Lu Feng’s case went to trial as scheduled. Yang Jian and Liang Liang entered the courtroom with Lu Yao.
Besides the Lu Qian couple, Lu Feng’s paternal uncle Lu Ming and maternal aunt Chen Yun were also present to attend the hearing. Before entering the courthouse, Lu Yao introduced Yang Jian to her uncle and aunt, who had a good first impression of him.
Two people from Gu Lei’s family were present. Yang Jian recognized one of them as Gu Lei’s mother, but she did not notice him.
Many of Old Gui’s family members were also there, sitting separately from the Lu family in the gallery. Several of them cast resentful glances, and the atmosphere was noticeably tense.
“Brother Jian, that handsome guy in the light blue short-sleeved shirt is Hong Xing. He’s Old Gui’s nephew,” Liang Liang whispered to Yang Jian, pointing him out.
Yang Jian looked over. Hong Xing was also staring at Yang Jian. They had no prior interaction, so Yang Jian’s gaze was indifferent.
Hong Xing’s eyes, however, held a hint of ferocity. Yang Jian’s people had smashed his casino, his cousin was still in the hospital, and more importantly, Lu Feng had killed Old Gui, and Yang Jian was now Lu Feng’s brother-in-law. This feud was set, and it would be settled one day.
The court officially convened at nine o’clock. After the three judges took their seats, the presiding judge announced that the two defendants, Lu Feng and Gu Lei, would be brought to the court.
When two bailiffs escorted Lu Feng to the defendant’s stand, Chen Lan couldn’t help but cry out, drawing a warning from the judge.
Lu Feng turned to look at his relatives in the gallery, tears welling up in his eyes. When his gaze met Yang Jian’s, the corner of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Yang Jian had indeed lived up to his expectations, sitting with his sister. With Yang Jian’s protection, his sister should be safe from any bullying. During his months in detention, Lu Feng’s greatest worry had been Lu Yao, especially the possibility of retaliation from Old Gui’s associates.
The trial began. The prosecutor presented the case of Old Gui’s murder, identifying Lu Feng as the mastermind and perpetrator, and Gu Lei as an accomplice who inflicted fatal injuries on Old Gui. Relevant evidence was provided, and the prosecutor requested the death penalty for both defendants.
Next, Lu Feng’s lawyer presented his defense. He first produced Old Gui’s medical examination report, proving that none of the pellets from Lu Feng’s shotgun hit Old Gui’s fatal areas. The fatal wounds that caused Old Gui’s death were all from knife cuts, meaning Lu Feng was not directly responsible for Old Gui’s death.
Furthermore, there was no direct evidence proving Lu Feng was the mastermind behind Old Gui’s murder. Gu Lei only admitted that they were hired by Lu Feng and were acting on someone’s behalf, but neither knew who the boss behind the scenes was.
Additionally, Lu Feng had surrendered himself, and the Lu family was willing to bear the civil compensation.
Gu Lei’s lawyer also presented a defense, attributing Old Gui’s death entirely to the now-deceased Luo Hao.
After a three-hour trial, the court delivered its verdict. Lu Feng was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay twenty thousand in civil compensation.
Gu Lei was sentenced to ten years in prison and ordered to pay twenty thousand in civil compensation.
The judge’s pronouncement caused an uproar among Old Gui’s family members, who clearly expressed their dissatisfaction.
The Lu family, however, wept with joy. It was finally settled; Lu Feng’s life was saved. Six years was not too long, and with good behavior, he might even be released in four years.
As they walked out of the courthouse, Chen Lan finally broke down in tears. Her cries were not of sorrow but of immense relief. For the past half-year, she had lived in constant fear of her son being sentenced to death, enduring agonizing days that felt like years.
Lu Yao was also in tears. Since her brother’s incident, she had borne even greater pressure than her parents. At home, she had to comfort her parents and take care of their daily needs. Externally, she had to endure the harassment of Wu Laizi, and when she was wronged, she dared not tell her parents, swallowing her tears.
“Shouldn’t you be smiling right now? Why are you all still crying?” Hong Xing, with a grim expression, blocked the Lu family.
Yang Jian stepped forward and stood in front of him. “What, you want trouble?”
“Yang Jian, is it? I’ve got your name. I’ll find you later. Lu family, listen up. I know someone in your family has money and can keep Lu Feng from dying for now, but I won’t let him go. My uncle’s death won’t be settled so easily. Wait for my revenge!” Hong Xing arrogantly pointed at Lu Qian and shouted. He dared not and would not resort to violence at the courthouse, his aim being to instill long-term psychological fear in the Lu family.
Yang Jian grabbed his finger. “Try laying a hand on the Lu family, and I’ll make sure you die a very ugly death.”
Sensing a physical altercation, seven or eight young men suddenly jumped out from behind Hong Xing.
Liang Liang also stood by Yang Jian’s side, ready to fight.
Hong Xing felt his finger about to break. “Let go of me. I won’t touch Lu Feng’s family, but I absolutely won’t let Lu Feng go. The day he gets out will be the day he’s hunted.”
“Scram.” Yang Jian kicked him in the stomach. Hong Xing flew backward, but was fortunately blocked by the people behind him. Otherwise, he would have fallen onto the curb, sustaining injuries if not a bloody head.
The young men behind him wanted to charge forward, but were intimidated by Yang Jian’s aura. They all knew Yang Jian was an exceptional fighter. Today, during the court session, he hadn’t brought any weapons. Fighting him bare-handed, even with superior numbers, would be pure folly.
Hong Xing was helped up, his eyes filled with murderous intent. “Yang Jian, listen. I’ll make you regret this kick for the rest of your life.”
“Stop blabbering. Bring whatever you’ve got at me, but think about the consequences. If you make a move against me, I’ll fight until death.”
“Then we’ll see.” Unable to gain any advantage here, Hong Xing left with his men after uttering a harsh threat. He had suffered a great humiliation today. As the most formidable boss in Chengguan, being beaten by Yang Jian on the street and not being able to retaliate would soon spread throughout Chengguan.
“Little Yang, thank you. I didn’t expect these thugs to be so arrogant, causing trouble for us right at the courthouse. You need to be careful from now on; these people are capable of anything,” Lu Qian said, comforting Yang Jian after the group had left.
“It’s alright, Uncle Lu. These people prey on the weak and fear the strong; they wouldn’t dare to make a move against me. Don’t you worry either. There are rules in the underworld. They are targeting Lu Feng and me, and they won’t bother you.”
“Alas, Lu Feng’s situation was originally none of your business. Ultimately, our family has dragged you into this feud,” Lu Qian said with a face full of apology. He was also worried about the future. The day Lu Feng was released would be the day he was hunted. Hong Xing’s words had truly struck a nerve, a thorn that couldn’t be easily removed.
Lu Yao walked over. “Dad, let’s go home. Brother Jian is one of us now. It doesn’t matter if he’s implicated or not.” This was a formal declaration. Yang Jian was now the Lu family’s son-in-law, and they shouldn’t oppose it. Lu Yao was incredibly resolute at this moment; no one could stop her from marrying Yang Jian.