Prince Cheng looked at Ji Heng with an uncertain expression.

Ji Heng had no connections whatsoever with the Jiang family. On this point, Prince Cheng’s spies had found no trace of evidence. Yet at this critical juncture, Ji Heng spoke up for Jiang Li, making their relationship particularly intriguing.

After a long moment, Prince Cheng laughed and said, “Duke of Su certainly knows how to cherish beauty.”

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow: “Of course.”

He was not afraid of Prince Cheng. In fact, Prince Cheng truly did not dare do anything to him. No matter how uncomfortable he felt inside, he could only say a few words, and not too excessively at that. This Duke of Su was both ruthless and sinister—one would not want to earn his resentment and have him pull strings behind the scenes, inviting unnecessary trouble.

“Since that is the case, then this prince cannot do anything to Second Miss Jiang.” While not daring to do anything to Ji Heng, Prince Cheng still dared to openly threaten Jiang Li. He said, “I just wonder what the outcome of today’s case will be. Second Miss Jiang seems so confident now—I hope you can still smile at the end.” After saying this with pointed meaning, he glanced at Ji Heng, then turned and left with a flourish of his sleeves.

The smile on Ji Heng’s face did not fade. Whether speaking to Jiang Li or to himself, he said, “It seems he has come prepared.”

Jiang Li recovered herself and bowed to Ji Heng: “Once again, I must thank the Duke for breaking the siege today.”

“I haven’t seen you be so polite before.” Ji Heng’s words were ambiguous, causing Ye Shijie to glance repeatedly between the two of them.

“Before, circumstances forced my hand.” Jiang Li also smiled. “In the future, when there’s opportunity, I will naturally thank you properly.”

“Mm, your mouth is as sweet as ever.” He blinked leisurely and asked, “What will you do now? Don’t say I didn’t warn you—Prince Cheng will definitely tamper with the Xue family case. Today, convicting Feng Yutang will be easy, but clearing Xue Huaiyuan’s name will be difficult.” He stared at Jiang Li, as if speaking carelessly. “What you value most is clearing Xue Huaiyuan’s name, is it not?”

Jiang Li paused. Indeed it was. Simply convicting Feng Yutang was not difficult—Feng Yutang himself was a scoundrel riddled with misdeeds. Just focusing on Feng Yutang, this case would not be sufficient for the Emperor to personally supervise. Even if it implicated Princess Yongning, at most she would receive a charge of poor judgment in appointments. To unravel the conspiracy behind the Xue family case, one had to point out that Princess Yongning deliberately framed Xue Huaiyuan and had him imprisoned. All that filth had already been thrown at the Xue family, and the “evidence” was solid. Under such circumstances, clearing Xue Huaiyuan’s charges was truly difficult.

However, she still had one opportunity. Today’s trial, rather than being led by Zhou Dezhao, would be controlled by her in this “court deliberation.” Emperor Hongxiao intended to use her as a blade to weaken Prince Cheng and had voluntarily given her this opportunity—she would make good use of it. As long as their ultimate goals aligned, what did it matter if she was used as someone’s blade?

“He has come prepared, but we have prepared plenty as well,” Jiang Li smiled. “I am honored that the Duke concerns himself with my affairs.”

Ji Heng said, “You need not use flattering words to please me. During today’s trial, I cannot say much. But from your appearance, you have a way to handle it. That is good.” He continued unhurriedly, “Your life is still in my hands. I do not hope that before I have time to collect my debt, the person is gone. Though I dislike doing business, I never make losing transactions.”

Jiang Li laughed with a “pfft” sound.

Sometimes she felt Ji Heng was temperamental, like someone dwelling daily in dark depths, impossible to fathom. Other times she felt that though his words were disagreeable, he was quite interesting. Most importantly, he was intelligent—intelligent enough to glimpse a corner of her secrets, yet never presumed to investigate further.

This was perhaps his pride, yet it also seemed gentlemanly.

Though Jiang Li also knew that “gentleman” and “Ji Heng” were originally two completely unrelated concepts.

