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.