Time passed quickly, and three days had soon arrived.

During these three days, Jiang Li did nothing at the estate except care for Xue Huaiyuan alongside Ye Mingyu, just as she had done before in Tong County. Every day, she also had someone go to the inn where the Tong County villagers were staying to check on their well-being.

As an important witness, Feng Yutang had already been taken into custody by the Ministry of Justice, and the villagers also needed proper protection. Jiang Yuanbai, acting contrary to his usual behavior, had not visited Jiang Li again. He was likely troubled himself. If the Xue family case truly implicated Right Chancellor Li’s household, Jiang Yuanbai would naturally be caught in a difficult position.

Jiang Li did not mind that Jiang Yuanbai was not helping her. As long as he did not listen to Ji Shuran’s pillow talk and create obstacles for her at this critical juncture, it was already quite good. Of course, since Emperor Hongxiao had personally promised to supervise this case with his imperial word, even if Jiang Yuanbai truly wanted to obstruct it, he would be powerless.

She could only quietly wait for the day of the trial to arrive.

When that day came, Jiang Li rose very early. Emperor Hongxiao had said he would hear the case before the throne, so Jiang Li had to enter the palace. This was different from entering the palace for the previous palace banquet. This time, she would undoubtedly draw the attention of Prince Cheng, Princess Yongning, and Shen Yurun. Princess Yongning was utterly mad—she might dare to make a move against Jiang Li even within the palace. Yet one could not bring weapons into the palace. Even the dagger Jiang Jingrui had given her could not be brought this time.

At this moment, Jiang Li actually envied Ji Heng’s fan. After all, Ji Heng could swagger into the palace carrying that fan of his. The fan looked so gorgeous and exquisite that no one would suspect it was a lethal weapon capable of taking lives with each opening and closing.

The more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it becomes—just like the fan’s master.

While she was lost in thought, Tong’er smiled behind her and said, “Miss, your hair is done. How does it look?”

Jiang Li looked at herself in the mirror. Tong’er had skillful hands, but Jiang Li had only asked her to arrange a simple black gauze bun. Above the hair covered in black gauze, there were no ornaments at all. Yet it made her face appear pure white, her features delicate and beautiful, even more refined and otherworldly.

Tong’er, who had originally thought Jiang Li was dressed too plainly, became satisfied as she looked at her, saying, “Miss, you look so beautiful. Any hairstyle suits you.”

Bai Xue brought over a cloak, hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Miss, isn’t this outfit too plain? Will the master be angry?”

Jiang Li took the snow-white cloak and draped it over herself, saying, “It’s fine. Only by dressing like this can I show how seriously I take the Xue family case.”

She turned around, dressed in white with black hair, strikingly beautiful beyond words, and said, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Yuanbai’s carriage was already waiting outside. As a court official, Jiang Yuanbai would also attend to observe this trial. However, family members did not need to enter the palace together. Just as Jiang Li stepped out of her courtyard, she encountered Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran paused in her movements and smiled at Jiang Li, “Li’er, entering the palace so early?”

“It seems Second Sister is eager to enter the palace to clear the Xue family’s name,” Jiang Youyao said with a cold laugh. “I didn’t know our family had a young lady who wants to be an upright magistrate. Let’s hope she doesn’t bring disaster upon our household instead.”

“Youyao!” Ji Shuran stopped Jiang Youyao’s words and apologized to Jiang Li, “Youyao is just joking. Li’er, please don’t take it to heart.”

Jiang Li smiled slightly and said, “It’s fine.” She stepped aside, walked past the mother and daughter without saying another word. Yet the more she acted this way, the more furious Jiang Youyao became. She increasingly felt that Jiang Li did not take her seriously at all. She stomped her foot secretly and said through gritted teeth, “Mother, look at her!”

“It doesn’t matter.” The smile on Ji Shuran’s face also faded. Looking at Jiang Li’s retreating back, she said coolly, “Let’s see how much longer she can be so arrogant.”