Ye Shijie watched Jiang Li and Ji Heng converse familiarly, listening silently without speaking. Ji Heng did not avoid him—whether because he did not take him seriously or because of trust derived from his being Jiang Li’s cousin, Ye Shijie did not know. But in his heart, Ye Shijie was extremely suspicious about the relationship between Ji Heng and Jiang Li.

A duke and a First Counselor’s daughter—Ji Heng had no dealings with the Jiang family, so how could his relationship with Jiang Li be so intimate?

Jiang Li said, “It’s getting late. If we want to chat idly, another day will do. Today there is serious business—let’s enter the hall first.”

Ji Heng made a gesture of “please.”

Jiang Li then walked toward the hall with Ye Shijie.

No matter how many doubts filled his heart, now was not the time to ask these questions. Ye Shijie could only suppress his thoughts and enter the hall first.

Many officials had already arrived in the hall—all ministers who had come for today’s “court deliberation.” Many years ago, when the late emperor was alive, whenever there were many undecided cases of great importance in court, he would summon ministers for “court deliberation.” At that time, court deliberations mostly involved royal clan members. In the late emperor’s later years, as the royal clan weakened, court deliberations became more open, with ordinary ministers also able to participate.

Today was supposed to be a trial—there was no need for such great fanfare. Yet Emperor Hongxiao, having read the memorial, deliberately chose “court deliberation” and had Jiang Li lead it. The implications were thought-provoking. This was merely a county official’s case—how could it be called “important”? Making such a spectacle of it, some clever people began speculating whether there were other hidden circumstances.

Seeing Jiang Li enter with Ye Shijie, Ye Mingyu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had feared Prince Cheng would trouble Jiang Li. Seeing her safe and sound, he felt reassured.

Jiang Yuanbai also saw Jiang Li and nodded slightly at her. He himself could barely manage his own affairs. This case was stirred up by his legitimate daughter—many colleagues looked at him meaningfully, then at Jiang Li, with deep implications.

Prince Cheng stood at one end, coldly watching Jiang Li’s group. His expression was extremely cold and cruel, chilling to the core. Even with Jiang Yuanbai and Ye Mingyu present, he showed no intention of restraint.

There were many familiar faces as well—for instance, Liu Xu’s father Minister Liu Yuanfeng, Ji Shuran’s father Ji Yanlin. Jiang Li also saw Shen Yurun.

Shen Yurun arrived rather late, but as soon as he entered the hall, many court officials swarmed toward him, warmly greeting him with hints of eager flattery. Shen Yurun wore a kind smile on his face. With his handsome appearance and refined elegance, he stood out like a refreshing stream in this court, attracting attention.

Ye Mingyu also stared, saying, “Who is that fellow? So young, yet his position seems quite high. He’s quite handsome too. A Li, if you and he…” Ye Mingyu caught Ye Shijie’s glare and forcibly swallowed the words “got together.”

Despite this, Jiang Li could guess what Ye Mingyu was about to say, and she sneered inwardly.

With just that face alone, Shen Yurun was indeed quite deceiving. When he was merely a scholar, many wealthy young ladies rushed to marry him. Now that he had become an official, dressed expensively with increasingly distinguished bearing, he was even more sought after than before. No wonder Princess Yongning, upon seeing him, did not hesitate to murder her own legitimate wife to marry into the Shen family. Yet to Jiang Li, this Shen Yurun was even more strange, more detestable, more contemptible.

Shen Yurun sensed someone watching him. Following the gaze, he saw a petite young lady standing beside a scarred man not far away.

The young lady had delicate features and a graceful figure—at fifteen or sixteen, in her prime years, like newly blooming pear blossoms on a tree, fresh and lovely. Though not devastatingly beautiful, her features possessed natural elegance, open and magnanimous. For a moment, one could not look away, and her gaze seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

Shen Yurun stared at Jiang Li in a daze.

Ye Shijie frowned. He knew of Shen Yurun, this Assistant to the Secretariat. He occasionally saw him at court, and Shen Yurun treated him with considerable warmth and excellent temperament. Everyone in court was willing to befriend him, but somehow, Ye Shijie did not particularly like this Minister Shen. He always felt Shen Yurun was too smooth in his dealings. Rising to the position of Assistant to the Secretariat in such short time without making enemies—how was that possible?

