Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 631 - 240 Qing Lan’s God-Level Performance_4

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the laws Qing Lan was citing were aimed directly at him.

"But their actions clearly constituted the crime of gathering a crowd to disturb social order..." Qing Lan declared, continuing her presentation in front of everyone. She went on to recite all the legal provisions Qin Mu had sent her, enumerating the six major crimes these seniors were suspected of committing. That’s right, six crimes. These included: picking quarrels and provoking trouble; gathering a crowd to assault state organs; gathering a crowd to disturb social order; theft; robbery; and destruction of property. After each crime, she thoroughly explained the corresponding sentence. Of course, she didn’t explain the principle of sentencing based on the most serious crime.

As Zhou Yuantu listened to Qing Lan’s explanation, he went from being surprised to utterly shocked. He hadn’t fully mastered all the criminal laws Qing Lan was citing. But he was certain her articulation of the legal articles, the elements of the offenses, and their corresponding sentences was flawless. Her professionalism was exceptionally high.

So, she’s the expert advising Hu Wenning, he thought, looking at Qing Lan with a complex expression. Only someone with such a crystal-clear understanding of the law could devise such a methodical plan: first, the real-name report, then reporting the melon-selling. She laid everything bare, putting me on the spot and forcing my hand. Every step has been perfectly calculated.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Qing Lan’s words also stunned the elderly people on the ground, leaving them flustered. Cold sweat beaded on many of the seniors’ foreheads. Their words became jumbled. They gathered around Zhao Dezhu, carefully exchanging thoughts.

"Brother Zhao, how... how did we commit so many crimes? Why such long sentences?"

"I just calculated; adding up six crimes, we could be sentenced to over twenty years!"

"Brother, you have the longest sentence; it seems to be over thirty years."

"What do we do now? Should we just leave?"

A tense silence followed, thick with unspoken fears.

Qing Lan’s words had completely shattered their confidence. They, who didn’t understand the law very well, felt that everything Qing Lan said seemed to be correct. If judged according to those legal provisions, they really had committed those six crimes. If they were truly sentenced, they feared they would be locked up until they died.

"Shut up!" Zhao Dezhu’s face turned livid as he glared at the others. He snorted coldly. "She’s definitely bluffing us! Some guy in the village next door killed three people and was only sentenced to seventeen years. How could we possibly get more than twenty years? Besides, at our age, what are we afraid of, going to jail? Also, we are all over seventy-five years old. For some minor crimes, we won’t be detained or sentenced."

He had already been diagnosed with cancer and didn’t have long to live. As for the others, they were in their seventies and eighties; it seemed impossible for them to live another twenty years. This so-called sentence actually didn’t mean much to them. Hearing him say this, the others also felt relieved.

However, Qing Lan stepped forward again and proposed, "Zhou Suo, since these seniors claim to feel unwell, I suggest we first have a doctor come to verify their health condition before deciding whether to take them into custody. For those in poor health, release pending trial could be considered."

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Dezhu and the others all raised their heads, their gazes fixed on Qing Lan. They didn’t quite understand her last two sentences.

But Zhou Yuantu heard everything clearly, his expression lit up slightly. After listing the six potential crimes the seniors faced, Qing Lan had now proposed a more reasonable path forward: first, ascertain their physical condition. Those in good health could be detained pending prosecution and trial by the court. Those in poorer health would receive special consideration, remaining out of custody while awaiting their court hearing. This solution was entirely consistent with legal procedures—both reasonable and lawful.

He was hesitating when he heard Qing Lan add, "According to the Criminal Law, except for minors under the age of fourteen, anyone who commits a crime must be detained while awaiting the court’s trial and verdict. Even elderly persons over the age of seventy-five or individuals with mental illness are no exception."