Chapter 549 - Chapter 549: Rather Die
Chapter 549: Rather Die
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Generally speaking, challenging a verdict required filing an appeal. However, in ancient times, once a person confessed and a judgment was rendered, the opportunity for appeal was nonexistent. Logically, imprisoned individuals lacked the liberty to appeal.
If there was a desire to overturn a case, it fell upon the shoulders of the implicated person’s relatives to voice their grievances. The hierarchical structure left no room for jumping levels.
Su Bin expressed a willingness to show leniency; upon the appeal by Chen Lin’er’s relatives, he would reconsider the case.
Nevertheless, Mr. Chen took matters into his own hands and hinted to Chen Lin’er that the new governor might be able to vindicate her.
Chen Lin’er, however, rebuffed the offer. “I did commit murder. There’s no justice.”
Mr. Chen reminded her, “While you did take a life, circumstances matter. If there’s evidence supporting the notion that the person you killed deserved it or if you had no alternative at the time, the verdict could differ.”
Coldly, Chen Lin’er inquired, “How would it differ?”
Mr. Chen elucidated, “You wouldn’t face the death penalty.”
Scoffing, Chen Lin’er replied, “Really?”
“You won’t face execution, but you might be sentenced to serve in the army,” Mr. Chen explained. “You could be sent to a military camp, potentially facing a life of servitude as a means of contributing to the country.”
“From now on, I’ll be a slave for the rest of my life. Even if I bear children, I’ll be perpetually bound to servitude, continuing to serve the country.”
“Is this why the governor wanted you to convince me to alter my confession?”
“It’s termed ‘waste utilization,’ isn’t it?”
Chen Lin’er’s emotions surged as she neared the end, her excitement uncontrollable.
“Go back and relay to your governor that his efforts are in vain!”
“Not to mention his inability to resist those influential figures, even if he could, I’d sooner face death than alter my confession! I won’t endure the
hardships of a military camp!”
“In just three months, autumn will arrive, and I’ll be reunited with my family. Hahaha, I’ve been longing for this day!”
Mr. Chen was visibly taken aback.
Chen Lin’er’s words cut deep, defying expectations.
She didn’t resemble a woman sheltered from the harsh realities of the world.
Yet, Mr. Chen had pored over Chen Lin’er’s background. She was merely an uneducated girl who had escaped from rural life.
Chen Lin’er, an orphan from another city, had wandered into Shanglin Prefecture at the tender age of seven or eight. She had begged for food alongside others fleeing the wilderness, surviving on the streets of Shanglin Prefecture. When she was on the brink of starvation, her in-laws had found her and brought her into their home.
Clad in tattered boys’ clothes at the time, it was only upon closer inspection that they realized she was a girl.
Her husband’s family, known for their kindness, had offered her the chance to stay as a child bride. After a few days of observation, she had silently agreed.
When she washed the dirt from her face and donned the girl’s clothes, everyone realized she was a beauty.
Since joining her husband’s household, their lives had steadily improved.
Initially, her father-in-law assisted the boss in managing the shop and worked as a waiter. Eventually, he ventured into his own business, saved money, and acquired two interconnected shops.
Chen Lin’er opened a grocery store, got married, and gave birth to a son and a daughter.
As their lives flourished, an unfortunate series of events abruptly shattered their family.
Mr. Chen conveyed to Su Bin everything Chen Lin’er had uttered, capturing her anger and despair.
Su Bin was puzzled.
Why would Chen Lin’er say such things?
Had someone coerced her into signing the confession with threats?
Choosing a straightforward death would spare her from torture.
She preferred death over the prospect of becoming an official prostitute.
Unable to comprehend, Su Bin confided in Qin Zhenzhen.
“Wife, help me understand why Chen Lin’er became so distressed at the mention of going to a military camp as an official prostitute, losing control in the process..”