A single word “wait” caused Prince Cheng’s heart to sink.
Though he did not truly fear Emperor Hongxiao internally, he could not openly refute the Emperor’s views in front of civil and military officials. And clearly, Emperor Hongxiao was now obviously favoring Jiang Li. Though he knew Emperor Hongxiao wanted to use the Xue family case to implicate Princess Yongning, at this moment, Jiang Li’s arguments were indeed persuasive.
Logic and emotion—to clear Xue Huaiyuan’s name, where “logic” was insufficient, “emotion” filled the gap. Yet Jiang Li used such an irrefutable method to wash away Xue Huaiyuan’s injustices step by step.
The ministers who understood watched Jiang Li with extraordinary gazes—such court deliberation was truly spectacular to witness.
Jiang Yuanbai also stared at his daughter as if not recognizing her. He knew Jiang Li was intelligent—among the Jiang family’s younger generation, she might be the smartest. But such court tactics were excessive. Jiang Yuanbai even suspected inwardly whether today’s approach might have been guided by an expert behind the scenes. Otherwise, for a sheltered young lady to possess such political acumen should be impossible.
Others would not think this was Jiang Li’s own strategy—they would only attribute it to Jiang Yuanbai. They would believe Jiang Yuanbai instructed Jiang Li to speak thus in court, deepening their recognition of Jiang Yuanbai’s scheming, considering him truly cunning and shrewd.
“Continue,” Emperor Hongxiao said to Jiang Li.
Jiang Li prostrated herself, her voice clear and crisp: “This subject daughter has finished speaking. Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan is guilty. His guilt lies in serving for decades, yet apart from embezzling disaster relief funds, he maintained simplicity and abstinence, performed his duties with clean hands, possessed a minister’s heart like still water, with pure integrity and lofty principles. Such corrupt officials are rare in the world—he must be plotting something deeper. Years of service transformed Tong County completely, harboring conspiracy within. His family assets are few, their whereabouts unknown. This subject daughter believes Xue Huaiyuan’s crimes are unforgivable. I beseech Your Majesty to subject Xue Huaiyuan to death by a thousand cuts!”
Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan closed his eyes, knowing that with Jiang Li’s speech, Xue Huaiyuan’s charges were completely cleared.
Saying the opposite of what she meant—Jiang Li’s reverse argument was absolutely brilliant, leaving no room for rebuttal.
The hall fell into prolonged silence.
After a long while, Emperor Hongxiao’s voice rang out: “According to this, Xue Huaiyuan is not guilty but meritorious. A meritorious minister’s charges deepening five times—there must be injustice within. In the Feng Yutang case, Feng Yutang’s guilt is undoubted. Xue Huaiyuan’s embezzlement has many suspicious points. Zhou Dezhao, I order you to thoroughly reinvestigate this case!”
As the final word fell, Jiang Li’s heart felt as if drenched in hot water, gradually boiling over.
Yet she only bowed down, saying again: “This subject daughter further beseeches to bring Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan before the throne. Xue Huaiyuan is also a witness. Your Majesty might first see Deputy Magistrate Xue’s current appearance.”
“Bring Xue Huaiyuan,” Emperor Hongxiao said.
Zhou Dezhao quickly had someone bring Xue Huaiyuan forward, unable to help glancing at Jiang Li again. Today’s events clearly began with Prince Cheng and the Right Chancellor having the upper hand, yet now they were entirely led by Jiang Li’s nose. Whether this method was devised by Jiang Li or Jiang Yuanbai, the Jiang family was not to be underestimated. Originally believing the Jiang family’s power in court was gradually weakening, especially as the Right Chancellor grew stronger, now it appeared that even a starved camel was bigger than a horse. Setting aside power, just this scheming alone meant Jiang Yuanbai was in no way inferior to the Right Chancellor.
At this rate, who would ultimately lose was still unknown. Forget it, forget it—those watching the spectacle would need to reconsider their future allegiances.
Xue Huaiyuan was quickly brought forward.
He had been changed into clean clothes and his face washed. In his hands, he clutched a rattle drum tightly. Imperial guards protected Emperor Hongxiao, lest Xue Huaiyuan suddenly harm someone. But seeing so many people at once, Xue Huaiyuan was terrified, shrinking into a ball and helplessly running toward Jiang Li.
