Jiang Huaiyu frowned slightly, then suddenly gripped Cao Shuwan's arm tightly and forcefully pushed her sleeve up to her shoulder. What he saw was that her delicate, jade-like arm was covered with bruises, both old and new. When he lifted her trouser leg, the scene was equally shocking.
Her arms and legs were covered in scars, leading one to speculate that other parts of her body had also suffered similar injuries.
Witnessing Cao Shuwan's panicked expression, Jiang Huaiyu was deeply moved, even though it was their first meeting.
She turned to face the prison warden, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes seemingly flashing with icy fury.
"Before I stepped into this prison, I personally visited Magistrate Qiao. He told me that the verdict had not yet been handed down, and the government had only temporarily detained Miss Cao here without any conviction. May I ask the prison warden, where did these wounds on Miss Cao's body come from? Do you dare to use torture without authorization?"
Under her imposing aura, the prison warden was momentarily speechless and seemed somewhat stunned.
He had not expected that the young woman in front of him would not only show no fear after entering the prison, but would also suddenly unleash a power that sent chills down his spine, making him curious about her identity.
"Madam, you are mistaken. We are merely acting under orders. Without orders from our superiors, how could I dare to abuse the prisoners?"
Jiang Huaiyu pointed to the female prisoner beside her, her voice carrying an undeniable question, "Then these wounds, could they be the ones who did this?"
A hint of annoyance flashed in the prison warden's eyes. He glared at the group of female prisoners with displeasure and remained silent, which was tantamount to acquiescing to their actions.
Jiang Huaiyu finally understood why the prison warden had said those meaningful words to him when he first entered the prison.
Under the bullying of these female prisoners, Miss Cao endured merciless torture every day, yet she did not know how to resist. Perhaps she would not live to see the day of judgment and would perish in this inhumane environment.
A surge of anger rose within her. "Why are there still empty prisons, but Miss Cao can't be imprisoned alone?"
The prison warden sighed helplessly, "Those cells are specifically designed for male prisoners."
The prisoners in this jail were unruly and habitually bullied the weak and the many, including the women. Although he felt sympathy for the Cao family mother and daughter and wanted to help Miss Cao, Miss Cao was weak and vulnerable, and he was powerless to help her.
How could such a person commit murder?
Jiang Huaiyu gradually felt enlightened. Since it was impossible to move her to another place, Miss Cao had to cheer up first. Otherwise, she might die unjustly in prison before any evidence was found.
She gripped Cao Shuwan's hands tightly. "Miss Cao, please listen to me. I came here specifically to save you. You have half a month to clear your name. Tell me, what exactly happened that day?"
How could Cao Shuwan, with such a gentle and delicate personality, have a fierce conflict with someone?
However, Cao Shuwan seemed oblivious to the outside world, curling up in a corner, muttering to herself and repeatedly proclaiming that she had not killed anyone.
Jiang Huaiyu frowned as he looked at her dazed and confused appearance. If she remained silent, how could he possibly uncover any valuable clues?
Jiang Huaiyu was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, clapping her hands and praising, "Wonderful! Miss Cao is truly a model of filial piety."
Everyone was puzzled by what they saw and stared at her in bewilderment.
The prison warden asked, "Madam Bai, what is the meaning behind your words?"
Jiang Huaiyu simply stared at Cao Shuwan and continued, "When I heard of your misfortune, I traveled thousands of miles to Wusu while pregnant, and after many hardships, I finally met with Magistrate Qiao and managed to buy you half a month to prepare. Faced with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to overturn your case, you remained unmoved. That's one thing, but have you ever thought about how your mother feels?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Shuwan's eyes finally showed a subtle change, and she murmured softly, "My mother?"
“Your mother was already in poor health, and she became a beggar because of you. Now it seems that she is also on the verge of death.”
A glistening tear rolled down Cao Shuwan's cheek. "Mother..."
Jiang Huaiyu scrutinized her coldly, "You don't need to worry too much. Your mother is terminally ill, but if a skilled doctor is found to treat her carefully, she may be able to extend her life by three to five years. As for you, once the verdict is handed down, you may not even make it through this winter. That's why I said you are a filial daughter."
Cao Shuwan asked blankly, "Master, what exactly do you mean by that?"
“What I mean is, you had a chance to live, but you didn’t cherish it and willingly took the blame for someone else, leaving your mother to send off her black-haired daughter in her old age. This may be a tragedy in the eyes of others, but in my opinion, your mother should feel relieved to lose such an unfilial daughter. After all, if I had a foolish and weak daughter like you, I probably wouldn’t find peace even in the afterlife, so it would be better if I didn’t have one. If you really die, I would be happy for your mother.”
Jiang Huaiyu's words were harsh and sharp, leaving the prisoners in the jail stunned. Some of the female prisoners even whispered and laughed, until the prison warden glanced at them and they all shut up.
Cao Shuwan looked at her in astonishment, and after a moment of silence, she slowly said, "My master has traveled thousands of miles for me, and I am deeply grateful. I will not take your angry words to heart."
Jiang Huaiyu sneered, "You know it was just something I said in anger."
Cao Shuwan remained silent.
Jiang Huaiyu continued, "But the fact is, your mother has indeed become a beggar. You can ask the prison warden. You have a murder charge on your conscience, so you may be able to die easily, but have you thought about whether you want your mother to suffer with you after you die?"
Cao Shuwan burst into tears, her voice choked with sobs, "It's all my fault for being unfilial..." Her words were like tears of blood, deeply moving everyone present.
“You are truly unfilial. I must say, Aunt Cao’s fate is truly pitiful. She raised her daughter with great difficulty, but she did not enjoy a few days of peace. Instead, she suffered endless hardships.”
Hearing the accusations around her, Cao Shuwan finally couldn't hold back her tears. She choked out, "What can I do? Everyone accuses me of murder. Everyone bullies me and ostracizes me. What should I do? I've repeatedly declared my innocence, but has anyone believed me? Since the outcome is already predetermined, why make me suffer in this world? Just give me a sharp blade and let me end it all quickly..."
Jiang Huaiyu squatted down again, met her gaze firmly, and said, "I believe you."
His voice was filled with calm and firmness: "If you are truly innocent, then you must never give up hope of survival."
Looking into his unwavering eyes, Cao Shuwan's despair gradually began to waver.
"Really?"
How can you be sure if you don't try?
A struggle flashed in Cao Shuwan's eyes, and her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the group of female prisoners beside her.
Jiang Huaiyu noticed her trembling body and gently took her hand.
(End of this chapter)
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