Two days later, the magistrate’s office reached a verdict. Song Jingcheng, having conspired with outsiders to steal Song Jinxiu’s dowry, was found guilty beyond a doubt and sentenced to ten years in prison.
The thugs and ruffians involved were all captured as well. Aside from this recent heist, their past crimes were unearthed and added to their sentences; due to the gravity of their offenses, they were all sentenced to death.
By the time the bailiffs tracked them down, the items from the dowry had already been fenced for silver, and most of that money had been squandered. In the end, Song Jinxiu reclaimed less than half of what was hers. She sold everything, took the money, and left Yulan Courtyard. No one knew where she had gone. Before leaving, she dismissed the servants and didn't even tell Yao Yun'er; she simply vanished without a sound.
Chapter 205