Jiang Li soothingly patted Xue Huaiyuan’s shoulder. Because his beard and hair were completely white, about the same age as Jiang Yuanbai, yet already like a doddering old man, Jiang Li’s actions did not appear out of place. However, her patience looked extremely glaring in Jiang Yuanbai’s eyes.
He felt Jiang Li had never shown such gentle eyes toward him, her biological father.
Xue Huaiyuan clearly relied heavily on Jiang Li. Once she was beside him, he neither cried nor caused trouble, settling down to play with the rattle drum in his hands.
Jiang Li said to Emperor Hongxiao: “Your Majesty, this is Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan. Because he was thrown into prison by Feng Yutang and tortured in every way, his mind is now unclear, behaving like a small child. Pitiful—a generation of upright and loyal minister now reduced to this state. If word of this spreads, how many upright and loyal officials throughout the realm will feel disheartened? How many will still serve Your Majesty with wholehearted devotion?”
“How dare you!” Li Zhongnan raged. “Jiang Li, you dare question His Majesty!”
“Minister Li,” Jiang Yuanbai said displeased. “His Majesty has not spoken—what nonsense are you spouting?”
Jiang Li’s words could be considered greatly disrespectful. Prince Cheng sneered coldly: “It seems First Counselor Jiang has his own methods for educating his daughter. For Second Miss Jiang to say such things is rather inappropriate for a young lady.”
Jiang Yuanbai dared openly confront Li Zhongnan but could not embarrass Prince Cheng at this moment. While hesitating about what to say, Duke of Su, who had been mostly silent, spoke up.
Ji Heng waved his fan, laughing lightly: “Unfortunately, Second Miss Jiang’s views coincide with my own.”
Just one sentence, and the court ministers all froze. Ji Heng actually spoke up, and on Jiang Li’s behalf?
Though this Duke of Su had always loved beauty, he was not someone who pitied the fairer sex, much less the type to rescue young ladies from peril. Yet at this moment, Duke of Su actually confronted Prince Cheng, saying such meaningful words.
Ji Heng seemed oblivious that his single sentence had been analyzed a thousand times in everyone’s minds. He said carelessly: “Good medicine tastes bitter, honest advice grates on the ear. Though Second Miss Jiang’s words are inappropriate, they still contain some truth. Otherwise, if this dynasty abandons loyal ministers and employs treacherous officials, I fear the nation will no longer be a nation.”
The young man’s handsome appearance, almost demonic beauty, and half-smiling delivery of such somewhat threatening words immediately took effect. At least Emperor Hongxiao listened. Emperor Hongxiao said: “Duke of Su speaks correctly. I am not one who cannot hear the truth. Minister Jiang,” he addressed Jiang Yuanbai, “you have raised this daughter well.”
Jiang Yuanbai hastily expressed his gratitude, yet wondered internally—their Jiang family had no dealings whatsoever with Duke of Su, and Jiang Li should have no connection with Ji Heng either. Why would this temperamental Duke of Su suddenly speak for Jiang Li?
Could it be… He looked at Jiang Li’s clean face. Jiang Li was no longer that pampered, willful girl sent to Mount Qingcheng. She had gradually grown up, her appearance acquiring a young maiden’s delicate charm. Delicate and beautiful like white pear blossoms newly born in spring—clean, fresh, and endearing.
No, no, no. Jiang Yuanbai immediately dismissed this absurd notion. Duke of Su himself possessed devastating beauty—what kind of beauties had he not seen? Jiang Li was at most a minor beauty, probably not enough to catch Ji Heng’s eye. Moreover, Ji Heng was sinister and ruthless, not a good match. Though he and Jiang Li were not very close, she was still his flesh and blood. He did not wish for Jiang Li to meet a miserable end, manipulated by others, ultimately even implicating the Jiang family.
While his mind wandered, among the court officials, someone suddenly spoke: “Xue Lingyun, isn’t this Xue Lingyun?”
Xue Lingyun? Everyone was puzzled.
Emperor Hongxiao asked: “What Xue Lingyun?”
