’ve been wronged. I wouldn’t dare to kill anyone even if I had all the courage in the world. I still have a wife and children to provide for, I’m begging you, you must save me..."
"Jia Fu, go in peace. I’ll take care of your family and ensure they won’t suffer the slightest injustice," Yun Shu said indifferently.
Although she knew who the real murderer was, who would believe it if she said so? Despite losing two of her powerful allies, this bitter pill she must swallow.
As she watched Jia Fu being dragged away by police, filled with unwilling resentment, a layer of shattered ice seemed to form in the depths of her eyes, with clenched teeth.
What you do is seen by the heavens above. To think you still have the face to say such words, Ji Yunya, you wait for me.
——
Today, after Yun Shu returned, her mood seemed off. Even though she tried hard to hide it, Yun Ya still noticed something amiss. Several times, the look he gave her was tinged with coldness, yet it vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed.
The trial was not made public, so Yun Ya had no knowledge of the outcome, but actually, she had already guessed it.
What does it matter if it was wrongful? You’re just Yun Shu’s lapdog, who purposely framed you.
Goodness alone couldn’t ensure survival for her and Miaomiao. For survival, she was willing to pay any price.
It seems that stimulated by what happened to Jia Fu, Yun Shu might no longer be able to restrain herself from taking action, which is good, as she too grew impatient with these passive days of waiting, too torturous to bear.
"Mom, I know you love lamb ribs, so I specially asked the chef to prepare these hand-grabbed lamb ribs, tender and full of flavor. Why don’t you give them a try?" Bai Ran said with a smile, placing a piece of lamb rib onto the plate in front of Yun Shu.
"Would Yun Ya like to try some as well?"
"Thank you, Aunt Bai."
Bai Ran smiled, stroking Yun Ya’s hair gently: "Such a good child, I like you very much, Auntie."
Yun Shu put down her chopsticks, suddenly losing her appetite.
Ever since Bai Ran married into the Yun Family, she adhered to the rules expected of a daughter-in-law, respectful and humble to her mother-in-law, considerate and thoughtful to her husband, caring for her step-children, and friendly to the servants—perfect in every angle, leaving Yun Shu unable to find any fault.
Yet, Bai Ran’s words were always laced with subtle sarcasm, leaving Yun Shu frustrated and breathless, powerless against such a smiling face.
One Ji Yunya plus one Bai Ran, ha, what a drama played by three women, and it’s a full play every day.
"Madam, Young Lady, Miss Kang and Miss Ah Xian are here," Ah Huan announced as she walked in from outside.
Yun Shu immediately smiled, "Please invite them in, and tell the kitchen to prepare two more sets of bowls and chopsticks."
Bai Ran hooked her lips, a cold sneer flickering across her eyes.
Soon, Kang Jinse appeared with Kang Jinxian in tow. Today, Jinse had obviously dressed with care, ditching her usual seductive charm for a floral dress that fully displayed the gentle, soft side of a woman.
"Aunt Yun, we didn’t expect to arrive at an inconvenient time, disturbing your lunch," Jinse said.
"Still standing on ceremony with your aunt? No matter if you’ve eaten or not, sit down and have a meal in peace. This place, after all, is your home too."
Kang Jinse’s eyes briefly passed over Bai Ran and, with a smug smile, she responded lightly, pulling Jinxian to sit down with her.
"Aunt Yun, your legs and feet are prone to soreness on rainy days, and since Jiangzhou has rain all year round, I’m concerned about your health," Jinse said as she pushed a bag in front of Yun Shu.
Yun Shu opened it, puzzled.
"This is a protective gear made by Ah Xian herself. It has high-quality cashmere inside, which is breathable and warm. Although it’s not something of great value, every stitch and step was personally crafted by Ah Xian. It’s a symbol of her affection, and I hope Aunt Yun won’t disdain it."
The protective gear was truly exquisitely made, with fine stitches, and it felt exceptionally soft and comfortable to the touch. Bringing it closer, one could even catch the scent of orchids, and in the corner of the gear, there was an embroidered orchid, adding an extra touch of fresh elegance.
Yun Shu loved it at first sight, and orchids happened to be her favorite flowers.
She raised her eyes to look at the silently sitting Jinxian, her gaze filled with satisfaction, "Ah Xian, did you really make this?"
Jinxian looked up with a hint of shyness and gently hummed in affirmation.
Jinse laughed and said, "Aunt Yun may not know, but my mother was a renowned embroiderer in her youth, with unparalleled skills in needlework. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit my mother’s talent. Instead, it was Ah Xian who loved these things from a young age and has managed to learn about seventy or eighty percent of my mother’s skill."
This was the first time Yun Shu had heard of this, and with a smile, she raised her brows, "Is that so? Ah Xian, Auntie really likes this guard you made. Thank you."
Flattered by the praise, Jinxian couldn’t help but smile proudly, her cheeks flushed red like camellia flowers, exuding bashful freshness.
Suddenly, Yun Shu’s gaze fell on Jinxian’s hand as she picked up her chopsticks. Her fair and delicate fingertips were covered with tiny, dense needle scars, shockingly intense to anyone who laid eyes on them.
Yun Shu, heartbroken, held her hand, touching those scars and looked at Jinxian with concern, "Does it hurt, child?"
Jinxian shook her head, "No, it doesn’t hurt. Aunt Yun, you’ve been so kind to me, I just wanted to do something to show my gratitude."
Yun Ya watched with a sneer of contempt. The sisters were full of schemes—how unfortunate that Yun Shu, with all her intelligence, failed to see through the sisters’ deceit.
The scene from a past life was about to replay itself, but this time, I won’t be manipulated so easily.
Laughing, Yun Shu patted her hand, "You’re such a good child, rich in affection. How would you like it if Aunt wanted to acknowledge you as her goddaughter?
Jinxian’s face lit up with a flattered surprise, and she bowed her head somewhat bewildered, "Aunt Yun... I..."
Jinse smiled and curled her lips—it was all worth the effort she’d put into this.
Bai Ran looked down, hiding her scoff, and when she looked up again, her smile was flawlessly perfect.
"This is a stroke of great fortune. To have such a well-mannered and filial daughter is like finding a rare jewel. Miss Ah Xian, don’t you want to kneel down and kowtow to your new mother?"