CHAPTER 258: CHAPTER 258: THE MEDDLING DOG CATCHES MICE (3)_1

A rank above in officialdom suppresses people to death. The Shangguan Family and the Yu Family once again experienced this truth.

"Yes, Chairman, we understand."

Shangguan Hao and Yu Jiayong both saluted militarily, standing straight as arrows. Could it be that they would really have to swallow this matter, to have themselves and their families endure such humiliation?

"Today, I finally understand what it means that a rank above in officialdom suppresses people to death. Hmph, the word ’official’—no matter how you spin it, you lot always make it sound righteous." Shangguan You let out a cold laugh. Her aloof voice echoed in the heavy atmosphere of the interrogation room as she watched the repressed demeanor of her father and grandfather. Seeing those two old men use their authority to pressure her father and grandfather filled her heart with anger. They bullied my father and my grandfather, and now they dare to suppress others with their official position, just because their rank is higher!

If that’s the case, then these people can also be brought down. The position of Chairman—I believe my grandfather could hold it just as steadily.

"This is a military tribunal, not a place for you to speak recklessly. Likewise, freedom of speech is for the outside world, not here. So, speak cautiously. Don’t harm others or yourself, understand?" Vice Chairman Liu turned, glared at Shangguan You, and spoke somberly.

"I know this is a military tribunal. But as a minor, as a student, I want to ask: on what grounds did you bring us here? On what grounds did you hypnotize us? On what grounds did you restrict our freedom for over twelve hours? Did you ask for our opinion? Did we agree?"

Shangguan You retorted coldly, A military tribunal, so high and mighty? Damn it!

"As suspects, all citizens have a duty to assist us. As family members of military personnel, your obligation is even greater." Vice Chairman Duan swept a glance over everyone and calmly proclaimed, thus transforming their illegal abduction into ’assisting an investigation.’

"Suspects? Did we kill someone or start a fire? Or did we save dozens of people? What a lousy military tribunal! You have no sense of responsibility; whatever you say goes." Yu Zijin, seeing Shangguan You being questioned, immediately stood by her side and also questioned them coldly.

"That’s right. You forcibly brought the seven of us here, first threatening us, then interrogating us, and then hypnotizing us. Our personal autonomy has been threatened. We want to sue you."

Gui Mo’s peach blossom eyes narrowed as he spoke coldly, This bunch of scum! Scum! Today, I’ve really learned something. No wonder on TV it’s always the good people who suffer and the bad ones who thrive.

"We demand that the two Vice Chairmen, Minister Li, and the Secretary-General of the Li Family apologize for their words, actions, and unauthorized hypnosis. They must also provide compensation for mental distress. Otherwise, we will take this coercive action to the Supreme People’s Court and ask all citizens to bear witness." Shangguan You spoke coldly, looking at the arrogant people before her.

"That’s right," the others chimed in simultaneously.

Luo Jing and Luo Xiao nodded silently, showing their support. The people from the Shangguan Family and the Yu Family certainly have backbone. To think they could come up with such a response even in this disadvantaged situation!

"Your actions constitute assisting an investigation, so neither the People’s Court nor the military tribunal will accept your case. Furthermore, this behavior will not have any impact on you. So, you might as well go back and stop making a ruckus here," Vice Chairman Duan stated indifferently, signaling them to leave.

"Assisting an investigation still requires consent, not coercion. It seems your actions have already constituted coercion and unauthorized, illegal hypnosis," Luo Tong said lightly. He couldn’t stand it any longer. These Chairmen weren’t human; damn them for bullying people like this!

"That’s right! We are not military personnel. You can’t oppress us with your power! You can’t suppress us with your official position!"

A slightly higher rank—what’s so great about that? To actually oppress his most respected Commander in such a way, leaving them with grievances they couldn’t express!

The interrogation room was imbued with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere as Shangguan You and the others confronted the two Chairmen and the Li Family. Their fathers and grandfathers, being of lower rank, were being suppressed and commanded by military orders. If that’s the case, then it’s up to us to handle it, they thought.

CREAK. The door opened. A procession entered as if carried by a gust of wind, flanked by two rows of bodyguards in green uniforms marching with a formidable, tiger-like gait. In the middle, one person walked with an imposing stride. Behind them followed a man in black with a roguish smile and a distinguished air that made him stand out. Another elderly man, about the same age as Shangguan Zhi, also entered. Their arrival drew the intense gaze of everyone in the room.

Shangguan Zhi and Yu Zhibin’s faces lit up with delight, while the members of the Liu, Duan, and Li families looked stiff, even somewhat dismayed.

"What has happened here?" The man at the forefront, dressed in an old-style Zhongshan suit, his face exuding authority and intense pressure, directly took the main seat. This was none other than Chairman Fang, the highest-ranking official of the Military Commission.

"Chairman Fang, you must champion justice for our Shangguan Family! We’ve been utterly humiliated! How can our Shangguan Family maintain its standing in military circles after this?" Shangguan Zhi cried out with a pained expression, relief washing over him at Chairman Fang’s long-awaited arrival.

"Indeed, Chairman Fang, you must also advocate for our Yu Family!" Yu Zhibin added.

"Chairman Fang, and our Luo Family too! We need you to stand up for us! We’ve also been humiliated—beaten and unable to fight back! I remember the days when we followed you, old comrade, up treacherous mountains and through seas of fire, through wind and rain..." Luo Xiao began his lengthy speech.

"Alright, all of you sit down." Chairman Fang sighed inwardly. These old fellows really never give me any peace. I’ve only been gone for a little over ten days, and such an incident has already occurred.

After Chairman Fang’s arrival, everything that had just transpired in the interrogation room was recounted to him in detail.

"I just heard someone say there was oppression by power, by official position? What’s going on?" Chairman Fang wasn’t in a hurry to deal with their disputes. Instead, he questioned Shangguan You, who had spoken the loudest just now. They had overheard some of it at the door and naturally understood parts of the situation. Besides, I was dragged out of bed for this!