That minister cupped his hands: “When the late emperor was still alive, Xue Lingyun managed canal waterworks construction for the capital of Yan. The late emperor, seeing his considerable talent, promoted him to Minister of Works. However, Xue Lingyun only served as Minister of Works for one year before resigning and leaving. Upon seeing Xue Huaiyuan today, this official discovered that Xue Huaiyuan looks exactly like Xue Lingyun, only much more aged. This official boldly speculates that Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Lingyun.”
Xue Lingyun? This name was unfamiliar to everyone in the hall. But regarding the capital’s canal waterworks, everyone knew of it. Someone capable of directing such a project naturally possessed talent. Why would he abandon the position of Minister of Works to become a minor deputy magistrate?
Jiang Li suddenly understood. No wonder the old servants who had followed her father for years said he possessed the talent to benefit the world, yet remained content in the small realm of Tong County. If not for disdaining officialdom’s atmosphere, he would have long since achieved great success. She had always found it strange—her father possessed such great ability, clearly understood major and minor court situations, so why did he remain merely a deputy magistrate?
So it was not lack of opportunity—her father had once already reached high office but felt his temperament unsuited to such officialdom. Northern Yan’s court officials either struggled against each other or colluded together. To her father, being a minor deputy magistrate benefiting the local people was better.
So he even changed his name, from “Xue Lingyun” with lofty ambitions to “Xue Huaiyuan” gazing at the moon and cherishing distant thoughts.
When Jiang Li and Xue Zhao were born, Xue Huaiyuan had already left the Ministry of Works and changed his name. Therefore Jiang Li did not know this past. Only when this old minister who had known Xue Huaiyuan revealed it did she learn the truth.
This old minister apparently had good relations with Xue Huaiyuan back then. Seeing an old friend, he recounted in detail why Xue Huaiyuan had resigned. Having ambitions that could not be realized was ultimately frustrating. Listening, everyone felt countless emotions, finding it most regrettable.
Emperor Hongxiao said: “Such a talented person was falsely accused and imprisoned as a criminal, now reduced to this miserable state. This is my fault, and Northern Yan’s loss.”
The ministers all knelt down.
Jiang Li’s heart stirred. The discovery of Xue Huaiyuan’s past actually helped her now. Without thinking, she said: “Your Majesty, that Xue Huaiyuan ended up like this was entirely caused by Feng Yutang, seeking private revenge. This subject daughter requests severe punishment for Feng Yutang!”
“Naturally severe punishment!” Emperor Hongxiao snorted coldly. “I did not know that beneath the Son of Heaven’s feet, such arrogant people existed, framing loyal subjects!”
“Minister Feng’s audacity is considerable,” Jiang Li said. “Not only did he frame a loyal subject, he also privately opened mines in Tong County’s Eastern Mountain. Years ago, the court expressly forbade private mining—it is tantamount to treason and deserves execution!”
Feng Yutang was already drenched in cold sweat, nearly fainting.
“However, Minister Feng is strange. Though he accumulated countless wealth in Tong County, he still wanted more gold. This clearly shows insatiable greed and audacious boldness. This subject daughter discovered a letter at the Feng residence. The letter explicitly ordered Feng Yutang to torture Xue Huaiyuan. However, the letter’s owner is strange…” Jiang Li smiled slightly. “The seal on that letter is precisely Princess Yongning’s seal!”
After singing this opera for so long, she finally reached the climax!
“How dare you!” Prince Cheng’s face turned iron blue. “Slandering a princess of the nation—do you know what crime this is? This could cost you your head!”
“Prince Cheng need not be anxious,” Jiang Li showed no fear, responding coldly. “This subject daughter is merely stating facts, not convicting the princess. This letter could naturally be forged. In fact, this subject daughter also believes it is a trap.”
Emperor Hongxiao stared at Jiang Li. The memorial Ye Shijie submitted concerned Princess Yongning. That Jiang Li raised it now was within his expectations. But since Jiang Li raised it, why was she denying it herself?