After becoming an official himself, Ye Shijie learned just how dark the officialdom was. Someone like Shen Yurun who navigated court politics so smoothly naturally could not be very clean. Being unclean yet putting on an appearance of integrity was somewhat hypocritical.

Ye Shijie stepped aside to block Jiang Li, cupping his hands toward Shen Yurun: “Minister Shen.”

Shen Yurun recovered and returned the gesture, but his gaze remained fixed on Jiang Li.

He had seen Jiang Li before—at the Mingyi Hall examination when Princess Yongning was injured. He vaguely remembered Jiang Li played excellent qin, comparable to Fangfei. She was Jiang Yuanbai’s legitimate eldest daughter. He knew a bit about Jiang Li’s past—originally sent to a temple for plotting against her stepmother, yet within months of returning, she could establish a firm foothold in the First Counselor’s residence, proving she was no fool.

Speaking of connections with Jiang Li, Shen Ruyun was now to marry Zhou Yanbang, and that engagement, going back to its origins, was initially with Jiang Li. Now Jiang Li was also interfering in Xue Huaiyuan’s case. Shen Yurun felt a strange sensation—Jiang Li and he had no connection whatsoever, yet invisibly, a thread seemed to tie them together, so that in every matter, Jiang Li’s shadow appeared.

He looked at Jiang Li, and Jiang Li looked at him. For a woman to stare directly at a strange man was quite bold. But Shen Yurun could clearly sense that Jiang Li’s gaze held not the slightest trace of admiration. There was only the indifference one shows strangers, seemingly hiding something else, but when he looked again, he could not discern it.

While Shen Yurun was still hesitating whether to greet Jiang Li, she had already looked away, as if he were merely an insignificant person, not worth another glance. Shen Yurun was stunned for a moment, then laughed self-mockingly.

Yes, Jiang Li was not Fangfei, nor Princess Yongning. To her, he was truly an insignificant stranger—such a reaction was appropriate. Yet somehow, Shen Yurun could not help glancing again at Jiang Li conversing with Ye Shijie, always feeling… something was not quite right.

Yet he could not articulate what.

While they were talking, Eunuch Su had already emerged from behind the hall with attendants—Emperor Hongxiao had arrived.

This dynasty’s court regulations were lax, and even the etiquette for court sessions was not as strict as in the late emperor’s time. Some said this was because Emperor Hongxiao’s power was weak and isolated, others showed no fear of him, and no one knew how long he would remain emperor, so everyone acted boldly.

Previously, Jiang Li also thought Emperor Hongxiao, though not as mediocre as he appeared on the surface, could hardly be called an exceptional ruler. But after learning of Ji Heng’s plans, Jiang Li realized her judgment of Emperor Hongxiao was likely completely wrong. Though Ji Heng controlled court politics and manipulated power, he was most proud and arrogant—having him bow to serve a useless person would be impossible. Among the three power factions, he chose Emperor Hongxiao naturally because Emperor Hongxiao was worthy of his support. If Ji Heng aimed for the highest position, Emperor Hongxiao would be his opponent in the future. If Emperor Hongxiao were incompetent, choosing such an opponent would be insulting to Ji Heng.

If Ji Heng’s aim was not the imperial throne but some other plan, then to him, whether Emperor Hongxiao was a blade to be used or an ally in the same boat, he would not be an ordinary man.

This emperor had always been playing the pig to eat the tiger—he was definitely not simple.

Emperor Hongxiao seated himself on the high throne. Other ministers took their positions. The silence in the Golden Hall seemed to last only an instant.

At Zhou Dezhao’s request, representing a petition from a hundred Tong County villagers, a court deliberation was convened to retry the Xue family case.

Jiang Li’s heart stirred with excitement. As she prostrated herself with the civil and military officials to thank the Emperor’s grace, her fingers hidden in her sleeves had already clenched into fists.

Success or failure hinged on this single move. Today’s battle was the key to clearing the Xue family’s injustice and unveiling a corner of the truth. She would give her all—even if Prince Cheng obstructed her, it would be a fight to the death!