Jiang Li continued walking forward with Tong’er. Having not seen Jiang Youyao for a while, she had become even more foolish. Perhaps it was because her engagement to Zhou Yanbang had fallen through—Jiang Youyao’s impatience was written all over her face. Jiang Li had not forgotten that Ji Shuran had sent people to harm her in Tong County. Previously, she had thought it best if they could coexist peacefully, but now that was impossible.

Once she finished dealing with the Xue family case at hand, she would definitely settle accounts with Ji Shuran next.

Only by clearing away these troublesome demons could she truly go all out against Princess Yongning, Shen Yurun, and Prince Cheng.

When she reached the estate gate, Jiang Yuanbai’s carriage had already stopped.

From the carriage behind, Ye Mingyu poked his head out and softly greeted Jiang Li, “A Li!”

Jiang Li smiled back, “Uncle.”

Ye Mingyu and Xue Huaiyuan were in one carriage. Today, Xue Huaiyuan also had to appear before the throne. Jiang Li feared something might go wrong along the way—having Xue Huaiyuan appear right under the nose of Princess Yongning, the murderer, Jiang Li was afraid Yongning would use some means. Now that Ye Mingyu knew Princess Yongning was the mastermind behind everything, he also recognized the gravity of the situation and promised to stay by Xue Huaiyuan’s side every moment, not giving Princess Yongning any opportunity to strike.

Jiang Li boarded her carriage.

Tong’er lifted the carriage curtain, nearly unable to open her eyes from the wind and snow outside, saying, “Miss, the snow is so heavy outside.”

Jiang Li glanced outside. Indeed it was. Northern Yan’s winters had always been harsh with heavy snow. Today was particularly severe—goose-feather snowflakes fell slantwise, as if heaven and earth would merge into one.

“It will be better when the wind comes,” Jiang Li said with a smile.

When the wind came, it would blow away the confusion, and all the truth would come to light.

…

The journey to the palace was not actually far, but Jiang Li felt that today passed extremely slowly.

Perhaps she had waited for this moment for far too long. When she was Xue Fangfei, she had waited until her death and never saw it. Now the injustice suffered by the entire Xue family was finally being pulled up from the bottomless depths, glimpsing a bit of daylight, about to tear open a corner of falsehood and reveal the truth. Jiang Li felt that even on this cold winter day, her blood ran hot.

After an unknown amount of time, the carriage stopped.

A voice sounded from outside: “Master, we have arrived.”

Jiang Li stepped down from the carriage. Jiang Yuanbai was already standing outside. He looked at this daughter with complex emotions. Sometimes he felt guilty toward her, sometimes angry, but now he felt more confusion, estrangement, and a sense of helplessness. He could not control Jiang Li’s thoughts, and often he could not even control her actions—Jiang Li always found other ways to achieve her own purposes.

“I must go see His Majesty now,” Jiang Yuanbai said to her. “You and your third uncle must go see the Minister from the Ministry of Justice. A servant will lead you there.” He paused, then added, “You… be careful in all things.”

Jiang Yuanbai also realized the complexity behind the Xue family case would put Jiang Li in danger. As Jiang Li had said, if the person behind this matter was truly Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan, Li Zhongnan would certainly vent his malice upon Jiang Li. How many souls had died unjustly in the palace—yet Jiang Li was still his flesh and blood.

“I know. Thank you, Father,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “Don’t worry, Father. With Uncle Mingyu accompanying me, nothing will happen.”

She trusted the Ye family quite readily. Jiang Yuanbai felt inexplicably uncomfortable but said nothing more and left first.

Ye Mingyu helped Xue Huaiyuan down from the carriage and asked, “What did your father say?”

Jiang Yuanbai looked down on Ye Mingyu, and Ye Mingyu likewise looked down on Jiang Yuanbai. He tried to avoid speaking with Jiang Yuanbai whenever possible. Unless absolutely necessary, Ye Mingyu would not even meet Jiang Yuanbai face to face on ordinary days.

“Nothing much, just told us to be careful.”

“Could someone in the palace try to harm us?” Ye Mingyu grew nervous. “No way—who would dare be so bold under the Emperor’s feet?”