“Princess Yongning and the Xue family are neither related nor connected, with no association whatsoever. How could she instruct Feng Yutang to frame the Xue family and have Xue Huaiyuan imprisoned? This subject daughter investigated—the Xue family has only one son and one daughter. The son Xue Zhao was already killed by bandits in the capital last year. The daughter Xue Fangfei was the deceased wife of current Assistant to the Secretariat Minister Shen, and also died of illness at the Shen residence half a year ago. Neither Xue Zhao nor Xue Fangfei had any connection with the Shen family. Therefore, in this subject daughter’s view, it cannot be true!”
Court officials did not know Xue Zhao’s name, but once the three words “Xue Fangfei” came out, everyone’s gazes unanimously turned toward Shen Yurun.
Years ago, when Xue Fangfei cuckolded Shen Yurun, the capital of Yan either laughed at Shen Yurun, sympathized with him, or cursed the adulterers—in any case, everyone knew. Half a year passed, and the generation’s devastating beauty Xue Fangfei had passed away. Even when used as after-dinner gossip, she was insignificant.
Having finally gradually forgotten this name, it was suddenly mentioned again at this time. And in this case about Xue Huaiyuan that everyone was following.
Shen Yurun’s face remained calm and composed as always—he had always maintained good bearing. Only the gaze he directed at Jiang Li carried some indescribable depth.
Ji Heng watched Jiang Li, the smile at his lips gradually deepening. Among the civil and military officials, he was the only one observing this court deliberation with a relaxed demeanor. Some faced great enemies, some gloated—only he, carrying an insouciance that saw through everything, helped push things along lightly or heavily, following her wishes.
Prince Cheng, however, looked toward Shen Yurun, a flash of irritation in his heart.
Jiang Li’s expression was sincere, as if she truly believed in Princess Yongning’s innocence, eagerly explaining for Princess Yongning. Yet in her heart, she laughed silently.
This advancing by retreating, superficially initiating the clearing of Yongning’s false charges, exposed Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei before everyone. The Xue Huaiyuan case, with only Xue Huaiyuan alone, could not reveal much. The key still lay with Xue Fangfei.
Princess Yongning was set on Shen Yurun—one day she would enter the Shen family and become Madam Shen. But once rumors emerged that Princess Yongning instructed Feng Yutang to frame Xue Huaiyuan, Princess Yongning marrying Shen Yurun would face numerous difficulties. Because once she did so, it would provide perfect reason for her framing Xue Huaiyuan. People would say: Look, she wanted to marry Shen Yurun, so she murdered Xue Huaiyuan. Even Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao’s deaths would be suspected.
Three people make a tiger, many mouths melt metal. For Princess Yongning to clear this accusation, she would have to sever ties with the Shen family and never associate with Shen Yurun again.
But the question was, could Princess Yongning do it?
Jiang Li believed Princess Yongning definitely could not. Otherwise, years ago, she would not have preferred to kill herself rather than obtain Shen Yurun. Yongning was so cruel and domineering—what she decided must be done. She would not care, even bearing this suspicious charge, she would insist on marrying Shen Yurun.
But could Shen Yurun turn a blind eye to all this?
After all, they had shared a bed as bedfellows. Though in her previous life she failed to see through this person’s wolfish ambitions, years of marriage meant she generally understood his temperament. Shen Yurun was cautious by nature, thoroughly considering everything—he definitely would not let Yongning act thus at this juncture.
But Yongning had already reached marriage discussion age. To completely avoid this controversy by waiting three to five years was probably unsustainable. Therefore, between Yongning and Shen Yurun, discord and complications would inevitably arise from this matter.
That would be her opportunity.
Jiang Li’s gaze swept across everyone’s faces in the hall—Prince Cheng’s exasperation, Li Zhongnan’s fury, Jiang Yuanbai’s astonishment, Ji Yanlin’s confusion, Ye Shijie’s amazement, Shen Yurun’s forced composure, Emperor Hongxiao’s meaningful depth, and Ji Heng’s smile.
His smile carried the ease of watching fire from across the river, plus the tacit understanding of knowing each other’s secrets. His beautiful eyes were captivating and moving, as if discovering something interesting, seemingly also containing some appreciation.
He knew. He knew everything.
Jiang Li lowered her head. Today’s battle, she had given her all. Fortunately, she had accomplished everything she intended.