The palace was majestic and grand. Among the civil and military officials standing in the court, some were strangers to Jiang Li, some were familiar. Some had been bedfellows who were now mortal enemies; some had been strangers who were now blood relatives.

Emperor Hongxiao sat on high, looked toward Zhou Dezhao, and said, “Minister Zhou, begin.”

Zhou Dezhao rose and stepped forward, respectfully acknowledging. He instructed those behind him, and moments later, Feng Yutang in prisoner’s clothes was brought forward.

“Criminal official Feng Yutang, during his tenure as Deputy Magistrate of Tong County, abused his power for personal gain, oppressed men and women, and committed every evil. He falsely accused former Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan and had him imprisoned. His heart is contemptible—this is all recorded in the files.” He looked at Feng Yutang. “Feng Yutang, do you acknowledge your crimes?”

Compared to when he was Deputy Magistrate of Tong County, Feng Yutang now resembled a stray dog. Disheveled and dirty beyond mention, he laughed coldly and said, “This commoner acknowledges the crimes. During my tenure as deputy magistrate, I indeed abused power for personal gain. However, the accusation of framing Xue Huaiyuan is baseless. Originally, Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned for embezzling disaster relief funds—the evidence was conclusive. This matter has nothing to do with this commoner. One might say any crime can be fabricated—this commoner will not acknowledge such groundless accusations.”

“How dare you!” Zhou Dezhao roared angrily. “In the Golden Hall, how can you engage in sophistry!”

Feng Yutang hastily kowtowed, claiming he dared not.

Jiang Li watched coldly, understanding in her heart. Feng Yutang knew he could not escape death. If he now insisted everything was his own fault, he could at least die quickly. If he exposed Princess Yongning, not only would he die miserably, but his concubines and children would all perish as well.

Feng Yutang was naturally not someone with great compassion, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He simply feared Princess Yongning’s power more than the Emperor’s, which led him to make this choice.

“Minister Zhou,” Prince Cheng spoke leisurely from the side, “everything is recorded in the files. Feng Yutang’s guilt is indisputable—the evidence is conclusive. However, Xue Huaiyuan’s crimes were also previously tried. In Xue Huaiyuan’s embezzlement case, silver was found in his residence, along with account books and witness testimony—both material and witness evidence are present. One cannot assume Xue Huaiyuan is innocent simply because Feng Yutang is guilty. Everything requires evidence. In His Majesty’s presence, you surely cannot extract confessions through torture. Please do not waste time.”

These words, spoken in Emperor Hongxiao’s presence, were quite disrespectful. Though in court deliberations, all ministers could speak, Prince Cheng’s attitude clearly showed he intended to favor Feng Yutang.

Other ministers did not understand—they only thought Prince Cheng was perhaps watching the spectacle, or because he disliked the Jiang family, and since this matter was raised by a Jiang family miss, he was being aggressive. In Emperor Hongxiao’s ears, however, these words had different implications.

In the memorial Ye Shijie submitted, this case implicated Yongning. If Prince Cheng had not acted thus today, Emperor Hongxiao might have doubted whether there was some misunderstanding. But with Prince Cheng acting this way, Emperor Hongxiao could immediately determine that this matter was truly related to Yongning. Prince Cheng’s attitude made it clear he knew the inside story.

Yet Emperor Hongxiao said nothing, sitting inscrutably, watching the ministers below make their various arguments.

Before Zhou Dezhao could speak, Prince Cheng turned his attention to Jiang Li, looking at her with a fake smile: “Since Second Miss Jiang raised this case and personally made a trip to Tong County, she apparently knows many inside details unknown to others and possesses much evidence others lack. Since you wish to clear Xue Huaiyuan’s name, please present your evidence.”

“Correct.” This time, the speaker was surprisingly Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan. Li Zhongnan bowed and said, “Second Miss Jiang yields to no man in her ambition for justice. Leading Tong County villagers on such a long journey to beat the grievance drum at the capital gates, she surely has a tremendous injustice to report. Such tremendous injustice cannot be simple. Everyone present, like His Majesty, wishes to hear—please speak quickly.”