“One must guard against others,” Jiang Li said. “But there shouldn’t be much danger. Let’s go first.” She was not without caution, but upon reflection, Ji Heng should also have people in the palace. Since Ji Heng had promised that he would personally take her life, he would not let others kill her. In a certain sense, he was the most reliable bodyguard.

Even if there was real danger, Ji Heng would appear.

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu said nothing more and followed Jiang Li with the palace servant leading the way.

Xue Huaiyuan’s mental capacity was now that of a five or six-year-old child. As they walked into the palace, he constantly looked around, very curious about his surroundings. With Jiang Li present, he was not too afraid. Ye Mingyu was entering the palace for the first time but tried hard to appear unconcerned and composed.

Minister Zhou Dezhao from the Ministry of Justice was responsible for this case. Jiang Li would serve as a witness and would first meet with Minister Zhou along with Ye Mingyu.

The palace servant leading them was tight-lipped. After Ye Mingyu tried unsuccessfully to extract information from him, he gave up. When they reached a palace residence, the servant stopped. A guard-like person emerged from inside, looked at Jiang Li, and said, “Second Miss Jiang, Minister Zhou is waiting inside.”

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu exchanged glances and entered.

Zhou Dezhao was about the same age as Jiang Yuanbai, thin in build, with a square face and resolute jaw—at first glance, he appeared to be a man of integrity. He looked at Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu, then glanced at Xue Huaiyuan who was playing with a rattle drum in his hands. Without wasting words, he got straight to the point: “Second Miss Jiang, His Majesty has shown this official the memorial regarding the Xue family case. Do you know who this case implicates?”

“Princess Yongning,” Jiang Li said calmly.

Zhou Dezhao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Jiang Li to speak so candidly, as if she were not referring to a princess of the nation but rather a commoner from the streets. When Emperor Hongxiao personally discussed this matter with him, Zhou Dezhao could not hide his shock. Having observed the court for many years, he had seen many sordid and strange affairs, and many suspicious cases of commoners suing officials, but this was the first time the First Counselor’s daughter was accusing the current dynasty’s princess.

“Second Miss Jiang’s evidence is conclusive,” Zhou Dezhao said. “His Majesty is also determined to vindicate the Tong County people, but because this case implicates a princess, the power dynamics are complex. Has Second Miss Jiang thought this through clearly?”

“An arrow once released cannot be recalled,” Jiang Li smiled. “His Majesty personally supervising this case—I’m grateful beyond words. I will certainly do my utmost to bring the truth of this case to light.”

Jiang Li emphasized the four words “bring to light” particularly heavily.

“But this case is not without vulnerabilities,” Zhou Dezhao said. “If the person behind the scenes is truly related to the princess, this case alone cannot truly resolve the root cause. Instead, it will put Second Miss Jiang in danger. Even so, will Second Miss Jiang not change her mind?”

“Minister Zhou need not test me,” Jiang Li smiled. “If I harbored any intention to retreat, I would not have done these things. Moreover, with His Majesty personally supervising, if I still held anything back, wouldn’t that constitute the crime of deceiving the sovereign?”

Zhou Dezhao was an upright official, but to reach this position, he was not inflexible. His reminder to Jiang Li that this case would not bring down Princess Yongning but would instead cause her to resent Jiang Li—whether this was a test or well-intentioned advice was unclear. But Jiang Li believed all such words were useless.

Seeing Jiang Li’s resolve, Zhou Dezhao found it inappropriate to say more. After all, Jiang Li was still Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, and he needed to give Jiang Yuanbai some face. This case would certainly offend Princess Yongning, but since the Emperor had given his imperial word, he had no other choice. In a certain sense, he and Jiang Li were the same.

“Very well.” Zhou Dezhao nodded and said, “Second Miss Jiang, compose yourself. We will ascend to the hall shortly.” He paused, then added, “Princess Yongning will not appear in court today, but Prince Cheng will be present.”

Prince Cheng was Princess Yongning’s older brother. It was possible that Jiang Li would be made difficult by Prince Cheng.

“Who cares who it is,” Ye Mingyu could not hold back. “He surely wouldn’t do anything too excessive in front of His Majesty.”

