mtlumby2d Chapter 358 The Confusing Ghost
Chapter 358 The Confusing Ghost
【Ding--】
[Warning! Due to the malicious tampering of the current character, the main plot has deviated significantly. The latest episode has been regenerated for you.]
[Warning: The current main storyline has deviated by 51%.]
[Warning: To protect the integrity of the main plot, if the plot deviates by more than 60%, the world will enter Book Spirit Guardian mode.]
Book spirit?
The two long-lost words made Jiang Huashan feel as if he had returned to several years ago.
"Shanshan?"
She lowered her eyes to look at the brazier at her feet, the bright orange light of the fire in her eyes.
Shen Jiao was puzzled, with a hint of concern on her smiling face, "What's wrong?"
Jiang Huashan slowly came back to her senses and looked up. Everyone in Shen Garden was smiling, and even Shen Qian looked elegant and amiable.
"What are you standing there for? You'll be safe and sound after you step over the fire basin."
Shen Zhuang specially signed the "Twenty-One Demands" before returning to China, and even emphasized the "Flower Sea Plan" to protect Jiang Huashan. This unique treatment once again refreshed everyone in the Shen family's perception of how favored Jiang Huashan is.
As soon as the international news ended, Shen Qian, Shen Yuan, Shen Che and Shen Rang immediately rushed to the court to pick up the person in person.
The sea of people in front of the court took a long time to disperse, and the scene that the reporter finally captured was that all members of the Shen family went out to welcome the legitimate princess of Jinggang home.
The group returned to the garden in a lively atmosphere. The steward had prepared the brazier and pomelo water according to Shen Qian's instructions early in the morning, which was full of ritual sense.
Jiang Huashan smiled and raised his leg to step over the flames.
Shen Qian was about to speak when Shen Jiao blocked his way. "Xiao Zhang, Shanshan has been exhausted these past few days. You should take her back to Juyuan to rest. The old man will be back in the evening. If he sees his precious granddaughter being tormented like this, we elders will inevitably be scolded again."
Shen Qian's expression changed slightly, and he smiled faintly, "Now that you're home, don't think about the past. Go back and have a good rest."
Jiang Huashan did not refuse and glanced at everyone one by one, "Thank you all for your concern."
After some false politeness, he turned around and followed Zhang Ru back to the Chrysanthemum Garden.
Shen Qian acted like an elder, "It's been a long time since our family sat together to drink tea and chat. Today is a coincidence, so let's get together."
Fu Sui'er was about to follow but Shen Mianzhi dragged him to Chunyuan.
"Why are you stopping me?"
Fu Sui'er looked back towards the corridor and saw Shen Qian leading everyone towards the main hall.
Shen Mianzhi said, "Grandpa will be back tonight. There are still many doubts about today's trial. My uncle and the others must have something to discuss."
Fu Suer, "That's why I want to go and listen."
Shen Mianzhi paused and looked over, "Suier, there has to be a place for us. Great uncle is not grandfather."
Fu Suier was startled and turned to look at Shen Mianzhi. Shen Mianzhi forced a smile and looked down at her, "Don't you think so?"
It is said that the daughters of the Shen family are noble, but apart from Shen Zhuang, the second branch only regards them as tools for marriage.
Fu Sui'er turned his head to look at the main hall again. The wooden door of the Twelve Flower Gods had been firmly closed from the inside.
No one cared at all whether they were absent.
Shen Mianzhi pushed the wheelchair to turn around, "It will happen. One day we will be able to walk in openly."
*
In the main hall, tea was overflowing.
Shen Qian sat upright in the main seat. "Ah Jiao, why is Shanshan's defense in court completely different from what we discussed beforehand? Shouldn't you have informed us brothers beforehand about your change of plan?"
Shen Jiao didn't bother to pay attention to him. She smiled without saying anything and took a sip of tea.
Seeing that she didn't say anything, Shen Qian turned to look at Shen Lanxi, "Lanxi, don't blame your uncle for being so nagging. Your father's Golden Spear honor is so precious. If you are not careful about this matter, even your father's wisdom will be affected. You should discuss it with us uncles before making a decision."
Shen Jiao put down the teacup and glanced at Shen Qian. Who was she pretending for? Wasn't it just because she was worried that Shen Lanxi was trying to win over the third room?
"Lan Xi..."
As soon as Shen Jiao opened her mouth, Shen Lanxi's expression was indifferent. "Uncle is right, but I have already called grandpa to ask."
Although Shen Qingyu died, the process still went on.
"..."
After he finished speaking, the four people opposite him were all stunned.
In the Shen family, Shen Xi's position is unshakable. It was precisely because the Shen family produced an unparalleled genius that the old man retired behind the scenes early and devoted all his energy to paving the way for Shen Xi.
After Shen Xi's death, the old man was devastated. No one could persuade him, so he lived alone in Shen Garden for two years, ignoring the world.
I didn't expect that in order to protect Jiang Huashan, people would even gamble the honor of being the legitimate son.
Shen Qian's expression changed slightly. Speaking of which, the old man's first long journey after two years was to Huaicheng.