That the Li family would kick someone when they were down at this moment—Jiang Yuanbai frowned. No matter how bold and clever Jiang Li was, she was ultimately just a fifteen-year-old girl. The court was not like her own back courtyard where she could speak without concern. One wrong word could invite the Emperor’s suspicion and offend many people. Prince Cheng and the Right Chancellor clearly wanted to exploit Jiang Li’s youth and inexperience, luring her into speaking and falling into their trap. Jiang Yuanbai was about to speak for Jiang Li, but just then, Jiang Li spoke instead. And what she said stunned everyone in the hall.

She said: “Your Majesty, this subject daughter traveled far and wide, bringing Tong County villagers to beat the grievance drum at the capital gates to accuse the corrupt official Feng Yutang. And also… to request Your Majesty convict former Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan!”

“Convict?” Emperor Hongxiao paused and asked, “What do you mean by convict?”

“As everyone knows, Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan embezzled disaster relief funds—the evidence is conclusive. He is a court pest. Your Majesty advocates for frugality and simplicity, yet a mere Tong County deputy magistrate dares to be so audacious—this is disrespect toward the imperial house. Merely imprisoning and beheading him is insufficient. In this subject daughter’s view, he should be subjected to death by a thousand cuts!”

Ye Shijie was stunned. Even kneeling Feng Yutang forgot to lower his head, staring directly at Jiang Li. Everyone knew Jiang Li had worked tirelessly for Xue Huaiyuan, standing on his side. Yet now she said beheading Xue Huaiyuan was not enough—he should suffer death by a thousand cuts. Had she gone mad? Or had she never stood on Xue Huaiyuan’s side to begin with?!

Ye Mingyu was also shocked, never expecting Jiang Li to say such words. He had witnessed with his own eyes how Jiang Li cared for Xue Huaiyuan along the way—she treated him more affectionately than her own biological father Jiang Yuanbai. Yet now she spoke such words? Ye Mingyu almost suspected the Jiang Li before him was not his niece but someone in disguise.

Both Prince Cheng and Emperor Hongxiao were confused—the former perplexed, the latter suspicious.

Only Shen Yurun and Ji Heng wore expressions completely different from the other officials.

Shen Yurun’s expression was strange, looking at Jiang Li with contemplation, as if recognizing her for the first time. Ji Heng showed no concern for Jiang Li whatsoever, nor any surprise—as if Jiang Li’s reaction was within his expectations, with only a hint of interest in his eyes.

“Continue,” Emperor Hongxiao said.

Jiang Li prostrated herself and continued speaking gently: “Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan, though his position is small, represents Northern Yan court officials. Small things reveal larger truths—the impact is significant. Xue Huaiyuan served as an official for decades, yet only last year was discovered to have embezzled funds. One can imagine that over the past ten-plus years, he also embezzled silver. Where did this silver go? Why is there no trace? The files contain no record. There are many suspicious points. Perhaps he engaged in illegal military horse trading, or even has suspicions of collaborating with enemies and betraying the nation. This must be thoroughly investigated before execution.”

“Investigate.” Emperor Hongxiao moved his fingers. “But the evidence is all in the files. That is all.”

Jiang Li prostrated herself again: “Precisely for this reason that this subject daughter brought Tong County villagers to the capital. This subject daughter requests to summon witnesses.”

“Summon the witnesses.” Emperor Hongxiao waved his hand grandly.

Zhou Dezhao quickly instructed subordinates to bring the witnesses forward.

Soon, the witnesses were brought in. They were all Tong County villagers—Dai Yun, Ping’an, Mo Wenxuan, Butcher Zhang, Aunt Chunfang, and others. These Tong County villagers were entering the capital, palace, and seeing the Emperor for the first time. Facing civil and military officials, they were already frightened pale, legs trembling, barely able to rise from their kneeling positions.

Jiang Li said, “Witnesses, please speak about Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan’s embezzlement.”

These witnesses had all received kindness from Xue Huaiyuan. They came to the capital precisely to vindicate their deputy magistrate—how could they speak ill of Xue Huaiyuan? One by one, they recounted Xue Huaiyuan’s past deeds. Xue Huaiyuan loved the people like his own children, was kind-hearted, just and fair, compassionate toward subordinates. When he took office in Tong County, he improved waterworks, taught farmers irrigation techniques—omniscient and omnipotent. In just a few decades, he transformed Tong County from a place where people could not afford shoes to the current prosperous state where everyone lived and worked in peace.