Neither Jiang Li nor Zhou Dezhao spoke. Ye Mingyu was far from court matters and naturally did not know, but Prince Cheng’s power and arrogance were not formed overnight. Emperor Hongxiao had to bide his time and avoid confrontation, maintaining a superficial appearance of brotherly harmony while undercurrents surged beneath.

Jiang Li sighed softly, not knowing whether she should sympathize with this current emperor of Northern Yan. Not to mention that many coveted his throne, even Ji Heng, the minister he relied on most, had his own schemes.

“Minister Zhou, let’s go,” Jiang Li put aside her thoughts and said.

Zhou Dezhao nodded.

Xue Huaiyuan could not immediately accompany Jiang Li to court. Fearing his unclear mind would disturb the Emperor’s presence, he needed someone to watch over him and would only appear before the throne when the time was right. Therefore, only Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed Zhou Dezhao toward the Golden Hall. By now, the officials who had come to observe the trial should have arrived one after another.

As they neared the Golden Hall, some officials saw them and cast measuring glances at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li was now quite famous in the capital of Yan. Anyone with family members in official positions knew Jiang Li’s name. What Jiang Li did was unprecedented among the noble ladies of the capital. Yet no one could guess her intentions—refusing to be a proper young lady and instead becoming embroiled in this storm, showing her face in public for someone unrelated to her. No one knew what she hoped to gain.

As they walked, a voice suddenly called from behind: “Minister Zhou.”

Zhou Dezhao and Jiang Li turned around to see a young man slowly approaching from behind the garden.

This man wore expensive brocade robes, carried himself with extraordinary bearing, and his attendants did not look like ordinary people. His appearance was rather handsome, but his deep, shrewd eyes made one feel somewhat sinister when he looked at others.

Though he called out to Zhou Dezhao, he stared directly at Jiang Li, scrutinizing her without restraint. Ye Mingyu beside her grew somewhat angry—how could anyone stare at a young lady like this?

Zhou Dezhao bowed and said, “This official greets Prince Cheng.”

Jiang Li also curtsied.

What Zhou Dezhao had said earlier had now come true so quickly. Jiang Li did not wish to encounter Prince Cheng here, but had not expected to meet him face to face on such a narrow path before even entering the Golden Hall.

Prince Cheng said, “So this is Second Miss Jiang.” He smiled slightly. “Some days ago at the training grounds, I witnessed Second Miss Jiang’s captivating grace. I did not expect that after only a few days, Second Miss Jiang’s abilities have grown even greater, truly surprising this prince daily.”

His words were rather frivolous. Ye Mingyu looked indignant. Jiang Li, fearing he would cause trouble here, said to Zhou Dezhao, “Minister Zhou, please enter the hall first with my uncle. I will speak a few words with Prince Cheng and come shortly.”

“How can this be?” Before Zhou Dezhao could speak, Ye Mingyu objected first. “If we’re leaving, we leave together.” This Prince Cheng clearly was not a good person. Ye Mingyu had also heard that this time the target was Princess Yongning, and Prince Cheng was Yongning’s brother—he could hardly not seek revenge for Yongning. Moreover, Prince Cheng’s words just now were utterly arrogant. He truly did not feel comfortable leaving Jiang Li alone with Prince Cheng.

Zhou Dezhao was also somewhat surprised. At this moment, instead of quickly finding a way to avoid Prince Cheng, Jiang Li was actively approaching him. Did she not fear Prince Cheng?

Jiang Li truly was not afraid. Her expression was calm as she explained to Ye Mingyu, “It’s fine, Uncle. Prince Cheng and I are just a few steps from the Golden Hall. People are coming and going here—I won’t be in danger with Prince Cheng. I just have some words to say and will enter shortly. If you stay here, Uncle, you’ll actually delay matters with Minister Zhou, won’t you?”

Ye Mingyu wanted to say more, but Zhou Dezhao had already bowed and said, “In that case, this official will take his leave first.” He gestured to Ye Mingyu. Ye Mingyu still hesitated, but seeing Jiang Li signal him with her eyes, he paused, then reluctantly entered the hall with Zhou Dezhao.