Vindicating Xue Huaiyuan, making Feng Yutang pay blood debts with blood. Most importantly, she had planted a seed between Yongning and Shen Yurun. This seed would eventually break through the soil and sprout, forming an irreconcilable rift on their ground. Jiang Li would use this rift to split open a gap and begin her path of revenge.
This was only the beginning, she thought.
…
The court deliberation regarding the Xue family case thus concluded.
This deliberation began with Zhou Dezhao’s trial and Prince Cheng’s mockery, yet unknowingly was entirely led by Jiang Li’s hand. Until the very end, everything was within Jiang Li’s control.
But such results seemed to have nothing worth disputing.
The people of the capital of Yan equally followed the results of this deliberation. Jiang Li leading Tong County people to beat the grievance drum at the Long’an Gate had already made everyone in the capital aware. Inadvertently, they also learned the ins and outs of this case. Everyone’s hearts were wrung for the Xue family case.
Therefore, after the deliberation results came out, in just one hour, almost the entire capital had heard.
That Xue Huaiyuan truly suffered tremendous injustice—clearly a good official, yet harmed to such a state. Everyone also learned that Xue Huaiyuan was formerly called Xue Lingyun, had been Minister of Works, and the capital’s canals were managed and repaired under his direction.
The canal matter benefited countless people. Upon hearing this, the capital’s people nearly felt the same indignation as Tong County people over Xue Huaiyuan’s plight. Feng Yutang was sentenced to death by hanging—the people spontaneously went to personally witness the villain’s death.
Simultaneously, another rumor spread wildly. Supposedly, Xue Huaiyuan’s imprisonment was ordered by Princess Yongning through Feng Yutang. This rumor had no basis, and Princess Yongning had no dealings with the Xue family, so no concrete evidence could be found when mentioned. But as more people spoke of it, gradually everyone in the capital knew.
Supposedly, Prince Cheng’s people sent investigators to trace the rumor’s source, but those spreading rumors vanished without trace in short time. The capital was not Tong County—Prince Cheng could not make the capital’s people “too fearful to speak on the roads” as Feng Yutang did. At most, he punished a few who openly discussed Yongning. As for those discussing privately, he could not punish them all.
Undoubtedly, the person spreading rumors was naturally Jiang Li herself.
Jiang Li went today to watch Feng Yutang’s execution.
She did not particularly wish to watch such bloody scenes, but every time she recalled how Feng Yutang acted as Yongning’s lackey, how he tortured Xue Huaiyuan in prison until he became his current state, she could not let it go. Therefore, even if bloody, she had to come today to watch Feng Yutang’s execution.
After Feng Yutang, it would be Yongning and Shen Yurun.
The execution grounds were surrounded by crowds of onlookers. Tong County people had not yet returned—everyone came. They threw stones and vegetable leaves at Feng Yutang’s face, expressing their inner indignation. Jiang Li stood far away in the crowd, wearing a conical hat so people could not see her.
The guards Jiang Yuanbai assigned her had now doubled. Jiang Li’s actions at the court deliberation severely offended Prince Cheng. Prince Cheng would definitely seek opportunities for revenge. As a precaution, Jiang Yuanbai had not let Jiang Li leave the house these days. Today she had secretly snuck out.
After the deliberation that day, Jiang Yuanbai had asked her why this case ultimately implicated Princess Yongning. Earlier she had told Jiang Yuanbai it involved not Princess Yongning but Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan. Not until after the deliberation began, upon hearing Princess Yongning’s name, was Jiang Yuanbai greatly shocked. Had he known earlier this case involved Princess Yongning, Jiang Yuanbai would never have allowed Jiang Li to act thus.
Jiang Li only said: “Father, this case indeed relates to Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan. However, compared to Li Zhongnan, Princess Yongning’s letter is more concrete evidence. You also saw at the deliberation—Li Zhongnan helped Prince Cheng, is Prince Cheng’s man. Saying Princess Yongning or Li Zhongnan, in the end, amounts to the same principle.”
“But ultimately Princess Yongning received no conviction!” Jiang Yuanbai said.
“Is that so?” Jiang Li only replied with one sentence at the time. “But Father, look to future days—this conviction will be confirmed one day. For now, we merely know the result early. As for the future, we shall see.”
