Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 527 - 214: Second Trial Commences, Sentencing Increased with a Backhand!_4

Chapter 527: Chapter 214: Second Trial Commences, Sentencing Increased with a Backhand!_4

Meanwhile, in the spectator seats.

Zhang Qingyuan and the others stared wide-eyed, their breathing growing hurried. The trial had just begun, and it had already dealt them a stunning blow. This scene... was utterly riveting. It had been a long time since they’d witnessed such a sensational start to a trial.

"Their sentences are being increased? What did the prosecutor just say? They bribed again?"

"It seems like the lawyer has been dragged into it this time."

"I’ve lived for decades, and this is the first time I’ve seen such a complicated and unpredictable case."

"This isn’t an appeal for a second trial; they’re clearly acting as if their original sentences were too light!"

"..."

The crowd whispered in hushed voices, conversing privately. Everyone suppressed their emotions, not daring to laugh out loud.

The criminal acts the prosecutor had just listed were a real eye-opener. In their decades-long careers, this was unprecedented.

They had specifically appealed to evade punishment. But as a result, the moment the trial began, they faced new accusations that could lead to longer sentences, dragging a lawyer down with them.

"It really is the first time I’ve seen a trial where the lawyer might also end up behind bars."

"This lawyer’s really unlucky, huh? Did he actively instigate it, or was he pressured into it?"

"Judging by their expressions, they look completely bewildered. I guess they never imagined the prosecution had new evidence of their bribery."

"This is going to be huge. We’re in for a good show."

"..."

In the central area of the spectator seats.

Qin Mu listened to the whispers from both sides, his gaze fixed on Liu Qiao and his lawyer, a somewhat peculiar expression on his face. He’d sent countless defendants to prison, but this was the first time he’d encountered any who appealed only to end up with an even heavier sentence. To brazenly attempt to bribe judicial authorities during such a sensitive period... They were truly tired of living.

At the same time, this also explained why the Intermediate Court had approved the second trial. It was because the prosecution had obtained new criminal evidence. A second trial would only be approved if new evidence was discovered.

THUMP—

Simultaneously, the Judgment Chief struck the gavel. "Next," he announced sternly, "the defense may state its views regarding the prosecution’s accusations. Do you have any objections?" As he spoke, he looked towards Liu Qiao and Zhang Kuang.

On the defendant’s stand, Liu Qiao’s face was extremely grim as he frowned at his defense lawyer. At this moment, he felt like he wanted to die.

"This... th-this... Judgment Chief, could there be some mistake? How could we possibly..."

At the lawyer’s table, Zhang Kuang looked at the Judgment Chief, blinking repeatedly and making suggestive eye contact. He had previously delivered a large amount of cash to the court. At the time, they had all seemingly accepted the money. But now... he was suddenly being told he had committed bribery. Logically speaking, accepting the money implies tacit consent and acceptance.

"Please answer the prosecution’s accusations directly!" The Judgment Chief furrowed his brow and said coldly, "The cash you submitted to our court was immediately turned over to the procuratorate, untouched. This is the trial. Do you have any statements regarding the prosecution’s accusations?"

During this phase, it was necessary to summarize the points of contention based on both parties’ statements for a focused examination. And this lawyer... was actually making suggestive eye contact in open court. It was an outright insult to this sacred court.

"I... w-we..." Zhang Kuang broke out in a cold sweat as the Judgment Chief stared him down. Accustomed to using money to solve his problems... He suddenly realized that money was useless now. Because of this bribery attempt, he might even go to prison!

"Please answer the prosecution’s accusations directly!" The Judgment Chief scanned Liu Qiao and Zhang Kuang, repeating his demand sternly for the third time. But both men seemed completely stunned into silence. Neither Liu Qiao nor his defense lawyer could articulate any coherent response. The trial momentarily ground to a halt.

Minutes later, seeing that the defense still couldn’t offer any meaningful rebuttal, the Judgment Chief had no choice but to state, "Since the defense raises no objections, there are currently no points of contention in this case. Next, we will proceed to the presentation and cross-examination of evidence." This was one of the rare cases he had presided over with no points of contention.