At that time, everyone in the Shen family thought that the old man had finally figured it out, but they didn't expect that he suddenly brought back a girl.
Since Jiang Huashan came to Shen Garden, the old man slowly began to smile again and gradually walked out of Shen Xi's shadow. The Shen family also recovered from its decline.
Suddenly thinking of something, a dark light flashed in Shen Qian's eyes.
Fortunately, the adoption statement has not been made public, otherwise he would have been in trouble.
Shen Che noticed that the atmosphere was not right, and immediately stepped out to smooth things over. "Everyone is doing this for the Shen family. Now that Shanshan is back safely, we have lived up to everyone's expectations."
"Huh?" Shen Jiao snorted coldly, "Live up to everyone's expectations? I think some people here must be very disappointed, right?"
Shen Yuan frowned, "Ah Jiao, what on earth do you mean by being so sarcastic?"
"What do I mean? I also want to ask you what exactly you mean? Before the trial, we were the only ones who knew the defense's strategy, besides the lawyers. But today, the prosecutors were clearly well prepared, and they clearly saw through our defense strategy in advance. How could such a coincidence happen?"
Shen Rang's expression was serious. "Are you saying there's a traitor?"
Shen Guiling raised his eyes and glanced at everyone.
Shen Che glanced towards the second room, "Ah Jiao, don't say that. Do you have any evidence?"
Shen Yuan met Shen Che's gaze, his eyes sharp with a hint of hostility. "Where are you looking, Fourth Brother? What's going on? Are you from the Third Branch trying to make trouble for our Second Branch while the old man is away?"
"boom--"
Shen Qian slammed the table and scolded, "Enough! What about the second and third wives? It's fine for entertainment reporters to write such gossip, but why do you keep saying it? I've said it so many times! We are all family, so stop using such alienating words in the future."
Dividing the family into big and small houses is equivalent to acknowledging the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children. Wouldn't the big house always be superior to them?
Shen Yuan's face turned grim. "What do you mean by family? I'm afraid others don't think so. They've revealed the traitor? They're just looking for ways to cause trouble now that the old man is coming back."
Shen Qian pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Shen Jiao. "Do you have any evidence? You said it yourself, the defense materials were compiled by lawyers. You hired a team of lawyers with over a hundred people. With profit at the top of the list, there's no guarantee that there won't be people who will take advantage of you. Why don't you suspect outsiders, but only your own family?"
Shen Jiao, "Since I dare to hire those hundred people, I dare to believe it. You also said that profit is the most important thing. I am not exaggerating, no one in the entire Whale Port can afford the price I offer. As for you... that's hard to say."
Shen Yuan was furious. "You doubt us just based on this?"
Of course, there is more than one doubt.
Back in the detention center, Shen Jiao had asked Jiang Huashan why she had to answer the case herself. Jiang Huashan didn't explain, but simply said that he wanted to make a bet with her: on the day of the trial, the prosecutor would definitely take the initiative and not give her the opportunity to answer according to her prepared testimony.
Shen Jiao immediately realized that Jiang Huashan's defense was because she didn't trust the people around her, but she told her everything, which meant that the only person she trusted was her mother.
Shen Jiao immediately began to secretly check all the lawyers and even prepared several fake defense statements in advance for testing.
Today in court, as soon as the prosecution's indictment came out, Shen Jiao realized that Jiang Huashan's worries were not groundless, and there really was a mole among them.
The leaked information was the first defense statement, which meant that the suspicion of the Hundred-Man Group could be ruled out for the time being.
However, Shen Jiao did not intend to explain these reasons because she did not want anyone to suspect Jiang Huashan.
Seeing her silence, Shen Che tilted his head and asked quietly, "Have those lawyers checked?"
Shen Jiao's eyes were determined, and she shook her head, "No."
"Heh!" Shen Yuan sneered, "Look, outsiders don't investigate but instead start to suspect their own people."
Shen Rang said, "Stop being so sarcastic. I'll investigate this matter and give everyone an explanation."
Shen Yuan, "Confess? Confess to whom? You might be the traitor. Who would trust the person you found? I'm the one who should investigate this matter. It's not your turn to put the blame on us."
"Shut up, everyone." Shen Qian's face was gloomy. "Now that the old man is away, are you guys going to rebel?"
Everyone fell silent, looking at each other unfriendlyly.
Shen Lanxi didn't care about it and just drank tea calmly.
Shen Qian raised his eyes and asked, "Lan Xi, what do you think?"
Shen Lanxi was impartial. "I think what my second uncle said is right. Everything must be based on evidence."
Shen Yuan looked embarrassed. He had just said so much, how come only one of his words was right?
"There are indeed many doubts in today's trial. If Shanshan really answers according to the prepared defense plan, the Shen family will definitely be implicated. Therefore, the person behind this must be found."
Shen Lanxi is the only bloodline of the eldest wife and the heir personally designated by the old man. Even if he said so, it is difficult for everyone to refute him.