Jiang Yuanbai still did not believe, but this matter had reached a point beyond remedy. Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai saw clearly—Emperor Hongxiao’s attitude at that day’s deliberation clearly favored Jiang Li. Perhaps he hoped to use the Xue family case to suppress Prince Cheng. Emperor Hongxiao’s attitude—Jiang Yuanbai could not pretend ignorance no matter what. Therefore he could only let this matter drop.
But in his heart, he ultimately grew displeased with Jiang Li’s acting on her own initiative.
Jiang Li paid no heed. Though Tong’er and Bai Xue were usually bold enough, seeing the execution scene, they still covered their eyes. But Jiang Li stared at Feng Yutang without blinking until he breathed his last.
Feng Yutang’s accomplices had all been caught in one net. Emperor Hongxiao also appointed a new deputy magistrate for Xiangyang Tong County. Though Jiang Li did not know this new deputy magistrate well, at least with Feng Yutang’s precedent, he would not dare do anything outrageous.
Jiang Li kept Xue Huaiyuan in the capital of Yan. She was uneasy sending Xue Huaiyuan back to the capital alone. Moreover, Emperor Hongxiao’s imperial word broadly recruited renowned physicians throughout the realm to treat Xue Huaiyuan. Jiang Li also planned to keep Xue Huaiyuan in the capital, seeking famous doctors everywhere to see if one day his sanity could be restored.
But staying at the Jiang residence—Jiang Yuanbai would not agree. Moreover, in the Jiang household, Jiang Li also feared Ji Shuran would attack Xue Huaiyuan to target her. Thinking it over, she could only entrust Xue Huaiyuan to Ye Mingyu.
Ye Mingyu temporarily did not plan to return to Xiangyang. With Ye Shijie now serving as an official in the capital of Yan, Ye Mingyu suddenly conceived an idea to rebuild the Ye family business in the capital. Now with the two connections of Ye Shijie and Jiang Li, the Ye family business would surely be better than before. Ye Mingyu wanted to stay and live with Ye Shijie, so naturally Xue Huaiyuan was also entrusted to Ye Mingyu. First, Ye Mingyu’s martial arts were good, and his subordinates were all jianghu people who could somewhat ensure Xue Huaiyuan’s safety. Second, Xue Huaiyuan had spent much time with Ye Mingyu these days—besides Jiang Li, the person closest to him was Ye Mingyu.
Ye Shijie had no objections. Ye Mingyu complained bitterly—a perfectly good jianghu man now had to become Xue Huaiyuan’s inseparable guard and nursemaid, which was no easy task. But Jiang Li earnestly requested him, and Ye Mingyu was soft-hearted, so he could only agree.
With the execution complete, Jiang Li walked with Tong’er and Bai Xue toward their carriage. She pondered—the Tong County matter was temporarily concluded. Next, she had thoroughly offended Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning. Prince Cheng might not move so quickly, but Yongning would definitely come for her in the shortest time.
Soon, she would face the chief culprits who caused the Xue family’s wrongful case—Yongning and Shen Yurun.
The carriage stopped at the corner alley of the street. Jiang Li came before the carriage and, with Tong’er’s support, boarded it. As Tong’er and Bai Xue were also about to board, they suddenly heard Jiang Li’s voice from inside: “Wait.”
Tong’er and Bai Xue did not understand.
Jiang Li looked up at the person in the carriage.
The youth in red not only showed no guilt for usurping her space, but instead sat with precious elegance, holding a folding fan, smiling: “Second Miss.”
Jiang Li paused, then sat down across from him: “Duke.”
Ji Heng had actually brazenly entered her carriage, which meant the coachman had also been replaced by him long ago.
“What business does the Duke have in seeking me?” Jiang Li asked.
He said: “Since you won’t come find me, I could only come find you.”
Jiang Li thought briefly: “At the court deliberation, I am extremely grateful for the Duke speaking on my behalf.”
“No need to thank me—Prince Cheng was too stupid, I couldn’t stand watching.” In his beautiful eyes, Jiang Li’s reflection could be clearly seen, swaying within, vivid and fragrant. Ji Heng said: “However, you exceeded my expectations. After going in such circles for so long, you finally brought up Xue Fangfei’s matter.”