The scope of probation... was also aimed at the maximum five-year probation for fixed-term sentences of less than three years. According to sentencing regulations, probation typically cannot exceed five years and applies to fixed-term imprisonments of less than three years. As for Zhao Dezhu, because he was a repeat offender, coupled with his poor attitude and extreme arrogance when confessing in court, he was sentenced to five years of fixed-term imprisonment and was therefore ineligible for probation. Additionally, several other elderly individuals who were particularly active and eager in the watermelon-stealing incident received fixed-term imprisonment of more than three years. Most of the elderly, however, were given probation.

"Why so many probations? But it’s acceptable. After all, at their age, jail would just be like a nursing home anyway."

"Probation could actually be a good opportunity to reform them. Reporting their daily activities and checking in regularly would be a chance for them to change."

"What about the fines and compensation ordered in the judgment? What if they don’t pay?"

I think, given their current behavior, they might just slack off during community corrections.

"..."

Inside the nursing home, upon hearing the first part of the judgment, Zhang Qingyuan and the others began discussing it again. They could all accept this outcome. The main offenders, like Zhao Dezhu and a few others, were sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment ranging from four to five years. Although they might be assigned to a prison ward for the elderly and disabled, the rest received probation, subject to strict community correction.

They were already aware of the complexities of probation. Beyond restricted movement, there were numerous rules and regulations, making it feel even more unbearable than imprisonment. Moreover, the judgment also required each of them to pay corresponding administrative fines and compensation. For the victims, this was undoubtedly the best outcome.

It’s worth noting that Hu Wenning had previously made repeated attempts to have her case properly handled, all to no avail. Only after considerable effort did she learn about this method of defending her rights.

"BANG—"

On the screen, the Judgment Chief paused for a moment and then continued to announce, "Now, I will read the verdicts for Zhao Fugui and 65 others:

Zhao Fugui, for the crime of concealing and hiding illegal gains and proceeds of crime, is sentenced to two years of fixed-term imprisonment.

Zhao Chang, for the crime of concealing and hiding illegal gains and proceeds of crime, is sentenced to one year and six months of fixed-term imprisonment.

Zhao Tianyi, for the crime of concealing and hiding illegal gains and proceeds of crime, is sentenced to one year and three months of fixed-term imprisonment.

Zhao Sui, for the crime of concealing and hiding illegal gains and proceeds of crime..."

Following this, a long string of verdicts was read out. Zhao Fugui and the others all received fixed-term imprisonment ranging from one to two years.

Back in the nursing home, after seeing this, Zhang Qingyuan and the others widened their eyes once more.

"What’s going on? Wasn’t Zhang Wei’s mitigation defense in court very successful? How come their sentences weren’t reduced?"

"This judgment is a bit strange. The sentences that should have been reduced weren’t, while those that shouldn’t have been all turned into probations?"

"Could there have been some mistake? Zhao Fugui and the others must be regretting it bitterly. Just for selling a few watermelons, they got two years."

"I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel quite satisfied. Could this be considered, in a sense, the sons paying for the fathers’ debts?"

"..."

This outcome once again exceeded their expectations. Zhao Fugui and the other middle-aged individuals were not given mere detention. Comparatively, being sentenced to one or two years for selling a few watermelons did seem somewhat excessive.

But... thinking of the sentences given to Zhao Dezhu and the others, they instantly understood. As guardians, knowing their parents were committing crimes, they not only failed to stop them but even abetted their wrongdoing. This was likely why they didn’t receive reduced sentences. The elderly, like Zhao Dezhu, were not suited for overly harsh punishments due to their physical condition, but their children were!

Furthermore, once their judgments took effect, their criminal records would follow them for life, having a significant impact on their direct descendants.

「Meanwhile, in Zizhou.」

In a district court, at the First Criminal Trial Court, the half-hour-long reading of the judgment document concluded.

Below the bench, Zhang Wei’s expression was quite peculiar.

"This... judgment, why does it sound a bit off?" Wang Dachui leaned forward, unable to refrain from muttering. "Didn’t we have the upper hand in the second half of the trial?"

Zhang Wei’s mouth twitched. This judgment... he also didn’t know what exactly had gone wrong. In the first half, due to Zhao Dezhu’s concealment and the principal’s attitude, his rhythm was disrupted, leading to a complete rout. In the second half, their defense had gained a significant advantage, and Zhao Fugui and the others had cooperated very honestly. Yet, unexpectedly, in the end, those who should have received reduced sentences didn’t, while those who arguably shouldn’t have, did.

Nearby, Zhao Fugui and the others, upon hearing their verdicts, showed expressions of panic and dismay. The words "fixed-term imprisonment" struck them to the core. Cold sweat broke out on many of their foreheads, their faces ashen. To think that helping sell a few watermelons would lead to this... They felt incredibly aggrieved and regretful. If only they had known, they wouldn’t have helped sell the watermelons no matter what.

On the other hand, Zhao Dezhu and the other grey-haired elderly individuals were comparatively calm, forming a stark contrast. According to their understanding, probation meant no jail time. Even if they did go to prison, it would be to a ward for the elderly and disabled. At worst, they would just consider it a change of scenery for their retirement.

"This judgment shall take effect from the date of issuance. Within fifteen days, if there is disagreement with this judgment, a request for a retrial may be filed with this court, or an appeal may be made to a higher court."

In the courtroom, the Judgment Chief looked at everyone. After speaking, he had the written judgments distributed. Once all 178 judgment documents had been handed to each person...