Jiang Li always had her own plans when doing things. Ye Mingyu also feared his rashness would disrupt Jiang Li’s strategy.

After the two left, Prince Cheng narrowed his eyes, studying Jiang Li with meaningful scrutiny.

What Jiang Li said to reassure Ye Mingyu was actually also meant for him to hear. Here, just steps away from the Golden Hall with people constantly passing by, he definitely could not make a move against Jiang Li. She had calculated this precisely, which was why she dared to speak alone with him here.

“Second Miss Jiang has great courage,” Prince Cheng said. “First Counselor Jiang has always been steady, yet I did not expect his daughter to possess such martial spirit. This prince admires you.”

Jiang Li smiled slightly: “Your Highness flatters me.”

She actually accepted it graciously.

Prince Cheng was taken aback, then suddenly laughed heartily and said, “Second Miss Jiang is always surprising. I wonder why you always seem so confident—could it be you truly believe today’s events will certainly implicate Yongning, so you are so fearless?”

Jiang Li abruptly raised her head, staring at Prince Cheng, her heart sinking slightly.

Prince Cheng had his own power network in the palace—Jiang Li had known this all along. After all, someone with ambitions for that position could hardly avoid planting pawns everywhere. But her memorial should have been quite confidential. For Prince Cheng to know about it already meant there were still Prince Cheng’s spies around Emperor Hongxiao. Moreover, to access such confidential matters, that spy must be someone close to Emperor Hongxiao.

“What is Second Miss Jiang thinking? Wondering how this prince learned of it?” Prince Cheng moved closer, suddenly lowering his voice and saying viciously, “There is nothing under heaven that this prince does not know. If Second Miss Jiang thinks she can deceive heaven and play tricks under this prince’s nose, she is far too naive. Even your father would not dare do such a thing, yet you, a mere yellow-haired girl, have quite the audacity.”

When he was not smiling, the gloominess on his face was no pretense—it was genuinely frightening. If Jiang Li were truly the original Second Miss Jiang, or if it were some other young lady in this place, she would truly have her courage shattered by Prince Cheng. But it happened to be Jiang Li. She was even mentally calculating that although Prince Cheng’s power was considerable, his nature resembled his mother Consort Liu—he truly did not know restraint, was too arrogant, and too self-proud. In the future, he would inevitably suffer losses. Considering scheming and temperament alone, he was actually inferior to Emperor Hongxiao whose power was weaker.

Seeing that Jiang Li did not show the panicked expression he had expected, Prince Cheng grew even more displeased. He said, “Second Miss Jiang has great courage, but I wonder how long this courage can last? Do you know that offending this prince means even your father cannot protect you!”

“Prince Cheng.” Just then, another voice suddenly came from nearby.

Jiang Li and Prince Cheng both looked toward the voice to see a young man quickly approaching, respectfully bowing to Prince Cheng again: “This official greets Prince Cheng.”

Jiang Li froze. This person was none other than Ye Shijie.

Ye Shijie was now the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Having been personally selected by the Emperor, and appearing to have a marriage connection with First Counselor Jiang’s family, plus being capable himself, he was doing quite well. Among the new talents at court, everyone was willing to give him face, and Emperor Hongxiao also appreciated him greatly.

Jiang Li frowned slightly. She had not expected Ye Shijie to step forward at this moment. Ye Shijie had only recently entered the court—if he were made difficult by Prince Cheng because of this matter, it would be terrible. After all, she was a young lady—if Prince Cheng truly wanted to find fault with her, he could only target domestic affairs, and Jiang Li could manage if she was careful. But Ye Shijie was an official, still inexperienced—how could he compare to those seasoned veterans? Prince Cheng’s subordinates only needed to create a few difficulties in official duties, and it would be possible for Ye Shijie to stumble inexplicably.

This young man was good, but being not very old, he was still somewhat impetuous, like Xue Zhao of the past.

