HBWMA -Chapter 353 Facing Trial

“Miss Jiang, it’s time to prepare for court.” Lawyer Chen held his briefcase, repeatedly checking the time on his wristwatch.

【Warning! Warning! Warning! The current plot has severely deviated from the main storyline. Please correct it immediately!】

【Warning! Main storyline deviation has reached 90%. The narrative world will be destroyed.】

【Warning! The current plot has severely deviated from the main storyline. Please immediately—】

【Ding—】

Sitting in the waiting chamber with her eyes closed to rest, Jiang Huashan finally forced the “voice of the narrative” out of her consciousness at the very last moment.

Ever since three days ago, her mind had been filled nonstop with these error alerts from the narrative system—so noisy that she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

A court staff member stepped forward to urge her, “The hearing is about to begin. Please get ready to take your seat.”

Countless media outlets were waiting for this moment. As the courtroom doors slowly opened, everyone’s gaze was drawn toward the entrance.

Accompanied by her lawyer and two court officers, Jiang Huashan walked into the defendant’s stand.

“Shanshan…”

Fu Sui’er’s heart clenched instantly, her hands gripping the wool blanket tightly.

Shen Jiao noticed her tension, gently patting her daughter’s back. “Trust her,” she whispered.

Shen Guiling and Shen Lanxi remained silent. If not for the fact that their eyes never once shifted away, no one could have detected even a trace of concern from their expressions.

At the same time, Jinggang’s major television networks were broadcasting the trial live.

In front of their screens, policymakers, strategists, and countless citizens of Country A were all watching this scene unfold.

The girl in the defendant’s seat appeared bare-faced, her eyelids drooping, completely lacking energy.

No one knew that her exhaustion came from the relentless noise in her mind. They simply assumed that the young girl had finally become afraid—after all, such a nationwide public trial was unprecedented in Country A.

Jinggang time, 10:00 AM—the trial officially began.

Gongyi Hui, now over fifty, appeared older than her actual age due to overwork. Following court procedure, she publicly read out the facts of the case, then asked Jiang Huashan in a gentle tone whether she had any objections to the video evidence. After receiving a response of no objection, she proceeded to read out the prosecution’s charges once more:

First, illegal possession of military firearms, in open violation of the Gun Prohibition Act.

Second, the use of cruel methods in committing homicide, with a nature so egregious that it violated the moral order of society.

During the initial evidence presentation phase, the prosecution pressed aggressively, leaving Jiang Huashan almost no room to explain.

“Was the person firing the gun in the video you?”

“Based on the record of two headshots, we have reason to suspect that you have received professional training.”

“Please answer yes or no.”

Jiang Huashan replied, “Yes.”

The prosecutor continued, “Under what circumstances would someone practice shooting skills so intensely without reason? Does this indicate premeditation on your part?”

Jiang Huashan thought for a moment. “Yes.”

The moment she said this, Lawyer Chen’s brows twitched, and he abruptly looked up at her. Perhaps everything had gone too smoothly—the prosecutor on the opposite side was momentarily stunned as well.

Murmurs erupted among the audience in the gallery, people turning to one another in hushed discussion.

“Order!” Gongyi Hui struck the gavel to maintain order in the courtroom.

The prosecutor then submitted the victims’ information. “Your Honor, there were eight people at the scene—three dead and five severely injured. According to forensic analysis and professional assessment, the shooter was not only highly skilled, but the firearm used was also quite unusual—compact and refined, with a specially modified magazine, highly similar to the standard-issue weapon of the 313th Female Battalion. Considering the suspect’s identity, we reasonably suspect that the weapon in her possession was military equipment from national defense supplies.”

At these words, a dark glint flashed in Shen Jiao’s eyes, and the courtroom once again erupted into an uproar.

If the trial continued in this direction, the consequences would be severe. Even the Shen family would not be able to withstand the accusation of illegally mobilizing national defense resources.

In front of the television, Fu Lingnan revealed a satisfied smile.

He had planted this move long ago. If the Shen family thought they could fool the public with some under-the-table deal, that depended on whether he would allow it.

A mere inexperienced little girl—she only dared to defend herself because she had her family backing her. He wanted to see just how the Shen family planned to turn the tide relying on a single adopted daughter.

Gongyi Hui finished reviewing the materials submitted by the prosecution and passed them to the jury for further examination.

“Does the defendant have any objections?”

Jiang Huashan shook her head. “No. They are indeed military supplies.”

“…” The prosecution’s guarded expression froze instantly. Had she realized there was no way out and simply given up resisting?

As soon as she finished speaking, the courtroom fell silent—then erupted once more.

“Order!”

Gongyi Hui struck the gavel again to restore order.

Jiang Huashan remained composed, her attitude calm and proper. “Your Honor, my lawyer told me that every citizen has the right to freely express their views. The prosecution has finished speaking—may I begin my defense now?”

Before the trial began, Gongyi Hui had not only read all the case materials but had even looked into Jiang Huashan’s school records over the past three years. She quite liked this seemingly eccentric girl.

So even though Jiang Huashan’s behavior didn’t fully conform to courtroom norms, the gentle and fair judge couldn’t help but show a bit more leniency.

“Not yet, child. The prosecution must finish their final statement before it’s your turn.”

Jiang Huashan nodded, leaning back against the defendant’s seat, raising an eyebrow at the prosecutor across from her.

“…” It was the first time the prosecution had encountered such an arrogant defendant. He picked up the prepared documents and began reading the charges. “In summary, we request the court to find Jiang Huashan guilty of illegal possession of military firearms and aggravated murder, and to sentence her to life imprisonment.”

“I **** you *****!”

Before the prosecutor even finished speaking, Shen Jiao suddenly exploded from the gallery. She tore the large pearl from around her neck and hurled it straight at his face.

The profanity was so vulgar that no one reacted immediately. By the time they came to their senses, the prosecutor was clutching his bruised eye, nearly collapsing.

Court officers rushed forward to intervene. Shen Lanxi stood up immediately, bowed slightly toward the bench in apology.

Meanwhile, Shen Guiling smiled and blocked the officers outside the seating area.

As for Shen Jiao, she acted as if nothing had happened, smoothing her hair before sitting back down.

Gongyi Hui said, “Please remain calm. Any further disruptions will result in immediate removal.”

Shen Jiao only smiled, ignoring her completely, her gaze fixed on the prosecutor who had just spoken.

The man clenched his teeth, not daring to look up or meet her eyes.

Gongyi Hui signaled the staff to hand the prosecution’s evidence to Jiang Huashan for review.

“It is now the defendant’s time to present her defense. You may respond freely to the prosecution’s charges.”

Jiang Huashan nodded. “First, I admit the gun is military equipment. But I do not believe I am guilty—because I stole it.”

The prosecutor immediately seized on what he thought was a loophole. “Objection! Military armory weapons are not items one can simply steal like goods from a store. How could an ordinary person possibly have access to military supplies?”

“Because I am not an ordinary person.”

Jiang Huashan lifted her head, her gaze filled with disdain.

“In the history of Country A, there have only ever been ten Seven-Star Generals. Each one achieved extraordinary military merit and was awarded the nation’s highest honors. Among them, four were granted the title of Golden Gun General. Would you like to take a look at the serial number on my handgun’s magazine?”

Everyone froze.

They were stunned.

Was there really such a clause in Country A’s constitution?

Jiang Huashan smiled faintly. “Not in the constitution—in military law. The four Golden Gun Generals are the late General Guo, the late General Qian, the Commander-in-Chief of Jinggang Military Commission, Marshal Shen Yuan…”

“And…”

“The only one still alive today—my grandfather, Shen Zhuang.”