Chapter 230: Punishment by the masses are rarely good
Societal punishment due to norms wasn't the best framework in any law. It was never the correct way. People always thought these kinds of punishment were the best until it fell upon them.
There was no so-called fairness in the world, even worse in this particular punishment. They were based on public opinions, a tool easily manipulated by the powerful to their will.
When public anger rose and some people manipulated them to their advantage, it became scary. Such was the dark times during the medieval era when religions suppressed many dissidents or any one in doubts.
The worst example should be the eradication of the witch movement. Any women exceeding what they considered the norm were quickly judged.
Another close example was accusing the woman of adultery case. In historical records, the punishments were so appalling for the females yet none even damaged the men. Some women might be willingly doing it while others were forced.
But because the law heavily relied on the social norms rather than heeding toward fairness, it was impossible for a true judicial system to appear.
The unfair treatment was caused by the societal punishment. Based on the horrific consequences, the truth leaned toward more women wrongly accused or forced.
Ling Qingyu read so many stories about how women fought against one another and eliminated their competitors to their marriage partners. Or how the men forced the woman and got away, by simply labeling the woman as slut. They might be fiction but the event depicted the realities.
In the modern era, things got better and no longer depended too much on society views but rather on the evidence. However, some countries adhering to traditional value existed.
Traditions weren't bad but changes were meant to happen and people must adapt to an era. Staying behind based on ancient words only represented foolishness and blind faith.
Ling Qingyu abhorred social punishments, where most were controversial, hurting more innocents than the real bad. Her cheap sister's experience was the same.
The keyboard warriors and many people scolding her sister on the internet were exactly public punishment utilized by people with interest.
The public thought they were pursuing justice but in Ling Qingyu's eyes, they were a mere mascot bending to others' will without independent thinking.
Some might only be venting their burden and pressure off on the internet. This possibility couldn't be neglected.
In any case, regardless of society's horrifying actions—cyberbullying or more—no one ever had remorse, thinking they had done something wrong.
Many cases where people suicided because of depression or suffered anxiety disorder and had to undergo treatment, came up, yet people ignored their mistakes and moved on as if their actions weren't their own.
No responsibility for their words and remarks. No apology in the slightest sincerity apart from a very few. The victims suffered a dumb loss without receiving any justice.
This particular tragedy occurred because people knew their actions didn't have consequences. It was one aspect, regarding freedom of speech and the online world, which lacked judicial control, leading to these results.
People were still battling over the internet regarding this issue but one thing was certain—actions should have consequences.
Normally, Ling Qingyu wouldn't bother to care what the keyboard warriors did or who suffered public pressure. Nonetheless, Ling Qingyu couldn't ignore when Ling Yunxiang became the victim.
Since the legal consequences for the perpetrators were close to none, Ling Qingyu sought her own method. It was direct and fruitful. If she went through legal means, she was certain to stop her sister's suffering but wouldn't receive any statements.
If in any case, they wouldn't receive a dime from the perpetrators, why should she act soft.
The wealthy individuals around Ling Qingyu's table soon focused on her after laying their eyes on Ling Yunxiang. More eyes than ever before with a taste of inquiry.
They recalled both of their surnames were Ling and their eyes shone with glimmer in understanding. Since the two were relatives, it made sense for Ling Qingyu to take action.
The more they stared at Ling Qingyu, the more mysterious she became. Ling Qingyu sat down like a goddess in heaven, full of mystic aura yet strong vibes, overlooking the mortal world.
People could never understand her method. One ingenious way after another popped out of her hand like magic.
Or Ling Qingyu might have some relations with a prominent hacker to request help for Ling Yunxiang. People believed she was related.
Since their thoughts ran in this direction, people from the Qin family thought the same. Naturally, they moved for collective punishment. They could never swallow their defeats.
But Ling family wasn't a soft persimmon and naturally fought back. Ling Qingyu also prepared plans should Qin family reach out to her.
Yang Qingyue's protection solved the problems. Officials related to Qin family could indeed continue pursuing but were afraid of the consequences if no evidence or handles were found.
With Yang Qingyue's backing, Ling Qingyu's lawsuit could even bring them down from the positions, in which they had spent thousands of hours and buckets of sweat. The losses outweighed the gains.
The only loss Ling Qingyu had was her identity and actions were now on the radar sooner than she had planned. Given the short respite, she should quickly build her foundation for the empire she dreamed of.
"When are you going to say something about your sister and the mess you made recently?" Yang Qingyue said, as she lightly grasped Ling Qingyu's hand. "Are you preparing to hide anything? Or you just don't trust me?"
"Of course not, Sister Yang. I plan to tell you later." Ling Qingyu patted the policewoman's hand and reassured her. "I'm not sure of your action until you speak now. But I promise to tell everything when we're alone."
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"You better be." Yang Qingyue scolded and smiled. "I don't like you choosing this path."
Ling Qingyu sighed and shook her head in dismay. "Sometimes, we don't have the so-called path. Situation drives us." She said. "You have to understand—when you fight demons, you become a demon yourself. It's just whether your self-control has the final victory that matters."
"Stop your preachings. Whether it's useful or beneficial, I just don't like it when someone breaks rules." Yang Qingyue quickly added seeing Ling Qingyu open her lips. "And don't say rules are meant to be broken again."
"Okay, I won't say that, as you wish." Ling Qingyu affirmed Yang Qingyue's words. "Don't worry, my actions are all for righteousness though my methods are questionable my goals remain firm and strict to my values. And Sister Yang should know mine very clearly."
"You always have thousands of excuses for your actions." Yang Qingyue said, depressed, smacking her forehead. "When will I ever win an argument with you?"
Ling Qingyu smiled gently. With Miss System's training, you're impossible in this life.
Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue rolled their eyes at Ling Qingyu's heartwarming moment.
Ling Yunxiang and Zhao Xiurong exchanged glances in a strange atmosphere. The former understood what was going on but the latter was confused. Why she comprehended every word but none of them made any sense?
She hoped she felt wrong—everyone except her knew what was happening to President Ling.