Chapter 114 Zheng's Father's Struggle, I Plead Guilty and Accept Punishment

The news of Father Zheng being sentenced to 13 years in prison spread quickly through their circle. In their world, countless people had been dragged down because their backers fell, but Father Zheng was definitely the first to be taken down by his own son.

"13 years?" When Su Qiaoer learned of this news, her tone held a hint of surprise. Upon hearing this, Father Su sighed.

"It's the latest news. 13 years. We just don't know yet if the Zheng family intends to file an appeal."

In reality, appealing is the right of every offender, though successful appeals are extremely rare. A successful appeal would imply that the first verdict was flawed. For such an outcome, there would need to be a major loophole in the evidence. However, the relevant authorities had been extremely cautious and thorough with this case, repeatedly verifying every piece of evidence to create an impeccable chain of evidence. Under these circumstances, the chances of a successful appeal were almost zero.

In fact, this was exactly what the lawyer had told Mrs. Zheng at the time.

"Madam, I can understand how you feel, but please believe that we have done everything in our power. We do not recommend that you file an appeal. A 13-year prison sentence is quite severe, but if you appeal, it is very likely that the sentence will be increased. That would be unwise, so we are more inclined to advise pleading guilty and accepting the punishment."

The lawyer also felt there was absolutely no need to appeal. After listening to the prosecution's chain of evidence, he had sensed how flawless it was. An appeal would not succeed, so why waste time? If the sentence were increased, it would be a case of the loss outweighing the gain.

"Is there really not even the slightest possibility?"

Mrs. Zheng was still a bit uneasy at this moment.

"Yes, there is truly not even the slightest possibility. If there were even a glimmer of hope, I would file an appeal, but as things stand, there is really no need."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zheng took a deep breath.

"I will meet with my husband in the Detention Center tomorrow. Let me communicate with him."

Since the court session had ended today, they would be able to meet in the Detention Center tomorrow. Many matters needed to be confirmed between the client and his family. Although the meeting time was limited—longer than before, but still only a mere hour and a half—it was necessary.

"Very well."

The lawyer would also accompany Mrs. Zheng to see Father Zheng. It could be said that this meeting tomorrow would determine a great many things.

Just like that, time slipped away bit by bit. Before they knew it, the next day had arrived.

Inside the meeting room of the Detention Center, the lawyer, Father Zheng, and Mrs. Zheng arrived.

At that time, it was obvious that Father Zheng was not in a good mood. After all, having learned he was to be sentenced to 13 years, whose mood could possibly be good?

"Mr. Zheng, since time is limited, we will get straight to the point. According to our firm's analysis, we do not believe that filing an appeal is a good choice right now, because the other party's chain of evidence is quite complete, and there is zero chance of a successful appeal."

"Furthermore, if the appeal fails, it is very likely that your sentence will be increased. Therefore, our recommendation is not to appeal and to simply plead guilty and accept the punishment. Of course, if you are determined to appeal, we will certainly support you with all our efforts."

After hearing this, Father Zheng raised his head to look at the lawyer before him. He took a deep breath and asked:

"So you're saying I have to stay in here for a full 13 years, right?"

Days without freedom were not easy. There was a hint of collapse in Father Zheng's tone as he spoke. Upon hearing this, the lawyer did not know what to say, but facts were facts, so helplessly, he could only nod.

"I spoke with Zheng Jie yesterday. His stance is that if we give him all of the Zheng family's remaining assets, we can get out."

If anyone else had said this, it would surely be a lie, but the person who said it was Zheng Jie. If he said it, it would surely succeed. While it wouldn't lead to an acquittal, getting medical parole would be no problem at all, and the entire process would be legal and compliant—as long as they were willing to hand over all remaining assets to him.

Upon hearing this, Father Zheng clenched his fists. He knew full well that Zheng Jie was just making an exorbitant demand, trying to snatch away their last remaining assets.

"How can we give it to him? If we give him everything, we will truly have nothing left. And even if I get out now, how are we supposed to live? We won't have a single cent left."

In the past, they had never considered money problems, but today is not what it used to be. Now, they must carefully consider their financial situation; after all, every second of life in this world costs money.

"But you have to stay in there for 13 years."

Mrs. Zheng's tone was full of heartache as she spoke. If not for Zheng Jie, the family of three would have seemed to be doing quite well. But with Zheng Jie in the picture, and given that this family had chosen to treat him poorly throughout the process, it was no wonder his revenge was so fierce and ruthless.

"But it's better than having nothing at all. I'll just stay in here. You and Xiao Tian must live well on the outside."

Father Zheng's tone was full of helplessness. At this moment, he was actually prepared to sacrifice himself. Suddenly, Father Zheng thought of something and looked at Mrs. Zheng.

"You must keep an eye on Xiao Tian during this time. Our family truly cannot withstand any more turmoil. If anything happens, you must stop him; otherwise, my sacrifice will have been for nothing."

Father Zheng knew his eldest son; he had absolutely no brains. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done things like this again and again. It could be said that he felt his eldest son bore at least 80% of the responsibility for the family ending up like this. But that was the child he loved most; even if he truly thought that way in his heart, he wouldn't say it out loud, because if he did, it might cause his eldest son to fall apart. How could he bear to see that happen?

"I know. Xiao Tian has also reflected a lot during this time. I think there shouldn't be too much of a problem. After this period passes, I will take him to live somewhere else. Once he detaches from the events here, perhaps his mood will improve."

Upon hearing this, Father Zheng nodded. He felt this was one of the few good options left. Otherwise, if he kept staying here, his eldest son's emotions might just collapse.

"It will be hard on you from here on out."

"It's nothing."

After Mrs. Zheng said this, she sighed. The atmosphere in the meeting room was extremely oppressive. At this moment, seeing that they had decided not to appeal, the lawyer knew his value here had ended, so he found an excuse and left, leaving the two of them alone.

After all, as husband and wife, they must have had a lot to say to each other at this moment.