The Final Ruling

Spring in Gedu finally carried warmth.

Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting a warm glow as it reflected off the windows of the Royal Grand Hotel.

Inside the suite, packed suitcases stood neatly against the wall.

Lou Mengling and Lin Shuhan were carefully folding Lu Shi'an's tiny clothes one by one, placing them into a separate baby suitcase.

Their faces brimmed with unrestrained joy and anticipation.

Everything was waiting for that final signal.

The signal arrived quietly at two in the afternoon.

No press conference, no official announcement.

Only a notice, tucked away in the most inconspicuous corner of the J Country Supreme Procuratorate's official website.

The title of the notice was unremarkable:

"Announcement Regarding the Conclusion of the Investigation into the Case Involving Xia Country Citizen Mo Qingli."

The body consisted of just a few lines.

The wording was precise, laden with legal terminology.

The core message was singular:

After a comprehensive review, no evidence was found to suggest that Mo Qingli had engaged in any activities violating J Country's laws.

Effective immediately, all restrictions on her were lifted, restoring her full freedom.

A belated exoneration, nearly three years overdue.

In an almost perfunctory manner, it declared the end of this globally watched standoff.

Lu Jinlin's legal team immediately relayed the news to Lu Chenyuan.

Lu Chenyuan glanced at his phone, his expression calm.

He walked over to Mo Qingli, who was gently tucking a thin blanket over their sleeping son.

"Qingli," he said softly.

"Hmm?"

"It's official."

Mo Qingli paused mid-motion.

She looked up, meeting Lu Chenyuan's gaze.

No excitement, no tears—just the quiet understanding and serenity of two people who had weathered storms together.

As if this were nothing more than an inevitable milestone in their long-planned journey.

"I see," Mo Qingli replied.

She leaned down, pressing a kiss to her son's warm cheek.

"Shi'an, we can go home now."

Lu Chenyuan moved closer, wrapping his arms around his wife as they both gazed at their son. Softly, he echoed,

"Shi'an, we can go home now."

……

The seemingly insignificant announcement was like a depth charge dropped into the global media’s turbulent waters.

At first, it sent out only small ripples.

Within minutes, it had stirred a tidal wave.

Major news agencies worldwide almost simultaneously pushed the story as breaking news of the highest urgency.

"J Country Declares Mo Qingli Innocent!"

"Three-Year Standoff Ends in Victory for Xia Tech Giant!"

"A Country’s Defeat? Major Shift in J Country’s Foreign Policy!"

In an instant, the world’s attention refocused on Gedu.

On that suite atop the Royal Grand Hotel.

The hotel’s phone lines were overwhelmed.

Within half an hour, the lobby below was swarmed by journalists from across the globe.

Cameras and microphones were trained on every entrance, every exit.

Like sharks scenting blood, they clamored for even a glimpse of this historic moment.

The entire hotel entered an unprecedented state of high alert.

Ambassador Li Wenbo’s call came through swiftly.

"Mr. Lu, congratulations," Li Wenbo said, his voice brimming with genuine delight.

"Thank you, Ambassador, and to all your colleagues for your hard work these past three years."

Lu Chenyuan’s gratitude was sincere—for their efforts, for every bit of support during those long years.

"It was our duty," Li Wenbo replied.

After a pause, his tone grew serious.

"You’ve seen the situation outside. What are your plans?"

"A press conference," Lu Chenyuan answered.

"To clarify everything at once."

"Understood," Li Wenbo said without hesitation.

"I’ll arrange it immediately. The venue will be the hotel—rest assured, security won’t be an issue."

After hanging up, Lu Chenyuan turned to Mo Qingli.

"Shall we do it together?" he asked.

He meant bringing Lu Shi'an along.

Letting their son witness his parents’ triumph.

Mo Qingli nodded without hesitation.

"Of course," she said, her gaze tender yet resolute.

"Our family stays together—always."

……

Just as global media braced for the press conference scheduled in an hour, J Country’s national television abruptly cut to a special broadcast.

The President of J Country was about to deliver a nationwide address.

This was highly unusual.

In J Country’s parliamentary system, the presidency was largely ceremonial.

Only during moments of national crisis or celebration did the President step forward to communicate so directly.

On screen, the President stood in a dark suit, a purple tie—symbolizing "uniqueness" and "autonomy"—knotted at his collar.

His expression was solemn, steady.

Behind him, the national flag of J Country.

He began speaking, his voice carried by radio waves to every corner of J Country—and to the world beyond.

"My fellow citizens,"

"Today is a special day."

"It marks the end of an old era, and the dawn of a new one."

……

His speech never once mentioned Xia Country, nor did it utter the name "Mo Qingli."

He spoke of J Country’s history, of its future.

He emphasized that J Country was an independent nation, with the sacred right to choose its own path.

He recounted J Country’s historical contributions as an ally of A Country.

Yet he also pointed out that, in the new global landscape, a one-sided, unequal alliance no longer served J Country’s national interests.

"The world is diverse,"

"And so too should our friendships be."

"We honor history, but we must also embrace the future."

"An open, inclusive, and equitable future."

"A future built hand in hand with all peace-loving nations."

He concluded with a weighted statement:

"J Country will stand among the world’s nations with greater maturity, greater confidence. We will create a more just and prosperous environment—for our people, and for our friends."

This speech was a political manifesto.

It provided the most authoritative endorsement for Mo Qingli’s exoneration.

It seemed to tell A Country outright: The times have changed.

It seemed to whisper to Xia Country: The foundation for cooperation is laid.

And it declared to the world: J Country will be master of its own fate.

With this masterful political address, the President of J Country secured dignity—for himself, and for his nation.

He framed a forced compromise as a deliberate strategic pivot.

Lu Chenyuan and Mo Qingli watched the entire speech from their suite’s television.

"J Country has no shortage of shrewd politicians," Mo Qingli remarked.

"Indeed," Lu Chenyuan agreed. "A clever opponent who knows how to adapt."