Shen Yuan, "Why would I doubt it? The problem must lie with those lawyers. You can't even write "Shen" with one stroke. If anything happens to the Shen family, we'll be implicated. Who would do such a stupid thing?"
Shen Jiao, "I'm afraid someone else has already made all the necessary preparations."
Shen Qian, "We are all members of the Shen family. How can we possibly bypass the Shen family with our complete preparations?"
As soon as the words fell, everyone's cell phones rang almost at the same time.
The ringing and vibration sounds came one after another. Before the Shen family could react, the tightly closed wooden door of Huashen was knocked open by someone from the outside.
Shen Mianzhi rushed into the living room breathlessly, "Something big happened!"
Shen Rang quickly stood up and supported Shen Mianzhi, "Zhizhi, don't panic, talk slowly."
Shen Mianzhi looked at Shen Qian with a complicated expression. "Jinggang Shizheng just released a statement that the Shen family has severed ties with Shanshan. The statement said... that Shanshan is not included in the family tree and is not a member of the Shen family at all. The person who made the statement was... my uncle."
Shen Lanxi was slightly stunned, and a fierce look flashed in her eyes as she looked at Shen Qian.
Shen Qian's eyebrows twitched suddenly, and he turned to look at Shen Guiling beside him. Shen Guiling was also shocked and shook his head almost imperceptibly.
How could the interaction between the two be hidden from the smart people present? Shen Jiao was immediately furious and stood up, pointing at Shen Qian. "The old man is not dead yet, and you, a bastard, dare to make a statement on behalf of the Shen family? Shen Qian! Aren't you going too far?"
Shen Qian wanted to explain, but Shen Jiao's scolding was too harsh. He had never endured such humiliation in all these years. He could only sneer and said, "I'm too lazy to argue with you. The old man will be back tonight, and it's not your turn to point fingers at this matter."
After saying that, he turned and left the main hall.
Shen Guiling stood up, glanced at Shen Lanxi, and quickly followed her out.
"dad."
After leaving the main hall, Shen Qian could no longer hide his murderous urge. He turned around the courtyard wall and kicked Shen Guiling in the stomach.
"Explain to me clearly what's going on. Didn't I tell you to stay at the trial and make sure there's no chance of winning before issuing a statement?"
Shen Guiling knelt on one knee, his face pale as he covered his lower abdomen and explained, "Dad, I have indeed withdrawn that statement. I don't know why this happened..."
"Waste. Really not presentable." Shen Qian's eyes were cold, and he left Shen Guiling alone and left Shen Garden.
After everyone left, Shen Guiling stood up expressionlessly.
*
After leaving Shen Garden, Shen Qian immediately called Mo Ran. He had to find out who was behind this.
As soon as the Shen family's statement came out, it immediately caused heated discussion. Jiang Huashan's suspicion had been cleared, but it was really inhumane for the Shen family to distance themselves from the matter at this time.
However, the heat of this incident was soon suppressed artificially, and even Jinggang Current Affairs, which issued the statement, suddenly disappeared.
Before the onlookers could react, another shocking piece of news broke out in front of Jinggang Court.
Hundreds of victimized girls hid in the crowd celebrating Jiang Huashan's innocence. Until Gong Yihui came out of the court door, they swarmed over, each holding an indictment in their hands, shouting, "Please save me, Mother Justice!"
This real-life version of stopping a car to appeal for justice quickly attracted nationwide attention.
The harsh winter comes at a time of great turmoil, and a new round of game has begun.
Gong Yihui stated in an interview that the court has accepted the case. Due to its complexity and wide-ranging implications, relevant departments have established a special task force. However, due to the difficulty in collecting evidence, the active cooperation of more victims is needed.
Finally, Gong Yihui bowed deeply to the camera and said, "Children, to ensure that the blood of the pioneers will not be shed in vain, please stand up bravely."
In the camera, Gong Yihui's temples are gray, and she is already in her twilight years, but her eyes are as firm as those of a young boy.
Shen Qian looked at the frozen scene in front of the TV and knew that the Su family had taken action.
The Fu family colluded with the church and used the church's convenience to train the upper-class nobles for XN characters and charged huge profits. Once this matter was exposed, not only the Fu family, but also many decision-makers at the top of the food chain in Country A would be dragged into the water. Unexpectedly, the Su family was the first to be exposed.
Just then, Mo Ran called.
"Sir, the young master did follow your instructions and retracted his statement after the court ruled him not guilty. It was Wen Yonghe, the editor-in-chief of Jinggang Current Affairs, who privately released your statement."
"What about others?"
Shen Qian's tone was cold. He had already selected the newspapers and the contact persons before letting Shen Guiling do the contact. If there really was a problem with the person, it would not be Shen Guiling's incompetence, but his.
Mo Ran, "Wen Yonghe boarded a flight out of Hong Kong five hours ago, and I also found out that there was a sudden additional remittance of two million in his name."
"Bring him back."
"Sorry, sir, it's too late. Wen Yonghe's flight was involved in a plane crash and all the passengers on board died."
Shen Qian hung up the phone and turned to look out the window, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
It seems that there really is a traitor in the Shen family.
……