These words did not sound like accusations of Xue Huaiyuan’s crimes but rather like praise. Both Li Zhongnan and Prince Cheng frowned, realizing matters were developing in an unwanted direction.

Based on evidence alone, Jiang Li could not possibly completely clear Xue Huaiyuan’s name. In court deliberation, the final decision still rested with the Emperor himself. But in such deliberation, the scale of public opinion clearly already tipped toward Xue Huaiyuan. These civil and military officials were gradually beginning to sympathize with Xue Huaiyuan.

Jiang Li remained unmoved. She did not cry injustice for Xue Huaiyuan following the villagers’ words, but instead shook her head: “How could an embezzler work so diligently for the people? These people speak nothing but lies—pay them no mind.”

One by one, witnesses were led away, and new Tong County villagers came forward. Not one spoke ill of Xue Huaiyuan.

Seeing the unfavorable momentum, Prince Cheng sneered, “This Tong County deputy magistrate is skilled at deception. To embezzle such amounts, he cannot be underestimated. He must have used these small favors to win people’s hearts. Even with conclusive evidence, people speak for him.”

“Prince Cheng speaks most correctly,” Jiang Li said. “However, this deputy magistrate’s embezzlement of disaster relief funds should not have occurred only once. Feng Yutang embezzled much in just half a year. Six months ago, when Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned, his family property was confiscated. This subject daughter requests the Censor-in-chief announce the confiscated assets of both the Xue and Feng families. Let everyone see how, compared to Feng Yutang, Xue Huaiyuan is utterly despicable!”

Upon hearing this, Feng Yutang immediately trembled like a sieve.

What kind of person was Xue Huaiyuan? That embezzlement was fabricated from the start. Xue Huaiyuan’s own family assets amounted to almost nothing. In his half-year tenure, Feng Yutang had already exploited the people to the extreme. Such a comparison would naturally reveal the discrepancies!

Indeed, when the Censor-in-chief announced both families’ assets, the results exceeded everyone’s expectations. Apart from the allegedly embezzled silver, Xue Huaiyuan’s family assets were virtually nonexistent—barely better than having bare walls. Even his meager salary was often gone due to helping villagers. Feng Yutang was different—in just half a year, he had accumulated dozens of times more than Xue Huaiyuan’s entire decade-plus career.

Everyone fell silent.

Jiang Li said, “Don’t the honored ministers find it strange? A criminal official like Xue Huaiyuan—his decade of conduct was actually more upright than many officials in the capital of Yan. If all corrupt officials could be like Xue Huaiyuan, our Northern Yan would surely prosper.”

“Smooth talk and fine words,” Li Zhongnan snorted coldly. “But he still embezzled!”

Jiang Li smiled: “Summon witnesses.”

This time, the witnesses summoned were Xue Huaiyuan’s former subordinates—Peng Xiao, He Jun, Gu Da, and Gu Er. They had long carried passionate conviction, simply to vindicate Xue Huaiyuan in their lifetimes, finally awaiting this opportunity. Before Jiang Li could speak, they immediately knelt and recounted in detail Xue Huaiyuan’s hardships over these ten-plus years.

No one understood Xue Huaiyuan better than they did. Because of decades of companionship, their words were particularly moving. When speaking of how Xue Huaiyuan was framed and imprisoned, and how they, as officers, were thrown into mines by Feng Yutang’s men and cruelly tortured, these seven-foot tall men could not help shedding tears.

All tears of blood.

Emperor Hongxiao seemed moved. Prince Cheng inwardly cursed, deciding decisively: “Regardless, Xue Huaiyuan’s embezzlement is fact. Just as Second Miss Jiang said, let Xue Huaiyuan be subjected to death by a thousand cuts.” He could not let Jiang Li continue speaking.

“Wait,” Emperor Hongxiao said.

—Author’s Note—

In this chapter, A Li’s technique of arguing the opposite has a historical precedent—the defense strategy used by Qin Chancellor Li Si in the Zheng Guo case to rescue Zheng Guo.

Interested readers can look it up~