“Oh? Reinforcements have arrived.” Prince Cheng glanced at Jiang Li, then at Ye Shijie, and said, “Second Miss Jiang’s cousin and Second Miss Jiang seem to have an excellent relationship. Vice Minister Ye,” his sinister gaze locked firmly on Ye Shijie, “if you were clever, you would not have jumped out so hastily today. What a pity,” he said as if with great regret, “this prince truly cannot bear to lose such promising talent as you.”

At these words, Jiang Li’s heart tightened. Prince Cheng had clearly set his sights on Ye Shijie!

Whatever Ye Shijie felt internally, his face remained respectful: “Your Highness jests. To receive Your Highness’s favor is this official’s good fortune.”

Though young, he was no longer the impetuous man who would argue endlessly over a painting on the street. Facing provocation, he also knew to avoid confrontation and play the fool.

Prince Cheng did not grow angry but laughed instead, saying, “You two are not afraid of this prince. This prince will definitely make you regret—”

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a light laugh. Someone’s voice drifted from behind the garden, carrying careless laziness and a hint of amusement: “Well, well, if it isn’t Prince Cheng?”

Someone else had arrived.

Hearing this voice, Jiang Li’s heart leaped with joy. She looked up to see that person’s splash of red amidst the ice and snow, not dimmed in the slightest even in the layers of palace walls.

His clothes were brilliantly eye-catching, his appearance soul-stirring. The guard beside him held an umbrella, preventing snowflakes from falling on him. His voice was low and husky, enticingly mellow, yet carried a gleeful schadenfreude of watching a spectacle: “What’s all this commotion so early in the morning?”

It was Duke of Su, Ji Heng.

Prince Cheng also froze. After a long moment, he said, “Duke of Su.”

By protocol, Ji Heng should also bow to him. But Ji Heng never bowed to him, and Prince Cheng did not dare force him. In Prince Cheng’s heart, his wariness of Ji Heng exceeded that of Emperor Hongxiao. He had once tried desperately to pull Ji Heng into his own camp, but failed. However, Ji Heng had not joined Emperor Hongxiao and Jiang family’s camp either. Precisely because he always maintained a neutral stance, Prince Cheng was highly guarded against him while not taking initiative to move against him.

He did not want to create unexpected trouble for himself.

“I heard you all talking about death and such from afar. What’s this—is someone going to meet misfortune?” He tucked his hands into his sleeves, his features completely unconcerned, asking with a smile.

Jiang Li curtsied to him and said, “This subject daughter and cousin angered Prince Cheng. His Highness is furious.”

At this, both Prince Cheng and Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li.

What was happening? Jiang Li was actually sowing discord right in front of Prince Cheng? And her target was Ji Heng! That Duke of Su who only knew how to watch spectacles. The meaning of her words even contained a barely perceptible, soft accusation, as if Ji Heng were an elder who had come to mediate, a righteous magistrate who could make decisions for Jiang Li.

Had she lost her mind?

Prince Cheng sneered, “Second Miss Jiang is quite skilled at shirking responsibility. I’m afraid you didn’t just anger this prince—you’ve offended this prince. In all the world, no one who has offended this prince has had a good ending.”

He did not avoid Ji Heng’s presence. No matter how capricious Ji Heng was, he would not dare do anything to a prince. By saying this in front of Ji Heng, he seemed to be testing Ji Heng’s reaction, to see what relationship Ji Heng had with Jiang Li.

Ji Heng’s beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curving into a faint smile. He said lightly, “Children don’t know any better. Why must Prince Cheng be so petty? Let it go.”

He was actually… mediating?

Both Ye Shijie and Prince Cheng stared at Ji Heng in disbelief. Ji Heng’s utterly unapologetic apology nevertheless clearly demonstrated his attitude—he was protecting Jiang Li!

Jiang Li’s eyes widened too. She had deliberately dragged Ji Heng into this, wanting to use him to make Prince Cheng wary, but she had never expected Ji Heng would speak up for her in front of Prince Cheng!

This man was accustomed to acting out scenes. Even the occasional genuine feelings in his dealings were fleeting glimpses—once the moonlit night passed and daylight returned, each would don their masks again.

Yet he had actually been sincere this once at this moment.

—Author’s Note—

Duke: Launching an attack.

A Li: Farm safely, don’t be reckless.