Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 539 - 217: Zhang Wei: Where Did My Client Go?_4

"Judgment Chief, Judges, at that time, Zhang Kuang told me that his cases had been ’fixed’..."

In order to drag Zhang Kuang down with him, he recalled everything Zhang Kuang had said. Back then, after his first trial concluded, he had been looking for a new lawyer. Zhang Kuang had volunteered, claiming he could help him secure an acquittal, or at the very least, get the sentence reduced to under ten years. And so, he had believed Zhang Kuang. But unexpectedly... later, when his other crimes were discovered, Zhang Kuang exposed his other accounts right there in court.

The Intermediate Court.

First Criminal Trial Court. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

At this moment, the spacious courtroom suddenly fell silent. After Liu Qiao finished speaking, everyone was plunged into silence. Zhang Kuang, seething with anger, shot him a murderous glare.

Meanwhile, at the defense counsel’s table, Zhang Wei wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and discreetly took a step away from Zhang Kuang. This classmate of his... seemed even more formidable than he had imagined. To think he had actually been involved in such major incidents!

In the gallery, Zhang Qingyuan, Li Weiguo, Song Tiancheng, Su Yongnian, and other elderly men stared in astonishment. It was a true eye-opener. The case... had once again taken an unexpected turn.

During the open debate phase, all participants in the litigation were allowed to speak. Liu Qiao’s statement had undeniably altered the course of the hearing.

"What does this mean, exactly? He’s ’fixed’ things before?"

"Doesn’t that imply... this lawyer succeeded in the past?"

"So, how exactly did he ’fix’ it?"

"Why do I feel like this whole affair is getting murkier and murkier?"

A murmur rippled through the onlookers, who then swallowed hard, a wave of fear passing among them. This case... it just seemed to grow larger and more entangled the further it was investigated. First, Liu Qiao had implicated personnel from several other hospitals. It was rumored that in a few days, their criminal activities would be tried collectively. And now, through Zhang Kuang, even past, settled sentencing cases were being dragged into the light.

This case... I’m afraid it will never be concluded, Qin Mu watched Liu Qiao’s "spectacular performance" and sighed softly. Who knows when this drama will finally end?

"Judgment Chief, don’t listen to his nonsense!" At the defendant’s stand, Zhang Kuang finally reacted and continued to defend himself. "My previous cases... that was because I discussed things with the victims’ families, appealed to their emotions, and reasoned with them. There was absolutely no bribery! I was just bragging back then; I absolutely didn’t..."

However, in the courtroom, the Judgment Chief furrowed his brows. After pondering for a moment, he announced, "This case involves newly surfaced criminal allegations against the defendant, Zhang Kuang. As the facts are unclear and require investigation, the hearing concerning him will be adjourned until such time as they are clarified. Bailiffs, remove the defendant for now. Today, we will first proceed with the case of Liu Qiao."

Subsequently, he paused Zhang Kuang’s sentencing hearing, turning the focus to Liu Qiao. With new alleged criminal acts, a hasty trial was not permissible; they needed to be investigated thoroughly.

Soon after, bailiffs stepped forward and escorted Zhang Kuang out of the courtroom. Only Liu Qiao remained in the dock. His defense attorney stepped forward once more to continue his defense, seeking a reduction in his sentence.

However, Liu Qiao’s illicit gains were so substantial that mitigation was exceedingly difficult.

Meanwhile, at the defense counsel’s table, Zhang Wei suddenly found himself idle, effectively benched. He stared blankly at the ongoing proceedings, his emotions in turmoil. In all his years as a lawyer, this was the first time he’d seen a client taken away mid-trial. Suddenly, he was rendered useless. Although it was the open debate phase, it felt awkward whether he spoke or remained silent. His client... wasn’t even present anymore. At this moment, he felt completely redundant.

Swallowing, he found his gaze drifting to the gallery, a sudden urge to sit there washing over him. Unfortunately, the gallery was full, entirely occupied by old men. Besides, during a trial, participants were prohibited from moving about the courtroom freely. So, he could only sit numbly at the defense counsel’s table, watching Liu Qiao’s lawyer speak, debating with the public prosecutor and the collegial panel. As for him... he could only twiddle his thumbs in boredom.