Chapter 233: Courtroom Turnabout

Flashbulbs repeatedly flared, illuminating the scene as numerous reporters in the spectator seats diligently documented every detail. Their pens flew across their notepads, anxious not to miss a single word of the exchange.

Despite Gu Yuan's intimidating presence, fine beads of sweat appeared on the prosecutor's back. Even so, he chose to continue speaking.

"Your Honor, I haven't finished reading yet."

"...Proceed!"

"During this period, the defendant, Han Meng, actively contacted the Twilight Society. After negotiations, the two parties completed a secret transaction. When the seven major districts lost the Aurora's protection, Han Meng abandoned District Three and sought refuge in Aurora City alone, hoping to gain entry by virtue of his judgment talent. Once inside the city, according to the agreement negotiated between both parties, Han Meng betrayed the law enforcement system and collaborated with the Twilight Society to open Aurora City's gates, allowing the heretic Chen Ling to infiltrate. After infiltrating, Chen Ling, Red Heart 6, publicly committed self-immolation, spreading the plague virus from his body into Aurora City with the dust, thereby completing a biological attack on the city..."

These words immediately caused a stir. Everyone present could no longer remain seated, especially the onlookers who had witnessed the event firsthand and were now in court seeking entertainment. They were so startled they jumped out of their seats!

"Plague???"

Chaos erupted in the courtroom. Amidst the commotion, the prosecutor took a deep breath and spoke slowly, enunciating each word:

"In light of the above, I recommend that the defendant, Han Meng, be sentenced to... death by slow slicing!"

Chen Ling's face immediately turned ashen.

BANG—!!

A heavy gavel strike silenced all the noise.

"Prosecutor," Gu Yuan said, veins bulging on the hand holding the gavel, "Do you have evidence for these claims?"

"Here is a medical report issued by Frost Leaf Hospital. In the past seven days, there have been over fifty consecutive cases of viral infection. Furthermore, all these patients were close onlookers who witnessed the self-immolation on that day."

"Where are they now?"

"As of yesterday, the last confirmed viral infection patient has died and was cremated at the crematorium."

"Are you saying there are no living or virus-carrying bodies available for examination, only a diagnostic report from Frost Leaf Hospital?"

"There's also a cremation certificate from the crematorium. After all, since the method of transmission for this virus is still unclear, prompt cremation can prevent its spread."

"How do you determine that Han Meng had a secret transaction with the Twilight Society?"

"Under the mattress in Han Meng's cell, we discovered a playing card." The prosecutor paused for a moment. "The card was a Six of Spades."

The entire court gasped in shock once more.

"Heh heh, what a convenient piece of evidence," Wen Shilin remarked. As a seasoned journalist, he immediately smelled something fishy. "Frost Leaf Hospital, the crematorium—those are all properties of the Starlight Merchant Guild. Even the supposed organ transaction records were found in the Starlight Merchant Guild's basement... Are they simply pulling Han Meng down with them, knowing they can no longer hide what they've done?"

"Just slipping someone a playing card can frame the Twilight Society," Chen Ling scoffed with a grim smile. "So, it's that easy to tarnish someone's reputation? No wonder the Twilight Society has such a bad name..."

"But I have to say, this is a truly ruthless move," Wen Shilin sighed deeply. "Exploiting people's panic over the plague and their fear of the Twilight Society, and then using the power of the media to fuel the hysteria—now, even if Han Meng is innocent, he won't escape public condemnation. The court, under pressure, won't be able to easily deliver a verdict... Does Han Meng have such a deep grudge against the Starlight Merchant Guild?"

On the judge's bench, Gu Yuan slowly began to speak: "Prosecutor, these fragmented pieces of evidence are insufficient to convict the defendant... I believe you are well aware of this."

"Your Honor, when it concerns the Twilight Society, how can such detailed evidence be collected? For the stability and safety of Aurora City, I believe it's best to execute Han Meng as soon as possible."

The air suddenly grew tense.

"Defense for the defendant." Gu Yuan's gaze fell upon Han Meng's defense lawyer. "Do you... have any evidence to present, or anything to say in defense of the defendant?"

Before the trial began, Gu Yuan had already given Tan Xin's letter to the defense lawyer. According to the original plan, once Gu Yuan finished presenting the case, the defense lawyer would present the letter, which would completely clear Han Meng of those two charges. Although events had taken an unexpected turn, the letter could at least clear Han Meng of most suspicions and explain why he opened the gates.

The defense lawyer stood silently below the stand. Feeling the prosecutor's gaze on him, he shook his head. "No, I have nothing to defend."

CRACK—!

With a soft crack, the wooden gavel in Gu Yuan's hand shattered instantly.

"Very well..." Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Now then, how many support the execution of Han Meng?"

The crowd exchanged glances, and under the prosecutor's intimidating stare, several figures on the jury raised their hands. A continuous barrage of flashbulbs illuminated the entire courtroom.

Zhuo Shuqing initially intended to take photos, but after seeing Chen Ling, seated opposite, staring at him with a predatory gaze, he quietly put down his camera, hunching his back and lowering his head like a quail.

Amidst the countless flashing lights, Han Meng stood silently in the defendant's box. His black prison uniform seemed to be adorned with one 'frame-up' after another. Everyone's gaze towards him had changed. From initial doubt, curiosity, and support, it gradually turned into fear and revulsion. The public had no idea what the truth was, but at that moment, they desperately wished Han Meng would be executed immediately, as it would make them feel at ease.

At the same time, the prosecutor's voice rang out again: "Your Honor, isn't it time to deliver a verdict?"

Gu Yuan's aged eyes slowly closed. He took a deep breath, and his low voice echoed through the courtroom once more:

"Given the insufficient evidence against the defendant, Han Meng, and the inadequate defense, I declare this trial adjourned. The trial will resume in two days, when the final verdict regarding the defendant, Han Meng, will be delivered."

Given such numerous and severe accusations, and with the defense lawyer's inaction, acquitting Han Meng would be an insurmountable task, not to mention the many media reporters present. Under these circumstances, adjournment was the only way out, and the best possible outcome.

"Why adjourn?!"

"Yeah, I also feel like this Han Meng is highly problematic. Aren't the Twilight Society members all criminals and thugs? Why not execute him immediately?"

"He brought the plague to Aurora City!! No wonder my throat's been feeling off lately... Damn it!! I'm going to the hospital right now!"

"He's the culprit behind all of this!!"

Even though the trial was adjourned, the crowd showed no intention of leaving. Ordinary citizens in the spectator seats across the room stood up, pointing and shouting insults at Han Meng in the defendant's box. Amidst the chaotic courtroom, the silent figure in the black prison uniform had become the target of universal condemnation.

"What the hell are you talking about! Who dares call Officer Han Meng a criminal! I won't stand for it!" After the adjournment, Zhao Yi visibly let loose. He led a group of District Three survivors in a shouting match with the other side, and the scene quickly descended into utter chaos!

Amidst this furious clamor and chaos, Chen Ling, draped in a brown overcoat, silently stood up and walked towards the courtroom exit.

"Where are you going?" Wen Shilin asked, puzzled.

Chen Ling did not reply. The hem of his coat swayed gently in the wind. Amidst the universal condemnation, he walked solitary against the tide, his back to the figure in the defendant's box, proceeding in silence.

A cold gust of wind swept through the courtroom doors. Behind the seemingly refined semi-rimless glasses, a murderous fury flickered menacingly.